Pangu is not just a famous plasticine penguin but is actually a hotel in China so luxurious it has claimed “7 Star” status. It was built by renowned architect C. Y. Lee who built the Taipei 101 – one of the world’s tallest buildings. It has 12 rooftops “Sky Courtyards”, each unique and designed by some of the world’s best talent – with a retractable transparent roof for inclement weather.

The hotel blends Chinese and Western tastes: Italian design sofas sit beside intricate redwood tables while marble carvings and paintings adorn the walls. The ballroom has massive glass walls that open onto the twinkling cityscape.

The Wenqi Restaurant serves Chui Chow and Cantonese cuisine, while the Auspicious Garden serves a buffet with famously fresh lobster. The Kaden Minokichi brings Japanese culture to China with this. The first international branch of the 300-year-old Japanese guesthouse once served the old emperors. The best rooms feature Baker furniture – as used in the White House.