If you’re looking to explore ‘over the border’, three new properties are opening in southern China
Avani is opening properties in China for the first time
Guangdong Province, just over the border from Hong Kong, is China’s most populous province.
A diverse area, it was once the starting point of the maritime silk road of ancient China and these days boasts the largest provincial-level economy in modern China. One of its major cities, Shenzhen, faces Hong Kong in the south, while mountain ranges, rivers and bamboo forests abound outside of its vibrant urban areas.
What’s more, Guangdong is just minutes from Hong Kong. West Kowloon station offers regular high-speed train services to short-haul destinations to Shenzhen, as well as further afield in mainland China and indeed Guangdong.
China has also gradually been easing travel restrictions for tourists and has relaxed visa requirements for certain countries. Later this year, a new Octopus card will be launched in Hong Kong that can be used on public transport networks in more than 300 mainland cities, as well as Hong Kong, making movement north of the border even more straightforward.
If you’re looking to explore Guangdong Province, two new luxury hotels are in the pipeline for the picturesque region near Xinyi in the southern part of Guangdong, as well as a fourth Shangri-La property for the city of Shenzhen.
Avani Huajian Xinyi Guangdong Resort sits beside the tranquil Huanghua river
Global hotel brand Avani has set its sights on the foothills below Shuanghe village and the mountains above Ma’an village as the spots for its latest property launches. Avani Huajian Xinyi Guangdong Resort near Shuanghe village is set beside the Huanghua river, while the second property, Avani+ Xinyi Guangdong Resort, is perched in the mountains and surrounded by bamboo forest.
With the opening of the two hotels later this year, Avani has recognised Xinyi’s status as an up-and-coming ecotourism destination. It’s an area rich in ecological resources, with numerous natural attractions such as sprawling alpine meadows, the largest bamboo forest in western Guangdong, a sparkling mountain lake and hot springs.
Visitors to the region can tour the 300-year-old Shiyin Ancestral Temple with its century-old olive grove, or time their holiday with the popular local fruit festival that celebrates the local Sanhua plum.
Avani Huajian Xinyi will have plenty to attract families, with themed kids rooms and lots of outdoor space. Further amenities include an all-day restaurant featuring local Gaoliang dishes, an AvaniFit gym and Xinyi’s first infinity sky pool.
A family room at Avani Huajian Xinyi
Avani+ Xinyi Guangdong Resort has 96 rooms and suites and some come with private balconies and pools. Children are well-catered for with an AvaniKids club and there’s also an all-day restaurant, bar, infinity pool and AvaniFit gym.
These are the first Avani properties to open in China. Avani has a strong presence in Asia and the Middle East but is now diversifying into new destinations in Asia, Europe and the Seychelles.
“We’re thrilled to introduce our first two Avani properties in Greater China,” said Eddy Tiftik, vice president at parent company Minor Hotels. “Embedded in nature, both properties offer a peaceful setting and a sense of escape… We believe that when the Avani properties open, they will create a new and exciting holiday option.”
Meanwhile, Shangri-La this week unveiled Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen. This is the luxury hospitality group’s 91st global Shangri-La property and its fourth hotel in Shenzhen.
The new hotel is located on top of the Shenwan Huiyan Center and two MTR stops from Futian high-speed rail station.
Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen has views over Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong skyline
Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen sprawls across the top 13 floors of its host building and rooms have sweeping views over Shenzhen Bay and the Hong Kong skyline. There’s a wellness club on the 77th floor and restaurants include all-day dining at Cafe 66 and the Chinese-influenced Summer Palace specialising in Cantonese cuisine paired with modern Chaoshan dishes.
Embracing local art and culture, the design of Shangri-La Nanshan, Shenzhen is inspired by the concept of 'a hundred birds returning to nest', incorporating the decorative essence of traditional Guangzhou Xiguan Mansion architecture. Xiguan Mansions are brick and wood structures that showcase the artchitectural style of traditional houses in Xiguan in the late Qing Dynasty. Inspiration has also been taken from the landscapes of Shenwan south of Guangzhou.
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