Eight years after opening, The Shanghai EDITION remains one of Shanghai’s most distinctive luxury hotels, combining heritage architecture, contemporary design, destination dining and a location close to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and The Bund.
Located in the heart of Puxi, the hotel puts guests within easy reach of some of Shanghai’s most recognisable sights. Inside, its former Shanghai Power Company building and contemporary tower create a striking connection between the city’s past and present.
During my visit, I found that the hotel’s appeal extends beyond its rooms. Skyline dining at YONE, the rooftop Roof and its landscaped garden add different dimensions to the stay, while the hotel’s bars and social spaces give it an energy that feels distinctly suited to Shanghai.
Eight years on, the question is whether The Shanghai EDITION still feels as distinctive as it did when it opened. After experiencing its design, dining and lifestyle spaces, I believe it remains a compelling choice for travellers who want to experience Shanghai through more than just a hotel room.
At a Glance: The Shanghai EDITION
- Hotel: The Shanghai EDITION
- Location: Location Highlight: Near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and within walking distance of The Bund
- Opened: 2018
- Brand: EDITION Hotels, Marriott International
- China Portfolio: Part of EDITION Hotels’ growing China presence, following The Sanya EDITION (2016) and alongside The Dali EDITION
- Rooms and Suites: 145 guestrooms and suites
- Design Concept: Ian Schrager concept with Neri&Hu design
- Architectural Character: A blend of Shanghai heritage architecture and contemporary design, combining the former Shanghai Power Company building with a modern tower
- Location Highlight: Within walking distance of The Bund and Shanghai’s historic waterfront
- Dining Highlights:
- YONE Restaurant & Bar — Japanese-inspired dining with panoramic views from the 27th floor
- Shanghai Tavern — contemporary dining with an open kitchen concept
- Lobby Bar — an elegant social space inspired by Shanghai heritage
- Urban Bar — a relaxed gathering space
- Punch Room — EDITION’s signature cocktail concept
- Roof — rooftop drinks overlooking Shanghai’s skyline
- Signature Experience: Temaki Brunch Social at YONE
- Facilities: Swimming pool, spa, 24-hour fitness centre, meeting and event spaces
- Best For: Luxury travellers, couples, business travellers, design enthusiasts, dining lovers and Shanghai staycations
Location: A Luxury Address Near The Bund and Nanjing Road
Location is one of The Shanghai EDITION’s greatest advantages.
The hotel is located at 199 Nanjing Road East in Puxi, near the northeast corner of Nanjing Road East and Henan Road. It sits close to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s best-known shopping and sightseeing areas, while The Bund is also just a short walk away.
For travellers visiting Shanghai for the first time, this is an excellent base from which to experience the city.
During the day, guests can step out towards Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to explore its shops, restaurants and busy urban atmosphere. From there, The Bund and the Huangpu River are within easy reach, along with many of central Shanghai’s cultural and historic attractions.
The location becomes particularly atmospheric after dark.
Nanjing Road comes alive with illuminated signs, shoppers and visitors, while The Bund offers its famous nighttime panorama across the Huangpu River. The surrounding streets also remain full of restaurants, boutiques and local life, making the area convenient for travellers who want to experience Shanghai beyond the hotel.
The property itself also reflects Shanghai’s contrast between old and new.
The hotel is not separated from the city around it. Instead, it creates a connection between Shanghai’s history and its modern identity.
The property incorporates the former Shanghai Power Company building, preserving elements of its heritage while adding a contemporary tower. The result is a hotel where guests can experience both old and new Shanghai within the same property — and step directly into one of the city’s most recognisable neighbourhoods.
Design: Where Shanghai Heritage Meets Contemporary Luxury
The Shanghai EDITION immediately feels different from a traditional luxury hotel.
The arrival experience is not defined by grand marble halls or excessive decoration. Instead, it creates a sense of understated sophistication.
The lobby combines warm walnut tones, natural materials and carefully considered lighting. The atmosphere feels more like an elegant private residence than a conventional hotel entrance.
A highlight is the dramatic custom chandelier suspended in the centre of the lobby. Designed as a statement piece, it adds a sense of arrival while maintaining the hotel’s refined character.
One of the most impressive aspects of the design is how naturally the historic and contemporary elements work together.
The heritage building brings character and a connection to Shanghai’s past.
The modern tower provides a sense of openness, light and contemporary luxury.
The combination of heritage and contemporary design is central to the hotel’s identity. The historic building brings character and a connection to Shanghai’s past, while the modern tower provides a more contemporary sense of openness and light.
The Shanghai EDITION succeeds because it feels unmistakably connected to Shanghai.
Rooms and Suites: A Calm Retreat Above the City
The Shanghai EDITION features 145 rooms and suites, designed with a residential approach to modern luxury.
The rooms avoid unnecessary decoration. Instead, the focus is on comfort, craftsmanship and creating a peaceful retreat above the energy of the city.
Light oak finishes, custom-designed furniture, premium fabrics and thoughtful lighting create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The rooms also feature original photography by renowned Asian photographer Wing Shya, whose work adds a cultural and artistic connection to the space.
The bathrooms continue the understated luxury approach, featuring elegant materials, spacious layouts and carefully selected amenities.
However, the most memorable feature of many rooms is the view.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame Shanghai’s changing skyline.
Looking outward, guests can see the contrast between historic Puxi and the futuristic towers of Pudong.
It is a reminder that Shanghai itself is part of the hotel experience.
The suites provide even more space, with open living areas, dining spaces and selected categories featuring terraces overlooking the city.
For travellers celebrating a special occasion, the panoramic views make the suites particularly appealing.
Dining at The Shanghai EDITION: Where Food Meets the Shanghai Skyline
Dining is one of the strongest parts of The Shanghai EDITION experience.
During my visit, the highlight was the Temaki Brunch Social at YONE, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant on the 27th floor. But YONE is only part of the hotel’s wider dining and bar offering, which ranges from contemporary dining in the heritage building to cocktails and rooftop drinks overlooking Shanghai.
YONE Restaurant & Bar: Skyline Dining Above Shanghai
Located on the 27th floor, YONE combines contemporary Japanese cuisine with one of the most impressive dining views in Shanghai.
The restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows and signature triangular design provide sweeping views of The Bund and the city skyline.
The setting immediately creates a sense of occasion.
Whether visiting for dinner, drinks or weekend brunch, YONE offers an experience where the food and the city view work together.
The restaurant reflects EDITION’s approach to dining: sophisticated, social and designed as a destination beyond hotel guests.
My Experience: Temaki Brunch Social at YONE
The Temaki Brunch Social at YONE offers a relaxed yet refined weekend dining experience, combining Japanese flavours, interactive temaki selections and a vibrant social atmosphere.
The brunch begins with a selection of appetisers.
My experience started with:
- Chef’s Kobachi of the Day
- Black Cod Dip and Wangtong Chips
- Classic Japanese Miso Soup
- YONE Tempura Selection
The dishes provided a balanced introduction to the meal.
The black cod dip offered a rich and savoury opening, while the tempura selection added a lighter, crisp element.
The classic Japanese miso soup also provided a comforting traditional touch before the main brunch experience began.
Endless Temaki: The Highlight of the Brunch
The centrepiece of the Temaki Brunch Social is the Endless Temaki experience.
Guests can choose between the YONE Signature Temaco and Classic Temaki selections.
I selected the Classic Temaki option, which included:
- Scallop Mayo
- Fresh Spanish Tuna
- Forest Butter
- Wagyu Teriyaki
The temaki format brings a more interactive element to brunch.
Instead of a traditional sequence of courses, guests can enjoy different flavours and combinations throughout the meal.
It creates a more social dining atmosphere, making it particularly suitable for weekend gatherings with friends or celebrations.
From the Sea: Charcoal Grilled Hainan Sea Bass
For the main course, guests can choose between a “From the Sea” or “From the Land” option.
I selected the Charcoal Grilled Hainan Sea Bass.
The dish highlighted the quality of the seafood, with the charcoal grilling adding a deeper flavour while maintaining the delicate texture of the fish.
It was a fitting choice for the brunch concept, reflecting YONE’s focus on fresh ingredients and refined Japanese-inspired preparation.
Sweet Bites and Beverage Experience
The meal concluded with three selected sweet bites.
For beverages, I chose the premium tea selection, which complemented the meal well and provided a refreshing finish.
Guests looking for a more indulgent weekend experience can add the Bar Free Flow option for an additional RMB 188.
The package includes:
- Asahi Beer
- Suntory Highball
- Premium tea selection
- Coffee
- Juice and soft drinks
- Premium Junmai-shu sake
- Sommelier-selected white and red wine selections
Although I chose tea during my visit, the beverage package offers an attractive option for guests looking to extend the brunch into a longer social occasion.
Dining Beyond YONE: The Shanghai EDITION as a Social Destination
While YONE was the highlight of my dining experience, The Shanghai EDITION offers several other spaces for eating, drinking and socialising. The hotel’s restaurants and bars give guests plenty of reasons to stay on property after returning from a day exploring Shanghai.
Shanghai Tavern: Contemporary Dining with an Open Kitchen
Located within the hotel’s heritage building, Shanghai Tavern offers a different dining experience from YONE.
While YONE focuses on Japanese-inspired cuisine and skyline views, Shanghai Tavern celebrates contemporary dining in a more relaxed and social environment.
The restaurant features an open kitchen concept, allowing guests to see the chefs at work and creating a stronger connection between the kitchen and dining room.
The design also reflects the building’s history, incorporating elements of the original Shanghai Power Company building while introducing modern touches.
Shanghai Tavern serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, making it suitable for everything from a casual morning meal to a business lunch or evening gathering.
For hotel guests, it provides convenience.
For local diners, it works as a standalone Shanghai dining destination.
Lobby Bar: The First Impression Continues
A hotel lobby often sets the tone for the entire stay.
At The Shanghai EDITION, the Lobby Bar transforms that arrival experience into something more social.
Rather than functioning merely as a waiting area, it becomes a place where guests can meet, relax and enjoy a drink throughout the day.
The space incorporates design details inspired by Shanghai’s architectural heritage, including decorative elements influenced by the city’s traditional Shikumen buildings.
Punch Room: An Intimate Cocktail Experience
Punch Room is one of the signature concepts associated with EDITION Hotels.
Inspired by the tradition of private clubs, Punch Room creates a more intimate cocktail environment away from the energy of the city.
The Shanghai location continues that philosophy with a warm, sophisticated interior featuring wood details and comfortable seating.
It is a space designed for conversation.
Rather than being a loud nightlife venue, Punch Room offers a refined setting for handcrafted cocktails and relaxed evenings.
For travellers who enjoy discovering hotel bars with a strong personality, Punch Room is one of The Shanghai EDITION’s memorable experiences.
Roof: Shanghai Skyline as the Backdrop
Few cities offer a skyline as recognisable as Shanghai.
At The Shanghai EDITION, the Roof takes full advantage of that view.
Located above the hotel, the rooftop offers a dramatic perspective of the Huangpu River, The Bund and Pudong’s futuristic skyline.
During the day, it provides a bright urban escape.
Punch Room at The Shanghai EDITION, an intimate bar lounge with warm wooden interiors and views of Pudong’s skyline
With The Bund, Huangpu River and Pudong skyline spread across the view, the city becomes the natural backdrop to the rooftop experience.
For first-time visitors to Shanghai, enjoying a drink at Roof is one of the hotel’s most memorable moments.
Roof Garden: A Green Escape Above the City
One of the most unexpected features of The Shanghai EDITION is the Roof Garden.
In a city known for its density and constant movement, finding a peaceful outdoor space in the centre of Shanghai is rare.
The rooftop garden introduces greenery, open-air seating and a more relaxed atmosphere.
The space combines landscaping with social areas, creating a place where guests can slow down while still enjoying views of the city.
The Roof Garden is more than a patch of greenery above the city. The landscaped English garden combines Chinese greenery with traditional English horticulture, creating an unexpected contrast with the dense urban environment below.
The space also includes daybeds, lawn bowling and croquet, as well as an outdoor movie theatre and a full bar serving food and snacks. It is one of the hotel’s more distinctive spaces and offers a different way to experience Shanghai away from the busy streets below.
Wellness: Finding Balance in the Heart of Shanghai
Despite its central location, The Shanghai EDITION provides several opportunities for relaxation.
The hotel features a swimming pool, spa facilities and a 24-hour fitness centre.
The facilities add another layer of convenience for guests who want to balance sightseeing and dining with time to unwind.
Meetings and Events: Designed for Modern Gatherings
The hotel also offers meeting and event spaces for corporate gatherings and private celebrations. Its lifestyle-oriented design gives these spaces a less conventional feel than a traditional business hotel.
Eight Years Later: Why The Shanghai EDITION Still Stands Out
Hotel design trends change quickly, particularly in a city as competitive as Shanghai. Yet eight years after opening, The Shanghai EDITION still has a clear identity.
For me, its strongest quality is the way different parts of the hotel work together. The location puts Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and The Bund within easy reach. The heritage building gives the property a sense of place, while the contemporary tower and skyline views provide a distinctly modern Shanghai experience.
The dining is another major strength, particularly YONE and its Temaki Brunch Social. The Roof and landscaped garden then offer a different perspective, giving guests spaces to enjoy the city without always being surrounded by its streets.
That combination helps explain why The Shanghai EDITION continues to feel relevant eight years after opening.
The EDITION China Story Continues
The Shanghai EDITION is also part of EDITION Hotels’ broader expansion in China. Following The Sanya EDITION in 2016 and The Shanghai EDITION in 2018, The Dali EDITION extends the brand into another destination shaped by nature and culture. The three properties illustrate how EDITION adapts its lifestyle concept to different settings while maintaining a recognisable identity.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Shanghai EDITION
When did The Shanghai EDITION open?
The Shanghai EDITION opened in 2018, bringing the EDITION Hotels lifestyle concept to Shanghai with a focus on design, dining and social experiences.
Where is The Shanghai EDITION located?
The hotel is located at 199 Nanjing Road East in Huangpu District, Shanghai, within walking distance of The Bund.
What makes The Shanghai EDITION different from other luxury hotels in Shanghai?
The Shanghai EDITION combines heritage architecture, contemporary design, destination dining and social spaces. Unlike traditional luxury hotels focused mainly on accommodation, EDITION hotels are designed as lifestyle destinations.
What dining experiences are available at The Shanghai EDITION?
The hotel features several dining and drinking venues, including YONE Restaurant & Bar, Shanghai Tavern, Lobby Bar, Punch Room and Roof.
What is the Temaki Brunch Social at YONE?
The Temaki Brunch Social at YONE is a Japanese-inspired weekend brunch experience featuring appetisers, endless temaki selections, a choice of main courses and optional beverage packages.
How many rooms does The Shanghai EDITION have?
The hotel has 145 rooms and suites.
Is The Shanghai EDITION near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street?
Yes. The Shanghai EDITION is located at 199 Nanjing Road East, close to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and within walking distance of The Bund.
Final Verdict: The Shanghai EDITION Remains a Shanghai Classic
After eight years, The Shanghai EDITION still makes a strong case for itself among Shanghai’s luxury hotels.
Its location is a major advantage, putting guests close to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and within walking distance of The Bund. Inside, the combination of Shanghai heritage architecture, contemporary design and skyline views gives the hotel a strong sense of place.
For me, the dining and social spaces are among its biggest strengths. YONE’s Temaki Brunch Social was a highlight of my visit, while the Roof and landscaped garden provide two very different ways to enjoy the city.
The Shanghai EDITION is particularly well suited to travellers who value design, dining and a lively central location alongside their accommodation. It is also a compelling option for first-time visitors who want to experience some of Shanghai’s most recognisable sights within easy reach.
Eight years after opening, The Shanghai EDITION has not lost its sense of identity. More importantly, it still feels connected to the city around it — which is perhaps the strongest reason it continues to stand out.
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