SHANGHAI GUIDE
A city where heritage façades meet glass towers, Shanghai reveals itself in fragments: the hush of a temple courtyard, the burnished curve of a cocktail glass, the slow reveal of the Bund at dusk. This is a city best approached experiencing both old and new, indulgence and always with an eye for design.
Imagery in this article was captured exclusively through the lens of Splendid, shot on IPhone & Leica.
Where to Stay for design lovers The Shanghai EDITION
The Shanghai EDITION feels like a private members’ club suspended between eras. Housed within two buildings - one historic, one contemporary - the hotel unfolds as a dialogue between restraint and indulgence. Ian Schrager’s signature touch is everywhere: dark woods, brushed metals, sculptural lighting, and spaces that feel cinematic yet deeply calm.
The rooms are pared back but atmospheric - soft, moody tones, tactile finishes, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Huangpu River like a living painting. Morning light spills in gently; by night, the city hums below in layers of gold and steel.
Food and drink are integral to the EDITION experience. Tavola, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, delivers modern, refined plates with seasonal clarity - elegant without being formal. Evenings inevitably drift upstairs to ROOF, where cocktails are poured against one of the city’s most dramatic skyline views. The mood shifts effortlessly from introspective to electric - Shanghai at its most EDITION.
The Shanghai EDITION is a hotel for those who travel with intention. It rewards quiet observation - the play of light across dark timber, the hum of the river below, the way a space shifts from contemplative by day to electric by night. More than a place to stay, it is a mood: intimate, cinematic, and deeply attuned to the rhythm of the city.
Discover more or book your stay here.
Where to Stay for classic luxury
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai | Pudong
Floating high above Pudong, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai is a study in classic luxury - polished marble, tailored finishes, and a sense of grandeur that never feels dated. The arrival alone sets the tone: hushed, elevated, and reassuringly refined.
Rooms are generous and serene, designed as sky-level sanctuaries with views stretching from the Oriental Pearl Tower to the historic Bund beyond. Mornings feel almost ceremonial - tea by the window as the city slowly stirs far below.
Evenings belong to Flair, the hotel’s iconic rooftop bar. With the Oriental Pearl Tower glowing just beyond the glass, it’s one of Shanghai’s most striking vantage points - perfect for a final drink, the skyline shimmering beneath your feet.
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong offers a timeless expression of luxury, elevated - quite literally - above the city. From its refined interiors to its commanding skyline views, the experience is polished and assured, ideal for travellers who value tradition, impeccable service, and a sense of occasion woven into every moment.
Discover more or book your stay here.
Where to Eat
Yona | The Shanghai EDITION
Modern Japanese dining at its most refined - clean flavours, impeccable produce, and a space that encourages lingering. Helmed by Chef Fumio Yonezawa, formerly the esteemed Chef de Cuisine at Jean-Georges TokyoMr & Mrs Bund | Bund view
French-leaning plates with a view; equally suited to a relaxed lunch or an easy evening that stretches longer than planned.Il Ristorante – Niko Romito | 1 Michelin star
Elevated Italian cuisine with an emphasis on purity and precision, set high above the city.Da Vittorio | 2 Michelin star
Italian fine dining at its most polished. Expect immaculate technique, luxurious ingredients, and a sense of ceremony that turns dinner into an occasion - refined, confident, and unmistakably grand.Scilla | 1 Michelin star
An Italian gem housed in a beautifully preserved old villa - romantic, intimate, and quietly stylish.Hakkasan | 1 Michelin star
Cantonese classics served with one of the best Bund views in the city - dramatic by design, confident on the plate.Din Tai Fung | Casual dining
A masterclass in precision and comfort. Soup dumplings arrive perfectly pleated, steam rising, ritual intact.WuYouXian | 1 Michelin star & casual
Classic Shanghai-style dumplings - humble, local, and deeply satisfying.Bars with a View
Flair | The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Oriental Pearl Tower front and centre; polished cocktails and a cinematic skyline.ROOF | The Shanghai EDITION
A skyline moment - electric, modern, and unmistakably Shanghai.Design Stops & Shopping
Gentle Monster | Shanghai Flagship
A sculptural retail experience that feels closer to an art installation than a store.Maison Margiela Café | JC Plaza
Fashion, coffee, and calm collide - minimalist, contemplative, quietly chic.ZEGNA Caffè | Taikoo Hui
A refined pause amid retail architecture, ideal for a stylish mid-day break.IFC Mall
Polished, international, and perfectly positioned for both shopping and skyline views. 
Places to Wander
The Bund | Light show from 6 - 10pm
Where history and modernity face each other across the river. Shanghai French Concession
Tree-lined streets, historic villas, cafés, and elegant boutiques featuring amazing local designers.Yu Garden & Yu Garden Bazaar
Ornamental bridges, carved stone, and a glimpse into old Shanghai.Jing’an Temple or Jade Buddha Temple
Moments of stillness within the city’s relentless rhythm.1000 Trees
A striking contemporary landmark where architecture becomes landscape.
Staying Connected
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Shanghai is a city best experienced slowly - through texture, taste, and atmosphere. Linger over dinner, walk without destination, look up often. May your days in Shanghai be filled with beautiful things and unforgettable views. - Team Splendid x