Hotel in Shanghai 201602, China
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland
Architectural marvel built into abandoned quarry with rooms cascading down cliff face. Features underwater rooms with aquarium views, rock climbing wall on quarry cliff, and dramatic waterfall. Unique luxury experience 30 minutes from Shanghai.
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is one of the most architecturally distinctive hotels in China, built into the vertical walls of a former quarry pit in the Tianmashan area of Songjiang District, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of central Shanghai. The 18-storey structure descends 88 metres below ground level, with 16 of its floors situated beneath the quarry rim. The hotel opened in November 2018 after nearly a decade of construction and has since become a destination attraction in its own right, drawing visitors from across China and abroad.
The quarry shaft is approximately 80 metres deep and 300 metres wide at its widest point. The hotel hangs from two of the cliff faces, with guest room terraces cantilevered over a man-made lake at the quarry floor, overlooking a dramatic waterfall that cascades down the rock wall. The design by British-Chinese architectural firm JADE + QA transforms the industrial void into a luxury experience of rare dramatic scale. Two floors sit entirely below the quarry lake and house the hotel's signature underwater accommodation.
Room categories range from standard Cliff Rooms, each with a private terrace and quarry or garden views, to the Underwater Rooms — subterranean suites with floor-to-ceiling glass panels looking directly into a 10-metre-deep aquarium populated with tropical fish and other marine life. Suite categories offer larger terraces and expanded living space. All rooms are appointed to IHG's InterContinental luxury standard with premium bedding, marble bathrooms, and contemporary finishes.
Multiple restaurants serve the property, with the main dining venues offering Chinese cuisine and international menus overlooking the quarry lake. Casual dining and bar options are available at ground level near the main arrival area. The breakfast buffet is comprehensive and widely praised.
Recreational facilities include a cliff-face rock climbing wall scaling the quarry walls, indoor and outdoor pools, a full spa, a fitness centre, and seasonal kayaking on the quarry lake. The hotel operates shuttle services to the nearest Shanghai metro station, from which central Shanghai is accessible by rail.
Room rates in low season begin at approximately CNY 2,200 per night for Cliff Rooms and rise above CNY 8,000 for Underwater Suites during peak periods.
Amenities
- underwater rooms
- rock climbing
- multiple pools
- spa
- restaurants
- waterfall views
- unique architecture
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +86 21 3338 8888
Location
5888 Chenhua Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai 201602
30.9667, 121.1000 — View on map
Highlights
- 18-storey hotel built into an 88-metre former quarry — 16 floors descend below ground level in Songjiang District
- Underwater aquarium suites with floor-to-ceiling glass panels looking into a 10-metre-deep marine habitat
- Cliff-face waterfall and quarry lake visible from all terraced guest-room balconies
- Rock climbing wall scaling the quarry's natural stone face, available to all hotel guests with equipment provided
- Architectural landmark by JADE + QA, consistently cited among the world's most extraordinary hotel designs
Tips
- Book Underwater Rooms four to six months in advance — only a small number exist and they are consistently at full occupancy.
- The hotel shuttle to the nearest Shanghai metro station is the most economical way to reach central Shanghai; confirm the schedule at check-in as service times vary by season.
- Bring swimwear for the aquatic facilities including the cliff-edge pool and seasonal quarry-lake kayaking.
- Make dining reservations through the hotel concierge on arrival, particularly on weekends when non-resident visitors also book the restaurants.
- Visit the quarry viewing platform at night when the waterfall and cliff faces are illuminated — the effect is more dramatic than in daylight.
FAQ
How far is the hotel from central Shanghai?
The hotel is located in the Tianmashan area of Songjiang District, approximately 30 kilometres southwest of central Shanghai (the Bund). The hotel operates a shuttle to the nearest metro station, from which Jing'an Temple station is approximately 45 minutes by rail.
What are the Underwater Rooms like?
The Underwater Rooms are submerged below the quarry lake on the hotel's lowest floors, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels looking directly into a large aquarium habitat containing tropical fish and other marine life. Each is a full suite decorated to an exceptional luxury standard with a private lounge area.
Is the rock climbing wall open to all guests?
The cliff-face rock climbing route on the quarry wall is available to hotel guests as part of the recreational programme. Harnesses and equipment are provided, and instructors are present. Prior climbing experience is not required for the beginner-grade route.
Are the hotel restaurants open to non-staying visitors?
Yes, the hotel's restaurants accept reservations from non-resident visitors, and the property has become a popular day-trip destination from Shanghai. Advance booking is strongly recommended on weekends and public holidays.
Is there a minimum age for the hotel's recreational activities?
Some activities including the rock climbing wall and kayaking have minimum age or height requirements. Families should confirm the current activity policies with the hotel concierge before arrival to ensure suitable options are available for younger guests.
Accessibility
The hotel's quarry construction relies on multiple elevator banks connecting the subterranean floors to the ground-level entrance, and step-free access is maintained between the main arrival area and the primary dining and lobby spaces. Guests with specific mobility requirements should contact the hotel in advance to discuss room placement, as the cliff-terraced layout and varying floor levels may affect accessibility depending on the room category selected.
When to visit
The hotel operates year-round with consistent indoor amenities. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most comfortable weather for enjoying the outdoor quarry terrace facilities and the surrounding Songjiang countryside. Summer is hot and humid, and the outdoor pool area is at its busiest during this period.