Luxury Hotel Brand St. Regis Launches in Southwest China
CHENGDU, China, Dec. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The St. Regis Chengdu held its opening ceremony on December 18, unveiling a large-scale custom mural during the event. As the newest luxury hotel in Southwest China, The St. Regis Chengdu will deliver an unparalleled travel experience. The gala evening was attended by numerous international and local celebrities, industry leaders, and trendsetters, including international movie star Li Bingbing, Chairman of the Sichuan Cuisine Association Li Shuren, Executive Chairman and CEO of Chinese Estates Holdings Limited Lau Ming Wai, as well as Paul James, Global Brand Leader of The St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels.
From left to right: Mr. Darryl Drew, General Manager of The St. Regis Chengdu, Mr. Paul James, Global Brand Leader of The St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels, Mr. Gary Locke, U.S. Consul General in Chengdu, Mr. Qian Jin, President of Greater China for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., Ms. Li Bingbing, international movie star, Mr. Lau Ming Wai, Executive Chairman and CEO of Chinese Estates Holdings Limited, Mr. Liu Jinquan, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Chengdu, Mr. Chang Ronghua, Chief Operating Officer of Chinese Estates Holdings Limited, and Mr. Jiang Zhiming, Director of Chinese Business of Chinese Estates Holdings Limited, jointly attended and cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony of the sixth St. Regis hotel in China – The St. Regis Chengdu.
From left to right: Mr. Lau Ming Wai, Executive Chairman and CEO of Chinese Estates Holdings Limited, Ms. Li Bingbing, international movie star, and Mr. Paul James, Global Brand Leader of The St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels, witnessed the magnificent opening of the sixth St. Regis hotel in China – The St. Regis Chengdu.
Mr. Qian Jin, President of Greater China for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., said, "There are currently six St. Regis hotels and resorts in Greater China, with eight more under development. In the near future, we plan to double the number of St. Regis hotels in the region. We believe the St. Regis brand, as part of the Starwood portfolio, is perfectly positioned to meet the strong demand in both domestic and inbound luxury travel markets across Greater China."
Mr. Paul James, Global Brand Leader of The St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and W Hotels, also stated, "We are incredibly proud to continue the legendary legacy of the St. Regis brand in Southwest China with the opening of The St. Regis Chengdu. From dazzling dinners and star-studded celebrations, to exquisite cuisine and exclusive early access to the St. Regis Fan Experience packages, every detail of this launch has once again raised the bar in the hospitality industry for modern luxury, personalized service, and refined elegance — surpassing and redefining what discerning travelers expect from a luxury experience."
A Journey of Art and Elegance: Unveiling the Mural at The St. Regis Chengdu
The series of events for the grand opening began with the unveiling of a custom mural in the hotel’s wine lounge, The Wine Cellar. Brazilian artist Chris Buissa was commissioned to create an exceptional artwork that blends the essence of Chengdu’s past and present. The captivating piece harmonizes beautifully with the lounge’s refined and enchanting atmosphere. Master Sommelier Mr. Zhu Tong also curated a selection of world-class champagnes and red and white wines for guests to savor.
Timeless Luxury, Renewed in Shu Land: The St. Regis Chengdu Dinner and Inaugural Gala
This year marks the 110th anniversary of the opening of the flagship St. Regis New York, while Chengdu is also one of the first UNESCO-recognized Asian Cities of Gastronomy. This unique convergence adds special significance to the inauguration of The St. Regis Chengdu. Accordingly, the hotel crafted a thoughtfully designed menu for its exclusive gala dinner — drawing on culinary heritage spanning over a century from both New York and Chengdu. The menu masterfully blends timeless tradition with contemporary innovation, offering distinguished guests a journey through an exquisite array of gourmet delicacies.
Additionally, the evening featured live performances by a large jazz band. Accompanied by classic tunes from the 1920s to the present, dancers skillfully merged the traditional Charleston with modern choreography, infusing the performance with creative energy. A modern fashion show by designer Pan Xuemei, featuring garments crafted from Shu brocade, also elegantly showcased the beauty of tradition in a contemporary form, perfectly complementing the opening theme of “Continuing Timeless Luxury.”
A Journey of Passion, Extraordinary Experiences: The St. Regis Fan Experience
The St. Regis Chengdu also invited guests to pursue their passions and fully explore the vibrancy of Chengdu. The hotel has designed three distinct customized experiences, each offering an unprecedented opportunity to discover the city’s most fascinating sights and unique features:
- The St. Regis Fan -- Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
The St. Regis Chengdu invites guests to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to interact with these precious and adorable giant pandas. This renowned research facility is dedicated to the conservation of giant pandas and offers guests a rare chance for close encounters with this endangered species.
- The St. Regis Fan -- Discover the Stylish World of Shu Brocade
The St. Regis Chengdu presents the “St. Regis Fan — Shu Brocade Journey,” offering exclusive access to the Shu Brocade Weaving and Embroidery Museum. Chengdu, known as the “Land of Abundance,” boasts a hand-weaving heritage and tradition spanning over 2,000 years.
- The St. Regis Fan -- Savor the Artistry of Baijiu
Guests can enjoy a private tour and tasting experience at the Shuijingfang Museum. Baijiu, a classic Chinese distilled spirit, has a deep cultural heritage, and Shuijingfang is hailed as the “No.1 Distillery of China,” with a history of over 600 years. Its superior brewing techniques earned it widespread acclaim during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Generation after generation of artisans have refined and improved the original methods, producing exceptional spirits. The traditional brewing technique of Shuijingfang baijiu has been listed as a “National Intangible Cultural Heritage,” serving as a unique representation of China’s profound and elegant cultural legacy.
These three experiences are also included in the distinctive St. Regis Fan Experience packages, available to all guests staying at The St. Regis Chengdu.