Few places on earth rival the grandeur of the Bund in Shanghai, where a mere stretch of the riverbank encapsulates the essence of global architectural and cultural influences. Here, traditions meet the modern, the East mingles with the West, and innovation thrives against a backdrop of rich historical splendor. Amid this iconic landscape, where the Huangpu River meets the Suzhou River, and beside the historic Waibaidu Bridge, stood The Seagull on the Bund hotel, which was once a beacon of luxury. Established in 1984, it offered unparalleled views of the stunning riverbanks. Today, it has been transformed into the Regent Shanghai on the Bund, a reincarnation that embraces timeless elegance and artistic heritage, continuing the legacy of Shanghai's vibrant luxury.
An exquisite glass box
Echoing the glistening skyscrapers along the Huangpu River
The hotel stands out at the confluence of two rivers, its gleaming facade evoking crystal and brass. The stretching fan-shaped south facade offers panoramic vistas of the riverside viewing platform, the historical architectural richness of the Bund, and the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, unfolding the city's grandeur and beauty. Steeped in historical and cultural essence, The Regent Shanghai on the Bund invites guests to encounter their own Shanghai story, embarking on a journey of refined modernity from this prime"urban living room."
1. The Glory of Regent
Recreating the Legend of The Seagull on the Bund
/Main entrance and lobby/
Design is never about discarding history; it is about innovating through heritage. In this project, CCD redefines modern elegance, taking design cues from the spirit of Shanghai style, the legacy of The Seagull on the Bund, and the brand ethos of Regent.
Recreating the Prime Urban Living Room
From the moment approaching the hotel entrance, a green hedge envelops guests in a private garden-like embrace, creating a serene transition from the bustling streets to the tranquil hotel ambiance, offering a warm sense of coming home. The grand double doors of the lobby enhance a sense of ritual. The door leaves draw inspiration from the latticework of old Shanghai windows, seamlessly merging vintage elegance with modern flair.
Upon entering the foyer, a striking three-meter-high lacquer painting captures the attention, crafted over six months by skilled artisans. This piece, inspired by Shanghai's city flower, the magnolia, narrates the passage of time with its weathered surface, echoing the city's rich cultural heritage. The pathway to the heart of the lobby unfolds like the gentle blossoming of a magnolia. A circular concave ceiling echoes the bud-shaped chandelier titled "Chasing Light", which features a diamond-like structure composed of geometric crystal blocks, reflecting the dance of light and shadow and the seasonal views of blossoms.
On the other side, a delicate hollow-out screen softens the experience for weary travelers with its gentle curves. The lobby preserves iconic elements of The Seagull hotel, including a century-old piano and a spiral staircase. The white stone staircase, complemented by striped black walls and diamond-cut ceilings, spirals upwards towards the banquet hall, subtly paying homage to the old days and inviting new stories to unfold.
This is the distinctive charm of Shanghai: a city that emphasizes details, cherishes elegance, embraces pride without arrogance, and always maintains a sense of appropriateness. Deeper within the lobby lies the the reception hall, where a translucent stone bar counter engages in dialogue with a flower core-inspired, three-dimensional centerpiece overhead. The seating arrangement recalls bygone memories while embracing the aesthetics of contemporary design. The serene lobby lounge and refined dessert bar harmoniously blend Shanghai's distinctive coffee and tea culture with the spirited legacy of The Seagull's seamen's club, once a glamorous destination of numerous celebrities.
2. Ever-evolving
Enduring Prosperity
/Restaurant/
Blooms symbolize ambiance, capturing the aesthetics of the times—subtle yet expressive, embodying a rich spectrum of emotions.
A harmonious interplay of colors and forms creates a dreamy, multifaceted public space that aligns perfectly with Regent's ever-evolving identity. This design is a tribute to Blossoms Shanghai and a homage to The Seagull's 38-year legacy.
The Wizard of Oz and the Aesthetics of Order
Harmonia｜All-day Dining Restaurant
Harmonia, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, continues the architectural language with slanted beams and window-side booths that frame sweeping views of the city skyline and river scenery, evoking a sense of grandeur. The space, themed with The Wizard of Oz, is enveloped in gradients of green that range from deep shades to lighter hues, cultivating an atmosphere that is both mysterious and bright.
The kitchen's ceiling features mirrored and matte surfaces, which are combined with diamond-cut techniques, resonating with the artistic elements found in the hotel lobby. In every corner where ornamental beauty meets practicality, each detail is thoughtfully crafted—not for mere impression, but as an expression of a deep, tender appreciation for aesthetics. Custom-made velvet curtains in red and green gradients introduce the textures of modern Shanghai while embracing the warm philosophical essence of the East. This infusion illuminates the elegance and quiet grandeur of the Shanghai style.
Artistic Scroll of Lanes in Shanghai
Jin Lin｜Chinese Restaurant
If the Bund is the gateway that captures Shanghai style, then Shikumen architecture represents a window into its vibrant local culture. The entryway to Jin Lin— the Chinese restaurant evokes an artistic scroll painting of old Shanghai with a palette of gradient red metal and black oak, where layered partitions create a visual depth, symbolizing the passage of time and renewal.
The floral art installation at the aisle, inspired by the theme of "blooming prosperity," contribute to the overarching spatial aesthetics. The dining area features ringed ceiling above each table and royal blue mesh curtains that form semi-open spaces, striking a delicate balance between intimacy and openness while creating an intriguing dialogue with the open kitchen. From paper-cut artworks to inverted flower-shaped crystal chandeliers, the space reveals a harmonious blend of Shikumen quintessence and French elegance, exuding unique charm.
Futuristic Visual Feast
Cityscape Bar
The bar features expansive windows that offer sweeping views of Shanghai's panoramic skyline, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior, with diverse scenes unfolding at every step. The combination of aged black metal panels and geometric shapes evokes a futuristic ambience. Simple yet comfortable furniture, along with decor with a sense of fluidity, embody the interplay between softness and rigidness, as well as the East and West.
Through these avant-garde design choices, this area opens a portal that transcends time and space, redefining the B&F space.
3. Private Realm
Picturesque Retreat
/Wellness, guestrooms, suites/
While reflecting on the exquisite elegance of the past, one can also be captivated by the serene beauty of the present— an ideal state of the hotel experience. At the Regent, the essence of old Shanghai mingles with the tranquil charm of today, allowing one to reconnect with the inner self amidst picturesque surroundings.
Resonate with City Opulence
Suites
From public spaces to private retreats, this journey invites a deep connection with one's inner self against the backdrop of brilliant cityscape. The suites embody Shanghai's unique luxury aesthetics, with classic elements like old Shanghai-style shutters, rounded sofas, floral pendent light, and intricate details that evoke the city's golden age. The suites balance functionality and aesthetics in a coherent layout, offering a spacious living area with city views, a tea corner for relaxation, a walk-in closet, a serene daylit bedroom, and a balcony with sweeping views.
As dusk falls, guests can enjoy a private soak by the window, savoring the stunning skyline of Pudong and architectural marvels of the Bund. Here, an artistic ambiance converges with the city's unique visual identity, inviting guests to revel in refined elegance.
Continue the City Imprints via the Charm of Lanes
Guestrooms
In the deluxe guestrooms, Shanghai-style architectural language is elegantly woven into the space, drawing on the culture, life, and classic hues of the city's historic lane neighborhoods. This exploration unveils a captivating blend of the city's unique retro charm with contemporary flair, fusing the classical with the modern. The K1 room introduces a fresh layout, featuring a bathtub placed by the window that invites guests to soak in the riverside night view, savor a drink, and seamlessly engage with activities in the living room. This design captures Shanghai's aesthetic charm, interlaced with a touch of French sophistication.
The minimalist space tone is enriched with bold decorative accents, featuring classic cheongsam-patterned upholstery on the chair, complemented by ethereal screens. These elements create an aura of understated luxury and elegance. The K2 room employs a winding layout that separates the sleeping and bathing areas with semi-open partitions. Guests can gaze out at the river through the floor-to-ceiling window, immersing themselves in the changing rhythms of the city in a dreamy state of half-awake reverie. The large walk-in balcony and the thoughtful integration of patterns, fabrics, and colors evoke a deep historical resonance. This design infuses the guest experience with a warm home-like ambience, breathing new life into the rooms while evoking a sense of nostalgia and connection.
A Refreshing Oasis
Swimming pool
The indoor swimming pool offers a natural oasis, shedding excess colors and decorations to evoke the tranquility of a vibrant water garden. The green stone walls, complemented by suspended moss spheres, bring nature into the space. Sunlight filters through, casting dynamic, verdant reflections upon the water's surface. Petal-shaped columns unfold gracefully, symbolizing growth and blooming. Occasionally, soft mists cascade down, creating an ethereal atmosphere where the poetic and romantic charm of the city emerges—gentle yet resilient.
The identity of the Regent Shanghai on the Bund is beautifully encapsulated by a bespoke illustration: Three seagulls soar through the clouds, paying homage to the former seamen's club, symbolizing freedom and peace; Eight magnolia blossoms, the flower of Shanghai, represent renewal and endless possibilities; At the center, a flying horse embodies vitality and success, galloping boldly along the world-renowned golden waterfront.
