Urbn

Top choice in Shanghai


Within a former post office, China’s first carbon-neutral hotel not only incorporates recyclable materials and low-energy products where possible, but also calculates its complete carbon footprint – including staff commutes and delivery journeys – and offsets it by donating money to environmentally friendly projects. The 26 open-plan rooms are beautifully designed using recycled brick and timber from a French Concession shíkùmén, with low furniture and sunken living areas that exude space.

Bathtubs are in the bedroom rather than in the bathroom (and sometimes right next to the bed!), while grey slate tiling and textured surfaces lend a distinctly urban vibe. Check out the cool wall behind reception arranged with a mosaic of well-travelled suitcases.

It also has the URBN Restaurant, a good alfresco dining spot to hang out in.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Shanghai attractions

1. Former Residence of Liu Changsheng

0.24 MILES

Inside a red-brick villa, this museum details the rise of the Chinese Communist Party (CPC). It's the former residence of underground CPC leader Liu…

2. Paramount Ballroom

0.28 MILES

This art deco theatre was once the biggest nightclub in the 1930s. The first Chinese jazz band, Jimmy King, played here, and both the former ruler of…

3. Changde Apartment

0.31 MILES

A great example of art deco architecture, this 1933 apartment building is the former residence of Eileen Chang (Zhang Ailing; 1920–95), the celebrated…

4. Jing'an Temple

0.33 MILES

With the original temple dating back to AD 1216, the much-restored Jing'an Temple was here well before all the audacious skyscrapers and glitzy shopping…

5. Salvador Dalí Sculpture

0.36 MILES

On the corner of ritzy West Nanjing Rd sits Nobility of Time, a bronze sculpture created by Salvador Dalí, who constructed this signature dripping clock…

6. Jìng'an Park

0.4 MILES

Across from Jing'an Temple, this atmospheric landscaped garden is 33,600 sq metres in size and a nice little oasis in the city. Stroll past flowerbeds,…

7. Mao Zedong's 1920 Apartment

0.46 MILES

Though Mao Zedong only lived at this two-storey apartment for a few months in 1920, it's here the seeds were laid for the formation of the CCP. Within is…

8. Shanghai Children’s Palace

0.46 MILES

A grand, two-storey 1920s building, the Shanghai Children’s Palace was formerly Kadoorie House, named after its wealthy Jewish owner. It's closed to the…