Ever wondered what it’s like to stay in a hotel that dives into the earth instead of scraping the sky? Welcome to InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, aka the Deep Pit Hotel, aka your next “Wait, this is real?!” travel destination.
Tucked away in Songjiang District, about an hour from the heart of Shanghai. This place takes the concept of a “groundbreaking hotel” quite literally. It’s built 88 meters deep into an abandoned quarry! From underwater suites to cliff-hugging balconies and cascading waterfalls. This 5-star wonder is straight out of a sci-fi movie but with better food and fluffier towels.
The Experience: Checking Into Another World
From the moment you arrive, you’ll realize this is no ordinary hotel. There’s no towering skyscraper or grand façade just a sleek, modern building that appears to hug the edge of a cliff. Then the magic happens: you walk in, and everything drops quite literally down into the earth.
As you descend into the depths, dramatic lighting and futuristic architecture set the tone. It’s part luxury retreat, part secret villain’s lair but, like, the classy kind with a spa. Every hallway feels like it leads to an adventure and it kinda does.
You’ll walk along glass-bottom walkways, peer over hanging balconies, and hear the sound of artificial waterfalls echoing through the quarry walls. Honestly, it’s as if Mother Nature and a genius architect teamed up to create the ultimate luxury hideaway.
Deep, Dreamy, and Downright Cool Rooms
The hotel has 336 rooms and suites, and whether you’re up on the cliffside or two floors beneath the surface of a lake (yes, really), the views are insane.
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Most rooms come with private balconies facing dramatic cliff walls and waterfalls.
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The two bottom floors feature underwater suites — imagine waking up to fish swimming past your window. Aquarium vibes with 5-star sheets.
No room feels standard here. It’s not just about where you sleep; it’s about how surreal the whole experience feels.
Underwater Bites and Sky-High Sips
This isn’t the kind of place where you’re stuck with one overpriced restaurant. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland offers a full-on culinary journey:
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Mr. Fisher: The headline act. This underwater restaurant lets you enjoy gourmet dining while surrounded by glowing blue water and curious fish peeking in on your meal.
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Chinese & International Cuisine: Whether you’re craving authentic dim sum or Western comfort food, you’ll find it here.
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Cliffside Lounge & Bar: Sip a cocktail while gazing up at the sky from inside the Earth. Trust us, sunsets hit different down here.
Just Because You’re in a Quarry Doesn’t Mean You Can’t Pamper Yourself
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Indoor Pool: Calm, quiet, and beautifully designed — it’s your peaceful oasis underground.
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Spa & Wellness Center: Treat yourself to a massage or facial after a day of quarry-side exploring.
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Fitness Center: Yes, even in a hotel carved into a rock face, there’s still a top-tier gym for those who can’t skip leg day.
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Event Spaces: Planning a James Bond-themed wedding? You’ve found your spot.
Cliffside Drama Meets Underground Zen
Let’s talk about those views, because honestly, they’re the star of the show.
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Cliff Walls & Waterfalls: Nearly every room faces towering granite walls and an 80-meter-high waterfall that flows right through the quarry. It’s basically your own natural theater.
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Underwater Magic: In the lower-level rooms and Mr. Fisher restaurant, you’re literally eye-level with fish. Like snorkeling, but in pajamas.
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Sky Views from Below: Even though you’re deep in the earth, the open-air design lets in sunlight and sky views, creating a surreal contrast between earth and air.
Why It’s So Much More Than Just a Hotel
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland is more than just a place to stay. It’s a landmark of innovation. Designed by British architect Martin Jochman, the hotel took over a decade to complete and stands as one of the world’s first true “earthscraper” hotels. Building a luxury structure into a quarry wall required cutting-edge engineering and an immense amount of creativity. It’s not just about building down; it’s about harmonizing with nature in a way that feels intentional, elegant, and inspiring.
InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland isn’t just a hotel, it’s a destination within a destination. It’s bold, beautiful, and unbelievably cool. Whether you’re here for a romantic escape, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or just want to feel like you’re living in the future, this is the kind of place that blows minds and fills memory cards.
So next time you’re planning a trip to China, skip the ordinary. Go underground in the best way possible.
