Tucked into the cliffs of an abandoned quarry, the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland redefines luxury and architectural audacity. Located just 30 kilometres from the bustling heart of Shanghai, this extraordinary hotel is a feat of modern engineering and a testament to human creativity.
Descending 88 metres below ground level, the Wonderland offers 336 rooms that curve around the quarry’s rugged walls. The design is a striking blend of modern minimalism and nature-inspired aesthetics, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic views of cascading waterfalls and the tranquil, emerald-green lake at the quarry’s base.
Inside, the hotel exudes a sleek, contemporary charm, with a palette of soft greys and warm earth tones that echo the natural surroundings. The rooms, which include two underwater suites, provide a unique experience, immersing guests in the serene beauty of the submerged world. The underwater suites, with their sweeping views of aquatic life, are the pinnacle of this experience—a rare chance to sleep with the gentle ripples of the lake just outside your window.
Image: Intercontinental Hotels – Underwater Suite
Culinary offerings at the Wonderland are equally impressive. The hotel’s signature restaurant, Mr. Fisher, serves a menu that artfully combines traditional Chinese flavours with international influences, all while offering a mesmerising view of the underwater world. Meanwhile, the Quarry Bar, perched atop the hotel, provides the perfect setting to enjoy a cocktail as the sun sets over the quarry, casting a golden glow across the water.
Image: Intercontinental Hotels – Exterior
For those seeking more than just relaxation, the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland offers an array of activities. Guests can explore the surrounding Sheshan National Forest Park, or, for the more adventurous, there’s rock climbing down the quarry walls or scuba diving in the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland is not just a hotel; it’s a destination in itself, where luxury, nature, and innovation converge in a truly unforgettable setting.
