Shanghai in Style: The Shanghai Luxury Travel Guide to China’s Most Cosmopolitan City
Five places to see, stay, dine and drink in Shanghai. From futuristic skyscrapers to hidden gardens and cafes that seem to belong in another century and at night the city transforms again with rooftop cocktails, restaurants and softly illuminated riverside pathways. Shanghai offers its own version of glamour.
For the luxury traveller, this is what makes Shanghai so compelling. Combining heritage with hyper-modernity.
If you’re visiting for the first time, take a look at these five places that you need to experience as they belong on a sophisticated Shanghai itinerary.
1. The Bund: Shanghai’s Grandest Introduction – Shanghai Luxury Travel Guide
Begin on the Bund. This is Shanghai’s legendary waterfront promenade and arguably the city’s most cinematic address.
You have the Western Side of the Huangpu River which is lined with monumental, historic buildings whilst across the water, Pudong rises in a spectacular collection of contemporary towers.
Only a few urban panoramas make the contrast between old and new so immediate.
The best way to experience the Bund is twice.
Early in the morning and once again when the promenade is quieter, in the evening. This is when the architecture takes centre stage and the Pudong illuminates the river.
- Where To Dine?
Mr&Mrs Bund offers a polished contemporary European dining experience. Located in the landmark Bund 18 building. - Where To Drink?
The Long Bar at the Waldorf Astoria is an atmospheric choice for cocktails within Shanghai’s glamorous hotel tradition.
CosmoLuxe Tip: Reserve a table around sunset. This allows you enough tine to watch the city transform from daylight to noon.
2. Yu Garden and Old Shanghai: A Soft Kind of Luxury
Shanghai’s luxury story isn’t confined to five-star towers.
In the heart of the Old City, Yu garden offers a completely different visual language.
Think carved stone, ornamental ponds, pavilions and beautiful winding paths with carefully framed views.
Going back to the Ming dynasty – the classical garden provides you with an important counterpoint to the glass-and-steel skyline.
Enjoy the gardens and surroundings but take the time to explore the historic streets. Experience the culture and enjoy the traditional architecture.
This is the way that you will experience a a more intimate Shanghai.
CosmoLuxe Tip: Photography here is incredibly beautiful, and rewarding as the garden has been designed to change perspectives. Take a look at the details and appreciate your surroundings.
3. The Former French Concession: Shanghai’s Stylish Stroll
If the Bund represents Shanghai’s grandeur then the Former French Concession represents the effortless cool side of Shanghai.
Tree-lined streets, historic villas, cafes and boutiques all within leafy residential lanes.
Here, you’ll find one of the city’s most rewarding neighbourhoods to explore, on foot.
Deliberately unhurried, here you can walk in your time and enjoy the surroundings. Walk beneath the trees, browse and take your time looking through independent boutiques or pause for a coffee.
You will be able to experience and see beautiful architecture.
For our luxury travellers, this is also an excellent area to enjoy a slower afternoon as you can explore and enjoy.
Shanghai Jianyeli Capella Hotel – Capella Shanghai
A wonderful option for travellers who want their hotel to feel connected to the city rather than being positioned above it.
The property is part of a cluster that has been restored and combines beautiful architecture, contemporary luxury and interiors.
The culinary offering also adds another reason to visit.
Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire is the hotel’s French restaurant and carries the name of Pierre Gagnaire who has received one Michelin star.
In between, you can pause your day and take some time out from sightseeing.
La Terrace offers wine, afternoon tea and light dishes within the Shikumen.
CosmoLuxe Tip: Don’t schedule the French Concession tightly. You need time to explore – the greatest luxury, is time.
4. Pudong: Shanghai’s Future In One Skyline – Shanghai Luxury Travel Guide
Cross the river and Shanghai changes it’s character – completely.
Pudong is the city’s modern statement.
- Towers.
- Financial Districts.
- Elevated Walkways.
Along with views that help to demonstrate just how dramatically Shanghai has evolved.
The Lujiazui Skyline is appreciated from different perspectives. You can see if from the Bund then cross the river and experience the scale from Pudong.
For a luxury stay, you can consider The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong. The Lujiazui location puts travellers inside Shanghai’s financial district.
Another option?
Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai. Located beside the Suzhou Creek with the hotel occupying the upper floors of a 48-storey tower that is connected to a restored historic Chamber of Commerce building.
The 47th-floor has the II Ristorante – Niko Romito with the Bvlgari Bar offering elevated views towards the Bund and Pudong Skyline.
CosmoLuxe Tip: For the ultimate skyline moment, book dinner or drinks around sunset rather than arriving after dark. Watching Shanghai’s lights emerge across the river is part of the experience, overall.
5. West Bund: Shanghai’s Contemporary Art Side
To understand where Shanghai is heading, you need to take a look beyond the traditional sightseeing circuit.
The West Bund has developed into one of the city’s significant cultural and creative districts where you can enjoy:
- Creative Districts.
- Museums.
- Galleries.
- Waterfront Spaces.
- Contemporary Architecture.
A wonderful choice for repeat visitors who have already seen the Bund and historic centre. Or, for travellers who consider art, design and architecture as part of their luxury travel.
For architecture, take a look at the CosmoLuxe Magazine feature for 1000 Trees Shanghai.
CosmoLuxe Tip: Take a look at current museum and gallery programmes before visiting. Temporary exhibitions can transform the area.
The Perfect Luxury Shanghai Evening
If you have limited evenings then create a night that will remain memorable in Shanghai.
Start with a sunset walk along the Bund.
Cross the river as the skyline begins to glow – appreciating the beauty.
Dress for dinner and choose a restaurant with a view for your evening before heading for cocktails.
You can finish your evening with cocktails high above the city or within one of Shanghai’s historic hotel bars.
The point isn’t to see everything, it’s to experience the city in the most captivating way.
How many days do you need in Shanghai? Shanghai Luxury Travel Guide
Here is a quick glance at how many days you need to experience Shanghai.
Three Days. This is enough for a stylish introduction to the city. You can see the Bund, Old City, French Concession and Pudong.
Four-to-Five Days. Allow yourself to breathe. You can space out your stay and enjoy art, longer meals, shopping, spa time and neighbourhood exploration.
A Week. Ideal for travellers who want to see Shanghai as a destination rather than a stopover. This gives you enough time to explore the city beyond the central landmarks and allows you to take day trips into the winder region.
The CosmoLuxe Shanghai Edit – Shanghai Luxury Travel Guide
- Best for first-time visitors: The Bund.
- Best for History: Yu Garden and the Old City.
- Best Neighbourhood: Former French Concession.
- Best Skyline: Pudong.
- Best for Culture: West Bund.
- Heritage-led Luxury Stay: Capella Shanghai.
- Historic Hotel Experience: Fairmont Peace Hotel.
- Modern Luxury Statement: Bvlgari Hotel Shanghai.
- Sunset Strategy: Bund – Pudong – Cocktails.
- Ideal First Trip Length: 4-5 Days.
Overall, Shanghai is a city that refuses to remain in one era.
You can move between world within the same afternoon from a centuries-old garden to a futuristic skyline.
Come for the skyline.
Stay for the layers.
Leave with the feeling that Shanghai is only beginning to reveal itself.
CosmoLuxe Magazine is a leading luxury beauty, fashion, lifestyle and travel digital magazine.
