The Conrad Shenzhen is the first luxury property to open in Chinese city’s Qianhai area – almost as new as the hotel. Is a room there worth US$370 a night?
- The hotel has only been open a few months, and the feeling of newness in and around the Conrad, in Qianhai in Nanshan district, Shenzhen, is almost overpowering
- Its pluses include art by Chinese and international artists, automated rooms and an indoor swimming pool – but it’s a shame the area lacks culture or character
The Conrad Shenzhen is the first five-star hotel to open in Qianhai, a brand new pocket of the city’s Nanshan district in which luxury rivals will also soon open for business.
Why is Qianhai suddenly so popular?
Nanshan, one of nine districts in Shenzhen, represents China’s ambitions for high technology.
It is the birthplace of companies such as electronic equipment and phone maker Huawei and drone maker DJI, and is referred to as the Silicon Valley of China.
First impressions?
With the hotel having opened only months ago, the feeling of newness in and around the Conrad is almost overpowering.
The attention of visitors is first grabbed by a colossal bronze sculpture by Zhang Xian, titled The Two Forms.
The artwork, which represents yin and yang, stands at the centre of the hotel’s circular driveway, in the middle of a serene body of water that is also circular.
Works by Chinese artists (including Huang Qicheng) and international counterparts line guests’ way to the third-floor reception area.
