Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, opened Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo today - its third property in the Zhejiang province after Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou and Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou - to complement its current portfolio of 27 mainland China hotels. — Photo by Shangri-La

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, opened Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo today - its third property in the Zhejiang province after Shangri-La Hotel, Hangzhou and Shangri-La Hotel, Wenzhou - to complement its current portfolio of 27 mainland China hotels.

Long known as a major trading and shipping hub, Ningbo is situated across the Hangzhou Bay from Shanghai. It is one of China's oldest cities, steeped in history and boasts a number of cultural relics. In modern times, Ningbo has become a major exporter of consumer and electrical products, textiles, food and industrial tools, and is one of China's busiest port cities.

Ningbo is a two-hour drive from Shanghai via the Hangzhou Bay Bridge and a two-hour flight from Hong Kong. The 563-room Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is located in the heart of the central business district, at the confluence of the Fenghua, Yuyao and Yong Rivers. As the city's latest luxury hotel, it is a 20-minute drive from the airport and within walking distance of Ningbo's largest shopping area, Tianyi Square, and major tourist attractions.

"The city of Ningbo is fast becoming an integral centre of trade and commerce on China's East Coast. The launch of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is a natural step in strengthening our presence in the Zhejiang province and meeting the needs of increasingly sophisticated business travellers," said Madhu Rao, managing director and chief executive officer, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts. "More importantly, the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is an affirmation of our strong commitment to maintaining Shangri-La's position as the largest luxury hotel group in China."

With luxury and technology in mind, the guestrooms at Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo feature broadband internet access, as well as integrated audio-visual equipment. Guests can interface personal electronic devices such as MP3 players, iPods and digital cameras in their rooms - the first hotel in Ningbo to offer such technology. Guestrooms measure from 45 square metres upwards, while suites range in size from 90 to 225 square metres.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo also provides comprehensive event solutions to corporate clients, meeting organisers and the local community. With 5,000 square metres of meeting and banqueting space, facilities include a 2,000-square-metre, column-free grand ballroom - the largest of its kind in the Zhejiang province - and a variety of function rooms suited for any event. In addition, a purpose-built VIP interview room, the first-of-its-kind in the city, offers an excellent facility for guests to hold high-level dialogue.

With a health club comprising the city's largest lap pool (25 metres), a gym and two tennis courts, Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo is the ideal location for business travellers and local residents to unwind. A fully-equipped and spacious spa with nine private treatment rooms further complements the leisure facilities at the hotel.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo also offers guests a range of dining experiences, including 13 private dining rooms at the hotel's signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, which serves fine Cantonese cuisine and local culinary delights in a contemporary, yet elegant setting. Yi Cafe, showcasing open kitchens and views of the city's three rivers, provides all-day dining. The Lobby Lounge is the ideal venue for meetings and relaxation. Featuring seafood and the most premium cuts of meat, the Lobster Bar and the Grill also provides guests with nightly live jazz performances and chic cocktails.

To celebrate the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, a special introductory rate of RMB818 per night is available for single or double occupancy in a Deluxe room, including daily breakfast. The rate is subject to a 15 per cent surcharge.

Bookings can be made by calling the hotel directly at (86 574) 8799 8888, via e-mail at [email protected] or online at .

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts | Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 64 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 28,000. The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Seychelles, United Kingdom and the United States. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at / .

Jenny Mak
Director of Corporate Communications
(852) 2599 3323
Shangri-La