BEIJING, China - Shangri-La Hotel, Nanchang opened on 8 February in Honggutan, the new central business district ofNanchang city. Sited on the most sought-after location on the west bank of the Ganjiang River, the hotel has direct views of the magnificent 1,300-year-old Tengwang Pavilion, one of the four famous towers in China, and is a five-minute stroll from the popular Qiushui Square. Within 30 minutes' drive is the train station and Changbei International Airport.
Nanchang's rich art scene has been influential in the hotel's approach to its interior style with a mix of traditional Chinese ink paintings and blue and white porcelain on display in the public areas. Also incorporated in the open spaces are lotus emblems to honour Zhu Da – the city's most prominent calligrapher and painter from the Ming Dynasty – who rendered the flower in many of his artworks, plus a five-metre handcrafted chandelier that was inspired by the beauty of blooming flowers and adds visual intrigue in the lobby.
The hotel's 473 guestrooms and suites ranging from 45 to 149 square metres are modern in cool silvery and beige tones, and complement the Ganjiang River, which can be viewed through full-length windows.
Embellished with porcelain and patterns from traditional Chinese paintings on the carpet, the rooms are also practically equipped with in-room entertainment and free Wi-Fi. At dusk, the colourful sights ofAsia's largest music fountain at Quishui Square and the nightly light display from across the waterway can be seen.
Providing an exceptional standard of quality and service is the hotel's Horizon Club Lounge, where guests can appreciate extra privileges including express check-in and check-out, complimentary breakfast buffet and evening cocktails, and full concierge service. The private space, on level 32 of the hotel, was designed with commanding 180-degree vistas and an airy outdoor terrace.
Five dedicated levels of Club rooms are as sophisticated as they are spacious and easily accommodate a day bed and a walk-in wardrobe that lead into a luxurious marble bathroom.
Dining at the hotel is an opportunity to sample creations from talented chefs at the three restaurants and lounge. Cafe Hong, the all-day dining outlet, features five show-stopping open kitchens that vie for attention alongside an impressive two-metre high and eight-panel porcelain screen, and over-sized porcelain lamps in the customary blue and white colours. On the menu and lavish buffets are Asian, Chinese and Indian selections for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
One level above the cafe is Zi Yu Xuan, a Chinese restaurant specialising in classic Cantonese and Gan cuisines. ChefEric Yue uses the freshest ingredients to bring out the delicate flavours in his beautiful dishes that rival the river view from the restaurant. Private functions or special occasions can be hosted in eight separate dining rooms.
For informal meetings and get-togethers, the Lobby Lounge offers sweet and savoury options, as well as live entertainment.
The extensive recreational facilities at the hotel's health club cater to guests of all levels of fitness and practices. In addition to multi-purpose gym equipment, a 25-metre indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna room are a beauty salon and spa.
A total of 3,880 square metres of event space capable of holding 1,800 guests includes a 1,683-square-metre pillar-less grand ballroom that is attached to an expansive foyer with a river view. A junior ballroom and five other function rooms complete the hotel's meeting facilities.
