Eight years after opening, The Shanghai EDITION continues to stand out as one of Shanghai’s most distinctive luxury hotels, blending heritage architecture, contemporary design, skyline dining and lifestyle experiences.
As EDITION Hotels expands its presence in China — from the tropical resort setting of Sanya to the urban energy of Shanghai and the cultural landscape of Dali — the brand’s evolving China story reflects its ability to create hotels shaped by their destinations.
Shanghai has always been a city defined by contrasts.
Historic buildings along The Bund face Pudong’s futuristic skyline, while traditional neighbourhoods exist alongside some of Asia’s most innovative hospitality concepts. It is this unique balance between heritage and modernity that continues to shape the city’s identity.
When The Shanghai EDITION opened in 2018, it introduced a new interpretation of luxury hospitality to Shanghai, combining design, dining and social experiences within one urban destination.
From Sanya to Shanghai: The Growth of EDITION Hotels in China
However, the EDITION story in China began earlier.
The Sanya EDITION, which opened in December 2016, became the brand’s first property in China. Set against a tropical coastal backdrop, the resort introduced EDITION’s lifestyle-focused approach through wellness experiences, ocean views and a relaxed interpretation of modern luxury.
Nearly two years later, The Shanghai EDITION brought the same philosophy into a completely different environment.
Instead of beaches and resort landscapes, Shanghai offered a fast-paced urban setting where heritage architecture, contemporary culture, dining and nightlife became central parts of the guest experience.
A Destination-Led Approach to Modern Luxury
Eight years later, The Shanghai EDITION remains an important chapter in EDITION Hotels’ China expansion.
With The Dali EDITION opening in Yunnan, the brand’s growing China portfolio demonstrates how its design philosophy can adapt to different destinations.
Sanya represents a resort interpretation of modern luxury.
Shanghai represents urban sophistication, design and vibrant social experiences.
Dali introduces a connection with nature, local culture and a slower pace of travel.
Together, these properties highlight the strength of the EDITION concept: creating hotels that share a common identity while allowing each destination to develop its own personality.
While Sanya introduced EDITION’s resort lifestyle concept to China, The Shanghai EDITION expanded the brand’s vision into an urban setting, creating a city hotel where architecture, dining and social experiences remain central to the guest journey.
At a Glance: The Shanghai EDITION
- Hotel: The Shanghai EDITION
- Location: 199 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
- 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
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. The Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront district, is just a short walk away.
For travellers visiting Shanghai for the first time, this location offers an excellent introduction to the city.
During the day, guests can explore The Bund’s historic architecture, walk along the Huangpu River and discover the shopping and cultural attractions around Nanjing Road.
At night, the neighbourhood transforms.
The illuminated skyline across the river creates one of Shanghai’s most recognisable views, while the surrounding streets remain full of restaurants, boutiques and local life.
The location also reflects the hotel’s overall design philosophy.
The Shanghai EDITION is not separated from the city. Instead, it creates a connection between Shanghai’s history and its modern identity.
The hotel incorporates the former Shanghai Power Company building, preserving elements of its heritage while adding a contemporary tower. This combination allows guests to experience both old and new Shanghai in one property.
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.
This balance represents the wider EDITION philosophy.
Created by hotel visionary Ian Schrager in partnership with Marriott International, EDITION hotels are designed to be individual expressions of their destinations rather than standardised luxury properties.
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: More Than a Hotel Restaurant Experience
One of The Shanghai EDITION’s biggest strengths is its dining and social scene.
The hotel was designed around the idea that a luxury property should be more than a place to sleep.
Restaurants, bars and social spaces are central to the guest experience.
During my visit, the highlight was experiencing the Temaki Brunch Social at YONE, the hotel’s Japanese restaurant located on the 27th floor.
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
- Wangyu 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 at The Shanghai EDITION, the hotel’s appeal extends far beyond a single restaurant.
One of the defining characteristics of EDITION Hotels is the idea that a hotel should become part of the destination itself.
Restaurants, bars and social spaces are not simply supporting facilities. They are central to the experience.
At The Shanghai EDITION, guests can move from a Japanese brunch overlooking the city skyline to cocktails, rooftop drinks or relaxed dining spaces without leaving the hotel.
This creates a lifestyle atmosphere that feels particularly suited to 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.
The result is a restaurant that feels connected to its location rather than simply occupying a space within a hotel.
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.
With its warm interiors and comfortable seating, the Lobby Bar captures one of the key ideas behind EDITION Hotels:
A luxury hotel should feel alive even when guests are not checking in or checking out.
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
The rooftop setting reflects the hotel’s approach to luxury: the city itself becomes part of the 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 garden reflects a broader trend in luxury hospitality: creating meaningful spaces that allow guests to reconnect with nature, even within an urban environment.
The hotel’s original concept described the rooftop garden as one of Shanghai’s rare urban green spaces, combining Chinese-inspired greenery with contemporary landscaping.
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 swimming pool is particularly impressive.
Rather than feeling like a typical hotel pool, the design creates a calmer atmosphere with natural light and elegant materials.
Large windows bring Shanghai’s urban landscape into the space, creating an interesting contrast between the energetic city outside and the peaceful environment inside.
The fitness centre continues the hotel’s design philosophy, combining modern equipment with a warmer, more residential atmosphere.
Meetings and Events: Designed for Modern Gatherings
The Shanghai EDITION also caters to business and private events.
The hotel offers flexible meeting and event spaces designed for different occasions, from corporate meetings to private celebrations.
The spaces incorporate contemporary technology while maintaining the hotel’s signature design approach.
For companies looking for a venue that feels less traditional than a conventional conference hotel, The Shanghai EDITION offers a more lifestyle-focused alternative.
Eight Years Later: Why The Shanghai EDITION Still Matters
Hotel trends change quickly.
What feels innovative today can easily become outdated tomorrow.
However, eight years after opening, The Shanghai EDITION continues to maintain a clear identity.
Its success comes from understanding what modern luxury travellers value.
Luxury today is not only about a beautiful room.
It is about how guests spend their time.
It is the morning view from a skyline restaurant.
It is a weekend brunch with friends.
It is a cocktail after exploring Shanghai.
It is a quiet moment in a rooftop garden above one of the world’s busiest cities.
The Shanghai EDITION brings all these experiences together.
The EDITION China Story Continues
The Shanghai EDITION’s anniversary also highlights the evolution of EDITION Hotels in China.
The Sanya EDITION introduced the brand to China in 2016, bringing its lifestyle philosophy to a resort environment.
The Shanghai EDITION followed in 2018, translating the concept into a sophisticated urban setting.
Now, with The Dali EDITION, the brand continues exploring new interpretations of modern luxury through a destination shaped by nature and culture.
Together, these hotels demonstrate EDITION’s strength.
The brand does not create identical properties.
Instead, each hotel reflects where it is located.
Shanghai feels energetic and cosmopolitan.
Sanya feels relaxed and resort-driven.
Dali feels connected to nature and heritage.
That ability to adapt while maintaining a clear identity is what makes EDITION Hotels distinctive.
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.
Final Verdict: The Shanghai EDITION Remains a Shanghai Classic
After eight years, The Shanghai EDITION remains one of the city’s most compelling luxury hotels.
Its greatest strength is not one individual feature.
It is the combination of everything.
The location places guests close to Shanghai’s history.
The design connects heritage with modernity.
The rooms provide a calm retreat above the city.
The restaurants and bars create a vibrant social scene.
And experiences like the Temaki Brunch Social at YONE show how dining has become an essential part of the luxury hotel journey.
The Shanghai EDITION represents a different kind of luxury.
It is stylish without being excessive.
Sophisticated without feeling formal.
Social without losing intimacy.
For travellers looking to experience Shanghai through design, dining and contemporary hospitality, The Shanghai EDITION remains a standout choice.
Eight years after opening, it continues to prove that a hotel can be more than a place to stay.
It can be a reflection of the city itself.
Related Coverage
The Dali EDITION Opens as Luxury Travel Shifts Toward Cultural Destinations in China
The Sanya EDITION Taps Sportcation Trend as Active Luxury Travel Gains Momentum
See all our travel reviews for honest opinions on hotels, resorts, and events.
