Beijing, November 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — The first “Diaoyutai” hotel under the Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality group has officially opened in Chengdu’s Kuanzhai Alley. The grand opening ceremony was held on November 21 at the hotel, attended by senior executives of the group, representatives of the property owner, foreign diplomats stationed in Chengdu, and guests from all walks of life.
The ceremony kicked off with a series of exquisitely performed classic Sichuan opera routines. Zhang Junsai, Director of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse Administration, and Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, delivered speeches. They were joined by Bill Hornbuckle, President of MGM Resorts International, Scott Butera, Executive Director and General Manager of Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality, and representatives of the property owner for the ribbon-cutting, officially declaring the opening of The Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu. The group also presented a specially selected polyester resin painted sculpture titled “Made-in-China Lion,” created by Chinese artist Ni Youyu for the “Lions Biennale” celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France, as a gift for the hotel’s permanent collection. The sculpture, shaped like a golden lion with a face resembling a panda, perfectly reflects the heritage of the “Diaoyutai” brand as made in China, the golden lion emblem of MGM, Chengdu as the hometown of pandas, and the French design master behind the hotel.
The celebratory dinner that evening was meticulously prepared by the chefs from the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, who have served thousands of state guests and now oversee the hotel’s Royal Banquet Restaurant. The menu included many iconic dishes once prepared for global dignitaries, not only upholding the “fresh, light, elegant, and enduring” style of Diaoyutai state banquet cuisine but also incorporating the distinctive flavors of Chengdu, leaving a lasting impression.
The third segment of the evening -- The “Delighting in Kuanzhai, Sharing the Beauty” celebration night complemented the refined and luxurious state banquet, fully showcasing the unique beauty of Chinese culture through the Diaoyutai brand and the distinctive entertainment spirit of MGM Resorts. The party invited six charming and talented Chengdu beauties skilled in song and dance to kick off the joyful evening. A subsequent charity auction brought the event to a climax. The auction items were provided by Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality, and the proceeds were donated to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
The grand opening of The Diaoyutai Boutique Hotel Chengdu marks the official market entry of the group’s first “Diaoyutai” brand hotel. The hotel will uphold the Diaoyutai brand’s promise of “offering guests exquisite state banquet dining, refined and thoughtful service, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage.” With its exquisitely tailored yet modern design, the hotel seamlessly blends a low-profile sense of refinement with the unique regional characteristics of Chengdu, striving to provide guests with an unparalleled level of comfort and a luxurious experience of noble elegance, presenting a truly unique expression of Chinese hospitality.