Peace Hotel, Shanghai (must see)

Standing proudly at the eastern end of Nanjing Road is the renowned Fairmont Peace Hotel. Originally known as the Cathay Hotel, it opened in 1929 and is distinguished by its Art Deco exterior and famous green copper dome, both of which have been meticulously restored to their former splendor.

Dubbed the “Claridge’s of the Far East,” the hotel was a pre-war Shanghai hotspot, hosting celebrities such as Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, and George Bernard Shaw. It is even said that Noël Coward wrote “Private Lives” here in just four days while recovering from the flu. Owned by Sir Victor Sassoon, the hotel welcomed numerous dignitaries and diplomats.

It was also known for its pioneering amenities, including in-room telephones, which were ahead of many European hotels at the time. With six floors and 120 guest rooms, it was among the first hotels in Shanghai to feature elevators. Its lavish comforts included private plumbing systems, marble baths with silver fixtures, and enamel-coated lavatories imported from Britain.

Today, besides catering to upscale guests, the hotel attracts history and architecture enthusiasts. Its Art Deco lobby, on-site Peace Museum, and Old Shanghai reading room are notable attractions, the latter displaying a varied collection of memorabilia, including Qing-period porcelain and bronze items, black-and-white photographs, silverware, and books.

The ground-floor café offers an excellent vantage point for people-watching from window-side seats, while the rooftop bar on the 9th floor is a pleasant spot for evening drinks with captivating views of the illuminated Bund and Pudong skyline. For classical jazz and a cocktail in a nostalgic setting reminiscent of the 1920s and 1930s, head to the hotel’s Jazz Bar, where the famous Old Jazz Band performs.