Gregor Wateler, general manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo.

Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo, has hosted various meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibition events (MICE), including the Ningbo International Fashion Festival, since its first year of operation in 2009.

The secret behind capturing trust and satisfaction from clients lies in the brand's rich Asian hospitality experiences, said Gregor Wateler, general manager of the Shangri-La Hotel, Ningbo.

"We have an advantage that the Shangri-La hotels in various cities of China follow the best practices business method, so we can harness innovative ideas to make our clients and their guests feel at home while we create an engaging atmosphere," said Wateler.

Ningbo, a shipping hub with the most prominent private enterprises in East China's Zhejiang province, offers more than 10 high-end exhibitions every year.

The city is a two-hour drive from Shanghai via Hangzhou Bay Bridge and a two-hour flight from Hong Kong. The hotel makes every effort to cater to the expanding demands for MICE services in the city.

Located nearby Ling Bridge across the Fenghua River, Shangri-La enjoys the privilege of being in one of the best locations in the city. "We are in the heart of Ningbo," Gregor said.

Shangri-La aspires to be the heart of social life in the city, bringing business opportunities together as a platform for all the guests.

"We serve not only as a venue, but we try to stimulate opportunities between our guests so there is better communication along with the potential of more business deals getting done," said Wateler.

The capacity stands at 563 rooms and 5,000 square meters of meeting and banqueting space that enables the hotel to provide comprehensive event solutions. Facilities include: a 2,000-square-meter, column-free grand ballroom with a ceiling height of 8 meters, the largest of its kind in the province; a junior ballroom; and a variety of multifunctional rooms suited for any event. The hotel offers a VIP interview room, the first of its kind in the city.

Culinary offerings include 13 private dining rooms at the hotel's signature Chinese restaurant, Shang Palace, which serve Ningbonese and Cantonese cuisine in a contemporary and elegant setting. A delicate match of wining and dining include the Lafite for fine dining, as well as Ningbo cuisines, which impress guests from all over the world.

Guests can join the exclusive Horizon Club, which offers a higher level of quality and privileged services in spacious rooms with panoramic views of the city - a relaxing venue that helps with smoother communication.

Beyond these outstanding facilities, what makes Shangri-la Hotel Ningbo spectacular is its tradition of "Asian hospitality" - treat guests as a family.

"We understand what hospitality means in Asian culture, the warmness, the detail-oriented care and the willingness to build on interpersonal relations," said Wateler.

He added, "Our guests feel something special when they come to Shangri-la Hotel, Ningbo."