Langham Hotels International has signed a management agreement for Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza, Ningbo with Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment & Development Company Limited. The move marks the luxury hotel operator’s first flag in one of China’s strategic second tier cities.

The deepwater port city of Ningbo in Zhejiang Province on China’s Eastern seaboard is home to one of the world’s top five container ports. Located just two hours from Shanghai and linked by a 33km cross-sea bridge, the ancient Silk Road city of Ningbo is a crucial modern economic as well as a regional artistic hub.

The Ningbo Culture Plaza has been earmarked as one of the city’s key developments for the arts, fashion and retail industries. The multi-use complex will include commercial, educational, recreational, retail, gallery, exhibition and theatre space. The 140-room property, including seven suites, is located in two distinctive low-rise towers linked by a modern art deco corridor. Set to open in late 2011, Langham Place will form the centrepiece of the local arts and cultural hub.

Dai Zhiyong, General Manager of Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment & Development Company Limited said: “We’re delighted to be introducing one of the most exciting and creative hospitality brands to Ningbo. The modern and inspiring energy of the Langham Place brand perfectly complements everything the Culture Plaza stands for as a place for lovers of the creative arts.”

Brett Butcher, Chief Executive Officer of Langham Hotels International said: “The partnership with Ningbo Culture Plaza Investment & Development Company Limited is a strategic milestone for Langham Hotels International as we expand into more key cities in China.”

With Langham Place’s strong emphasis on the arts, the hotel will masquerade as an art gallery, stimulating with a carefully-curated collection of exciting local art pieces. The modern property will also host the city’s key art functions and other events in its dynamic spaces including a state-of-the-art 830 sq m ballroom and five versatile meeting rooms.

Langham Place, Ningbo Culture Plaza will introduce three dining concepts. Ming Court, a sibling of its two-Michelin Star counterpart in Hong Kong, serving Cantonese and local specialities; an all-day dining restaurant and a speciality restaurant and bar.

Recognising that today’s guests often work and then relax in the same space, the group’s signature Portal – Work & Play will also be introduced. With the latest state-of-the-art technology for complete connectivity while DJs will gently spin lounge tunes in the evening.

The vibrant and entertaining art hotel is balanced with the introduction of a modern health club and swimming pool as well as the group’s signature Chuan Spa, offering treatments based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

About Langham Hotels International & Affiliates

Langham has a legendary hotel heritage dating back to 1865 when The Langham in London originally opened as Europe’s first Grand Hotel. For over 140 years, this flagship hotel has been at the forefront of sophisticated and gracious hospitality. Today, all Langham Hotels worldwide inherit the same philosophy that reflects elegance in design, innovation in hospitality, genuine service and captivation of the senses creating a truly unique hotel experience.

The group is pursuing an aggressive portfolio growth strategy using its distinctive brands and affiliate – The Langham, Langham Place and Eaton. Currently 22 hotels, including affiliates, are open or in the pipeline across four continents.

The Langham is where guests can enjoy service with poise and be enchanted by our innovation and traditions while Langham Place, the fun sibling of The Langham, is about living the 21st century through design, technology and attitude, epitomising stimulating and artistic hospitality.

Eaton, a premium affiliate brand, aims to surprise and delight our guests with a value-for-money proposition that delivers a stylish, modern level of comfort with spirited, can-do service.

Langham Hotels International is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Eagle Holdings (Stock Code: 0041) which was founded in 1963 and listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 1972.

Reservations for Langham hotels can be made by logging onto or for Eaton Hotels log onto .

Sherona Shng
Vice President - Communications
(852) 3552 3938
Langham