Strolling through 12 acres of gardens, lounging beside the meandering outdoor swimming pool just steps from the lush riverbank, it is hard to believe you are in the midst of one of China’s most chaotic cities and walking distance from one of the biggest convention centers in the world. But that is the case for fortunate guests at the Shangri-La in China’s business-oriented city Guangzhou.

Twice a year during the mammoth Canton Fair, the hotel teems with activity as it is the most convenient location for businesspeople coming from all over the world to buy and sell wares. The rest of the year, the hotel makes an ideal urban retreat for visitors seeking relief from the chaotic bustle of the central city.

Giant crystal chandeliers overhang the spacious central lobby which houses reception desks and the cozy plush club chairs of the Lobby Bar. Guests are ushered upstairs to rooms cleverly outfitted to accommodate both business and leisure needs with spacious desks and robes and slippers, and L’Occitane amenities delivered to women guests in a white brocade folding jewel case. Rooms to the north have views of the Pearl River running below, and upper floors cater to guests in the spacious Horizon Club, which provides complimentary breakfast, tea, cocktails and business service.

While outdoor exercise is an option, indoors there is a 98-foot swimming pool, a fully outfitted fitness room and even tennis on two outdoor courts. The Jacuzzi operates at the push of a button beside the sauna and steam rooms. Massages and treatments can be booked at Shangri-La’s signature Chi spa, where dark lights and soothing oils set the mood.

From a range of dining options, guests can enjoy exquisite traditional Chinese cuisine in the elegant Summer Palace restaurant, Japanese specialties in Nadaman, and in RIBS guests enjoy classic North Carolina baby back ribs and a bacon cocktail or a unique, savory Peking duck pizza. WOK TOO off the lobby serves meals all day starting with the overwhelming breakfast buffet which includes more than a dozen juices. All meals conclude with a stop to fill up a bag of gummy bears, marshmallows, M&M’s and Swedish fish at the help-yourself candy bar.

Across the street, every 15 minutes a tidy tram charges about 35 cents to take guests along the Pearl River bank. In one direction the destination is a traditional fishing wharf with food shacks and local color, the other way leads to the clubs and cafés of the Party Pier and on to terminate at the iconic Canton Tower, which can be climbed for views out over the city — and a look back at the Shangri-La, named for “paradise” and in this case offering not only that but the best of both worlds.

Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou

1 Hui Zhan Dong Road
Hai Zhu District, Guangzhou 510308
China
tel 82 20 8917 8888