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
21 June 2026
Exceptional
28 May 2026
Exceptional
27 May 2026
Pleasant
The room concept was very unusual for a 5 star hotel. Instead of having everything on one level, the room was split across three different floors connected by stairs.
While the design may seem original, it honestly felt impractical.
Breakfast is à la carte menu only and some days pastries/bread were from the previous day.
11 May 2026
Fabulous
8 May 2026
Pleasant
20 April 2026
Amazing attention to details! Highly recommended!
16 April 2026
Exceptional
13 April 2026
Very good
25 January 2026
Exceptional
7 January 2026
Exceptional
29 December 2025
Exceptional
6 October 2025
Exceptional
10 July 2025
Exceptional
10 June 2025
Exceptional
2 June 2025
Exceptional
14 May 2025
Exceptional
21 April 2025
Exceptional
22 March 2025
Exceptional
9 March 2025
Exceptional
15 February 2025
Exceptional
12 February 2025
Exceptional
2 February 2025
Exceptional
20 January 2025
Exceptional
14 November 2024
Exceptional
10 November 2024
Fabulous
9 November 2024
Exceptional
22 October 2024
Fabulous
21 August 2024
Exceptional
13 August 2024
Exceptional
24 June 2024
Exceptional
16 May 2024
Unforgettable. Worth going.
Exceptional
Nothing
21 April 2024
Exceptional
27 March 2024
Exceptional
22 January 2024
Exceptional
8 January 2024
Exceptional
23 July 2023
Exceptional
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 and 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
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Fairmont Peace Hotel On The Bund, Shanghai
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25 June 2026
Fabulous