There’s a famous quote attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, “Let China sleep, for when she wakes, she will shake the world.”

Well, it seems China is stirring from its slumber.

China has never been more popular among travelers, in part, thanks to a new ten-day visa-free transit program for tourists from dozens of countries (including Americans). It’s also blowing up on social media with “Chinamaxxing,” an internet trend to become “more Chinese” by doing things like wearing Chinese clothing brands and drinking water warm instead of with ice.

I’ve been based in Asia for the last eight years, traveling full-time around the region, but China has largely eluded me—mostly due to the time-consuming visa process. But now that it’s opened up, I jumped at the opportunity to head to Shanghai.

What I found was an uber-clean, ultra-modern city, with next-level dumplings, fantastic coffee shops, beautiful parks, and one of my favorite new hotels in Asia—Alila Shanghai.

Here’s everything you need to know about a stay at Alila Shanghai.

The Location

Opened in 2024, in the trendy, fashion-forward Jing’an neighborhood, its central location puts it within walking distance of tourist favorites like the Louise Vuitton ship, Jing’an Temple, the French Concession, the Shanghai Museum and Nanjing Road.

The iconic Bund and Yu Gardens are also a short taxi or metro trip away. And whenever you need directions, the incredibly kind and knowledgeable concierge team is ready to help.

The Rooms

Alila Shanghai’s 186 rooms and suites are spread throughout its 37 floors. Each is an ode to its Chinese locale, with soft, neutral timbers on the floors and walls, colorful mosaic tiles inspired by Shanghainese mansions, and textured glass modeled after vintage frames. Striking modernist art perfectly ties together the hotel’s concept of perfectly blending the old with the new.

Designed by Chinese designer Ju Bin, the rooms here are surprisingly spacious and comfy, with Chinese-patterned pillows, fresh orchids and elegant ceramic tea sets stocked with local teas. Make sure you book a room with a view of The Bund to watch it glitter in the distance.

Food & Drink

Whatever you do, don’t skip breakfast. Inside the hotel’s evening Japanese restaurant, Garden Pavilion, chefs lay out the perfect spread of Shanghainese delights and Western favorites. Beautiful Danish, smoked salmon, fresh blueberries, and yogurt sit alongside a steaming cart of xialongbao and shrimp shumai.

A stop at the buffet is necessary, but make sure you order a few items from the menu as well. The pork potstickers were the best I’ve ever had. The peanut butter wontons are an interesting flavor combo, and the Shanghai scallion noodles are a must-try when visiting the city.

There are a total of four bars and restaurants in Alila Shanghai, and none more atmospheric than Chayan @ 5th. This moody lounge, with plush, green furniture, Scandi-style slung-back chairs, and Chinese-inspired art, is the place for afternoon tea. Asian-inspired pastries, and the hotel’s resident tea expert can create the perfect pairing for you. And every evening, there is a free happy hour with tea-inspired cocktails and snacks.

During the summer, the Secret Roof is an ideal place for a sunset cocktail, but its signature restaurant, 500 Weihai Road, is worth reserving. Here, seasonal Shanghainese dishes with a seafood twist shine. And while you may not have tried many of the flavors on the menu, be bold.

Wellness

The Alila Shanghai offers a unique Zen vibe the second you step off the elevator. But its spa takes it to another level. There are five treatment rooms and a Turkish bath where guests can get a full-body massage, a body scrub or a facial.

The wellness center also has a massive indoor heated pool and hot tub area, as well as a large gym available to guests 24/7—all with floor-to-ceiling windows.

And in the morning and evening, there is a complimentary sound bath therapy session led by a local gong expert.