Party Raises Funds For Locals

Christmas comes early in Jilin with the launch of Hougang Village Poverty Relief Project

Amid the season's increasingly festive ambience, Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun in Jilin province recently held a charity lighting ceremony to raise funds for local poor villagers.

With a 3.8-meter-high Christmas tree standing in its lobby, the hotel was turned into a fantastic fairy tale world with a huge 3-D dynamic picture on the lobby lounge windows, a magnificent Christmas tree and a smiling Santa, on Dec 1.

During the ceremony, the hotel launched the 2018 Hougang Village Poverty Relief Project, aimed at raising funds to rebuild houses for underprivileged farmers in Hougang village in the province.

Nearly 200 guests from 12 countries joined the high-tech charity event. They enjoyed the delicious Christmas turkey and ham hampers, as well as festive goodies, which are on sale to raise funds for the charity running through Dec 26.

Guests can help the villagers via the hotel's public WeChat platform by donating 20 yuan ($3), for which they receive a Christmas Wishing Star. They can hang the star on the gigantic Christmas tree in the hotel lobby.

Wishing stars were also available during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for guests who wanted to participate in the charitable activity.

The event was supported by the Foreign Affairs Office of the Changchun government, Jilin University, Changchun Columbia Kindergarten and China Daily.

After the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun held its Year-End Honour and Appreciation Event in the third-floor swimming pool.

Guests participating in the stylish pool party enjoyed VIP treatment such as creative dishes and high-end services during the evening gala.

Mermaid water performances from an international team and a vibrant cocktail show brought the atmosphere to a climax.

Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun was again named Best Business Hotel in Changchun by Business Traveler China magazine at the 2017 readers' poll, said Vincent Tian, its general manager.

Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun has won the honor every year since 2005, when the award was launched.

Despite fierce competition for this year's award, Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun held onto its title because business travelers have been consistently satisfied with its renovated rooms and catering services, attractive design and facilities, according to the hotel.

Receiving the recognition for the 13th consecutive year has given Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun's team more confidence in providing guests with better services and products, Tian said.

The hotel's guests have been his precious teammates, advisers and, above all, friends, he added.

"I want to take this opportunity to thank all our guests and show my appreciation for their great support over the years," he said.

To promote ice tourism in the province, Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun has also launched the Chagan Lake Winter Capture ice fishing and the Vasa Ice Festival packages, in a bid to enable more guests from all over the world to experience the joy and charm brought by Jilin's icy winter.

If you go

Shangri-La Hotel, Changchun

Address: 569 Xi'an Road, Chaoyang district, Changchun, Jilin province

Tel: 0431-8898-1818

(China Daily 12/09/2017 page10)