Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts have opened their 88^th property, located in Nanjing’s vibrant Gulou District. Overlooking the city’s pristine Xuanwu Lake, the new Shangri-La Hotel Nanjing is ideally placed for exploring one of China’s four ancient capitals and its many historical sites such as its Ming Dynasty Imperial tombs, and the mausoleum of Sun Yat Sen.

The new hotel boasts 450 guest rooms over 45 stories, each ranging between 45 and 72sqm. Guests are cocooned in luxury and style in the rooms, which feature an earth-toned colour palette; design-savvy touches like throw pillows, textured headboards, and striking art and furniture; the latest audiovisual technology and complimentary WiFi; and expansive marble bathrooms. The duplex Horizon Club Lounge on the 40^th floor caters to time-poor guests and business travellers with a host of exclusive concierge services.

Four food and beverage outlets spoil hotel visitors with a range of gastronomic delights. The signature Chinese restaurant, Jiangnan Wok, is an elegant space specialising in Huaiyang cuisine; while the all-day dining restaurant, Café Xuan, boasts interactive cooking stations that include Nanjing’s traditional roasted duck. JIN Hot Pot and Bar allows guests to enjoy the popular hot pot experience, where fresh assorted ingredients are cooked in a simmering pot of stock at the table.

For guests in need of a little pampering, the hotel’s CHI, The Spa is a quiet oasis that offers a full menu of wraps, scrubs, and massages inspired by Chinese wellness philosophies in nine spa rooms. The adjacent Health Club boasts a fully-equipped gym, an indoor swimming pool, and a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.

To celebrate its opening, the Shangri-La Nanjing is offering a special package until February 28, 2015. Guests can choose a Deluxe Room for RMB988 (USD159) or a Horizon Premier Lake View Room for RMB 1,388 (USD224), while also enjoying RMB 200 (USD32) worth of food and beverage credit per night; access to the Health Club; and complimentary car parking. www.shangri-la.com