Peace Hotel Shanghai: An Urban Legend of Charm and Elegance

2024-11-26 Hotel Story

Shanghai Peace Hotel, located at 20 Nanjing East Road in Huangpu District, in the heart of the Bund, is one of Shanghai's landmarks. Its unique historical background, architectural style and cultural connotations make it a must-visit destination for Chinese and foreign tourists.

The Peace Hotel's predecessor was the Central Hotel, later renamed the Huizhong Hotel, founded in 1854 by the Englishman Parker Ward, on which the Jewish businessman Victor Sassoon built the Chinachem Hotel (now the North Building of the Peace Hotel) in 1929, which became one of the most luxurious hotels in the Far East at that time. 1956, the hotel was renamed the Peace Hotel, which has continued its operation to the present day.

The Peace Hotel consists of the North and South Buildings:

North Building: the former Chinachem Hotel, with a building height of 47.86 meters and 11 floors. Its exterior is in Art Deco style, with a dark green pyramid-shaped copper roof that has become a landmark of the Bund. The interior decoration is magnificent, blending Chinese and Western elements, reflecting the luxury style of the early 20th century.

South Tower: the former Huizhong Hotel, with a building height of 32.43 meters and 6 floors. The exterior is in Renaissance style, with red brick trim and frieze treatment showing the architectural characteristics of the British Victorian period.

The Peace Hotel is not only a place of accommodation, but also a center for cultural exchanges, and at the beginning of the 20th century, the hotel hosted a number of important international conferences and social events, such as the “All Nations Anti-smoking Conference” in 1909 and the “Sun Wen - Yue Fei Declaration” signed by Dr. Sun Yat-sen and the Soviet Union's special envoy, Yue Fei, in 1923. Yue Fei Declaration” signed by Dr. Sun Yat-sen and Soviet envoy Yue Fei in 1923. These events have given the hotel an important place in modern Chinese history.

A special feature of the Peace Hotel is its Senior Jazz Band, founded in 1980 and composed of senior musicians with an average age of over 70. Their performances have attracted many music lovers and become a cultural card of the hotel.

In 2007, the North Building of the Peace Hotel underwent a large-scale restoration and was reopened in 2010. During the restoration process, the original historical style was preserved, while modern facilities were introduced to enhance the service quality. Today, the hotel is operated by Fairmont Management Group and continues to provide guests with high quality accommodation and dining services.

The Peace Hotel is conveniently located at 20 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, at the intersection of the Bund and Nanjing Road. Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station and walk about 300 meters to the east. There are several bus lines in the vicinity, making it easy for tourists to get there.

As the city card of Shanghai, Peace Hotel attracts many Chinese and foreign tourists with its unique historical, architectural and cultural values. There is a museum in the hotel to showcase its rich history and cultural heritage. Whether as a place to stay or a cultural tourist attraction, the Peace Hotel offers guests an unforgettable experience.