Hello, I’m Mike Wang, a China travel expert with over 20 years of experience. During these two decades, I’ve traveled extensively around the world. I love exploring all kinds of hotels! From cozy boutique stays to luxury resorts, each one offers a unique experience. Let me share my favorite finds with you about Shanghai’s top 10 luxury hotels!
The Peninsula Shanghai
Location: On the Bund, perfect for river views
Price Range: $550-800 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.9/5
Special Amenities: Rolls-Royce transfers, indoor pool, luxury spa
Hotel Features: This is your best choice for classic luxury in China with stunning views of Pudong’s skyline across the river. The service is exceptional – they even offer Rolls-Royce airport transfers. The indoor pool overlooking the Huangpu River is spectacular. Perfect for travelers who want traditional elegance and the most convenient location for exploring the Bund area.
Bulgari Hotel Shanghai
Location: North Bund, quieter area
Price Range: $600-850 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.9/5
Special Amenities: Private gardens, Italian dining, luxury spa
Hotel Features: Experience ultimate luxury with Italian style in China. The hotel features beautiful private gardens – rare in Shanghai. Their Italian restaurants are considered among the best in the city. The spa and wellness facilities are world-class. Great for travelers seeking privacy and sophisticated European elegance combined with Chinese hospitality.
Capella Shanghai
Location: Former French Concession
Price Range: $500-700 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.9/5
Special Amenities: Shikumen villas, private pools, butler service
Hotel Features: Stay in beautifully restored 1930s shikumen houses with modern luxury. Each villa has its own private pool and dedicated butler. The hotel preserves Shanghai’s architectural heritage while providing all modern comforts. Ideal for culture lovers who want to experience historic Shanghai with contemporary luxury during their China trip.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Location: The Bund, historic building
Price Range: $350-500 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.8/5
Special Amenities: Historic suites, Long Bar, heritage building
Hotel Features: Stay in a beautifully restored historic building on the Bund. The famous Long Bar recreates 1930s Shanghai glamour. The heritage suites feature original architectural details with modern comforts. Perfect for history enthusiasts who want to experience old Shanghai charm with modern luxury during their China visit.
Andaz Xintiandi
Location: Xintiandi entertainment area
Price Range: $250-350 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.7/5
Special Amenities: Rooftop bar, modern design, great location
Hotel Features:Contemporary design hotel in the heart of Xintiandi’s dining and entertainment district. The rooftop bar is popular with both guests and locals. Walking distance to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. Excellent value for travelers who want modern style and great location without the ultra-luxury price tag for their China trip.
Shanghai Center J Hotel
Location: Pudong, inside Shanghai Tower (China’s tallest building)
Price Range: $800-1,200 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.8/5
Special Amenities: Highest swimming pool in the world, private butlers
Hotel Features: This is the highest hotel in the world, located on floors 84-120 of Shanghai Tower. The design showcases modern Chinese art throughout the property. You’ll get breathtaking views of Shanghai from all rooms and facilities. The hotel offers seven dining options including Chinese, French and international cuisine. It’s perfect for travelers seeking ultimate luxury and unforgettable views during their China trip.
Amanyangyun Shanghai
Location: Minhang District (30 minutes from central Shanghai)
Price Range: $1,000-1,800 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.9/5
Special Amenities: Private forests, ancient courtyards, holistic spa
Hotel Features: This unique resort represents one of the most ambitious conservation projects in China. The hotel relocated 10,000 camphor trees and 50 Ming and Qing dynasty houses from Jiangxi province. Each suite is housed within restored antique Chinese structures. The 24,000-square-meter forest creates a peaceful escape from the city. Ideal for travelers seeking cultural immersion and tranquility during their China visit.
Shanghai Zhujiajiao Anli Hotel
Location: Zhujiajiao Water Town (1 hour from central Shanghai)
Price Range: $400-700 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.8/5
Special Amenities: Private gardens, traditional Chinese architecture, river views
Hotel Features: Experience authentic ancient Chinese water town living in this beautifully restored Ming and Qing dynasty compound. The hotel blends historic architecture with modern luxury across 35 suites. Each room features its own courtyard and traditional Chinese design elements. You can enjoy boat rides through the ancient canals right from the hotel. Perfect for travelers wanting to experience traditional Chinese culture away from the city crowds.
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel
Location: Pudong, inside Shanghai Disney Resort
Price Range: $300-600 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.7/5
Special Amenities: Character dining, early park entry, Disney entertainment
Hotel Features: This Victorian-style hotel offers the full Disney experience with Chinese elements throughout the design. You’ll find Disney characters throughout the hotel and during special dining experiences. The hotel provides early access to Shanghai Disneyland park and complimentary shuttle service. The indoor “Aurora” swimming pool features underwater Disney music. An excellent choice for families visiting Disneyland during their China trip.
Fairmont Peace Hotel
Location: The Bund, historic center
Price Range: $350-550 USD/night
Ctrip Rating: 4.8/5
Special Amenities: Historic jazz bar, museum tours, art deco design
Hotel Features: This legendary hotel has been a Shanghai landmark since 1929. The building represents the golden age of Shanghai with its beautiful art deco architecture. The famous Jazz Bar features musicians who have played here since the 1930s. You can join daily heritage tours to learn about the hotel’s fascinating history. Perfect for travelers interested in Shanghai’s historic glamour and classic luxury during their China visit.
Mike Wang
Mike Wang is a 40-something Chinese travel expert, has explored the world,
hosting numerous foreign visitors. He’s deeply interested in and knowledgeable
about ancient cultural architectures, enriching journeys with his insights.