Waldorf Astoria opens its second Shanghai property
- Kaitlyn Nicholas
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Hilton has introduced Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan, a riverfront retreat that brings the brand’s second address to the city and makes Shanghai one of only three cities worldwide to host two Waldorf Astoria properties. Sitting along the southern stretch of the new Bund, the hotel opens within the rapidly developing Qiantan district of Pudong, directly across the Huangpu River from Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. Together, the two properties underscore the brand’s long-term commitment to Shanghai and its expanding presence in China.
The setting shapes much of the hotel’s character. Qiantan’s waterfront parks, promenades, and landscaped public spaces give the area a slower rhythm than Shanghai’s busier commercial centers, yet the district remains closely connected to the city’s cultural institutions, museums, and retail hubs. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan positions itself within that balance, offering river views, immediate access to green space, and a quieter vantage point on one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.
The property’s architecture and interiors, by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and Cheng Chung Design (CCD), reinterpret the Art Deco references that are woven through Shanghai’s design history. The result is a contemporary expression of the brand’s elegance, with motifs such as a reimagined peacock emblem and sail-inspired details that nod to the hotel’s riverfront setting.
Its 204 rooms and suites place a strong emphasis on views and spacious layouts. Many include balconies positioned toward the river, while select suites feature outdoor jacuzzis that frame the city skyline. The hotel’s aesthetic continues into the guest rooms, where a soft palette and detailed finishes reinforce a sense of calm.
Dining takes on a central role. Arame offers a modern European menu shaped by local produce and classic techniques, while Fu Cheng, led by Quanzhou-born Michelin-starred chef Justin Yang, focuses on refined Min cuisine influenced by Quanzhou traditions. A reservation-only chef’s table, the Starlight room, introduces an intimate experience with an open kitchen and a terrace overlooking the Huangpu River. At the heart of the hotel, Peacock Alley brings a contemporary interpretation of the famed New York original, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a pastry station, tea service, and an energy that shifts throughout the day.
Wellness and culture round out the experience. A 25-meter indoor heated pool is set beneath a glass skylight with views toward the river, while the 24-hour fitness center offers a multi-functional training zone. Four treatment rooms extend the hotel’s aesthetic with natural materials and greenery. Guests also have seamless access to riverfront jogging paths, cycling routes, and nearby parks, along with sunrise yoga and evening meditation sessions.
The hotel’s location places it within minutes of major cultural destinations, including the West Bund Art Museum, Tank Shanghai, and the Long Museum, and within steps of the Qiantan Taikoo Li retail complex.
