The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai

Shanghai

By far the most cosmopolitan city in China, Shanghai is fast becoming one of the world’s largest metropolises along with New York, Paris and London. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River near the Yang-Tse river mouth in eastern China, the “Pearl of the Orient”, although attached to its traditional Chinese identity, looks to the future and to the western world. Known in the 1930s as the “Paris of the Far East”, the city still possesses traces of its past occidental presence, which are visible all along the Bund, once the financial quarter for most foreign companies. The boulevard, a former showcase demonstrating the west’s domination over the city, possesses magnificent European style buildings whose Renaissance, Baroque and Neo-classical architecture are in direct contrast to the city’s thousands of modern glass towers. Since the 1990s, a great many luxury brands have appeared on the avenue to the delight of tourists who visit what is also called, “the city above the sea”.

The heights of the Bund

A visit to Shanghai would not be complete without a stroll along the banks of the Huangpu River, on the trendiest boulevard in the city. The Bund is a living invitation to visitors to enjoy its numerous luxury boutiques and art galleries. At night, an illuminated crown looks down over the city distinguishing itself from the other skyscrapers in the Shanghai sky. Very few natives of Shanghai know its real name. The Westin Bund Center has become a must destination for the privileged circle of Chinese and international elite. The building’s ultra modern design is the work of American architect and real estate promoter, John Portman, and symbolizes the image of a constantly evolving modern city. The organization of the interiors of this post-modernist masterpiece is a perfect example of the atrium type hotel, a favorite of Portman’s. The incoming light from its immense glass roof and the palm trees rising high into the air welcome guests in the transparent animated space of the atrium.

The room decoration is classic and contemporary, a trademark of the Westin chain, where a great number of businessmen stay when they travel abroad. An excellent example of the quality of service is the Westin Buffet, which is also a must place to go for the privileged young people of Shanghai. As a holiday hotel frequented by numerous celebrities, the Westin Bund possesses one of the largest and most luxurious spas in Shanghai, an ideal way to end a busy day of touring.

The crown atop the building represents the logo of the Golden Bund Real Estate promoter. In Shanghai, many people see it as a lotus flower.