Nestled in Shanghai’s vibrant Bund, the Fairmont Peace Hotel is more than a luxury property—it’s a living testament to the city’s golden age of culture, trade, and elegance. With its distinctive Art Deco architecture, storied past, and carefully preserved suites, the hotel offers a window into Shanghai’s evolution as the “Pearl of the Orient” and “Paris of the East.”

A Legacy Rooted in Grandeur

Opened in 1929 as The Cathay Hotel, British tycoon Sir Victor Sassoon conceived the Fairmont Peace Hotel. At the height of the Art Deco movement, the building was heralded as “The Number One Mansion in the Far East.” Its Italian marble floors, Lalique glass details, and signature copper-sheathed green roof epitomized luxury.

After serving as a focal point for Shanghai’s social scene and enduring mid-century transformations, the hotel was meticulously restored and reopened as the Fairmont Peace Hotel in 2010. Today, it stands as an enduring symbol of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan allure.

Experience History in the Nine Nation Suites

Guests seeking to immerse themselves in history can stay in the Nine Nation Suites, each representing a country that influenced Shanghai’s cultural tapestry. These suites preserve their original designs and furnishings, offering a rare glimpse into the grandeur of the early 20th century.

• The Indian Suite, Sir Victor Sassoon’s favourite, features emerald-green hues, intricate Moghul arches, and panoramic views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. The suite’s storied past includes hosting Charlie Chaplin in 1936.
• The English Suite channels Edwardian elegance with warm, sophisticated furnishings reminiscent of Old England’s grand estates.

Staying in these suites includes a curated guided tour led by experts from the Fairmont Peace Museum, an experience that bridges the past and present.

A Hub for Culture and Jazz

The hotel’s legendary Old Jazz Bar continues its tradition as a beacon of Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife. In the 1930s, The Bund was the epicentre of music and culture, hosting dazzling soirees and live jazz performances. Today, visitors can enjoy the timeless melodies of Shanghai’s oldest jazz band in an atmosphere that echoes the glamour of a bygone era.

The hotel has also left its mark on cinema, serving as a filming location for iconic productions like Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun.

Dive Into Shanghai’s Past

History enthusiasts can begin a guided tour at the Fairmont Peace Museum, located in the hotel’s lobby. Highlights include Shanghai’s first electric elevator and exclusive access to the English Suite. Each stop on the tour reveals layers of the hotel’s—and the city’s—rich past, making it an immersive experience.

The Bund: Shanghai’s Eternal Pulse

The Bund, where the Fairmont Peace Hotel resides, remains a thriving music, culture, and luxury hub. Once lined with social clubs and dance halls, it continues to attract visitors with its unique blend of historical charm and modern sophistication.

Whether sipping cocktails at the Old Jazz Bar or marvelling at the Art Deco architecture, the Fairmont Peace Hotel invites guests to step back while enjoying unparalleled luxury.

 

 

 

Written by: Octavia Koo

 

 

 

 

 

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