When it comes to marvels of ancient architecture, China is already home to one of the greatest ones out there, the Great Wall. Now, it would appear that China will also be taking claim to one of the greatest marvels of modern architecture as well. After 10 years of construction, the world’s first quarry hotel has just been completed and is open for business.
The Shimao Wonderland InterContinental (also known as the Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland) has finally opened its door to the public, and boy is it looking like a fun time. The Aquatic-themed luxury hotel is largely subterranean, and most notably built into the side of a quarry. The previously abandoned quarry is located in the Sheshan Mountain Range, which is roughly 20 miles southwest the city of Shanghai.
The hotel is 18 stories high, and 16 of those stories are beneath ground level. The hotel has 336 rooms, and the views vary depending on which floor you are on. The bottom two floors are submerged inside an aquarium, so while they are relaxing and sipping on a negroni, they can watch as colorful schools of fish swim by. The remaining floors of the subterranean hotel have waterfall views.
Sporting top of the line recreational activities and facilities, guests looking to check rocking climbing and/or bungee jumping off their list can do so at the Shimao Wonderland InterContinetal. Being located in the side of a quarry makes this luxury hotel a perfect place for these activities. And when you get tired out for those, you can relax and enjoy the 24/7 room service.
Given that this is a five-star luxury hotel, you can expect to spend a few pretty pennies if you want to adventure down this aquatic rabbit hole. Standard rooms are currently going for $500-$700 per night, and suites will cost you upwards of thousands of dollars. Some people have dubbed the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland an “earthscraper,” and it is the opposite of a skyscraper. I very much doubt that we will be seeing any “best earthscraper hotels” lists any time soon, but it never ceases to amaze me what people are capable of and I look forward to this new luxury market blooming.
