Accor is proud to announce the grand opening of its 800th hotel in Greater China — Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District – a shining tower with panoramic views of Xinlong Lake, set amid a neighborhood of modern, ecologically-minded businesses, high-end offices, and tech enterprises. Developed in partnership with High-speed Railway New City Company and Changzhou Hi-Tech Group Co., Ltd., Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District is a significant milestone for Accor in the Chinese hospitality market.
“The opening of our 800th hotel in Greater China is a proud achievement,” said Kent Zhu, Chief Executive Officer, Accor Greater China. “We are especially pleased to mark this milestone with the opening of Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District, which
deepens our presence in the Yangtze River Delta, and strengthens links with the Shanghai Metropolitan Area. By leveraging local hubs to extend our reach nationwide, we are creating a more convenient business-and-leisure travel network for our guests. Going forward, Accor will intensify efforts to shape brand culture, deepen emotional connections with guests, and accelerate targeted, tiered expansion to deliver differentiated, high-end experiences.”
Positioned midway along the Shanghai–Nanjing corridor and imbued with Jiangnan’s refined spirit, Changzhou is a vibrant mix of modern vitality and a thousand years of history. Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District sits at the heart of the High-Speed Rail New Town, overlooking Xinlong Lake. The hotel is within walking distance of Changzhou North Station and a 30-minute drive to Benniu International Airport — an ideal destination at the nexus of efficient business travel and lakeside living.
Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District is part of the Starry City (Xinlong Lake International Financial Plaza) development, a signature complex in Changzhou’s High Speed Rail New Town featuring high-quality physical infrastructure and a mature commercial ecosystem. Nearby Xinlong Lake Football Park and the Changzhou Culture Plaza inject cultural and sports vitality into the area. This cultural commerce tourism model delivers an infusion of hospitality, commerce, and vibrant energy, positioning Sofitel as a prestigious addition that brings a refined hospitality experience to the area.
Rooted in French art de vivre and heartfelt service culture, Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District is designed around the concept of ‘A Dialogue of Two Worlds, A Journey Home’. Guests encounter a subtle blend of French Zest and Jiangnan character. Lofty domed ceilings welcome guests and visitors with a sense of grandeur, while a restful palette delivers an immersive sense of quiet luxury.
The hotel’s 293 guestrooms and suites are designed to convey a sense of coming home. Wall sconces at each entrance mark the ritual of arrival, and in-room displays of Changzhou’s needlework embroidery bring local culture close to guests. Sofitel’s signature MY BEDTM provides a cloud-like sleep experience. Rooms are furnished with French and Chinese elements of an elegant home, such as screens, dressing tables and walk-in closets, expressing understated luxury within a minimalist design context.
Public spaces are equally thoughtful. A total of 4,000 sqm of event space can accommodate high-end conferences, weddings and celebrations. The space includes two column-free ballrooms with eight meter ceilings, measuring 1,500 sqm and 900 sqm respectively, along with additional meeting rooms of various sizes. The pool and spa offer tranquil views of Xinlong Lake scenery and an interior series of gentle ceiling arches create a rhythmic atmosphere of well-being. Guests are invited to an exclusive experience of bespoke service and luxury with the Club Millésime.
At the hotel’s restaurants, the blending of cultures continues. La Strada Italian Restaurant evokes the romance of a European street café, featuring handmade pasta and comforting Italian flavors. Astral Lake Chinese Restaurant evokes Changzhou gardens while skillfully blending Changzhou specialties with delicacies from Shunde to create signature Jiangnan flavors. Mélange Bistro features global cuisine, a retro style bar, an open kitchen, and a broad rooftop garden. L’avenue Lobby Lounge serves classic
Sofitel afternoon tea, while Croissanterie elevates the classic croissant to an art form, combining French pastry-making traditions with Jiangnan seasonal inspiration to create daily confections.
Notably, the hotel’s sustainability journey begins with its architecture. As a LEED certified building, Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District is committed to sustainability principles which are brought to life throughout the hotel’s construction and operations, while dovetailing with the efforts of the surrounding community. The Starry City development uses a rainwater recycling system that controls 76% of annual runoff, conserving water and reducing urban pollution.
As the 800th hotel in the Greater China region for Accor, Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District furthers the Group’s commitment to elevating the Chinese hospitality industry. The Greater China market is key to delivering on Accor’s global strategy — 30% of the group’s worldwide project signings are located here, underscoring the region’s strength and scale.
With 17 brands currently in operation throughout the country, Accor will continue to introduce more of its 45 hospitality brands to meet market demand and steadily broaden its network in Greater China, working with local partners to lead the industry with high-quality development and unique hospitality experiences.
