Shangri-La Hangzhou: Luxury Paradise on West Lake, China

Paradise in Hangzhou

“Shangri-La” was mentioned in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton as a paradise on earth. In Hangzhou, Shangri-La is the penultimate hotel, the first of its kind in China since 1984, a sprawling 40 acres of rolling hills and lush greenery beside the ethereal West Lake made famous by poet Su Dongpo.

Shangri-La Hotel Hangzhou is the watering hole of leaders, statesmen and dignitaries from all over the world. It’s the pride of China in its modernity and traditions, and occupies the most exalted position amongst the competition.

The shoreline of West Lake fronts the hotel, and the hotel is sited directly opposite Solitary Hill Island that is linked to the mainland by Xiling Bridge. The backyard is literally the Xi Xia Ling and Baoshi Hill. Revered patriotic general, Yue Fei’s tomb and ancient temple is just to the right of the hotel.

Only five minutes from downtown, Shangri-La Hotel Hangzhou is also conveniently near to the railway station, a 15-minute drive away and 45 minutes to the airport.

Shangri-La Hotel Hangzhou comprises two main wings, a large convention centre and a cluster of three villas. The East and West Wings have 380 guestrooms and suites, considered the largest in Hangzhou’s luxury hotels. Horizon Club rooms and suites in the East Wing cater to busy travellers with enhanced service in comfort and convenience, complimentary wired or wireless broadband Internet access, late check out and personal concierge. You may also enjoy a delicious evening cocktail hour with free flow wine.

The West Wing has very distinctive Chinese roofs and facades, and is the one of the most photographed buildings in Hangzhou. The newer East Wing links to the West Wing via a covered walkway, and has the best panoramic view of West Lake. The hotel’s commanding auditorium verges on being a National Heritage site and one can almost hear echoes of fiery yesteryear speeches.