Returning to the 'Big Golden Ball': A Midsummer Memory at InterContinental Hangzhou

Early this month in Hangzhou, Yu Ziyou and Yuan Bao were still talking about the 'Big Golden Ball'. Two years ago, right around the same midsummer season, the 'Big Golden Ball' gave the siblings a happy summer memory. I thought with the kids so young and so much time passed, even the most vivid experiences would have faded. As it turns out, if something is special enough, even little ones know how to appreciate it.

Since they loved it so much, and by chance, it was worth a return trip to relive the experience.

Sun and moon shining together – Hangzhou's past and future

So last weekend we went back to Hangzhou. Hangzhou is a city I love, one that never seems to stop developing, proof of its thousand-year-long star power. Its uniqueness lies in how it subtly blends tradition with the present. While it races ahead at the cutting edge of the times, those old and time-honoured elements remain, deeply rooted within.

InterContinental is my favourite hotel brand, so you can imagine my delight when these two come together. The exterior of InterContinental Hangzhou is undeniably eye-catching and stunning – even a child can get its uniqueness at a glance: a huge golden sphere, glittering under the sun.

Some say it looks like a Ferrero Rocher chocolate; others say it's the morning sun rising. It echoes the crescent-shaped Hangzhou Grand Theatre across the way, 'sun and moon shining together'.

Most people affectionately call it the 'Big Golden Ball'. As China's largest steel-structured spherical building, the 'Big Golden Ball' has 18 main floors, consisting of a 13-metre-high oval podium and a sphere 85 metres in diameter. The special design lets you gaze out at the scenery through glass from any spot. Since its birth, the Big Golden Ball has become a new Hangzhou landmark, symbolising the city's present and future.

A darling of business events and a paradise for children

InterContinental Hangzhou's business prowess and refinement were on display to the world at the momentous G20 Summit, drawing global attention. Hot films and TV dramas have also flocked here for filming, from 'Startling by Each Step' to 'Game of Hunting', 'Tianji: Dwelling in the Fuchun Mountains' and more.

The Big Golden Ball isn't just a pretty face. Step inside the vast sphere, layer upon layer, retro yet chic. It feels like being in an opera house or on the set of a sci-fi film. Especially at dusk when the lights first come on, the sky a pale blue, pinpricks of starlight, looking up at the dome's centre you feel like you're under a starry sky.

Even the carpet in the guest room corridors carries meaning – little drops of water, symbolising the Qiantang River tide just outside the walls.

Looking down from the sightseeing elevator, layer by layer

Just like last time, we chose a family room. There are two themes: Paul Frank and B.Duck. Since Yuanbao was born in the Year of the Monkey, we booked the Paul Frank room. Entering the room felt familiar but also full of surprises.

The room is set up adorably cute. The Paul Frank plush toy instantly livens up the otherwise understated space. A teepee and a slide-swing with music are just the thing for a little kid Yuanbao's age. There are child's footstools, kids' toiletries, and so on. The room is thoughtful for adults too, with a walk-in wardrobe, a layout separating the shower, bathtub and washbasin, and even a dedicated makeup area for Mum.

By the bathtub there's a small mural TV, with InterContinental's exclusive luxury bath amenities by Agraria. The verbena scent is fresh and subtle, soothing body and mind.

My favourite is the wall of floor-to-ceiling windows. Outside, the Qiantang River scenery is fully in view. At night, lying in the room you can enjoy the spectacular light show, the river view unbeatable.

The hotel service is also very human-centred – the welcome fruit is beautifully presented, and the welcome card is heart-warming.

The indoor pool on the 18th floor is a firm favourite for kids and adults this season. Kickboards, swim rings and armbands are provided free of charge. Surrounded by clear blue water, sheltered from sun and rain, many parents bring their children to swim here – what could be a more relaxed and enjoyable midsummer family moment?

A gym with river views too

A buffet dinner overlooking the Qiantang River – a moment worth living for

The hotel has five restaurants of different styles and one lobby lounge, offering plenty of choice. For convenience, we had the buffet dinner at the Elements All-day Dining Restaurant. Speaking of buffets, their origin can be traced back to the 'Scandinavian cold table' and 'Hunlian breakfast' in 8th–11th century Northern Europe, reportedly first adopted by Vikings. The hotel buffet we're familiar with today was pioneered by the Imperial Hotel Tokyo in 1958, putting all dishes together and letting guests choose what they fancy. This style – part Japanese precision, part Viking freedom – quickly swept the world and won hearts.

The Elements All-day Dining Restaurant faces the Qiantang River where water and sky meet. The setting is elegant, seating well-spaced without feeling crowded. Before eating, staff took our temperature and showed us to our seats – everything orderly.

If you're a seafood lover, the dinner buffet at Elements won't disappoint. A whole array of fresh, succulent seafood is displayed: scampi, shellfish, crab legs, oysters, and more. Chefs slice salmon, arctic surf clams and tuna to order, along with various grilled or cooked seafood dishes. The wild shrimp from the southern waters of Argentina come specially recommended by the head chef – bright red and about three times the size of ordinary shrimp. Cheese-baked oysters are plump and fresh, enhanced by the rich cheese, intensely flavoursome. Not to mention scallions stir-fried razor clams, squid, sea crabs and more – seafood fans will be truly spoilt. And there's barely any queue for seafood, never any limit. Chefs prepare and serve everything in an open kitchen, replenishing dishes very quickly.

Besides seafood, there's an abundance of meats: lamb chops, beef, roast duck, grilled chicken wings and more. There are also handmade crystal shrimp dumplings, fresh-out-of-the-oven handmade pizzas, black bean sauce steamed chicken feet, and plenty more. From desserts to sweet soups, everything is covered. Even the ice cream comes in matcha, vanilla, mango, blueberry and other flavours. You can also sample some mixed drinks. Whether you're a meat-eater or have a sweet tooth, there's something for everyone.

On that weekend evening, the restaurant was full. Many families like ours were there, enjoying the bountiful buffet dinner while overlooking the Qiantang River – this is a moment that makes life worthwhile.

That night, taking in the riverside scenery outside the hotel, after eating our fill we went swimming and even had a little drink. The whole family spent another unforgettable midsummer weekend. The next day we saw many families with kids in the restaurant, children's faces full of innocent smiles. I'm sure they too fell in love with the 'Big Golden Ball' – just like us two years ago, and just like us now.