Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Luxury hotels
Five-star and palace properties.
The Peninsula Shanghai
Occupying the 1928 heritage building at the northern tip of the Bund, the Peninsula is consistently ranked Shanghai's finest hotel. Rooms with Bund or Lujiazui views, a fleet of Rolls-Royce Silver Shadows, the famed Peninsula Spa, and multiple award-winning restaurants make this the pinnacle of Shanghai luxury.
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai
The world's most admired Italian luxury brand's Shanghai jewel is housed in a stunning tower adjacent to a beautifully restored 1934 heritage villa on North Suzhou Road. 82 rooms and suites with meticulous Italian-designed interiors, the acclaimed Il Ristorante by Niko Romito, and a breathtaking rooftop pool.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
The legendary 1910 Shanghai Club building restored as a Waldorf Astoria offers Shanghai's most historic luxury experience. The Long Bar, the Empire Suite, and Bund-facing ballroom evoke the city's Jazz Age grandeur while thoroughly modern amenities meet every expectation.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
Occupying floors 79-93 of the Shanghai World Financial Center skyscraper, the Park Hyatt is literally among the clouds. Every room, restaurant, and pool has views from 320 meters up. The 100 Century Avenue restaurant is one of Shanghai's finest.
Fairmont Peace Hotel
Victor Sassoon's legendary 1929 Cathay Hotel — the most glamorous address in 1930s Asia — magnificently restored as a Fairmont. The Grand Suite occupies an entire floor with 360-degree city and river views. The Jazz Bar with its senior jazz band performs nightly.
Fine dining
Michelin-starred and chef-driven restaurants.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Three Michelin stars and ranked regularly among the world's top 5 restaurants, Ultraviolet is a single 10-person table experience with a 20-course menu synchronized with 360-degree projections, scent diffusion, and custom soundscapes. Reservations open months in advance.
Jean-Georges Shanghai
Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Shanghai flagship with two Michelin stars on the fourth floor of Three on the Bund. Acclaimed for its light, herb-focused French cuisine with Asian accents and one of the best Bund views in the city.
Fu 1088
Set in a stunning complex of restored 1930s French Concession villas, Fu 1088 serves the finest traditional Shanghainese cuisine in private dining rooms filled with antiques. The ultimate experience of Republican-era Shanghai entertainment.
Hakkasan Shanghai
The global Michelin-starred Cantonese brand's Shanghai outpost in Bund 18 serves exquisitely executed dim sum and contemporary Cantonese dishes in a dramatic black and gold interior. The dim sum brunch is exceptional.
Exclusive experiences
Bespoke and once-in-a-lifetime activities.
Private Huangpu River Night Cruise
Charter a private boat for an exclusive evening cruise along the Huangpu River watching the Bund light show and Lujiazui towers illuminated from the water. Catered dinner and Champagne can be arranged.
Helicopter Tour Over Shanghai
A 20-30 minute helicopter flight from Shanghai's helipad over the Bund, Pudong skyline, and Huangpu River bends. Arguably the most dramatic view of the city available. Book through luxury hotel concierges.
Private Tailor Experience — Dongjiadu
Commission a bespoke qipao (cheongsam) or suit from Shanghai's finest tailors at Dongjiadu Fabric Market with a private concierge service assisting in fabric selection, measurements, and fittings over 24-48 hours.
Hairy Crab Tasting Dinner
A private dining experience (October-December) guided by a chef or sommelier through the seasonal hairy crab ritual — comparing male and female crabs, Yangcheng Lake grades, and traditional Shaoxing wine pairings.
Private Art Collection Tour with Expert Guide
A private guided tour of Shanghai's major contemporary art collections (M50, Power Station of Art, private galleries) with an art expert who provides curatorial context on Chinese contemporary art movements.
Spas & wellness
World-class spa retreats and treatments.
The Peninsula Spa
The Peninsula's award-winning spa over three floors offers an extraordinary range of treatments from traditional Chinese medicine and acupressure to European and Balinese techniques. The Swiss shower, vitality pool, and thermal suite are exceptional.
Bulgari Spa
The jewel of Shanghai's spa scene, the Bulgari Spa brings the brand's signature Italian wellness philosophy with signature Il Cioccolato (chocolate) treatments, an indoor pool, and perfectly curated treatment menus.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Pudong
A serene retreat spanning two floors with signature Mandarin Oriental treatments incorporating ancient Chinese healing traditions alongside modern wellness therapies. The Sky Suite with panoramic views is the ultimate indulgence.
Luxury transport
Travel in style.
- Car
- Private chauffeur service from ¥800-1500/day; The Peninsula offers Rolls-Royce airport transfers from ¥800-1200 per transfer
- Air
- Private helicopter tours and transfers available from ¥3000-6000 per flight; corporate helicopter transfers to Hangzhou/Suzhou available
- Airport
- VIP airport meet-and-greet at PVG with fast-track immigration (¥500-800); private lounge access at Cathay Pacific and Air France first class lounges