PAUSE Visits: The PuLi Shanghai

Discover The PuLi Shanghai

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PHOTO CREDIT: Images courtesy of The PuLi Shanghai

Luxury hospitality in Shanghai ranks among the very best in the world. From internationally recognised hotel brands to independent boutique properties, the city certainly isn’t short of exceptional places to stay. Yet The PuLi Shanghai has quietly established itself as one of Shanghai’s finest hotels, while maintaining a sense of exclusivity that’s become increasingly difficult to find.

Although located beside Jing’an Park in one of the city’s most affluent business and luxury shopping districts, with designer boutiques and some of Shanghai’s most prestigious retail destinations on its doorstep, The PuLi isn’t the sort of hotel that shouts for attention. While the neighbourhood embodies the confidence and pace of modern Shanghai, the hotel remains surprisingly discreet. From the main street, it’s easy to miss, with very little hint of the hotel tucked away beyond the entrance. It’s only as you turn into the bamboo-lined driveway that the PuLi experience truly begins. Gradually, the hotel reveals itself, beginning with the property’s iconic Foo Dog statues before leading into an intimate, low-lit foyer that offers only a glimpse of what’s to come. Rather than revealing everything at once, The PuLi Shanghai allows the experience to unfold naturally, creating an arrival that almost forces you to slow down and leave the pace of the city behind.

As the flagship property of The PuLi Group, a boutique hospitality brand rooted in East Asia, the hotel has quietly built a loyal following among travellers who value discreet luxury over international recognition. It’s the sort of place that feels like an ‘if you know, you know’ address.

Beyond the Foyer

PHOTO CREDIT: Images courtesy of The PuLi Shanghai

Beyond the foyer, the hotel opens up. The dark, intimate entrance gives way to a striking lobby where the reception looks out onto an expansive pond, while the impressive 32-metre Long Bar stretches along the rear of the space. It’s a surprising contrast to the discreet entrance, with a lobby that’s much larger than expected.

Luggage is quietly taken care of and guests are welcomed with the hotel’s signature tea ceremony. It’s one of those rare moments where you instinctively slow down, taking in your surroundings rather than focusing on checking in. Instead of the usual rush that comes with arriving at a hotel, The PuLi Shanghai encourages you to pause, settle in and simply enjoy the moment. It’s these small touches that make the hotel stand out, setting a pace that carries through the rest of the stay.

The Library, Long Bar and lounge spaces make the lobby feel less like somewhere to pass through and more like a destination in its own right. No matter how many times you pass through it, the lobby never loses its wow factor.

Rooms & Suites

The sense of calm established in the lobby is just as evident in the rooms and suites, where the same understated design aesthetic continues throughout. Designed by the late Jaya Ibrahim, the interiors take inspiration from contemporary Asian design, with subtle Chinese influences woven throughout. From the low-profile beds and dark timber finishes to the hotel’s signature Foo Dog ornaments, every detail feels intentional, creating spaces that are unmistakably The PuLi Shanghai.

Large windows fill the rooms with natural light, opening up views across the Shanghai skyline and, from selected rooms, towards Jing’an Temple. Spacious bathrooms, Byredo toiletries, smart in-room technology and an international film library add to the overall experience, creating rooms that feel complete and well balanced.

With newly redesigned guestrooms now beginning to welcome guests, The PuLi Shanghai continues to evolve while remaining true to the design philosophy that has defined the hotel since opening.

PHOTO CREDIT: Images courtesy of The PuLi Shanghai

Drinking & Dining

PHÉNIX has earned its place among Shanghai’s leading French restaurants, holding one Michelin star for its modern interpretation of classic French cuisine. The menu puts a fresh spin on French classics, with highlights including a rich French onion soup, seared foie gras and an indulgent chocolate fondant, all served within an elegant fine-dining setting.

For something more relaxed, the Long Bar is the go-to. Whether it’s a morning coffee, a pre-dinner drink or a nightcap before bed, it’s an easy place to unwind.

The PuLi Spa

The PuLi Spa is undoubtedly one of the hotel’s standout features, with wellness at the heart of the overall experience, making it feel much more like an urban retreat than a conventional city hotel. Occupying an entire dedicated Wellness Floor, stepping inside feels like uncovering yet another layer of the PuLi experience. The space features a 25-metre heated indoor infinity pool, framed by windows overlooking the city. Alongside an extensive treatment menu, guests also have access to a well-equipped gym, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas, making it easy to spend hours switching off.

PHOTO CREDIT: Images courtesy of The PuLi Shanghai

Why Stay

Shanghai is home to some of Asia’s finest hotels, but The PuLi takes a different approach. Blending contemporary Asian design, exceptional wellness, Michelin-starred dining and intuitive service, it delivers a distinctly Shanghainese take on five-star hospitality, all within one of the city’s most desirable locations.

For travellers wanting to experience a different side of Shanghai’s luxury hotel scene, The PuLi Shanghai remains one of the city’s most rewarding stays, and it’s easy to understand why it has earned its place among The Leading Hotels of the World.

PAUSE Rates: 5/5 ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑

“Such a unique hotel. I absolutely loved how much there was to discover throughout The PuLi Shanghai. From the incredible entrance and stunning lobby to the intricate design details throughout the hotel, every part of the stay felt unique. Despite being in the heart of Shanghai, it never felt like it. The hotel has such a peaceful atmosphere that it’s easy to forget you’re in one of the world’s busiest cities. What really brought everything together for me, though, was the exceptional service. It elevated an already brilliant stay and completely lived up to the reputation and amazing reviews I’d read beforehand. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.”

– Taija-Leorelle (Head of Travel & Hospitality)

A special thank you to Leila and Ella for arranging such a lovely stay, and to Hugo for providing some of the most exceptional service and hospitality I’ve experienced to date.