China has for the past few decades had the world's fastest growing economy, and although Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou dominate the headlines, many second tier cities are cropping up and establishing themselves as integral to the future of the country. Investment in these areas is really taking off, and below are five hotels that have recognised the potential and are establishing a presence in these up-and-coming metropolises.
SHANGRI-LA HOTEL SHENYANG
OPENING DATE August 1, 2013
CITY Shengyang
WHAT’S THERE Shenyang is roughly 500 miles north of Beijing – about an hour's flight. It is the largest political, economic, cultural and transport centre in northeast China. Heavy industries, particularly aerospace, machine tools and heavy equipment are well-developed there. Shenyang's airport recently opened a new terminal (see here) and a new Grand Hyatt property opened its doors not too long ago (see here).
HOTEL FACILITIES It offers 395 guestrooms and 29 suites, all of which come with free internet. Restaurant outlets include Shinsen, featuring a sushi and sake bar; and Café Liao, serving an extensive selection of Asian and international cuisines. For more on the property, click here.
MÖVENPICK HOTEL ENSHI
OPENING DATE September 3, 2013
CITY Enshi
WHAT’S THERE The city is located along the Quingjing River and is surrounded by green mountains, forests, rapids and ethnic minority villages. Famous sites nearby include Enshi's own Grand Canyon. Growing industries here include food processing, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, mechanics and mining – particularly of selenium used in glass production.
HOTEL FACILITIES The hotel has 14 floors and contains 250 rooms, two restaurants, a bar, a club lounge, 515-sqm ballroom, eight meeting rooms, a pool, spa and fitness centre. For more on the property, click here.
THE RITZ-CARLTON, TIANJIN
OPENING DATE Q4, 2013
CITY Tianjin
WHAT’S THERE Tianjin is in the northeast of China, linked to Beijing in 30-minutes by high-speed train. The city maintains a strong and fast-growing manufacturing sector, while textiles, automobile and mechanical industries are all also important for the city’s economy. Airbus also operates an assembly plant in Tianjin for its A321 aircraft series. For an Inside China report on the city, click here. Banyan Tree have also recently established a property in Tianjin (see here).
HOTEL FACILITIES The 277-room Ritz-Carlton hotel will offer four restaurants and bars, including a Cantonese restaurant with ten private dining rooms. Other features will include a lounge for club and suite guests, 1,625 sqm of conference and meeting space, an indoor swimming pool and fitness and spa facilities. For more information, see here.
REGAL ZHUSHUI HOTEL
OPENING DATE Q4, 2013
CITY Yuncheng
WHAT’S THERE Designated a prefecture-level city, Yuncheng has a deep agricultural tradition, with wheat and cotton being two of the most widely produced crops. In recent years however, many industries have flourished here, including metal production, chemical processing of coal and pharmaceuticals.
HOTEL FACILITIES The 348-room property will provide a range of dining concepts, including a Chinese restaurant with 32 private dining rooms. The hotel also offers a conference centre with a multi-purpose room. Guests will also be able to work out at the property's 5,000 sqm recreation centre. For more information, click here.
THE TEMPLE HOUSE 
OPENING DATE Q4, 2014
CITY Chengdu
WHAT’S THERE As the fourth biggest city in China, Chengdu represents the country’s western centre of logistics, technology, commerce and finance. With over 200 Fortune 500 companies maintaining a presence in the city, it is also one of the fastest developing economically. British Airways (see here) and Qatar Airways (see here) have recently launched services to the city, which this month became the fifth city in China to allow 72-hour visa free stays for transiting passengers (see here). Chengdu is also set to get a Ritz-Carlton soon (see here). For an in-depth report on Chengdu, check out the current issue of Business Traveller, or click here.
HOTEL FACILITIES The 100-room hotel will offer free wifi, as well as a number of restaurants and facilities.
Clement Huang
