Experience the Unforgettable Lobby Water Show at Shanghai’s Quarry Hotel
When you visit the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, two performances are absolute must-sees: the “JOURNEY TO THE HIDDEN,” a cliffside light show that illuminates the quarry walls, and the lobby’s own Laser Water Show. Today, I’m excited to share my experience with the latter—a captivating spectacle of light, water, and music that runs four times a day. Each 10-minute performance is a dazzling display orchestrated by a massive installation on the lobby ceiling. If you’re planning a visit, I highly recommend timing your arrival to catch this unique show!
About InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
The InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is an architectural marvel, celebrated worldwide for its audacious concept: it’s built directly into the side of an abandoned quarry. This incredible feat of engineering has cemented its reputation among hotel aficionados and curious travelers alike. Its one-of-a-kind design draws visitors from all over, many of whom come simply to witness the structure and tour the grounds.
Descending into the depths of the quarry, the hotel emerges as a modern icon against the rugged cliff face. It’s easy to see why this property is a bucket-list destination for so many. Even for those not staying the night, a visit to explore its imaginative design and dramatic setting is an unforgettable experience. There’s simply nothing else quite like it.
Hotel Lobby
The lobby itself is a destination. Its interior design masterfully mirrors the quarry’s dramatic landscape, with flowing lines and layered textures that evoke the natural rock formations outside. The space achieves a beautiful harmony between opulent design and raw, natural elements, making the hotel feel both grand and grounded in its environment. Every detail seems to celebrate the hotel’s imaginative approach to luxury hospitality.
Lobby Laser Water Show
As you enter the lobby, it’s impossible to miss the complex apparatus suspended from the ceiling. This impressive piece of machinery is the heart of the laser water show, and its presence alone builds a sense of anticipation for the performance.
While the schedule is subject to change, the show ran at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM, and 9:30 PM during my visit. I managed to catch both a daytime and an evening performance, and I can confirm the late-night show is the most spectacular. The surrounding darkness allows the vibrant lasers and illuminated water to truly pop. If you can, aim for the 9:30 PM slot for the full, dazzling experience.
The show begins with jets of water and crisp white lasers sketching patterns and even words in mid-air. The text appears for just a moment before dissolving, but it’s a surprisingly clear and delightful touch.
From there, the performance explodes into a symphony of color. The fountains and lasers dance in perfect sync with the music, shifting through vibrant reds, purples, and blues. The 10-minute runtime flies by as you watch the streams of water shoot down from above, their speed and color changing with the rhythm. It’s a dynamic and mesmerizing experience.
Final Thoughts
That’s my take on the fantastic laser water show at InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland. In my next post, I’ll dive into the hotel’s signature event: the “JOURNEY TO THE HIDDEN” cliff light show. It’s a breathtaking production that uses the entire quarry wall as its canvas, combining lasers, fountains, and even drones into a spectacle of epic proportions. It was one of the most impressive performances I have ever witnessed, and I can’t wait to share all the details. Stay tuned!
