IHG is celebrating the launch of the luxurious 380-key InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City within a spectacular eight-skyscraper complex designed by world-famous architect Moshe Safdie.

Chinese megacity Chongqing, which has over 30 million inhabitants, has welcomed the arrival of a new InterContinental hotel. We find out more about this landmark property.

Towering above the city

Set in the Chao Tian Men Square in Downtown Chongqing, InterContinental’s latest property is part of the new Raffles City complex, which comprises eight skyscrapers in total.

The hotel occupies the 44th to 65th floors of one of the tallest towers along with part of The Crystal, a 300-metre sky bridge connecting four buildings on the 42nd floor, overlooking the point where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. Guests can take in panoramic views of the city and the lush green hills beyond from a fully glazed observation deck and from floor-to-ceiling windows in the 380 rooms and suites.

A locally inspired landmark

Designed by Safide and his team, Raffles City Chongqing takes inspiration from the region’s breath-taking landscape, history and culture. The towers have been created in the image of wind-filled sails, while the rooms and suites are modelled after yacht staterooms.

The property’s facilities are equally impressive. A 25-metre infinity pool invites guests to relax in style and a fitness centre on the 43rd floor allows them to work up a sweat as they take in the extraordinary view.

Meanwhile, Jing Dining Room & Bar serves up signature dishes and drinks, including Cantonese specialities and Chongqing’s local culinary gems. There are also two bars, The Maven and Horizon, offering drinks 250 metres above the ground, plus a lobby lounge serving up small bites in a relaxing atmosphere filled with trees and plants, making it feel like a forest floating in the clouds.

More striking projects on the way

Apart from this recent opening in China, InterContinental is also opening or taking over several other noteworthy properties in the Asia Pacific region.

For example, by 2021 the prestigious InterContinental Chiang Mai Mae Ping will join the brand, and by 2022, Fiji’s Grand Pacific Hotel will also be under InterContinental’s flag. Moreover, several eye-catching newbuilds are on the horizon including InterContinental Halong Bay Resort, set in the heart of one of Vietnam’s most popular destinations, and InterContinental Khao Yai National Park right next to the Khao Yai National Park Unesco World Heritage Site in Thailand.