Picture this. You are standing before the Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental. A breathtaking structure rising from an abandoned quarry. It’s unlike any hotel you’ve ever seen.
The Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental is more than just a hotel. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and a stunning architectural feat. This five-star luxury resort opened in 2018. It was built into the side of an 88-meter-deep quarry. Most of the hotel is underground. This makes it the world’s first underground hotel built in an abandoned quarry.
Imagine a glass waterfall cascading down the exterior. This is no ordinary waterfall. It’s a carefully engineered vertical atrium symbolizing a waterfall. This is a truly unique design element. The hotel is shaped like an ‘S’ using a convex-to-concave form. The architects envisioned sequential hanging gardens. They wanted to create the effect of a green hill extending down the quarry face. The rooms themselves are arranged in blocks designed to surround an atrium.
What’s truly remarkable is that some rooms are underwater. These luxurious underwater suites offer a unique experience. They feature an outdoor terrace and bedroom at water level. The living spaces however are encased in a turquoise aquarium. Imagine the calming effect of fish swimming past your window. All rooms on the lowest floor receive 24/7 room service. This ensures a truly luxurious and convenient stay.
But the wonders don’t stop there. The Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental boasts 337 rooms. It also has a conference center for up to 1000 people. There are also restaurants and cafes on the ground floor. A glass walkway 88 meters above the quarry bottom offers breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy a bird’s-eye perspective of the entire structure. The hotel even features a large-scale light and water show at night incorporating virtual reality. This adds to the hotel’s already impressive allure.
This incredible hotel isn’t just about luxury though. It’s also a sustainable design. The design incorporates the quarry’s microclimate and the thermal inertia of the rocky cliffs. This reduces energy consumption for heating and cooling. The hotel’s green roof also blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
The Shimao Wonderland Intercontinental. It’s not just a place to stay. It’s an experience. A journey into the heart of architectural innovation and natural beauty. A truly unforgettable destination.