The Pu Yan Hotel on Shanghai Bund

For this trip to Shanghai, I stayed at the Pu Yan Hotel on the Bund, perfectly embodying what it means to be a "peaceful artistic space amidst the hustle and bustle"! This designer hotel hidden in a historic building at Bund Source masterfully blends Shanghai-style modernity with understated luxury💫 ✨Designer’s Subtle Touches The hotel is a renovation of a historic building, with an entrance so low-key you might almost miss it (look for the black iron gate on Yuanmingyuan Road). The lobby feels like stepping into an art gallery, with a mix of spiral staircases, metal screens, and blue brick walls—every corner perfectly matches my aesthetic! The rooms embrace a wabi-sabi style, with natural wood tones paired with brass details. Even the minibar is hidden behind an embroidered screen, and every photo you take looks like a magazine spread. 🌃Sleep with a View of the Bund’s Iconic Trio Be sure to book a [City View Room]! The floor-to-ceiling window faces the Oriental Pearl Tower, and at night when the neon lights come on, soaking in the bathtub by the window with a glass of champagne is an even better view than the Bund viewing platform (and the best part is no crowds). I especially love the room’s smart system—lighting, curtains, and air conditioning are all controlled with a tablet, giving a high-tech vibe without feeling out of place. 🚶‍♀️Super Convenient Location • 3-minute walk to Waibaidu Bridge (a classic romantic photo spot) • 5 minutes to Nanjing East Road subway station • 10-minute stroll to Peninsula Hotel for afternoon tea • Right next door is the popular %Arabica coffee History buffs shouldn’t miss the hotel’s location at "No. 33 Bund Source," originally the site of the British Consulate. The 150-year-old magnolia tree in the courtyard is still blooming today. 🍽️Delicious Surprises on the Palate Breakfast is not buffet but à la carte, and the local smoked fish noodles and small wontons were so good I ate them three days in a row! The rooftop restaurant’s terrace requires advance reservation, but dining on a tomahawk steak while overlooking the Lujiazui night skyline is absolutely worth it. 📸Photo Tips 1. Shoot the spiral staircase in the lobby from below (wide-angle lens works best) 2. Bathtub with Bund night view in the background (wear a black slip dress) 3. Light and shadow wall at the end of the corridor (best natural light at 3 PM) 4. Vintage street lamp at the entrance (reflections on the ground after rain are stunning) 💡Useful Tips • Booking through the hotel’s official WeChat often comes with Bank of Communications credit card discounts • The front desk can help book a “hidden” cheongsam experience with local Shanghai aunties nearby • For anniversary stays, email in advance—you might receive a handwritten card and red wine For friends visiting Shanghai for the first time, I highly recommend this itinerary: Day 1: Hotel → The Bund → Yuyuan Garden → Nanjing Road Day 2: Wukang Road → Anfu Road → Xujiahui Academy Day 3: Choose between Disneyland or Pudong Art Museum Waking up to the view of the Oriental Pearl Tower is pure joy, you know what I mean! This hotel perfectly fuses the vintage and modern spirit of Shanghai Bund. If your budget allows, go straight for the suite~