The welcoming pine on the cliff, the transparent boardwalk on the edge of the cliff, and the trickling waterfall cascading down, all of which can be felt in Sheshan without leaving Shanghai! Encounter the fairy tree house that makes people return to childlike innocence in a secret place surrounded by the valley, and play a retro gorgeous merry go round next to the glass walkway with jade beads splashing. This is absolutely the necessary medicine for you to burst your circle of friends in summer!

Do you think going to Sheshan only has Happy Valley?

Do you think there is only one hotel in Sheshan, the Forest Hotel?

So you're really a bit out of place. Today, let's experience Sheshan's new gameplay together, Explore the "secrets" hidden beneath the depths of the popular social circle.

It has to be said that this is a hotel that has created too many miracles. It took 12 years from site selection, design to construction alone. The building, which was not initially favored by the public, has now transformed into an internet famous hotel in the Magic City where one room is hard to find. Yes, today I want to share with you the Sheshan Shimao Intercontinental Hotel, which officially opened to the public in 2018. Because its building itself is located at an altitude of -88 meters below sea level, it is commonly known as the "Deep Pit" hotel.

Shanghai Sheshan Shimao Intercontinental Hotel

Address: Lane 5888, Chenhua Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai

Regarding transportation:

Self driving route:

Jiangsu: Take the G2 (A11) Jiasong Highway exit of the Shanghai Nanjing Expressway and head south, then continue west for 8.1 kilometers until reaching Chenhua Road.

Zhejiang: Take the G60 (A8) Songjiang exit of the Shanghai Hangzhou Expressway, follow the Jiasong Highway to Chenhua Road, and then head west for 8.1 kilometers.

Shanghai city direction: G50 (A9) Zhao Lane exit, follow Jiasong Road to Chenhua Road and then head west for 8.1 kilometers.

Bus route:

Get off at Dongjing Station on Shanghai Metro Line 9 and transfer to Bus 96 for 15 minutes to reach the west gate of Shimao Nano Magic City.

It is also the 200th InterContinental brand hotel in the world, with over 300 rooms. And all guest rooms are equipped with a viewing terrace. It is the world's first five-star hotel built in a pit and also the lowest altitude hotel. The entire project has an investment of over 10 billion yuan and integrates modern characteristic buildings such as natural indoor gardens, large landscape waterfalls, landscape presidential houses, and water scene houses.

The "Juanyun Shu" located at the entrance is the most representative art sculpture of the entire hotel: a dragon shaped design, with one part made of solid stainless steel and the other part made of stainless steel with hollowed out text, and the Chinese character decoration can only be found up close.

The design theme of "Journey to the Center of the Earth" in the lobby makes every guest visiting the hotel feel like entering a "mine" and embarking on a wonderful adventure. The front desk of the lobby has a complete background wall with distinct irregular curves, resembling the patterns of a rock layer. It is also the highlight of the core rock layer of "Journey to the Center of the Earth", making people feel like they are in a "quarry" with a strong sense of immersion.

The hotel is divided into 2 floors above ground level and 16 floors below ground level, with 2 floors deep underwater. This unique design itself makes the hotel one of the most difficult to build hotels in the world. Due to its revolutionary avant-garde architectural design, it was named one of the "Top 10 Architectural Wonders of the World" by the National Geographic Channel's "World's Greatest Projects Tour". Don't you want to see this miraculous building with your own eyes?

At first, the Tianma Mountain Deep Pit was originally a mountain. Looking northeast at Sheshan, it was previously blasted to extract stones. By the late 1950s, the entire hill had been completely destroyed, and by the late 1970s, a nearly 90 meter deep pit had been excavated. After 7 years of argumentation and 5 years of construction, we gathered a world-class design team, broke through multiple technological boundaries, and ultimately turned the impossible into a miracle!

In addition to its naturally eye-catching geographical location, the interior of the Shanghai Sheshan Shimao Intercontinental Hotel itself is also highly meaningful, with over 1400 artworks and art installations visible everywhere, comparable to a professional art gallery or museum.

In the passageway of the hotel, you can see that one side is the guest room, and the other side is the stone and rock pillars at the bottom of the pit, which makes you have a wonderful feeling of walking in the mine tunnel. The elevator on the far right is covered with translucent glass. The thrill of going up and down the mountain is self-evident, a super mini version of the mobile glass walkway.

The design of the room combines the color changes of geological rock layers, and based on the colors of stones containing iron, hematite, and calcium carbonate, three types of guest rooms are designed: red, blue, and gray blue. The interior style is inspired by cliffs, waterfalls, and hills. Each room offers a breathtaking view of the pit wall, with some even offering a spectacular waterfall cascading down.

From the first moment you enter the room, you can interact with the AI in the room at any time and experience smart hotel life with just a gentle call. Smoothly controlling the lighting system, curtains, door curtains, and screen windows of the entire guest room, as well as changing the Do Not Disturb/Clean reminder light at the entrance of the guest room, this legendary internet famous hotel is not only visually appealing, but also quite impressive.

The toiletries used are all from the Ferragamo Toskana Scenic Area series, and the hair dryer is the popular Dyson hair dryer. It has to be said that this has invisibly improved the quality of the guest room. The drinks in the small fridge are also all free, and you can drink until you're full just by drinking.

Would you have the same question as me living in such a room? How is it waterproof, fireproof, and shockproof?

Waterproof: Everyone knows that water flows downwards, and how to solve the problem of water accumulation in this 100 meter deep pit has become a big issue. Through the study of historical hydrological data in Shanghai, Shenkeng Hotel has installed a pumping pump to ensure that the daily water level changes in the lake do not exceed a safe range of 500 millimeters. This number is based on a study of historical hydrological data in Shanghai, which found that in the past 500 years, the local daily precipitation in Shanghai has never exceeded 300 millimeters.

Huozhai: In case of a fire, the fire truck cannot enter the mine. What should we do? Shenkeng Hotel connects every balcony of the hotel to the fire escape, ensuring that residents can evacuate as quickly as possible in case of a fire.

Earthquake prevention: Once an earthquake occurs, how can one escape from the pit? The hotel design team simulated and tested the strength and seismic performance of the building through geological survey results and calculations of the hotel's engineering structure, ensuring that it can withstand earthquakes of magnitude 9 or above. In fact, as far as Shanghai is located, the possibility of a high-intensity earthquake is very small. As long as it is not a tsunami, Shanghai is relatively safe.

In addition to luxurious hotel rooms, staying at the Shanghai Sheshan Shimao Intercontinental Hotel is super fulfilling every minute. Three restaurants with diverse themes and two bars allow you to taste world-renowned cuisine within the hotel. Of course, I believe many tourists also come here for the underwater restaurants.

On the ground floor Nine Peaks in the Clouds As the lobby bar of the hotel, it meets the needs of most guests who stay every day. Tourists can not only enjoy the endless scenery of the mine here, but also enjoy the wonderful water curtain show that is staged from time to time. The water curtain changes various patterns and is accompanied by beautiful music, making it dream like and enchanting.

The back area on the same floor as the hotel lobby is the hotel's All day restaurant "Yuan Coffee" Not only does it offer self-service cuisine from around the world 24/7, but the balcony seats also offer endless views of the hotel, making it the most cost-effective dining spot.

IHG's well-known Caifenglou Chinese Restaurant Located on the second floor of the hotel, the decoration here integrates traditional Chinese cultural elements such as the lucky bird, birdcage, feathers, etc., creating an antique atmosphere. The dim yellow light creates a super unique and magnificent environment. The chef who specializes in Cantonese cuisine presents guests with the finest variety of specialty dishes here every day.

After meals, you can take a walk on the outdoor leisure platform specially set up in the center of the lake by the hotel, watching the sunset and the stars. This place is seamlessly connected to the hotel's bar and swimming pool, and the outdoor chairs are highly designed. It is also the most popular place for guests every night.

Fishing Fire Restaurant

The Fish Fire Restaurant located on the 15th floor is the legendary internet famous underwater restaurant. Walking into the fish fire surrounded by an aquarium, you will definitely be attracted by the colorful underwater world and the overwhelming ocean atmosphere. I have to say, the atmosphere here is really attractive. Of course, the seating here is also quite limited, and all meals must be reserved in advance. The restaurant specializes in seafood and Western cuisine

The staff introduced that some tourists who dined here have said that as long as someone proposes to her here, she will immediately agree, which shows how fascinating the environment of the Fish and Fire Restaurant is.

So, who was the author of such a great project? The design team that designed and led the construction at that time was the Atkins team led by Martin Jochman. If you feel unfamiliar, then the world's first seven star hotel - Dubai Sail Hotel - must be familiar to many people. The Atkins team is the team that previously led the design of Dubai Sail Hotel. This is also an important reason why the Sheshan Shimao Intercontinental Hotel is so special.

Do you think staying at the Shenkeng Hotel only means watching the sunrise and listening to the chirping of waterfall birds? Of course not, there are two colorful amusement parks on either side of the hotel, which greatly enriches the hotel life.

Deep Pit Secret Realm "Elf City Theme Park

Address: Next to InterContinental Shanghai Sheshan (within walking distance)

Opening hours: 10:00-18:00

Ticket price: 120 yuan per adult per park

Free admission policy: Minors under 1.1 meters (inclusive) are exempt from admission

The Elf City theme park called "Deep Pit Secret Realm", which is close to the hotel, is the best place to see the entire hotel. The glass walkway is about 80 meters long, which is also the best place to enjoy the Sheshan Shimao Intercontinental Hotel

Above the glass walkway is the 360 degree thrilling cliff wall pendulum. This landmark facility in the park can be seen from the hotel room in Shenkeng. In addition, the theme park also features projects such as Elf Tree House, Desert Archaeology, Dreamy Waters, and Insect World, attracting visitors with immersive experiences.

The structure of the 15 meter high Dreamy Elf Tree House in the central area is full of imaginative ideas, making it perfect for children to play hide and seek between the huge tree holes. Adults can also join hands and take children through the winding tree holes to the rooftop to find the happy elves hiding here!

Along the way, in the lush jungle, there is a giant insect world and a secret city backyard. The dreamy waters near the entrance offer a thrilling water gun battle!

The core entertainment in the park is flying over the pit, which is a high altitude flying rope that can enjoy the panoramic view of the hotel during taxiing. It is a pity that it has not been officially opened recently due to the epidemic situation and rainy days. It is a pity that even just to experience the glass walkway, it is very good to experience it.

If you feel that the Deep Pit Secret Realm is a game for children to play, compared to the appetizer Deep Pit Secret Realm, the Smurfs Park located 500 meters away from the attraction is truly a blue version of Disney. What's even more delightful is that the entire park is completely built indoors, which means that no matter how windy or rainy it is, the outdoor temperature can reach over 35 degrees Celsius. As long as you want to bring your children to the amusement park to play, it's completely fine. Although the park's popularity cannot be compared to Disney, the overall experience and the richness of the play facilities are not inferior, and the cost-effectiveness is extremely high.

Shanghai Shimao Smurfs Theme Park

Address: 5088 Chenhua Road, Songjiang District

Opening hours: 10:00-18:00

Ticket price: 160 yuan per adult per unit, 99 yuan per child per unit

This is also the first theme park of the Smurfs in the Asia Pacific region, making the classic characters Blue Dad, the goddess Blue Sister, the intelligent multi star Congcong, the troublemaker Lumpy, the inventor Lingling and the evil Gegewu break through the limits of anime and become the characters in the "City of Elves" and present them to everyone.

The Smurfs amusement park, which officially opened at the end of May this year, actually knows that there are not many tourists. Many Shanghai friends still believe that Sheshan only has adult playgrounds such as Happy Valley and Maya Water World. In fact, this has always been a regret for many parent-child families when traveling. Now, the amusement Smurfs amusement park fills this gap and makes going on vacation in Sheshan no longer a slogan for children, but a real paradise that belongs to them.

Recommended check-in route for the amusement park:

Journey to the Center of the Earth - Wonderland Soaring - Maoxianwang 6D Cinema - Forest Maze - Berry Swinging - Magic Mirror Transformation - Peipei Jam Cup - Berry

Fruit Roller Coaster - Drawing Magic Brush - Blue Sister Garden - Dark Laboratory - Potion Blender - Azcat Jumping Tower - Swamp Adventure

By passing through the Elf Tree at the entrance, one can reach the first core area of the amusement park. It must be said that it is quite generous to allocate such a large space for a flying amusement equipment in the entire park. Many parents or tourists who come here may think, 'Oh no, but in fact, this is the tip of the iceberg of the entire amusement park.' Later, you will understand why such a large piece of land needs to be preserved here, which is actually prepared for float parades.

Recommended Theme Play:

Journey to the Center of the Earth: Here, the entire journey of tourists will be divided into five parts: heading towards the center of the Earth, encountering minerals, encountering earthquakes, escaping lava, and entering the core of the Earth. The sound and light effects here are excellent, creating a tense atmosphere throughout the entire process. What's particularly fun is that the mining car entering the center of the earth can rotate 360 degrees, and it's quite interesting to shuttle back and forth inside. As it's the first formal high-tech project after entering the park, there are usually more tourists queuing up.

The Adventure King 6D cinema will play the same story at every hour after opening at 10am. Of course, as a 6D cinema, it must include 3D special effects, 4D dynamic seats, 5D smoke, 6D water mist and other special effects. If you don't enjoy watching it once, you can try it again at the wrong time.

Wonderland Soaring: The large suspended dome theater has 4 rows of cabins and plays for about 5 minutes. However, if you really want to experience this project, there are still some height and age restrictions. This project is only suitable for people under the age of 60 with a height of 1.4m to 1.95m. To some extent, it is almost a game more suitable for adults to experience. Therefore, Smurfs Park is not only for children, but many of the games are also very exciting for adults, requiring a little bit of adventure spirit.

When you officially enter the Smurfs themed forest maze, you will instantly feel like you have shrunk. All plants and animals are magnified several times, dozens of times, which is quite novel and interesting for both adults and children.

The most suitable adult experience in the park is the Peipei Jam Cup and Berry Roller Coaster. If you have time, it's not too much to ride 10 or 8 times.

Drawing Magic Brush is a suitable parent-child game for children with certain interests and hobbies. If your child has a certain interest in painting and hands-on activities, you can definitely find a joyful space here. There are many children's paintings lined up at the entrance, even I feel inferior.

The area around Gegewu's home will generally be relatively dark. In the series of Dark Laboratory - Potion Blender - Azcat Jumping Tower - Swamp Adventure, I personally recommend Dark Laboratory. It's a bit like a mini haunted house, but fortunately there are also many tourists coming in and out along the way. If you have to walk around alone, it's really scary. When you finally go out, you can take the slide, the slope is not very steep, and there is absolutely no problem with safety.

Swamp Adventure is a game that many amusement parks have, because competition and scores can make it even more exciting. I believe everyone has played Plants vs. Zombies before. The weapon of this game is the cute pea fans. Four people enter the war state in groups, and their personal rankings and scores can be displayed in real time on the outdoor display screen. It is a popular experience point for both adults and children.

Of course, it has always been said that this park itself is very close to Disney, and the float parade is essential. Every day at 2:30, a large-scale interactive float parade with actors will be held here. At that time, all residents and monsters of the Smurfs Park will collectively appear on the main road, and visitors can interact with them and take free photos. All the actors are also very cooperative, and the affinity is very high. Because it is indoors, there is no need to worry about the weather being too hot when waiting. This may be one of the few wonderful float parades that I can enjoy without sweating at all.

At any time, the Smurfs themed restaurant in the park can offer various set meals, with prices mostly around 50 yuan per meal. However, the portions are really generous, and the dining environment is very good. It has to be said that I really have a lot of fondness for this completely indoor park on such a hot summer day.

When leaving at last, there are plenty of Smurfs merchandise to choose from in the Elf Gift World, which are also figurines and dolls that cannot be seen in the city or other amusement parks, and have a commemorative significance.

Suggestions for admission tickets to tourist attractions are direct Purchase joint tickets for Smurfs Park and Deep Pit Secret Land Park In this way, the Deep Pit Secret Realm is almost a completely free attraction. In the afternoon, you can completely save time for two amusement parks, and in the evening, you can return to your room to enjoy the unbeatable scenery of the Deep Pit Hotel and enjoy delicious food from around the world.

Are you ready to come to Sheshan this summer to escape the heat, experience the architectural miracle of "a lifetime must visit", and experience an indoor fairy tale paradise with your family and children?

Every time we meet, just like we first met, I am @ Shanghai Cold Air. I am glad to have the opportunity to meet everyone online and look forward to meeting you on my next trip. Thank you.