Prada Rong Zhai, Shanghai

Prada Rong Zhai is a beautifully restored historic mansion located at 186 North Shaanxi Road in Jing’an District, Shanghai. Originally built in 1918, it was once the private residence of Rong Zongjing, a prominent Chinese industrialist known as the “King of Flour and Cotton Yarn.” The three-story villa is a rare example of East-meets-West architecture. Its exterior reflects a European Renaissance style, while the interiors blend French classical design with traditional Chinese decorative elements, creating a unique and elegant cultural fusion. In 2011, the Italian luxury fashion house Prada leased the property and undertook an extensive six-year restoration project to return the building to its former glory. The restoration preserved intricate woodwork, stained-glass windows, and traditional motifs, all while updating the infrastructure to meet modern standards. Prada Rong Zhai officially reopened in October 2017, and now serves as a multifunctional cultural space. It has hosted a variety of events, including contemporary art exhibitions, fashion shows, and cultural programs. Notable exhibitions have included Shuang Li’s “Distance of the Moon” and Michaël Borremans’ “The Promise”, both of which made full use of the mansion’s atmospheric setting to create immersive experiences. Prada also plans to collaborate with famed director Wong Kar-wai to open his first independent restaurant in Asia within Rong Zhai, further establishing it as a destination where art, fashion, history, and gastronomy converge. Through Prada Rong Zhai, the brand not only demonstrates its respect for Chinese cultural heritage but also contributes to the revitalization of Shanghai’s urban cultural landscape, breathing new life into a century-old landmark.#travel #shanghai #pradarongzhai