**The Unforgettable Journey Through Songjiang’s Scenic Spots**
**Date: October 28, 2019 | Time: 17:14**
Embarking on a journey that etches itself into memory involves more than just the visual splendor of the landscapes. It’s the people you meet, the tales you hear, the flavors you taste, and the haven that becomes your temporary home—like the hotels in Songjiang, the cradle of Shanghai’s rich history and culture. This region, famed by the adages ‘the taxes of Suzhou and Songjiang account for half the world’ and ‘clothing and bedding for the world’, boasts a tapestry of waterways and nine competing peaks, creating a picturesque ‘valleys and water’ scene and nurturing a legacy of literati such as Lu Ji, Lu Yun, Zhao Mengfu, Tao Zongyi, and Xu Jie.
Today, Songjiang is home to a multitude of renowned hotel brands, with architectural marvels in various styles, earning it the moniker ‘Conference Valley’. Here is a curated list of trendsetting hotels in the district. Let’s explore how many you’ve experienced.
**Shanghai Sheshan Shimao InterContinental Hotel (Pit Hotel)**
A must-visit gem in Shanghai and Songjiang is the ‘Imagination Under the Horizon’—Shanghai Sheshan Shimao InterContinental Hotel. This hotel, built atop a quarry, has been a social media sensation since its pre-opening days and continues to captivate a year post-launch. The interior design is the work of the globally acclaimed CCD, who took on the project with the philosophy of ‘the balance point between humans and nature’. Considering the quarry’s unique geography and the ever-changing scenery, they settled on ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth’ as the design theme, inviting guests to embark on a fantastical adventure within a ‘mine pit’.
This ‘C’ shaped structure, after 12 years of development, a 2 billion investment, and reaching a depth of 88 meters, stands as the world’s lowest altitude hotel and one of the top ten architectural wonders. Situated in the Sheshan National Tourism Resort area, it’s in proximity to notable attractions such as Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai Happy Valley, Yuehu Sculpture Park, and Guangfulin Cultural Relics—making it an ideal base for exploration.
The hotel is adorned with artistic installations, with the ‘Cloud Roll’ sculpture at the entrance, resembling a dragon, setting a majestic tone. The expansive lobby offers pit views, and at night, guests are treated to a dynamic water curtain show, with patterns and colors shifting in sync with the music. High-tech elements extend outdoors, providing a nightly spectacle of light and water that feels otherworldly.
The hotel’s four elevators offer scenic rides, and a glass cloud ladder with a transparent bottom adds to the experience. The much-anticipated Yuhuo Restaurant is an underwater dining experience, with large viewing glass areas immersing guests in an aquatic world. While many dream of Sanya’s underwater dining, the Pit Hotel brings this fantasy to Songjiang, Shanghai.
**Underwater Suites and Event Spaces**
The hotel features 7 underwater suites and 2 underwater view rooms, inspired by cruise ships, offering guests the thrill of witnessing fish swimming by as soon as they open their door. For events, a 900 square meter pillar-free banquet hall provides a grand setting with a separate entrance for meeting areas. The sophisticated skylight and natural lighting enhance the luxurious and grand ambiance, ensuring a visual feast for all attendees.
**Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental**
Blending traditional Chinese serenity with French elegance and romance, the Sofitel Shanghai Sheshan Oriental offers a 4400 square meter outdoor pool, artificial beach, 368 luxurious rooms and suites, and 7 independent garden villas, transporting guests to an exotic retreat. The Tuscan architectural style is prominent, with the lobby’s dazzling bar at its heart, serving tea, snacks, and desserts.
This curated list of hotels in Songjiang is just a glimpse into the district’s hospitality offerings, each with its own unique charm and story to tell. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous pit hotel or a tranquil escape, Songjiang has it all.
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**Dazzling Bar and Lobby Ambiance**
What particularly catches the eye about this dazzling bar is the tall golden architectural decoration in the middle, circular at the top and bottom, with glass tubes connecting both ends like springs. The lobby’s high ceiling gives a sense of spaciousness, and the overall warm color scheme makes guests feel cozy and luxurious, especially in the upcoming winter.
