Shanghai Luxury Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Restaurants, and Experiences

Shanghai, as an international metropolis, brings surprises to every tourist. With its stunning skyline, world-class hotels, Michelin-starred dining, and exclusive boutiques, the city has become one of the top luxury travel destinations in China. If you are planning a luxury Shanghai travel, this guide sorts out everything for you.

Top Luxury Hotels in Shanghai, China

1. Bulgari Hotel Shanghai 

Looking forward to a Shanghai luxury tour? You can stay at the Bulgari Hotel Shanghai. Located on the bustling Huaihai Middle Road in Shanghai, Bulgari Hotel has established itself as a new paradigm of modern luxury with its unique architectural design and unparalleled luxurious experience. 

The exterior of the hotel is simple yet grand, while the interior decoration is full of artistic atmosphere. Inside the guestrooms, Bulgari's distinctive and refined design harmoniously blends with modern technology. In addition, the hotel's rooftop bar is an excellent spot to enjoy the stunning night view of the city.

Luxury hotels in Shanghai

2. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

When it comes to top-tier hotels in Shanghai, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund should be covered on the list for a luxury travel in Shanghai. Nestled among the historic buildings on the Bund, this hotel bears the glorious history of the Shanghai Club. It allows you to indulge in not only superb accommodation but also the unique vintage charm of Shanghai.  Stepping into the hotel lobby, the classic decorative style is perfectly blended with modern luxurious elements, transporting you instantly to the golden era of old Shanghai. Inside the guestrooms, every piece of furniture exudes sophistication and taste. Sitting by the window, you can admire the unparalleled view of the Huangpu River as well as the high-rise buildings.

3. Amanyangyun Shanghai

As one of the largest Aman hotels and resorts in the world, Amanyangyun in Shanghai stands as a masterpiece in architecture and ecological conservation and is one of the luxury hotels in Shanghai, China. It meticulously relocates 50 ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties in Jiangxi to Shanghai in their entirety.

 Featuring 24 suites and 11 historic Ming and Qing dynasty courtyard residences with private gardens, it provides up to four bedrooms encircling the courtyards and private pools. Furthermore, there are many amenities awaiting your exploration and enjoyment, including tea houses, spas, and the esteemed Nan Shufang.

Best Restaurants in Shanghai 

1. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet

This is one of the most expensive restaurants in the world and also one of the most avant-garde Michelin-Star restaurants in Shanghai, utilizing projectors and lighting to create a unique dining environment. The average per capita consumption here is around 6,000 yuan. Dining here, you will enjoy a 4-hour immersive culinary experience with 20 courses. For instance, when eating truffle bread, a "virtual truffle rain" falls from the ceiling. If you also want to experience a "Matrix"-style tech dinner, this place is perfect for your Shanghai luxury travel.

2. Liangshe Night Banquet

Liangshe is one of the best and most expensive Chinese restaurants in Shanghai. Its design represents a perfect fusion of traditional culture and modern aesthetics. The average per capita consumption here is 4,000 yuan. The menu is diverse, based on traditional Chinese dishes but infused with innovative cooking concepts. When dining here, the staff will share the cultural stories behind each dish with diners. If you have a keen interest in Chinese traditional culture and cuisine, don’t miss it on your Shanghai tours.

michelin star restaurants in shanghai

3. Kurogi 

As one of the best Japanese restaurants in Shanghai, the restaurant's environment is minimalistic yet elegant, exuding Japanese serenity and Zen aesthetics. Although the price of 3,600 yuan per person is relatively high, the quality is absolutely guaranteed. The menu is seasonally adjusted and tailored to the availability of ingredients to make sure that each dish offers optimal flavor, thus diners can savor the essence of Japanese cuisine during their luxury Shanghai tour. Tuna sushi is one of the restaurant's signature dishes, so don't hesitate to give it a try.

Best Shopping Malls in Shanghai

1. Shanghai IFC Mall

Your luxury Shanghai travel won’t be complete without indulgent shopping in Shanghai, and Shanghai IFC Mall is the best place to go. Located in Pudong New Area, the IFC mall in Shanghai is a representative high-end shopping destination in the city. With its elegant environment that blends luxury and fashion, it has become the preferred choice for high-end consumers. The mall houses many international top-tier brands, including the famous Gucci, Hermès, and Chanel. Furthermore, the fifth floor offers a stunning sky garden that provides a mesmerizing panorama of Shanghai skyline.

2. Plaza 66

Plaza 66 is celebrated as one of China's premier luxury shopping centers and a prestigious mall for high-end retail therapy in Shanghai. It is home to various international top-tier luxury brands such as LV, Dior, and Fendi. Whether you're looking for exquisite clothing or extraordinary jewelry, Plaza 66 can fulfill all your needs. The mall boasts luxurious decorations, a superior shopping environment, and exceptional service. Besides, it also frequently hosts many fashion events, attracting numerous individuals who pursue quality and fashion.

Shopping in Shanghai

3. Taikoo Li Qiantan

This is the third Taikoo Li Shopping Mall in China, representing a high-end retail destination that spans an astonishing 120,000 square meters, with over 8,000 square meters of outdoor space. Numerous prestigious brands have set up shop here, such as Hermès, LV, Dior, and more, enabling you to enjoy retail therapy during your Shanghai luxury tour. Particularly noteworthy is the LV store, which is illuminated by dazzling lights at night, creating a breathtaking view. 

Top Luxury Experiences in Shanghai

1. Helicopter Tour Over the Skyline

Helicopter sightseeing is certainly not a novel experience, but imagine soaring above and admiring a host of Shanghai's iconic landmarks, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, all in one go? It must be exciting. For a luxury yet unforgettable adventure, you can start a low-altitude sightseeing tour of the stunning city of Shanghai. During this luxury Shanghai travel, you'll catch sight of the shimmering Huangpu River, the remarkable bridges, and high-rise skyscrapers below through the window. 

2. Private Cruise on the Huangpu River

Taking a Huangpu River cruise is one of the top things to do in Shanghai. Hence, you can charter a private yacht or vintage ship for a night cruise along the Huangpu River. Generally, the luxury yachts or ships feature a bar, restaurant, and other entertainment facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience. You can sip champagne as you glide past the colonial grandeur of the Bund and the futuristic buildings of Lujiazui. If you start your luxury travel in Shanghai with your family or friends, you can even throw a party on the boat.

Private Cruise on the Huangpu River

3. Luxury Sightseeing Experience at Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower, as the highest building in Shanghai, offers a special yet luxurious sightseeing experience for travelers in Shanghai. The observation deck on the 118th floor allows you to have a panoramic view of the entire city. Also, the new glass viewing space on the 121st floor perfectly integrates sightseeing, high-end dining, and an immersive sky experience, which will definitely meet your needs. Besides, you can go up to the 126th floor and immerse yourself in the light and shadow show of the “Intelligent Eye of Shanghai.”

Plan a Luxury Shanghai Tour with ETC

Easy Tour China is an experienced travel agency that specializes in tailor-made China tours. Travel with us, and you’ll enjoy seamless luxury service from arrival to departure. From private guides to five-star heritage stays, dining, and high-end shopping experiences, we’ll craft the itinerary based on your preferences. Here are our popular China luxury tour packages with Shanghai. 


If you want to customize a luxury tour in Shanghai, feel free to contact us. 


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