SHANGHAI — An 18-storey hotel built in a pit mine has opened in Shanghai.

Developed by Shimao Group and managed by IHG, The Intercontinental Shanghai Wonderland Hotel is built into the side of the former mine, with only two floors above ground level. The remaining 16 floors are below ground level, including two underwater floors. Stretching 88 metres underground, the hotel was nominated as one of the architectural wonders of the world by the National Geographic Channel’s MegaStructures series due to its pioneering architectural design.

“We are delighted to be joining forces with Shimao Group again to open InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland – an architectural masterpiece which is a wonder and beauty in the global hospitality industry,” says Lin Wang, Chief Marketing Officer, Greater China, IHG.

Chief architect Martin Jochman, who is best known for the sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab skyscraper in Dubai, began the project in 2006 and construction got underway in 2013. Despite a series of delays and challenges — including meeting strict earthquake and water-level regulations — the 336-room hotel is being seen as a “model of sustainable development.”

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