Riding the Hangzhou-Huangshan High-Speed Rail: Journey Through Mountains and Waters with IHG This Summer

📍 Shanghai · 👁 3 reads · ❤️ 74 likes

Along the Hangzhou-Huangshan high-speed rail line, as you speed along,

hidden paradises, misty mountains with pines and cypresses, and lotus leaves beneath blue skies

This summer, join InterContinental Hotels Group

for a “Savor the Summer”

Train journey through mountains and waters.

Hangzhou

Cicadas chirping, secluded mountains, sunshine on lotus blossoms, fragrance of lotus

By day, wander amidst the gentle hills and emerald waters of West Lake, explore ancient sites and enjoy secluded beauty. Cicadas buzz, lotus fragrance wafts, streams babble, lush greenery abounds. With each breath, feel the tranquility and poetry of the landscape.

- West Lake Scenery -

feel life

At night, linger along the Qiantang River as a grand light show unfolds. Or take a night cruise to feel the surging river and the interplay of lights and shadows on the banks.

Hangzhou InterContinental Hotel

Its distinctive golden globe shape is not only a stunning sight along the Qiantang River but also a landmark of Hangzhou. The interior atrium soars high, covered with a glass dome. 384 guest rooms are arrayed along the dome’s curve, complemented by sightseeing elevators that glide up and down, giving you a strong interstellar, time-travel sensation.

[Click the image to book directly via the mini program.]

Speaking of the landmark ‘big boss’ of Hangzhou’s Qianjiang New Town, the InterContinental is undoubtedly a classic among classics. Its stunning appearance has been featured in G20 promotional videos and many popular movies and TV shows. Even today, it remains an unbreakable design legend, affectionately nicknamed the ‘Ferrero Rocher of Qiantang River’!

Eschewing the conventional urban high-rise style, the Hangzhou InterContinental Hotel made a dazzling debut in 2010 as a glittering golden globe. Even looking at it a decade later, it’s still full of futuristic flair (85 meters in diameter, its facade combines modern composite panels with golden glass, giving it a brilliant golden shimmer)!

The hotel enjoys a prime location right by the Qiantang River, within walking distance to the city viewing platform. Across the way is the silver crescent-shaped Hangzhou Grand Theatre, so the InterContinental is likened to a golden sun, pairing with the theatre to form ‘Sun and Moon Shining Together’ – one gold, one silver, sun and moon.

The spherical architecture creates a unique interior spatial layout. Standing in the fifth-floor lobby and looking up at the 85-meter-high dome, on a clear day you’ll see blue sky and white clouds, sunlight streaming down – you’ll feel like you’re in a movie scene, unable to hold back a ‘WOW.’ At night, the ceiling lights sparkle like stars in the dark sky, adding a dreamy touch. And riding the sightseeing elevator feels just like traversing a time tunnel.

The hotel’s 384 guest rooms are arranged annularly along the spherical shell, starting from 50 sqm each, all with bathtubs. Every room features floor-to-ceiling windows and well-partitioned interiors, so there’s no cramped feeling. Among these, the InterContinental Deluxe Rooms and River View Rooms in this package start from 65 sqm. Deluxe Rooms offer city views of Qianjiang New Town, while River View Rooms present a vivid scroll of the Qiantang River the moment you draw back the curtains; at night you can even enjoy the light show!

(▲Deluxe Room)

(▲River View Room)

Each room is equipped with a capsule coffee machine, Bose sound system, and the InterContinental standard: Agraria lemon verbena bath amenities…

If you’re traveling with elderly or children and prefer not to go out for meals, you can enjoy a variety of cuisines without leaving the hotel.

Among the dining venues, the Elements All-Day Dining Restaurant on the 5th floor is highly popular! The restaurant offers an expansive view facing the Qiantang River where water meets sky, and from morning till night, the food is excellent.

(▲Breakfast buffet, photos for reference only, actual dishes subject to the hotel’s offering.)

The breakfast buffet includes congee, egg station, noodle station, Chinese cold dishes, Pianer Chuan noodles, steamed and fried dim sum, Shanghai-style pan-fried buns, potstickers, as well as a Western bread station, cheese counter, and salads, catering to both Chinese and Western palates.

(▲Dinner buffet, photos for reference only, actual dishes subject to the hotel’s offering.)

The dinner buffet is even more sumptuous, with chefs grilling jumbo tiger prawns, steaks, and lamb chops on the spot. There’s also a chilled seafood station, stir-fried seafood, sushi, handmade pizza, Western classics and Chinese specialties, plus an array of delicate desserts and ice cream – so much you’ll be spoiled for choice!

Thoughtfully, the restaurant has also created a dedicated children’s menu and a cheerful, colorful Kids’ Corner.

For traditional Cantonese, authentic Hangzhou, and Sichuan cuisines, head to the Sun & Moon Chinese Restaurant on the 4th floor. It features a main dining area plus nine private rooms with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Qiantang River, meeting all your dining needs.

(▲Sun & Moon Chinese Restaurant)

If you enjoy drinking, visit the German Beer House with its rich Bavarian ambiance. It’s perfect for enjoying freshly brewed beer with friends, accompanied by classic German dishes – crisp and refreshing!

The Noodle Studio on the basement level is affordable, where you can choose your favorite pasta and customize it with sauces, vegetables, seafood, and meats.

(▲Noodle Studio)

In addition to the dreamy lobby and spacious rooms, the indoor heated pool on the 18th floor is a must-visit. The 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of the vast river scenery and the skyscrapers opposite; at night, the views are even more beautiful.

Hangzhou Longfor Crowne Plaza Hotel

Located in the core area of the Jinsha Lake CBD in Hangzhou’s Xiasha Economic and Technological Development Zone, adjacent to the large shopping mall Longfor Jinsha Paradise Walk. Taking inspiration from the lake, its design features crystal bead lights scattered irregularly, creating a space that feels open yet private, evoking an ethereal, distant atmosphere.

[Click the image to book directly via the mini program.]

Upon entering the elegant and dignified lobby, you’ll first be greeted by a landscape painting scene made from light screens. The designer drew inspiration from lake water, with crystal beads scattered like they have form yet are formless, making the space airy yet intimate, achieving a subtly elusive, distant atmosphere. Every guest stepping into the lobby feels as if they are gliding on a shimmering lake, enjoying a refreshing, natural spatial experience.

The hotel has 328 guest rooms and suites. Their décor draws on Hangzhou’s landscape elements, showcasing understated elegance and refined beauty, creating a natural, warm, and artistically inspired ambiance. Through the bright floor-to-ceiling windows, you can take in the bustling cityscape of Hangzhou.

As Crowne Plaza continues to innovate its bathing systems, many designs have become more user-friendly and practical, such as anti-slip grab bars beside the large bathtub, electric blinds, an emergency call button near the toilet, adjustable makeup lights, and instant hot water.

The Crowne Plaza Club Lounge on the 22nd floor offers personalized business and concierge services, creating an exclusive space for business networking or relaxation.

The hotel’s Yanlan All-Day Dining Restaurant serves a sumptuous Western buffet and à la carte options. Skilled chefs select premium ingredients from around the world to present authentic, exquisite local specialties and Eurasian delicacies.

You’re probably familiar with IHG’s two well-known dining brands, Cai Feng Lou and CHAR Bar & Grill. The Hangzhou Longfor Crowne Plaza also has both, already a top choice for Hangzhou foodies for high-end business dinners or family gatherings. If you’re vacationing in Hangzhou, don’t miss the cuisine here.

Cai Feng Lou Chinese Restaurant integrates classical Chinese elegance with modern chic in its design, with private rooms named after mythical birds. The menu features authentic traditional Hangzhou cuisine, complemented by select Cantonese dishes and creative specialties from the executive chef.

CHAR Bar & Grill is a favorite among gourmets, primarily serving juicy, specialty steaks, a wide selection of cocktails, and side dishes. It offers an unprecedented premium steak experience while also serving as a stylish bar for trendsetters in the city.

The Lobby Lounge is another great spot to check out. In the afternoon sun, sit by the floor-to-ceiling windows with a few friends and enjoy a refined afternoon tea, with fragrant coffee, premium teas, and exquisite pastries.

On the 5th floor, the fitness and leisure area features brand-new imported LIFE FITNESS equipment, including treadmills, elliptical machines, stair climbers, and recumbent bikes, fully meeting the fitness needs of business travelers.

Of course, if you’re on vacation, after a hearty dinner and a short rest, you can take a dip in the pool. With a starry ceiling and a spacious, airy feel, the pool is about 23 meters long and 1.2–1.3 meters deep, allowing you to enjoy swimming all year round.

For shopping and entertainment, the hotel is adjacent to the Hangzhou Eastern International Business Center (IBC) and the large shopping mall Jinsha Paradise Walk, offering a full range of dining and leisure options. The hotel is directly connected to the metro, sitting atop Jinsha Lake Station on Line 1. A 15-minute metro ride takes you to the bustling city center. It’s 20 km from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and 15 km from Hangzhou East Railway Station.

Hangzhou Longfor Binjiang Paradise Walk Holiday Inn

Hangzhou Longfor Binjiang Paradise Walk Holiday Inn enjoys a prime location in Binjiang, right within the Longfor Paradise Walk complex, dominating the area, adjacent to the scenic Qiantang River. With international brand quality, it’s truly a shining star of Longfor, offering exceptional value for money.

[Click the image to book directly via the mini program.]

Perched within the Longfor Binjiang Paradise Walk commercial center, the hotel’s first floor connects directly to the mall, providing guests with quick access to shopping and dining during their travels.

The design draws inspiration from Hangzhou’s tea culture, specifically the brewing method of Longjing tea. Through shifts in bright colors permeating the interior, it perfectly evokes cheerfulness and vitality. Natural wood tones and simple lines sketch a subtle classic charm, making you feel instantly relaxed.

The hotel has 239 stylishly designed guest rooms, all located on the 9th floor or above, each with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering expansive views.

Wood tones with green accents create a sleep-inducing atmosphere in each room. In the morning, lazy sunlight streams in, waking you with Hangzhou’s bright spring scenery. The combination of tea-leaf green and sophisticated grey keeps the room fresh and natural. Rooms come with a sofa and work desk, and even pillows are provided in both soft and firm options, so guests can choose according to preference – both professional and thoughtful.

The Qingyue All-Day Dining Restaurant on the 7th floor boasts a minimalist, modern setting overflowing with fresh spring green. On a fine day, sit here to enjoy the beautiful spring scenery along with healthy and delicious food.

An ice-cold beer in summer paired with spicy crayfish is the perfect weekend treat with friends. At Hangzhou Longfor Binjiang Paradise Walk Holiday Inn, the Qingyue All-Day Restaurant cheers to summer!

The private dining rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows at Qingyue let you savor your meal while taking in the view. With a broad vista, a small gathering with friends or family here makes dining even more satisfying!

The complimentary fitness center, with its 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows, offers wide views and excellent natural light. You can work up a sweat, rejuvenate your body and mind, and take in panoramic views of Hangzhou.

Qiandao Lake

Source of life, natural oxygen bar, plump and delicious fish.

Qiandao Lake is a brilliant pearl on the golden tourist route from Hangzhou to Huangshan. Over a thousand islands are scattered across the clear lake like a hidden paradise.

feel life

The Forest Oxygen Bar, located on the edge of the southeast lake area, not only offers beautiful scenery along the way but also boasts the best air quality in the Qiandao Lake area. The pristine waters make the freshwater fish here plump and tender; the fish soup is rich and delectable.

Qiandao Lake InterContinental Resort

The only resort on Xianshan Peninsula. A nearly ten-kilometer private lakeside road winds around the island with picturesque views at every step. It boasts a private luxury yacht club, an outdoor infinity pool with lake views, a popular lakeside lighthouse, an 1,800-square-meter Ali-themed indoor children’s playground, over ten fun and educational parent-child activities, a private historical site spanning half a century, and a forest coverage rate of up to 92%, forming a massive natural forest oxygen bar. You’re surrounded by the pristine waters and poetic scenery of Qiandao Lake.

[Click the image to book directly via the mini program.]

The hotel design blends seamlessly with nature. The guestrooms feature a unique dual-balcony design (indoor and outdoor), allowing you to fully appreciate the lake and mountain scenery without stepping out. You can rest by the water under the moonlight, leisurely enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the pristine peninsula for a soul-stirring getaway.

Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Crowne Plaza Hotel

Located by the breathtaking Qiandao Lake, surrounded by mountains and overlooking the lake, with the charming Xin’an River just a stone’s throw away. The hotel’s ultra-modern exterior design resembles a giant luxury cruise ship sailing through verdant mountains and clear waters, waiting for you to take in the scenery along the way.

[Click the image to book directly via the mini program.]

Covering nearly 190,000 sqm, the hotel has a striking appearance like a modern luxury cruise ship, harmonizing with the vast lake surface and appearing even more impressive amid the green mountains and clear waters. At night, it transforms into a different kind of beauty under the glittering lights.

Warm wood tones and floor-to-ceiling windows dominate the lobby, with surrealist paintings and artworks carefully adorning public areas. Every space makes the most of the unparalleled, unobstructed views of the scenery.

Through the lobby’s oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, you can also enjoy the enchanting views of Qiandao Lake.

Thanks to its lakeside location, many public areas offer lake views, and the highly praised Lake Rhyme All-Day Dining Restaurant on the first floor, along with its open-air lakeside seating, is a standout.

The Lake Rhyme Western Restaurant serves enticing local and international buffet fare all day, in a spacious and bright setting that can seat about 220 guests. Breakfast is served here, and the restaurant provides child-friendly tableware.

The breakfast spread ranges from Chinese noodles, dumplings, pancakes, stir-fries, and congee, to Western pastries, tamagoyaki, yogurt, bacon, sausages, and freshly squeezed juice. There are also congee, freshly made noodles, jianbing (savory crepes), and small wontons – a wide variety catering to all ages, satisfying the whole family.

|| Ju Xian Ge

Daily fresh supply of flavorful local lake delicacies and Jiangsu-Zhejiang cuisine. Of course, the delicious Qiandao Lake fish head is also available.

|| Captain’s Bar

At the hotel’s top-floor Captain’s Bar, you can enjoy a selection of fine cocktails, premium whiskies, sweet wines, craft beers, and various specialty short drinks prepared by professional bartenders, along with delicate snacks to while away the time.

There’s also a 550 sqm rooftop terrace, a fresh and open outdoor space where you can take in the beautiful lake and mountain scenery.

The hotel has 284 deluxe rooms and suites, with clearly defined areas for working, dressing, and sleeping. The peacock blue and natural wood design departs from the typical Crowne Plaza style, creating an elegant yet warm atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains, you can enjoy beautiful views right from your window, and even snap Instagram-worthy photos in your room.

▽ Crowne Superior Twin & King Rooms

▽ Crowne Superior Lake View Room

▽ Crowne Deluxe Lake View Room

▽ Crowne Deluxe Lake View Suite

In addition to the usual pool and gym, the hotel features a Kids’ Club with bumper cars, a VR game room, table tennis, and rentals for yoga mats and bicycles. You can enjoy lakeside yoga facing the scenic Qiandao Lake, or cycle around the lake with companions on the boardwalk. A multitude of exciting activities caters to both adults and children.

The hotel’s 200 sqm Kids’ Club is specially prepared for families, so you won’t worry about entertaining the kids. It has building blocks, board games, Lego toys—everything you need for a complete kids’ club.

There are also a lakeside sightseeing mini train, parent-child bumper cars, and go-karts, which kids love.

Currently, two outdoor pools are open in summer. Snap a photo at the infinity pool and it’ll instantly garner likes on your social media. Just a window away at the bow, the indoor heated pool with floor-to-ceiling windows is open year-round, offering an unobstructed view of the lake and mountains, lush and green. Kids can play in the water regardless of the weather.

▽ Indoor Heated Pool

▽ Lakeside Infinity Pool

▽ Bow Open-Air Pool

After swimming, the hotel offers spa services to soothe every inch of your body.

Each season brings unique activities: flower viewing and picking in spring, diving and yachting in summer, night cruises on the Xin’an River and monkey shows along the Osmanthus Trail in autumn and winter – each season offers its own beauty.

▽ Recreation Map (click to enlarge)

Huangshan

Huizhou architectural charm, the most extraordinary mountain under heaven.

Since ancient times, Huangshan has been renowned for its unique natural scenery, and literati throughout history have left a rich cultural heritage here. Legend has it that the Yellow Emperor once concocted elixirs here and attained immortality, hence the name.

- Tunxi Ancient Street -

feel life

To appreciate the most complete and representative Huizhou-style architecture from the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties in China, there’s no better place than Tunxi Ancient Street. Whitewashed walls, dark tiles, upturned eaves, all in black and white – the rich Huizhou culture leaps before your eyes.

Huangshan Yucheng Crowne Plaza Hotel

[Click the image to book directly via the mini program.]

The hotel is located on the banks of the beautiful Xin’an River. Just across the road is a bus stop; a 25-minute bus ride takes you to Tunxi Ancient Street, and it’s only a 30-minute drive to the ancient Huizhou town of Shexian. Its white walls, grey tiles, and well-arranged horse-head walls emulate Huizhou architecture, combined with a modern, clean, and grand design, making it a stunning sight along the Xin’an River.

The hotel’s trendy and unique design is imbued with strong Huizhou characteristics, allowing you to fully enjoy wines from around the world, specialty cocktails, and a variety of cuisines.

With 481 guest rooms in neo-Huizhou style, river-view rooms overlook the Xin’an River with unobstructed views. The guest area is quiet and private, a world unto itself. Despite being in the city center, you can still enjoy serene moments. The bathrooms have separate wet and dry areas, each with a large bathtub – perfect for a relaxing soak to wash away the day’s fatigue.

▲ Executive River View Room

▲ Super Wings Themed Room

The gym uses imported top-brand fitness equipment. The pool is heated to international standards, surrounded by hollow insulated transparent glass in a minimalist style with excellent natural light. Chinese-style curtained daybeds are placed beside the pool. Whether you’re relaxing poolside or swimming, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Xin’an River.

The gym and table tennis room are free to use; kids can have a friendly match with dad.

IHG® Rewards Club members who book at least 2 days in advance

with the “Savor the Summer Member Price (Breakfast Inclusive)”

at participating IHG® hotels

Hangzhou InterContinental Hotel

Hangzhou Longfor Crowne Plaza Hotel

Hangzhou Chaoshan Holiday Inn

Hangzhou Longfor Binjiang Paradise Walk Holiday Inn

Hangzhou Gongshu Holiday Inn

Hangzhou Airport Holiday Inn

Qiandao Lake InterContinental Resort

Hangzhou Qiandao Lake Crowne Plaza Hotel