Home » Sunday » City Scene
Where history and high class meet
By Yang Di and Chehui Peh |
July 31, 2011, Sunday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THIS week's suggested walk is unlike others previously featured as it takes place at the intersection of Huangpu, Daming and Beisuzhou roads. It is a unique, charming spot not far from Waibaidu Bridge, which spans over Suzhou Creek, and has been a well-known location since it was built in 1907. The bridge crosses from the cityís famous river strip to the area where a nostalgic feeling abounds. The 165-year Astor House Hotel still stands today at the corner of Huangpu and Daming roads and once housed famous historical figures such as Albert Einstein and Charlie Chaplin. The grand Broadway Mansions facing the river features a distinct Art Deco style and has one of the best views of the city. Visiting the old hotels is like a historical recount of old Shanghai. This charming part of Shanghai next to Waibaidu Bridge is not to be missed.
Astor House Hotel
Astor House Hotel (formerly Richards Hotel) was established in 1846 by the Richards family. It is known today as the very first Western hotel in China since Shanghai's commencement as a port. It was restored in 1907 with the intention to be the best and most deluxe Western hotel in the city, resulting in the change to an English neo-classic structure with a Victorian baroque style. Astor House once housed the likes of famous historical figures such as English philosopher Bertrand Russell, great scientist Albert Einstein, silent-movie star Charlie Chaplin, and was also used as the location for many movies including recent productions such as "Night Shanghai" (2006) and "Mei Lanfang" (2008). Turn right upon entry and head up to the third floor where there is an exhibition hall detailing the history of the hotel. The long corridors you pass by on the way with the constant squeaking beneath your shoes and the ancient red-painted teak remind you of its 165 years. Take the employee elevator to experience the thrill of riding in an elevator designed and built in 1846 with its old-school mechanism and buzzing noises. To stay here, the current promotional prices are from 780 yuan (US$121) per night for a basic room without breakfast to 2,800 yuan per night for a suite.
Address: 15 Huangpu RdTel: 6324-6388
La Vie En Rose
Situated in the lobby of the Astor House Hotel, this cafe is reminiscent of the old European-influenced Shanghai. The menu is very old school and mostly features Western food, while the decor is also a reminder of the historical significance of the hotel it is located in. There is a healthy breakfast set menu from 7:30am to 11am, where you can choose between either a Chinese or Western-style breakfast at 48 yuan or sandwiches from 40 yuan to 58 yuan. Set meals are served throughout the day with favorites being the wonton soup (60 yuan) and main courses (88-128 yuan). Desserts are all Italian style and drinks are also served. For those seeking modern conveniences, Wifi is also available here.
Opening hours: 7:30am-11pmAddress: Astor House Hotel LobbyTel: 6324-6388
Bund 30 Bar and Bistro
A Western food bistro, this place has a strong arts vibe with an ongoing photography exhibition by a regular patron of theirs, David Barlow, themed "The Fall of Hongkou." Recommended dishes are the lasagna alla bolognese (58 yuan) and their combos (28-38 yuan) such as the rice with curry chicken and rice with red wine and beef. To start a good night out, try their cocktails (45-50 yuan) including classics such as Mojito and Black Russian, or the ultimate XXL drinks such as Lusty Lemonade and Dramatic Strawberry Daiquiri all at 80 yuan.
Opening hours: 10am-3amAddress: 30 Daming RdTel: 6307-2866
Broadway Mansions Hotel
Situated on the Bund and next to Waibaidu Bridge, this hotel was considered an immediate landmark with the best views of the city when it was built in 1930. Designed by English architect Bright Fraser, the building's distinct Art Deco style took four years to complete. The historic building is currently operated by Hengshan Hotels & Resorts with room rates starting from 920 yuan per night without breakfast for a deluxe room to 2,050 yuan for a suite including breakfast.
Address: 20 Beisuzhou Rd
Tel: 6324-6260
Astor House Hotel
Astor House Hotel (formerly Richards Hotel) was established in 1846 by the Richards family. It is known today as the very first Western hotel in China since Shanghai's commencement as a port. It was restored in 1907 with the intention to be the best and most deluxe Western hotel in the city, resulting in the change to an English neo-classic structure with a Victorian baroque style. Astor House once housed the likes of famous historical figures such as English philosopher Bertrand Russell, great scientist Albert Einstein, silent-movie star Charlie Chaplin, and was also used as the location for many movies including recent productions such as "Night Shanghai" (2006) and "Mei Lanfang" (2008). Turn right upon entry and head up to the third floor where there is an exhibition hall detailing the history of the hotel. The long corridors you pass by on the way with the constant squeaking beneath your shoes and the ancient red-painted teak remind you of its 165 years. Take the employee elevator to experience the thrill of riding in an elevator designed and built in 1846 with its old-school mechanism and buzzing noises. To stay here, the current promotional prices are from 780 yuan (US$121) per night for a basic room without breakfast to 2,800 yuan per night for a suite.
Address: 15 Huangpu RdTel: 6324-6388
La Vie En Rose
Situated in the lobby of the Astor House Hotel, this cafe is reminiscent of the old European-influenced Shanghai. The menu is very old school and mostly features Western food, while the decor is also a reminder of the historical significance of the hotel it is located in. There is a healthy breakfast set menu from 7:30am to 11am, where you can choose between either a Chinese or Western-style breakfast at 48 yuan or sandwiches from 40 yuan to 58 yuan. Set meals are served throughout the day with favorites being the wonton soup (60 yuan) and main courses (88-128 yuan). Desserts are all Italian style and drinks are also served. For those seeking modern conveniences, Wifi is also available here.
Opening hours: 7:30am-11pmAddress: Astor House Hotel LobbyTel: 6324-6388
Bund 30 Bar and Bistro
A Western food bistro, this place has a strong arts vibe with an ongoing photography exhibition by a regular patron of theirs, David Barlow, themed "The Fall of Hongkou." Recommended dishes are the lasagna alla bolognese (58 yuan) and their combos (28-38 yuan) such as the rice with curry chicken and rice with red wine and beef. To start a good night out, try their cocktails (45-50 yuan) including classics such as Mojito and Black Russian, or the ultimate XXL drinks such as Lusty Lemonade and Dramatic Strawberry Daiquiri all at 80 yuan.
Opening hours: 10am-3amAddress: 30 Daming RdTel: 6307-2866
Broadway Mansions Hotel
Situated on the Bund and next to Waibaidu Bridge, this hotel was considered an immediate landmark with the best views of the city when it was built in 1930. Designed by English architect Bright Fraser, the building's distinct Art Deco style took four years to complete. The historic building is currently operated by Hengshan Hotels & Resorts with room rates starting from 920 yuan per night without breakfast for a deluxe room to 2,050 yuan for a suite including breakfast.
Address: 20 Beisuzhou Rd
Tel: 6324-6260
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