Here, even insomnia becomes romantic.
It's been a while since I've been back to Shanghai, and I've always loved its "two-faced" nature—the outside never reveals the wonders within.👍
The Shanghai Blossom Hill · Yu Garden Hotel is a hidden gem tucked away beside Yu Garden, a true urban sanctuary.🌸 It feels like stepping into a vintage Shanghai film,🎦 blending the shimmering lights of the Bund, the vibrant energy of Yu Garden, and the soaring skyline of Lujiazui into an intoxicating urban cocktail.🍸
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The hotel's brass petals🌼, a fusion of cool metal and delicate blossoms💐, evoke the elegant mystery of old Shanghai cheongsam clasps. Upon entering, the tinkling of jade-colored glass wind chimes on the first floor, mingled with a subtle floral fragrance, whispers of a journey through time. The designer's use of glass to unfold the trajectory of blossoming flowers🪷 is a gentle tribute to the memory of old Shanghai's alleyways. From the very beginning, the hotel has infused the vitality of flowers into this fast-paced city, creating a space for respite and healing.
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My stay in the 270° Bund River View Room offered stunning panoramic views of the Huangpu River, the Lujiazui skyline, and the eaves of Yu Garden through its expansive 270° floor-to-ceiling windows.🏨 The soft, powder-blue color scheme is reminiscent of Monet's water lilies,🪷 and the bathtub by the window faces the Oriental Pearl Tower, allowing you to soak while the neon lights shimmer and dance in the bubbles.
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On the 7th floor, the Blossom Hill restaurant's window seats are framed by the cityscape. The freshly cooked wontons🥟 for breakfast, made with the skill of a local granny, are simply delicious—there are no words to describe how satisfying and delightful they are. The afternoon tea features a modern Chinese theme, with a blend of sweet and savory flavors reflecting the fusion of East and West found in Shikumen architecture.🍵
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Behind an inconspicuous door lies a private terrace overlooking Yu Garden! Dress up, put on your headphones🎧, and listen to the melodies of old records while the sounds of the City God Temple below become white noise. The hotel collaborates with Trip Moments photographers,📹 which is highly recommended for travelers.
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You can also join the hotel's guide on a leisurely bike ride. He points out century-old buildings and tells stories of Sinan Road, shaded by plane trees. Amidst the various Western-style houses,🏡 you'll feel transported back in time. The quiet cafes☕️ lining the streets are perfect for a city walk. Arriving at the Wukang Building, you'll witness the romance of Romeo's balcony against the backdrop of bustling traffic. Through his narration, the modern and the everyday, the historical and the futuristic, are woven into the fabric of Shanghai.
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Suddenly, it dawns on me that the so-called "Magic City" is nothing more than a poem woven from fireworks and solitude, and Blossom Hill is a world of blossoming beauty, full of undefined wonders.