HONG KONG, Oct. 19, 2012 -- Today marks the debut of the Shangri-La Hotel in Changzhou, one of China's top business cities. This is the second collaboration between Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd. and Qiaoyu Group, Changzhou following the successful opening of Traders Fudu Hotel, Changzhou in 2005.

Strategically located within Wujin Hi-tech Industrial Park and adjacent to the newly built Xihu International Community, the hotel is set to cater to business executives and corporate meetings. The hotel is located a 30-minute drive from Changzhou International Airport and in close proximity to the Changzhou Railway Station. Shangri-La Hotel, Changzhou is also near the historic " Ruins of Yancheng ", the remains of a walled city that was founded over 3,000 years ago at the beginning of the Western Zhou dynasty.

Shangri-La Hotel, Changzhou has 350 guestrooms and suites ranging from 45 to 225 square metres. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with unobstructed views of Lake Xihu or the city. Guests on the Horizon Club floors receive personalised benefits and services, including privileged access to the Horizon Club Lounge.

Setting a new benchmark for social and business events in the city, Shangri-La Hotel, Changzhou is the largest event venue in the city, with over 2,500 square metres of flexible space accommodating up to 1,500 guests.

The hotel's 1,500‑square‑metre pillar-free Grand Ballroom features a nine-metre ceiling, intelligent lighting, the biggest LED screen in Changzhou and a platform for car access for automotive exhibitions. In addition, there are seven function rooms, a dedicated VIP room, the 250-square-metre Chairman's Room, and two pre-dining rooms that overlook the lake.

The hotel's 4,000-square-metre Health Club and Spa is the largest in Changzhou, encompassing a fully equipped fitness centre, an indoor swimming pool and a spa.

The hotel houses three restaurants and two lounges. The signature restaurant, Shang Palace, introduces a new style of Huaiyang cuisine alongside Cantonese dishes - crafted by the award-winning chef, Jim Zhang, who was named champion of the nationally televised National Culinary Competition of Man and Han Nationality Imperial Feast for two consecutive years.

Nishimura Japanese Restaurant offers authentic and creative dishes with ingredients imported from the famed Tsukiji Seafood Market in Tokyo.

The all-day dining restaurant, Café Long, serves a popular international buffet. The lively restaurant overlooks Lake Xihu and features seven interactive cooking stations.

Arcing around the lake, the Lobby Lounge with its medley of teas, cocktails and light snacks is an ideal venue for gatherings. The hotel's Bar WJ features a Latin‑inspired setting, complete with a professional live trio band and a selection of Cuban cigars, tapas and wines.

For further information or to make a reservation, please telephone Shangri-La Hotel, Changzhou on (86 519) 6889 8888 or e-mail [email protected].

About Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages 75 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands, with a room inventory of over 30,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of "hospitality from the heart". The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom. For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com .