ANTICIPATED to enhance the vibrant city of Yiwu, the 362-room Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu opened June 24 in the 52-story mixed-use Yiwu World Trade Center – the tallest building in Zhejiang Province.

The tower comprises commercial space and apartments, and is located in the epicenter of the city’s business district and adjacent to the world-famous Yiwu International Commodity City.

Historically known as a trading town, Yiwu has burgeoned into an economic success attracting businesspeople from South America, Europe and the Middle East. Yiwu has recently been established as the starting point for the new Silk Road – a freight train service that retraces the ancient trading route connecting China with Asia and the rest of Europe.

Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu’s exquisite palette of warm sienna and walnut colors are a complementing canvas for the intricate Dongyang wood carved screens in the hotel’s public areas that connect guests to the culture and history of Zhejiang Province. In the spacious lobby is a painting by Zhou Shengfa, one of Yiwu’s most prominent artists. It depicts the scenic beauty of Zhejiang’s waterfalls and mountains – natural elements that are regarded as auspicious and work to harmonize the hotel’s environment.

The tranquil setting continues to the hotel’s rooms – starting from 48 square meters – and 136 serviced apartments that are located from floors nine to 38 of the building and offer far-reaching views of the sprawling Yiwu landscape.

Each room is dressed in natural colors and adorned with the Chinese rose – the city flower of Yiwu – which can be found engraved in wood, in paintings and embossed on panels to provide an extra dimension of luxury.

The elegant suites provide a minimum of 96 square meters of living space and look out onto the Yiwu River.

Three hotel restaurants add to the city’s dining destinations. Yue Xiu Wok, the all-day dining restaurant, showcases extensive buffet presentations at the multiple cooking stations. Its brick walls and dark wood floors provide a modern ambiance, while cooking paraphernalia line the shelves.

During breakfast, lunch and dinner, Brown Sugar Bakery & Cafe comes to life with made-to-order Asian and Western dishes. Design elements such as hanging blown glass lamps, an exposed ceiling and black accents complete the distinctly contemporary guest experience. An outdoor terrace is available for alfresco dining.

The Lobby Lounge, crowned with an ornate rose chandelier in homage to the city’s official flower, serves refreshments and evening cocktails, and is the gathering place for light snacks at any time of the day.

More than 3,880 square meters of event space offers extensive meeting and conference facilities including a 2,000-square-meter and 12-meter-high pillarless grand ballroom, which comfortably accommodates 1,000 guests for banquets.

Shangri-La Hotel, Yiwu is the first in the city to feature an elevator that is large enough to transport automobiles directly to the ballroom. A further 11 function rooms with exceptional facilities are supported by the hotel’s expert team of event organizers.

For wellness and relaxation, the hotel’s spa offers treatment rooms for body treatments and massages. A fully equipped gym, an indoor heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms are provided for complimentary guest use. (Yang Mei)