Shougang Park a major player within Beijing's recent industrial and urban regeneration
I found it useful to slowly walk around, stopping regularly to look at the subtleties of design and the overlapping industrial structures of the area contrasting with the stark modernity of its exterior contemporary frame.
The entire area of Shoungang Park is worthy of several visits to examine how various components of industry have been brought into the modern era. The lakes, once elements of steel production are delightful today. Above one, Xiuchi Lake, rises massive frames of former blast furnaces, once core elements within the works. Yet, below such industrial archaeology nestles ShangBrew, a dining and craft beer venue now becoming a 'hip' destination within Shougang. Its lakeside outdoor terrace allows excellent views of the temple on Shijingshan.
Over my many years of association with China, I have experienced and stayed in a wide range of hotels with vastly varying quality. However, in recent years (particularly since 2008), I have witnessed considerable and ongoing improvements in design, levels of service and more within the hospitality sector. Today, China certainly has some of the world's leading hotels. Shangri-La Shougang Park represents more than a simple hotel. It is a concept that fulfills bringing an elderly industrial structure into contemporary usage through blending it with modernity. With the Winter Olympics now past, Shougang Park's heritage will remain as an excellent example of Beijing's ongoing urban and industrial regeneration.
