The Pu Yan Hotel on Shanghai Bund

On this trip to Shanghai, I stayed at the Pu Yan Hotel on the Bund, perfectly embodying the concept of a "serene artistic space amidst the hustle and bustle"! This designer hotel hidden in an old building at the Bund Source brilliantly combines Shanghai-style modernity with understated luxury💫 ✨Designer’s subtle tricks The hotel is a renovated historic protected building, with an entrance so low-key I almost missed it (look for the black iron gate on Yuanmingyuan Road). The lobby feels like stepping into an art gallery, with a mix of spiral staircase + metal screens + blue brick walls—every corner perfectly matches my aesthetic! The rooms feature a wabi-sabi style, with natural wood tones paired with brass details. Even the minibar is hidden behind an embroidered screen, making every casual photo look like a magazine shoot. 🌃Lying down to watch the Bund’s iconic trio Be sure to book a 【City View Room】! The floor-to-ceiling window faces the Oriental Pearl Tower directly. At night, when the neon lights come on, soaking in the bathtub by the window with a glass of champagne offers a view even better than the Bund viewing platform (and no crowds). I especially love the room’s smart system—lighting, curtains, and air conditioning all controlled with one tap on the tablet. It’s high-tech but never intrusive. 🚶‍♀️Prime location perks • 3-minute walk to Waibaidu Bridge (the filming location for "Romance in the Rain") • 5 minutes to Nanjing East Road Metro Station • 10-minute stroll to afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel • Next door to the popular %Arabica coffee History buffs shouldn’t miss "Bund Source No.33," where the hotel is located. It was once the British Consulate, and the 150-year-old magnolia tree in the courtyard is still blooming. 🍽️Delicious surprises Breakfast is à la carte, not buffet. The local smoked fish noodles and small wontons impressed me so much I ate them three days in a row! The rooftop restaurant’s terrace must be reserved in advance. Dining on a tomahawk steak while enjoying the Lujiazui night view is absolutely worth the room price. 📸Photo guide 1. Shoot the spiral staircase in the lobby from below (wide-angle lens recommended) 2. Bathtub + Bund night view silhouette in the room (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 (the reflection on the ground after rain is stunning) 💡Useful tips • Booking through the hotel’s official WeChat often comes with Bank of Communications credit card discount coupons • 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, here’s a highly recommended itinerary: Day 1: Hotel → The Bund → Yuyuan Garden → Nanjing Road Day 2: Wukang Road → Anfu Road → Xujiahui Bookstore Day 3: Choose between Disneyland or Pudong Art Museum Waking up to see the Oriental Pearl Tower—who wouldn’t love that! This hotel has Shanghai’s vintage and modern styles deeply ingrained in its bones. If your budget allows, go straight for a suite~