OCT Ruiwan Tower & St. Regis Shenzhen: A New Icon of Luxury Hospitality and Urban Innovation in the Greater Bay Area

Project: OCT Ruiwan Tower and The St. Regis Shenzhen Bao'an
Location: Shenzhen, China
Design and Project Architect: Aedas
Client: Shenzhen OCT Ruiwan Development Co., Ltd.
GFA: 139,659 sq m
Completion Year: 2025
Directors: Founder and Chairman Keith Griffiths, Executive Director Chris Chen
Photography: Kris Provoost

Located in the heart of Shenzhen’s Bao’an District along the scenic Qianhai Bay, OCT Ruiwan Tower sets a new benchmark for luxury hospitality and urban innovation in the Greater Bay Area. Led by Aedas Founder and Chairman Keith Griffiths and Executive Director Chris Chen, the 51-storey tower integrates Grade-A offices, vibrant retail spaces, and the prestigious St. Regis Hotel, establishing itself as a significant landmark in one of China’s most influential economic zones.

Surrounded by high-rise buildings, the tower is thoughtfully oriented along the central axis of Bao’an District to create a welcoming public realm and minimise direct confrontation with neighbouring buildings. To maximise views from the hotel rooms on the upper floors, the design innovatively rotates the tower by 45 degrees, creating two primary façades that directly face the Qianhai Bay.

The tower’s façade features silver aluminium plates and glazed curtain walls, exuding elegance and simplicity. Its intricate vertical ribbing and finely detailed corners further enhance its architectural appeal, making the tower a striking addition to Shenzhen’s skyline.

A new era in luxury hospitality

Officially opened in 2025, the St. Regis Shenzhen Bao'an occupies the upper floors of the OCT Ruiwan Tower. As Marriott International’s milestone 600th hotel in Greater China and the first St. Regis in Qianhai Bay, it offers an unparalleled hospitality experience. The hotel features 289 luxurious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, providing stunning views of Qianhai Bay and the vibrant cityscape below.

The hotel entrance showcases a warm palette of architectural materials and colour combinations, reflecting the elegance and refinement of the St. Regis brand. The double-height sky lobby on the 35th floor creates a grand and exclusive arrival experience for guests.
Guests can enjoy world-class amenities, including a 215 m sky lounge, a cantilevered sky garden, all-day dining, a fitness centre, a swimming pool, and a spa. A 770 sq m ballroom with a kinetic façade system and natural lighting, located on the 3rd floor of the podium, is designed to accommodate a variety of events and activities.

Seamless connectivity and urban integration

Below the hotel, the tower features 62,000 sq m of Grade-A office space designed to foster innovation and collaboration, along with 5,000 sq m of retail areas that serve as lively hubs for both commuters and visitors. This seamless integration of hospitality, business and retail functions creates a cohesive urban living experience and a multifunctional landmark building.

The retail podium offers multi-level connections to public transportation, commercial areas and coastal spaces, ensuring convenience and connectivity for both residents and visitors. ‘The OCT Ruiwan Tower boasts abundant natural and urban resources from Qianhai Bay and the Bao'an central district. Our design emphasises functional integration and connectivity with the community, enhancing the interaction between the tower, people, and the community through thoughtful spatial arrangement.’ says Chris.

‘As a landmark project, OCT Ruiwan Tower embodies Shenzhen’s ambition to lead the Greater Bay Area in cultural and economic growth. With the luxurious St. Regis Hotel, the tower elevates Shenzhen’s global profile and enriches the region’s hospitality experience,’ Keith shares.