Hotel Stays to Enjoy the Iconic Nightscape

The buildings, illuminated in retro-futuristic neon colors and appearing mysteriously in the night, tell the story of Shanghai's charm as an international city that has prospered since the 1800s, known as the "Magic City." A representative area for this is "The Bund." Perhaps many are more familiar with its English name, "The Bund."

After China's Qing Dynasty was defeated by Britain in the Opium Wars, the Treaty of Nanjing opened the port, leading Britain, the United States, and France to establish foreign concessions. This area, once known as the Shanghai International Settlement, still boasts a row of European-style historic buildings. The 1.1 km stretch along the western bank of the Huangpu River, including this area, running along Zhongshan East First Road, is called "The Bund." This area is lined with Western-style buildings constructed from the late 19th to the early 20th century, creating a cityscape reminiscent of Europe. These imposing buildings now house restaurants, bars, and luxury brand shops, transforming it into Shanghai's most fashionable district.

Located in a corner of this area, a must-visit for tourists in Shanghai, "W Shanghai – The Bund" newly opened on June 30th this year, offering views of the waterfront and the cityscape of Lujiazui with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower at its center. Situated in the North Bund, this hotel boasts a prime location with unobstructed views of the photogenic skyscrapers that change with the time of day. Furthermore, due to its curved architecture built along the gentle bend of the river, not only the restaurants and bars but all 374 guest rooms offer Bund views overlooking the retro concession area, allowing glimpses of the surrounding traditional local life. The unique mood, blending past, present, and even future, is strongly reflected in the hotel's design, conceived by G.A Design (http://thega-group.com/design/portfolio/). It is truly an ideal place to experience the charm of the "Magic City" firsthand.

The hotel is richly adorned with art symbolizing the vivid contrasts of Shanghai, where local scenes, historical expressions, and advanced modernity coexist. For instance, stepping into the entrance, guests are greeted by an installation inspired by traditional street scenes with laundry hanging out. Each room features unique cushions shaped like xiaolongbao, a representative Shanghai delicacy. On the function room floors, murals of ladies in cheongsams are depicted, and escalators are installed to echo the electrical nightscape. This setup allows guests to experience the city's history, tradition, and powerful energy even while staying within the hotel. The design and concept are more intensely infused with the city's characteristics than in previous W Hotels.

Of course, W's signature services are all present, including "Whatever/Whenever®," available 24/7 to cater to various requests; "WET®," a pool facility; "AWAY® Spa," promising satisfying rest with its expert treatments; "WOOBAR®," perfect for enjoyable times at any hour; and "W Lounge," which changes its mood throughout the day. Culinary delights are also abundant, with the all-day dining restaurant "The Kitchen Table," the Chinese restaurant "YEN" offering a modern interpretation of traditional flavors, "Liquid At YEN" for pre- or post-meal drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, and the "WET® Bar" for enjoying the stunning skyline in an open-air setting. Naturally, the views from these facilities are also spectacular.

On September 30th, three months after its opening, a grand opening party was held at "W Shanghai – The Bund," where the city's character and the W brand's originality met richly. The event was themed "Captivating Contrasts," the hotel's design concept. Over 1,000 guests, including domestic and international media and trend-conscious locals, participated.

At WOOBAR®, The Kitchen Table, and WET® Deck, the main venues, guests enjoyed conversation and dancing while admiring the electrical nightscape, spending a night that truly symbolized "W Shanghai – The Bund."

Whether you prefer to chat over a drink while gazing at the beautiful cityscape, indulge in delicious cuisine, or take a dip in the pool, the choice is yours. How about spending some time at "W Shanghai – The Bund" on "The Bund," where the charm of Shanghai—a city where the glamorous Western culture of the colonial era meets the ever-growing Asian modernism—is concentrated?

When dining in Shanghai, visit restaurants housed in buildings that retain their retro charm. Recommended is "SENSE 8," located in the trendy Xintiandi area and housed in a renovated brick building. Along with delicious traditional Shanghai and Cantonese cuisine, you can experience a sense of time travel.


This city is at the forefront of Chinese fashion. "ARETE" is a notable brand launched by Jasmine Tin, who had a career in the New York finance industry, and Christina Liao, a designer who grew up in the US and Taiwan and studied at Parsons in New York. Their designs are comfortable and characterized by their ability to transcend genres and express women who lightly cross all boundaries.


Look for design items by local designers here. Don't underestimate this hotel shop; you'll find high-quality products representing contemporary Shanghai.


To experience Shanghai's signature scenery, take a "Huangpu River Cruise." At night, you can fully enjoy the beautifully illuminated concession area and the retro-futuristic buildings of Lujiazui glowing with neon colors.