Shangri-La in the treasured land

Its attractive location and rich cultural history have bestowed on Tangshan the sobriquet "treasured land to the east of Beijing". Now it boasts another jewel - Shangri-La Hotel, Tangshan.

Tangshan has received international recognition for both its post-earthquake reconstruction and ecological efforts, and the 301-room Shangri-La Hotel, Tangshan is situated in Phoenix New Town, a new eco-oriented urban area adjacent to the city's modern financial and commercial hub. The hotel is located next to a shopping mall and landscaped park within the Tangshan Kerry Property complex, the city's first integrated development.

The city itself faces the Bohai Sea, with the Yanshan Mountains rising behind it. Just a two-hour drive from Beijing, Tangshan is a treasure trove of history and culture. Highlights include the spectacular Eastern Tombs of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the largest imperial tomb complex in China, and some of the most interesting parts of the Great Wall, such as the unique Xifengkou underwater section.

Other scenic gems can be found in the mountains and along the coast.

Tangshan itself is renowned for its porcelain, reputed to be the finest in North China, and its three highly regarded folk arts, collectively known as the "Three Flowers of Eastern Hebei". These three arts are Pingju Opera, shadow plays and Laoting drum performances.

Drawing on the rich history and culture of Tangshan as a source of inspiration, the hotel's large public spaces serve as a gallery for custom-made pieces such as embossed metal artwork, and marble and wood carvings.

The hotel's guestrooms and suites, range in size from 45 to 135 square metres, and feature local ceramic ware that complements the classic decor, free high-speed Wi-Fi, a large workspace and welcoming marble bathroom, along with restful views over the park and new city centre. Also within the hotel are 34 apartments styled as studios and one - or two-bedroom apartments with full access to the facilities and services of Shangri-La Hotel, Tangshan.

These include a variety of dining options. Tang Huang Ge is the hotel's Chinese restaurant. Wooden lattice screens at the entrance open up to reveal the elegant interior. A chandelier fashioned in the abstract form of a phoenix - the symbol of Tangshan - crowns the centre of the restaurant and each of its ten private dining rooms. While the walls are adorned with screens depicting Chinese shadow puppet forms that complement the carpet patterns of the China Rose, the city flower of Tangshan. The restaurant offers traditional Jingdong (flavours of the north of China) and Cantonese cuisines, as well as a Peking duck oven.

Caf�� Shang promises to be a popular Tangshan dining venue with its theatrical kitchens and international and local fare. The restaurant's pleasant ambience is enhanced by the glass frontage that offers views of the landscaped garden and the park beyond. In the warmer months alfresco dining will be available on an outdoor terrace.

The Lobby Lounge has also been positioned to offer relaxing and restorative views of the outdoor greenery, and with its floor-to-ceiling windows, light buffet and selection of homemade pastries and cakes, it is an inviting place to wile away a lunch hour or conduct in an informal work meeting. In the evening, live entertainment transforms it into creates a sophisticated place for those wishing to enjoy an evening's entertainment.

On level 23, the Horizon Club Lounge offers special benefits for Club floor guests, including a complimentary breakfast buffet, all-day refreshments, meeting facilities and personalized concierge service.

Guests can also enjoy the hotel's recreational facilities on Level 3. These include a Health Club with a 24-hour gym, yoga and aerobics studio, indoor temperature-controlled swimming pool and kids' pool, as well as saunas and steam rooms.

Event organizers will delight in the high ceiling and pillarless 1,800-square-meter interior of the Shangri-La Ballroom interior, which features the latest audio-visual equipment. The spacious and opulent ballroom is Tangshan's largest venue and ideal for a variety of occasions. With eight other function spaces, the hotel can take the effort out of staging any event.

Shangri-La Hotel, Tangshan is ten minutes by car to the Tangshan Railway Station and 30 minutes from the Tangshan Sannuhe Airport.

To commemorate the hotel's launch - it opens Friday - special rates are available at 588 yuan ($92) for single occupancy and 688 yuan for twin sharing until year end. The rates include breakfast, 20 percent discount on laundry and dry-cleaning, and late check-out at 4 pm. Excluded is the 15 per cent tax and service charge. Email reservations.slts@shangri-la.com or visit www.shangri-la.com/tangshan.

lindsay@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/28/2015 page12)