Blending Bold Architecture with Cutting-Edge Luxury
China is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most exciting destinations for next-generation hotels. Over the past few years, cities like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Chongqing have unveiled properties that look and feel straight out of a sci-fi movie—blending bold architecture, immersive technology, and luxury hospitality. From AI-driven rooms to surreal cliffside hideaways, these new hotels reflect China’s ambition to redefine what the future of travel looks like.
Below is a look at some of the most futuristic hotels now turning heads across the country.
1. InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland — The World’s First Quarry Hotel
Carved inside an abandoned quarry, the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland (also known as the Shimao Quarry Hotel) is one of the most visually striking hotels ever built.
Completed after more than 10 years of complex engineering, the 18-story structure descends 88 meters below ground level, with two floors submerged underwater.
What makes it futuristic
- Cliff-hugging architectural design never before attempted on this scale
- Underwater suites with views into a private aquarium
- Waterfall-fed lake and glass-walled elevators running along the cliff face
- Sustainable geothermal energy and eco-focused construction techniques
It’s a hotel that feels like a hidden base from a science fiction film—except it’s fully real and open to guests.
2. Morpheus (designed by Zaha Hadid)
Morpheus is a luxury hotel (and resort) in Macau, part of the larger City of Dreams integrated resort complex. The building was completed in 2018. It was designed by renowned architecture firm Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) — making it a striking example of modern, avant-garde architecture.
What Makes It “Futuristic & Special”
Bold, Sculptural Architecture
- The hotel is the world’s first free-form high-rise exoskeleton — in plain speak: its structural skeleton is on the outside, freeing up interior spaces and giving it a striking, fluid aesthetic.
Its shape isn’t blocky or typical — the building was “carved out” to create dramatic voids in the centre, producing sweeping atriums, “urban windows,” and visually dynamic geometry.
- The design draws inspiration from traditional Chinese jade-carving — interpreting ancient artistic traditions through cutting-edge architecture.
Luxurious Interiors & Accommodation
- Morpheus offers around 770+ guest rooms, suites, and “sky villas”, including ultra-luxury villas with private pools.
Interior design (by a top studio) is polished and high-end: expect designer furnishings, premium linens/amenities, smart layout and a sense of luxury that matches the architecture outside.
- For top-tier stays: sky villas have 24/7 butler service, lavish furnishings, and views that mix city skylines with the hotel’s dramatic architecture.
Lifestyle, Leisure & Amenities
- Services & amenities include a spa, rooftop pool (on high floors, offering skyline views), high-end restaurants and bars, lounges, event facilities — basically a full-service ultra-luxury resort.
- The hotel sits within a full entertainment/resort complex (City of Dreams), giving access to casinos, theaters, shopping and nightlife — good if you want resort-style luxury plus city/entertainment convenience.
International Recognition & Architectural Prestige
- In 2023, Morpheus was awarded by Prix Versailles (a UNESCO-affiliated award for architecture and design) as one of the world’s most beautiful hotels — recognition of its design, structure and overall excellence.
- Reviews and architectural coverage often highlight Morpheus as an example of what 21st-century hotel design can look like: futuristic, sculptural, boundary-pushing.
Who Morpheus Is Great For
- Design & Architecture Enthusiasts — if you love bold architecture or want to stay somewhere visually unique, it’s like living inside modern art.
- Luxury-seekers — high-end rooms, top-tier amenities, top-notch service, villas with private pool — all deliver a premium experience.
- City + Resort Lovers — you get both the glam of Macau’s entertainment district and the hotel’s resort-style luxury.
- Special Occasions & Indulgence — great for honeymooners, celebrations, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary.
Things to Know / What to Check
- Because of its luxury positioning and high demand, rates tend to be premium. Booking early — or during off-peak periods — will help you get more value.
- As with many top-end hotels/resorts, the most luxurious villas or suites (with pool, butler service, high-end finishes) come at a price — so expect deluxe-hotel pricing.
- Given its unique architecture: the building’s voids, atrium design, and exoskeleton mean the layout may feel different from conventional hotels (in ways you like — or might need time to adjust).
3. Sheraton Huzhou Taihu Lake Hot Spring Resort — China’s Iconic “Horseshoe” Hotel
If a hotel could be a piece of public art, the Sheraton Huzhou Taihu Lake Hot Spring Resort would be it. Rising dramatically from the shores of Taihu (Lake Tai), this 27-storey torus-shaped resort — nicknamed the “Horseshoe” or “Doughnut Hotel” — is one of China’s most photographed and talked-about buildings. The striking form was conceived by architect Ma Yansong / MAD Architects, whose design creates a floating ring that frames views across the lake and becomes a glowing landmark after dark.
Design & wow factor
The building’s free-form ring and external “voids” make it feel almost sculptural: there are dramatic atriums, glass elevators, and spaces carved into the curve of the structure. By night the façade lights up, reflecting on the lake and creating that distinctive “glowing donut” image you’ll see all over social media and architecture round-ups. The design nods to classical Chinese bridge forms while using 21st-century engineering to achieve the effect.
Rooms, facilities & highlights
Sheraton Huzhou offers roughly 320+ rooms and suites (plus private villas), many with balconies and lake views. Inside you’ll find full resort facilities: multiple restaurants, Shine Spa with hot-spring treatments, indoor/outdoor pools (some with waterslides), a fitness centre, meeting spaces and family-friendly facilities. The resort also includes villa accommodation with private hot-spring pools and a yacht dock for Taihu tours.
Where it sits & how to get there
The resort sits on the southern shore of Taihu Lake in Huzhou (Zhejiang Province) — a scenic escape within reach of China’s big eastern cities. It’s commonly reached from Shanghai in about 1.5–2 hours by car (roughly 140–150 km depending on your start point), and there are also high-speed train/taxi combinations to Huzhou if you prefer rail+transfer. That combination makes the hotel a popular weekend getaway for Shanghai and Hangzhou residents.
Experiences & who will love it
- Architecture lovers will relish staying in a building that’s as much an exhibit as a hotel.
- Wellness and family travellers will appreciate the hot-spring spa offerings, pools and on-site activities.
- Photographers & Instagrammers will find endless angles for dramatic shots — especially at sunset and after the lights come on.
Practical tips before you book
Rates are typically premium: this is a signature architecture resort, so prices often reflect that; search sale windows or off-peak dates for the best value.
- Check room layout & lift routing: some guest reviews note the building’s unusual geometry can make certain room access and lift changes a bit different than a conventional hotel — worthwhile to confirm on booking.
- Ask about villa vs room inclusions: villas often include private hot-spring access or pools; make sure transfers, meals or hot-spring access are spelled out.
Quick verdict
The Sheraton Huzhou Taihu Lake Hot Spring Resort is as much an architectural statement as a holiday resort — perfect if you want lakefront tranquillity wrapped in bold, futuristic design. It’s ideal for a luxe weekend escape from Shanghai or Hangzhou, a photography-forward stay, or anyone who wants to sleep inside a modern landmark.
4. Chimelong Spaceship Hotel — Zhuhai’s Sci-Fi Family Resort
If you think holiday stays can’t be theatrical, the Chimelong Spaceship Hotel in Zhuhai proves otherwise. Opened as part of the Chimelong International Ocean Resort, the Spaceship Hotel is a monumental, family-focused resort designed to look and feel like a landed interstellar vessel — but with waterpark thrills, marine education and immersive play built right in.
A jaw-dropping concept and location
The hotel stands inside the Chimelong Hengqin Bay complex near Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, one of the world’s largest marine theme parks. It was officially launched in 2021 and occupies a huge footprint (160,000 m²) with a towering profile (110m+), so it reads as both architectural landmark and entertainment hub. If you’re visiting the park, the hotel’s location is basically doorstep convenience.
Design, theme and vibe
From the outside the building’s sleek metallic curves and futuristic silhouette are meant to evoke a spacecraft — inside, the design continues the story. Public spaces, corridors and rooms are richly themed around oceans, science exploration and space-age motifs, blending playful colour palettes with high-impact visual sets that delight kids and make for dramatic photos. The hotel leans hard into experiential design rather than minimalist luxury — it’s about spectacle and family fun.
Rooms & themed areas
1,250+ themed rooms across multiple categories (reports and booking sites list ~1,250 ocean-themed rooms and suites). Many rooms are bright, family-friendly and painted with marine motifs; some face the neighbouring parks and fireworks.
- The property organises seven main exploration zones (e.g., “Submarine Adventure,” “Deep Sea Tunnel,” “Silver Sand Sea Picking”), designed as interactive play/education areas that blur the line between a hotel and a theme-attraction. These zones are a major draw for families with children.
Key facilities & highlights
- Indoor theme attractions (linked to the Spaceship experience) and easy access to Chimelong Ocean Kingdom and other resort venues.
- Multiple themed restaurants and casual dining options, plus rooftop/sky pools (the hotel mentions an infinity pool on a high floor)
- Family services, children’s playgrounds and event/multifunction spaces tailored for groups and school trips. The hotel positions itself as an “edu-tainment” stay — fun with a learning twist.
Who will love it
Families with kids: this is the hotel’s sweet spot — everything is built for kids to explore, play and learn.
Theme-park fans: staying here maximises park time and often gives priority access or special package bundles.
Travelers seeking novelty: if you want a stay that’s theatrical and Instagram-ready, this is an easy pick.
Practicalities & tips
- Where it is: Fuxiang Bay, Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone, Hengqin, Zhuhai — close to Chimelong’s attractions and a short drive from Zhuhai transport hubs.
- How busy / best time: Weekends, Chinese holidays and school breaks fill rapidly. For more relaxed access to the hotel’s attractions and the park, aim for mid-week or off-peak windows.
- Booking & packages: Look for bundled room + park-ticket packages on Chimelong’s official site and OTAs (Klook, Trip.com, Agoda) — those often offer the best value and simplify transfers. Confirm what’s included (park access, meals, transfers) before you pay.
Bottom line
The Chimelong Spaceship Hotel is less about understated luxury and more about full-throttle family spectacle: a futuristic, themed resort that functions as an extension of the Chimelong park experience. If you’re planning a family trip to Zhuhai and want a hotel that’s itself an attraction — with interactive zones, themed rooms and the convenience of being at the resort — it’s hard to beat for sheer novelty and kid-friendly programming.
5. Hilton Huzhou Nanxun
A Spherical “Sun-Hotel” as Landmark Architecture
The hotel’s most striking feature is its spherical / golden-ball exterior — a form intentionally meant to evoke a “rising sun” cradled by water. The building’s shape is meant to be a signature landmark for Nanxun/Huzhou.
According to the official description, the architecture draws on the poetic imagery of “sunrise in the east, water surrounding the new city”. Its facade — with curved lines and a metallic/golden finish — gives it a modern, futuristic feel that contrasts yet complements the history-rich water-town environment nearby.
Because of that silhouette and appearance — especially when lit up at night — the hotel acts not just as accommodation, but as a visual landmark: many travel write-ups call it “Nanxun’s new landmark,” “Sun Hotel,” or “big golden sphere.”
Where it is
Hilton Huzhou Nanxun sits in Nanxun Town, Huzhou, Zhejiang at No. 18 Mingzhu Avenue — about a 10–15 minute drive from Nanxun Old Town (so you’re close to the canals and historic sights, but not inside the ancient lanes). It’s also within driving distance of major airports (Hangzhou Xiaoshan ~87 km; Shanghai Hongqiao ~120 km).
The hotel at a glance
Rooms: 337 rooms and suites (mix of standard rooms and larger suites/apartments).
Design / Landmark: The property markets itself as a modern local landmark — the developer/brand notes its distinctive spherical architectural elements and large-scale, contemporary design.
Dining & facilities: Multiple on-site dining options (Chinese and international), an executive lounge with lake views, indoor pool, fitness centre, spa/sauna, and flexible event/meeting spaces.
Practical perks: Complimentary self-parking on site and EV-charging points; concierge and business services are available. Check-in is typically 15:00 / check-out 12:00.
Who it’s best for
Visitors wanting modern comfort close to Nanxun Old Town (easy drive/short taxi ride to the canals and attractions).
Families and groups — large room inventory, kid-friendly facilities and roomy apartments make it convenient for multi-person stays.
MICE / events — large flexible venue space and business services suit conferences and weddings.
Practical tips before you book
If your priority is walking directly into the old-town lanes, choose a hotel actually inside Nanxun Old Town; Hilton is nearby but a short drive away.
Look for package deals or OTA promotions (Traveloka, Klook, LuxuryEscapes often list seasonal discounts) — they sometimes list up to ~30% off. Confirm cancellation rules: deeper discounts are often prepaid/non-refundable.
If you’re coming from Shanghai or Hangzhou, factor in ~1.5–2 hours by car (depending on traffic) or combine high-speed rail + taxi for a smoother trip.
