Capella Jian Ye Li, Shanghai
More photosCapella Jian Ye Li is a rare and exquisite urban sanctuary tucked away in Shanghai’s Xuhui District. It is the city’s only all-villa hotel housed within a historic cluster of shikumen—traditional “stone gate” townhouses that define the city’s architectural heritage. Originally built in the 1930s, this complex has been masterfully restored to preserve its original red-brick charm while integrating modern luxury, effectively protecting a fading piece of Shanghai’s cultural history.
The interior design, conceived by the late master designer Jaya Ibrahim, is a sophisticated fusion of traditional Chinese elements and Parisian flair. Each of the 55 villas features custom-designed furniture, silk wallpapers, and private courtyards that offer a tranquil escape from the bustling city streets. A striking remnant of the site’s past is the iconic iron water tower, which once served the entire lane and now anchors the property with a beautiful evening light display.
Culinary enthusiasts often flock here for Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, the Michelin-starred restaurant from the legendary French chef. The property also features a popular Parisian-style bakery, La Boulangerie, which has become a beloved neighborhood staple. For relaxation, the Auriga Spa offers wellness therapies inspired by the phases of the moon and traditional Chinese medicine.
Located in the leafy, historic Hengfu area, the hotel is perfectly positioned for exploration. You are just a short distance from the artistic labyrinth of Tianzifang, the vibrant Xintiandi district, and the tranquil Jing’an Temple, making it an ideal base for experiencing the intersection of old-world charm and cosmopolitan life.
Expert reviews
“The long-awaited Capella Shanghai, the Singapore-based luxury chain’s first China property, opened in September in a restored Shanghai shikumen lane complex originally built for French traders in the 1930s. The property features 55 villas set in three-story traditional houses with private courtyards and rooftop balconies.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Shanghai, China.
“Experience a taste of traditional Shanghai life in the shikumen (stone-gate) laneways of the former French Concession at this all-villa urban resort. The Jaya Ibrahim-designed villas feature garden courtyards and rooftop terraces, while Pierre Gagnaire’s first China restaurant continues the privileged yet relaxed mood.”
“One of the most charming aspects of Shanghai is its laneway life, the hidden maze of lilongs, to use the local parlance, that jumble beyond the new highways and skyscrapers that shape the city’s modern face.”
What guests liked
- Friendly staff
- Perfect stay
- Great location
- Excellent service
Location
Recent guest reviews
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Snack bar
- - Special diet menus (on request)
- - Kids' meals (additional charge)
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
- - Fruits
- - Coffee house on site
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Barber/beauty shop
- - Family rooms
- - Safety deposit box
- - Soundproof rooms
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Designated smoking area
- - Grocery deliveries (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying (additional charge)
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Tour desk
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
- - Private check-in/check-out
- - Lockers
- - Invoice provided
Activities
- - Sauna
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hot tub/Jacuzzi
- - Spa facilities
- - Steam room
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Foot bath
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Yoga classes
- - Fitness classes
- - Personal trainer
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
- - Walking tours (additional charge)
- - Bike tours (additional charge)
- - Themed dinner nights (additional charge)
- - Happy hour
- - Tour or class about local culture (additional charge)
- - Bicycle rental (additional charge)
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Sun terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Parking garage
- - Electric vehicle charging station
- - Accessible parking
Entertainment & family services
- - Strollers
Miscellaneous
- - 24-hour security
- - Key access
- - Key card access
- - Security alarm
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Breakfast takeaway containers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
Other Shanghai hotels
Park Hyatt Hotel, Shanghai
Park Hyatt Shanghai is a sky-high sanctuary occupying the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai World Financial Centre, one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers. Designed by the renowned New York-based architect Tony Chi, the hotel was envisioned as a sophisticated modern Chinese residence. It masterfully balances minimalist aesthetics with an earthy, warm color palette, utilizing rich woods and stone to create a tranquil escape far above the bustling Lujiazui financial district.
CNN + 1 more“The Park Hyatt provides the best angle to view Shanghai: from the top. Occupying the upper part of the 492-meter Shanghai World Financial Center, all 174 rooms enjoy stunning vistas overlooking Lujiazui high-rises, the Huangpu River or the Puxi downtown area.”
Bulgari Hotel, Shanghai
The Bulgari Hotel Shanghai is a masterful blend of Italian elegance and Chinese history, located along the scenic banks of Suzhou Creek. The property features a contemporary 48-story tower that sits alongside the beautifully restored Chamber of Commerce building, a landmark dating back to 1916. The architectural firm Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel spent eight years meticulously renovating this heritage site, ensuring the hotel feels like a seamless bridge between Shanghai’s glamorous past and its modern future.
CN Traveler + 1 more“Bulgari stands out for its ability to channel the city vibe without losing a sense of the brand’s Italian DNA. An immaculately choreographed tussle between Italian and Chinese design is enacted in marble and bronze versus silk and lacquer.”
Featured in CN Traveler’s Best New Hotels of 2019.
Kevin’s Old House, Shanghai
Kevin’s Old House is an intimate, charming guesthouse tucked away on Changle Road in the heart of Shanghai’s historic French Concession. Unlike the city’s massive skyscrapers, this small property feels like a well-kept secret. Occupying a traditional mansion, it offers a nostalgic escape where the décor leans into classic European-inspired elegance and vintage Chinese motifs, making it feel less like a hotel and more like stepping back into the 1930s.
Lonely Planet“Housed in a secluded 1927 four-storey French Concession villa, this lovely, quiet place is run by a friendly, English-speaking owner. Six spacious suites are spread throughout the house. Suite 328 is the pick of the bunch.”
Hotel Equatorial, Shanghai
Hotel Equatorial Shanghai has been a fixture in the city’s skyline since it first opened in 1991. Located at the bustling intersection of Hua Shan Road and Yanan Road West, the hotel serves as a classic choice for travelers looking to be positioned right in the heart of the Puxi central business district.
CNN“One of the first hotels in Shanghai built to receive international travelers after the Chinese economy opened up to world trade, the 520-room, four-star lodging is in the thick of things.”
20 April 2026
Amazing attention to details! Highly recommended!