Shanghai Peace Hotel, Dancing with Time in the River of History

Shanghai Peace Hotel, Dancing with Time in the River of History The Shanghai Peace Hotel is a prestigious historic hotel located on the Bund by the Huangpu River in Shanghai's Huangpu District. As one of the city's iconic landmarks, it has witnessed Shanghai's historical transformations and modern development while retaining its original charm and traditions. It is one of the most famous attractions on the Bund and a venue for many important events and conferences. Built in 1929 and originally named the Cathay Hotel, it was constructed by the wealthy British-Jewish businessman Sir Victor Sassoon. The exterior features granite walls, and guests enter through a revolving door into a lobby paved with milky-white Italian marble, adorned with antique bronze chandeliers—a perfect blend of luxury and elegance, earning it the reputation as the "No. 1 Building in the Far East." After its completion, the hotel became a sensation in Shanghai, primarily hosting financial and business elites as well as international celebrities. Figures like General George Marshall and Ambassador John Leighton Stuart visited, and playwright Noel Coward wrote his famous work *Private Lives* here. In the 1930s and 1940s, luminaries such as Lu Xun and Soong Ching-ling met foreign friends like Charlie Chaplin and George Bernard Shaw at the hotel. After the liberation, the hotel reopened in 1956 under the name Shanghai Peace Hotel. In recent years, it has undergone renovations to its guest rooms and restaurants, refreshing its facilities while preserving its original architectural style. Staying here feels like stepping into a time tunnel, where modern and traditional, contemporary and retro elements intertwine, evoking endless reverie. The Peace Hotel boasts 18 Chinese and Western restaurants, bars, banquet halls, and multifunctional conference rooms, catering to various events like banquets, cocktail parties, and meetings. Its culinary offerings are diverse: Chinese cuisine features Shanghainese, Cantonese, and Sichuanese dishes, with Shanghainese cuisine being particularly renowned. The Western cuisine, specializing in French dishes, is masterfully prepared by French chefs. During our trip to Shanghai this June, we stayed at this historic hotel for two unforgettable nights, feeling as though we had traveled through time in the river of history. The hotel, with its rich vintage atmosphere, seems to whisper tales of old Shanghai. Stepping inside is like entering a time tunnel—the walls, staircases, and decor remain largely unchanged, transporting guests back to bygone eras. Though the facilities are aged, they are impeccably maintained. The service is exceptional! From the doorman to the front desk, every interaction was courteous and attentive. The pastries at the ground-floor patisserie are delicious—reminiscent of old-fashioned treats, nostalgic and truly delightful! The restaurants and bars are outstanding, with impeccable food, drinks, and service. The dining areas offer stunning views of the modern skyline of Pudong across the river. I especially loved the bar. As night falls and the breeze from the Huangpu River drifts in, the jazz band—dressed in sharp suits—begins to play. Listening to those timeless melodies, it truly feels like dancing with time. For a moment, I was transported back to the glamorous, tumultuous era of old Shanghai, where I imagined myself as the most dashing figure on the Bund! In short, our two-night stay was incredibly rewarding—luxurious historic surroundings, comfortable rooms, exquisite dining, top-notch service, and the magical feeling of being immersed in history. Shanghai Peace Hotel · The Bund · Huangpu River