InterContinental’s long-awaited underground hotel, built in an abandoned quarry in the Sheshan Mountain Range near Shanghai, has made its debut after 12 years in development and a reported US$300m (€265.5m, £229.3m) investment.

Built by JADE+QA Architects, InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland pushes construction to its limits as it merges into the cliff face and delves down into the quarry - 16 of the 18 floors are underground and two submerged in water.

Martin Jochman, chief architect told Forbes that his intention was to “create a place that would become a refuge, a tranquil, luxurious fantasy world away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai”. The An Spa, with views over the water-filled quarry, adds to that sense of calm. The modest-sized wellness facility, for the 300-room resort, offers Japanese-style therapies in one of four treatment rooms. Elsewhere guests can soak away their troubles in the futuristic pool.