The opening of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan marks the start of a new era for Waldorf Astoria in China, and the brand’s second hotel in Shanghai. Artfully blending the brand’s heritage with the city’s forward-looking spirit, the property occupies a premier waterfront location in the vibrant Qiantan district of Pudong.
The hotel’s architectural design—reflecting the elegance of a cruise ship at sea—was led by global architecture firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), while its interiors were crafted by Cheng Chung Design (CCD). Inspired by the sleek contours of a streamlined hull, the design incorporates gentle curves that evoke movement, suggesting the building is gliding along the river’s surface. Custom metal panels and glass curtains reflect the surrounding greenery, seamlessly integrating the hotel into its urban landscape. As night falls, the hotel transforms into a luminous riverside beacon, casting shimmering reflections across the Huangpu River.
At the heart of the lobby, an all-glass atrium greenhouse frames a storied clock as its focal point—a continuation of the brand’s tradition that began in New York in 1893. More than a timepiece, the clock serves as a meeting point and a symbol of timeless connection, embodying Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of shared moments and refined hospitality.
(Photo by Ting Wang and Yonggang Zhong)
The hotel offers 204 guestrooms and suites. Generous layouts and sweeping vistas redefine the sense of retreat, with most rooms featuring large balconies that open to panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the West Bund skyline. Here, guests connect with the vibrant pulse of Shanghai while discovering the unhurried lifestyle of Qiantan, where time seems to move with the river’s gentle flow.
Signature dining destinations ARAME and Fu Cheng offer intimate, residential-style experiences. Brought to life through sophisticated interiors by CAP Atelier and atmospheric lighting by Tino Kwan, each space invites guests into a world of refined gastronomy and thoughtful design.
At Peacock Alley, chairbacks are embroidered with geometric renditions of peacock feathers while the private VIP room features a floor-to-ceiling mural depicting a peacock perched among blooming branches, its tail feathers embellished with embroidery. Designed as a contemporary social salon, the space continues the Waldorf Astoria legacy of a gathering place at the heart of each hotel.
“Every detail of Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan has been meticulously curated to embody the flowing rhythm of modern life, while honoring the timeless elegance and legacy of the Waldorf Astoria brand. This iconic hotel offers a refined experience that is both deeply rooted in the city’s rich heritage and inspired by its dynamic energy,” said Candice D’Cruz, vice president of Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
Related Articles
Four Seasons Launches Multi-Property Itineraries
Banyan Group Marks 100th Resort and Singapore Debut
JW Marriott Debuts in Tokyo’s Takanawa Gateway City
Rosewood Hong Kong Tops the World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025 List
