Waldorf Astoria seeks to infuse the architecture of each of its hotels with details inspired by local culture and design influences—especially in China. Discover how the designers of the properties in Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu created unique identities based on their settings, all the while staying true to Waldorf Astoria’s original Art Deco aesthetics.
BRONZE MASTERPIECE
Designed by firms Yabu Pushelberg and Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the main building of Waldorf Astoria Beijing, built in 2014, is a modern masterpiece in bronze, while the second structure is inspired by Beijing’s hutongs, or historic residential streets, harkening back to the city’s ancient imperial days. Designed by Chinese artisans employing methods used by ancient Chinese horologists, the lobby’s grandfather clock pays homage to Waldorf Astoria New York’s signature timepiece.
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Discover intricate bronze masterpieces during your stay at Waldorf Astoria Beijing.
MODERN ART DECO MEETS COLONIAL TOUCHES
Unlike many other Chinese cities, Shanghai has a largely European past, given its status as an international trade city. Like Waldorf Astoria, the city is proud of its past while looking toward the future. Thus, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund comprises two buildings—the first is a 1910 heritage-listed neoclassical structure, formerly the legendary Shanghai Club, and the second is a contemporary tower completed in 2011. Both the new build and the renovation were overseen by John Portman & Associates and HBA/Hirsch Bedner Associates. The new tower provides an updated take on Art Deco style with subtle Chinese details, such as floral-patterned upholstery. To reflect the history, the original structure features colonial-style touches like canopy beds and clawfoot tubs in the Shanghai Club Tower Suite. While the two firms restored the historic building based on archival photographs, rooms offer all the modern amenities that today’s luxury travelers expect.
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Explore the blend of Colonial and Art Deco when you stay at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund.
ROOTED IN TRADITION
Located in Chengdu Yintai Centre in the Hi-Tech Zone, the city’s version of Silicon Valley and a major financial hub, Waldorf Astoria Chengdu is all business on the outside and a Champalimaud-designed wonderland on the inside. Known for transforming heritage into compelling stories, the New York–based design firm expertly blended Art Deco style—geometric doors, chandeliers and balustrades—with Chinese elements, such as silks, abstract floral motifs and undulating patterns that recall ancient ink drawings. Though the hotel is rooted in traditional aesthetics, it exudes Champalimaud’s signature contemporaneity through illuminated spaces, bold artwork and sumptuous textiles that add a slightly sultry touch to an otherwise airy design.
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Marvel the Champalimaud details when you book your stay at Waldorf Astoria Chengdu.
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