The construction boom continues in China. The world’s highest hotel is on track to open in 2014 (Shanghai Tower J Hotel in the 632-meter-tall Shanghai Tower) and now a new luxury hotel is being built in an abandoned quarry. CNN Go gives a name to these enormous structures built entirely underground: “groundscapers.” When the InterContinental Shimao Shanghai Wonderland opens in early 2015, it will reach 19-storeys underground and house 380 guest rooms. Because the quarry is now filled with rainwater, the hotel will have an underwater restaurant.
Located at the foot of Tian Mountain, 45 kilometers southwest of Shanghai’s city center, the hotel is being designed by the engineering firm Atkins, the group behind Dubai’s Burj Al Arab. The hotel will focus on extreme sports as part of its leisure offerings; think bungee jumping and rock climbing. Next door will be a large theme park called Shimao Shanghai Wonderland.
Image via CNN Go/ Courtesy of Xi Zi/Shanghai Shimao Property Group