An Unforgettable Journey into Shanghai’s Quarry Hotel Oasis
Let me share my experience at what I found to be the most unique landmark from my recent Shanghai trip: the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland. This 5-star hotel is part of IHG’s prestigious InterContinental luxury brand. It’s famous for being built into a decommissioned quarry, a concept that generated considerable buzz for its distinctive appearance and theme even during its construction. If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, this unique destination is definitely worth a closer look!
Arriving at the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
We arrived at the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland (上海佘山世茂洲际酒店) via a Didi taxi. Coming from our hotel on The Bund, it was a bit of a distance, so we opted for a premium taxi, which cost around 200 RMB. The large sculpture in front of the hotel is quite impressive, isn’t it?
You might be a bit surprised upon arrival, as there’s no towering hotel building in the traditional sense. This hotel only has two floors above ground, so the initial view can be somewhat unconventional.
Stepping into the Lobby
Once inside, you’re greeted by a truly unique interior design. The hotel’s theme, “Adventure to the Earth’s Core,” is brought to life with undulating forms that evoke the quarry’s rock strata and natural textures. A very large installation sits in the middle, which, at scheduled times, features an “Aquatics Show” where water cascades from above in a spectacular display.
The lobby houses the check-in desks and a spacious lounge area where you can enjoy drinks or desserts. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a great sense of openness and fantastic views.
From the lobby, there’s a balcony accessible to everyone. Stepping out here, you finally get a proper look at how the hotel is structured. The way it’s built downwards from the lobby level into the quarry is incredibly unusual. Many locals come just to see it, even if they aren’t staying, which speaks to its status as a recognized landmark in Shanghai. I’ve visited many IHG hotels, but this was my first time experiencing one quite like this.
The B15 Observation Deck
Descending to the hotel’s 15th basement level (B15), you’ll find an observation deck composed of three wooden bridges that connect the swimming pool, the cliff face, and guest room corridors. Looking up at the hotel from here, it feels truly massive and grand. Being surrounded by the quarry walls also creates a slight echo, which was a fascinating sensation!
From this vantage point, you can see the artificial waterfall and lake, ingeniously created using the former quarry’s topography. At night, they host “JOURNEY TO THE HIDDEN” (Cliff Light Show), which is absolutely magnificent. It’s free for everyone to watch, and the quality is so high I’d say it would be worth paying for. I highly recommend seeing it, even if you’re not a hotel guest.
Mr. Fisher: The B16 Underwater Restaurant
Take the elevator down to the hotel’s lowest level, B16, to find the MR. FISHER (Underwater Restaurant). This restaurant is divided into a banquet hall and a general dining area. Hotel guests can visit the banquet hall at certain times. One entire wall is a massive aquarium – truly spectacular, isn’t it?
I also had a look inside the main restaurant area, and the ability to dine at any table while watching marine life in the aquarium is an incredibly unique and appealing feature. The atmosphere is quite dreamlike, and I highly recommend it for anyone seeking a special experience.
A Look Inside the Rooms
The Corridor
We booked a Garnet King Room, which is the hotel’s standard room category. It seemed that most rooms are similar in size, differing mainly by their floor level. A distinctive feature of this hotel is that the more premium rooms are situated further down into the quarry. Even the hotel corridors offered impressive close-up views of the old quarry walls through their windows.
Room Interior
The room itself was comfortable, clean, and well-arranged. The overall wood-tone decor fostered a relaxing ambiance, and the hardwood floors meant it was dust-free and felt fresh. The space was ample for two adults, ensuring a comfortable stay. All the necessary amenities were well-stocked, so we wanted for nothing.
The Balcony: A Room with a View
The highlight of the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland has to be the view from the guest room balcony. It was furnished with a chair and table, perfect for leisurely enjoying the stunning scenery. Can you believe this is a hotel view? Looking out at the artificial waterfall, the lake, the quarry walls, and even a distant Ferris wheel from a nearby amusement park was incredibly soothing and also made me reflect on the history this place must have witnessed.
The lighting was also well-designed, allowing us to enjoy beautiful night views directly from our room.
Guest Room Bathroom
Like the room, the bathroom was generously sized, making it very convenient to use. It had an overall luxurious feel. The separate shower stall and bathtub were appreciated, and the provision of a Dyson hairdryer and Byredo amenities added to our satisfaction. InterContinental hotels often feature Byredo bathroom amenities (though the specific fragrance can vary by property), which always make for a pleasantly scented experience.
The Enchanting Nightscape of InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
At night, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland reveals a charm entirely different from its daytime persona. The show against the quarry backdrop was particularly stunning. The reflections of light on the lake were captivating, and the entire area is so well-lit that there’s plenty to enjoy visually even after dark. It’s a magnificent hotel, day or night.
[View the hotel’s official website]
Final Thoughts on My Stay
My visit to the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland confirmed it’s a place filled with unique allure. By masterfully utilizing the characteristics of the decommissioned quarry, they’ve created an unconventional structure with 2 floors above ground and 16 floors below, resulting in a distinctive atmosphere and design. With its stunning room views, the underwater restaurant with an aquarium, and free nightly shows, it offers a wealth of entertainment and sights, almost like a theme park. If you’re visiting Shanghai, why not consider a relaxing “staycation” (or “hocance” as we call it in Korean) at this truly one-of-a-kind hotel, an experience you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world?
[InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland Review｜Inside the World’s First Luxury Quarry Hotel]
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland Review｜Inside the World’s First Luxury Quarry Hotel
