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In keeping with its status as a rising global
superpower, China is showing off its new wealth with an increasing
number of landmark buildings.
But this could be the most incredible yet. The 27-storey Sheraton Huzhou
Hot Spring Resort, looms over the skyline of Huzhou, near Shanghai, in
the shape of a massive glowing dounut.
Set on the shores of Lake Taihu and offering 321 spacious guest rooms,
including 44 suites and 39 villas, it's an ideal destination for China's
newly affluent business class.
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The Sheraton website boasts that visitors to their latest hotel can see
some of the areas top attractions and, perhaps more crucially, 'gather
with those who matter'.
At just seven degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer, Huzhou has a
subtropical humid monsoon climate and an average annual temperature of
12.2-16.1C.
Known as 'The City of Silk', the ancient metropolis is situated on the
southern shores of Lake Taihu in the northern part of Zheijang Province.
It is hailed as the birthplace of the Far East's famous tea culture.
Guests to the Sheraton Huzhou will stay in the most opulent
surroundings.
While the hotel, which is designed by Beijing-born architect Ma Yanson,
appears in the shape of a horseshoe the bottom ends are in fact
connected by two basement levels.
The ostentatious lobby is lit by 20,000 Swarovski and European natural
crystal lamps arranged in a wave-like formation across its ceiling,
while the flor is paved with Afghan White Jade and Tiger's Eye Stone
from Brazil. |
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There are three restaurants, catering for tastes both domestic and
international, each with private rooms, and informal liaisons can be
conducted over cocktails of coffee in one of the two lounges.
Each of the Sheraton Huzhou's guest rooms includes a private balcony, a
large work desk with an ergonomic chair, High Speed Internet Access, an
LCD flat screen television, and an iPod docking station.
Suites boast marble bathrooms complete with sunken bathtubs and walk-in
'rainforest' showers.
While the hotel, like much of what is going on in China, seems geared
towards businessmen, with vast and well-equipped conference facilities
and 16 meeting spaces covering a total of 2,200sq/m.
Sheraton boasted: 'The Grand Ballroom is ideal for large, lavish
gatherings or conferences. Private meeting rooms on the 22nd floor offer
a heightened level of exclusivity, while the best lake view can be
appreciated from the 300-square-meter multipurpose Taihu Room on the
27th floor. |
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'The resort’s event facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art
audiovisual technology, and our planning and banquet teams will work
with you on every detail.'
Guests can book in for treatments at the resort's holistic spa, which
features a steam room, saunas and a range of hydrotherapy pools. A
fitness centre offers gym equipment, aerobics classes and massage
treatments.
Sheraton said in a statement: 'The hotel’s numerous facilities are
designed to help you stay busy or relax. Keep in touch with home and the
office via complimentary High Speed Internet Access; our business centre
offers additional support services.
'Maintain your workout regimen at our modern fitness centre, featuring
state-of-the-art machines, cardiovascular equipment, and a stretch area,
or take a refreshing dip in our indoor or outdoor pools. |
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'Within a haven of tranquillity, pamper yourself with a treatment in our
holistic Shine Spa for Sheraton. Choose from a range of treatments that
have originated throughout the world.'
Tourists are well catered for too. For guests who want to celebrate a
special day there is a 1,600sq/m private wedding island and a full time
wedding coordinator on hand to help them make sure it all goes smoothly.
And for those who merely want to take in the sites of Huzhou, a city
dating back some 2,300 years, there is the unique 8th-century Feiying Ta
Pagoda, the 14th-century Temple of the Iron Buddha and the Anji Bambbo
Museum, set in beautiful forests showcasing more than 300 species where
visitors can learn about the history and culture of bamboo.
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For nature lovers there is also Mogan Mountain; one of China’s best
summer resorts, the picturesque area is filled with wild bamboo,
hundreds of springs and waterfalls, and some 200 villas representing
various architectural styles from all over the world.
Visitors can enjoy more nature at Lake Taihu. Famous for its limestone
formations, this scenic and popular attraction is China’s third-largest
freshwater lake and home to about 90 islands.
And golfers can play a round at the Huzhou Hot Springs Golf Club, rated
the #1 golf course in China.
Rooms at the Sheraton Huzhou start from £285 per night. |
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