EVENTS

Shangri-La x Traders Hongqiao Opening Ceremony

TL;DR: Quick Summary

Shangri-La Group unveiled its first-ever dual-brand development in China – Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport and Traders Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai – just steps from Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport. Riviera Events China-based event planning team supported the hotel’s opening ceremony with full event concept, design, and production services, delivering a memorable experience that fused brand storytelling, cultural flair, and interactive entertainment.

Introduction

The grand opening of Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport and Traders Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai marks a bold new chapter for the group’s expansion in Mainland China. Situated beside Shanghai’s Hongqiao Airport, the dual-branded development positions itself as a vital hub for business and leisure travellers alike.

The event spotlighted Shangri-La’s brand evolution: pairing its signature luxury and heartfelt hospitality with the modern, energetic spirit of the revitalised Traders brand.

A Journey Through Storytelling, Movement, and Culture

The day’s programming featured a compelling mix of performances designed to reflect the hotels’ unique characters:

• Immersive Stage Performance – a humorous, high-energy performance combining dance and narrative to share the hotels’ brand story.
• Jiangnan Wok Bento Lunch Box Performance – A creative twist on the traditional gala meal, where the signature “lunch box” format of the Jiangnan Wok restaurant was presented as a stage feature, reinforcing the brand’s emphasis on convenience, warmth, and culinary quality – even when on the go.
• Flash Mob – An immersive dance and robotics performance re-enacting the fast-paced airport-to-hotel journey, symbolising the seamless and tech-forward service of Traders.
• Lion Dance & Eye-Dotting Ceremony: a traditional yet modernised dual-lion act: a red lion representing the efficiency and youthfulness of Traders, and a gold lion symbolising Shangri-La’s refined luxury.
• LED Globe Ribbon Cutting – Riviera Events reimagined the ceremonial moment with a lion dance that interacted with a kinetic LED global. The globe’s visuals changed in sync with the lion’s movements, delivering a multisensory and symbolic experience that fused culture with innovation.

Speeches were also delivered by General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Thomas Zhang and Shangri-La Group CMO and China CEO, Mr. Chris Tung.

Riviera’s Role

As the event planning and production partner for this hotel opening, Riviera provided:

• Full event concept development and creative direction.
• Technical production including staging, lighting, and visuals.
• Entertainment curation and performance integration.
• On-site event execution, coordination, and client management.

A Celebration of New Beginnings

With 150 guests in attendance, this hotel opening ceremony reflected Shangri-La Group’s vision of blending cultural resonance with forward-thinking hospitality. From the vibrant performances to the meticulously designed visual elements, every moment was tailored to reflect the dual-brand promise: efficiency with energy and luxury at heart.