Shanghai’s most extraordinary luxury hotel — a hidden urban sanctuary of restored 1930s shikumen villas blending old Shanghai heritage with ultra-refined contemporary luxury in the leafy Xuhui district.
Why We Chose It
Tucked within the historic Jian Ye Li lane houses of Xuhui, Capella Shanghai is unlike any other hotel in China — an intimate collection of restored shikumen townhouses transformed into one of Asia’s most acclaimed luxury stays. Designed by the late Jaya Ibrahim, the villas combine Parisian elegance, Art Deco influences, and traditional Shanghainese architecture with private courtyards, rooftop terraces, and richly layered interiors that feel more residential than hotel-like. The atmosphere is remarkably peaceful for central Shanghai, with tree-lined alleys, lantern-lit pathways, and deeply personalized service creating the feeling of a private urban retreat hidden inside the city. Guests also have access to the acclaimed Auriga Spa and Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, while the surrounding Xuhui neighborhood offers some of Shanghai’s best cafés, boutiques, and historic streets.
What Stands Out
- 1930s shikumen complex: most architecturally authentic hotel in Shanghai
- 55 private villas and suites each with private courtyard garden
- French Concession location: Tianzifang, best cafés and restaurants within walking distance
- Butler service for every villa — most personal service in Shanghai
- Note: location in Xuhui/French Concession requires metro or taxi to the Bund (20–30 min)