It is a sprawling traditional Chinese pavilion topped by grey roofs with tiers of overhanging eaves. This is the latest Shangri-la Hotel in China, opened on Aug 1 in Qufu, home of Confucius.

With an area of more than 50,000 square meters spread across two streets corners, the hotel allows guests to indulge in time travel, back to a past with typical Chinese architecture, a river flowing quietly with a bridge, and landscaped gardens in its courtyards.

Qufu in Shandong province is about two hours from Beijing and three hours from Shanghai by high-speed train, making it a convenient destination from either city. Off the train, it's just another 15 minutes by car from Qufu East Station to the hotel.