Curated Shanghai: Exploring China’s most refined and cosmopolitan city
Indulge in Shanghai’s exclusive offerings, from its futuristic skylines and historical grandeur to its exceptional dining and decadent spas, during a sophisticated getaway.
By Jade Bremner | January 28, 2026
Known as the Magic City, Shanghai is one of China’s largest and most cosmopolitan cities. Its main artery, the Huangpu River, separates two distinct cinematic cityscapes — Pudong, with its futuristic cloud-piercing architecture, and Puxi, home to the historic Bund and its row of resplendent century-old buildings. Here are the best ways to indulge in this sophisticated city’s exclusive experiences — from world-class meals and high-end shopping to luxurious spas and unique cultural encounters.
In this article: Your deluxe guide to Shanghai
Elevated experiences
Shanghai’s modern Pudong area is a dazzling mixture of futuristic architecture and riverside views. Visit the observation deck at China’s tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, for breathtaking views of the swirling metropolis below before exploring the city’s cultural gems, world-class dining and nightlife, and more. Located on a quieter stretch of the Huangpu River, with direct access to leafy Qiantan Park, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan avoids the bustle of the city while being in the center of it. The concierge can arrange a private river cruise past the elegant Bund on Shanghai’s picturesque waterfront, where traditional fan dancers perform at sunset and the glittering skyscrapers of Pudong glow neon at nightfall. Nearby, the impressive China Art Museum showcases Chinese and global art, while across the river, Nanjing Road’s glitzy malls boast the finest designer stores.
Distinguished dining
With the highest density of eateries in China, Shanghai is hallowed ground for gourmands. Break up a day of exploring with a traditional tea ceremony in the legendary Huxin Pavilion in Yu Garden, which has hosted many heads of state. Peacock Alley at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, meanwhile, is an exquisite spot for specialty coffee and teas and showstopping desserts, with decor that nods to 1930s Shanghai glamor, lined by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Huangpu River. For dinner, feast on impeccably crafted Chinese Min cuisine from the Fujian province against dreamy river views at the hotel’s Fu Cheng, led by Michelin-starred executive chef Justin Yang. Or dine at Arame for modern European cuisine that highlights fresh seafood. For elevated private dining, reserve a table at the exclusive Starlight Room, where the open kitchen and private terrace blend an intimate, chef table-style experience with glittering views of the Shanghai West Bund skyline. The concierge can also help you reserve a table at any of the city’s 50+ Michelin-starred restaurants, such as the open-kitchen three-starred Taian Table.
Wellness and relaxation
After a day of exploring the bustling city, do as the Shanghainese do and unwind with a soothing massage and spa session. Bathhouses and massage parlors scatter the city, where you’ll find everything from traditional Chinese hot stone treatments and acupressure, to cupping and vigorous body scrubs. But none is more of a sanctuary than the spa at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, with its elegant treatment rooms, therapeutic massages, and serene 82-foot-long (25-meter) heated indoor pool illuminated by a skylight. To restore balance and counteract jet lag, find your flow at the hotel’s state-of-the-art 24-hour gym. Both the hotel fitness center and pool feature stunning floor-to-ceiling views of the Shanghai skyline.
Jade Bremmer
Former Shanghai resident Jade Bremner is an author who specializes in food, drink, culture, and adventure travel. She has written more than 50 Lonely Planet books, including those on Shanghai. She has lived in four different continents but has never eaten as well as she has in China’s largest city.
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