Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li blends traditional shikumen architecture with modern French elegance

Source: Capella Shanghai website. Villa entrance.

Source: Capella Shanghai website. Villa entrance.

Located in Shanghai’s French Concession, the Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li, offers a journey back to the city’s early 20th-century charm. Situated within the Jian Ye Li estate, the property is a rare surviving example of Shanghai’s “shikumen” townhouses, characterized by their three-story brick construction and stone accents.

The goal was to develop an ultra-luxury experience while meticulously preserving the site’s historical character. Jaya Interior Design and BLINK Design Group drew inspiration from Shanghai’s past, seamlessly integrating traditional Chinese elements with French elegance. Chic paneled walls and lavish silk wallpaper complement Impressionist artwork and French-style furniture, including wrought iron and metal-legged tables and button-upholstered headboards.

The transformed urban resort features 55 individual villas. Each villa, offering one to three bedrooms, includes an ensuite marble bathroom equipped with a separate bathtub and rain shower.

Amenities for each villa include:

  • BOSE audio Bluetooth audio system
  • High speed wireless Internet
  • Safe
  • LCD television
  • Minibar with complimentary soft drinks and snacks
  • Premium Acqua di Parma bath amenities

Public spaces, such as the reception lobby, library, tea room, and executive meeting area, are housed in a row of houses at the front of the complex. The salon-style lobby is designed as an inviting living room, featuring high ceilings that are brought to a more intimate scale by a locally-sourced, wood-carved screen. Metal-framed, art-deco style mirrors add the finishing touch.

Source: Capella Shanghai website. The main dining area of the le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire.

Source: Capella Shanghai website. The main dining area of the le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire.

Le Comptoir de Pierre Gagnaire, acclaimed French chef Pierre Gagnaire’s inaugural restaurant in mainland China, is located across the courtyard from the reception area. Led by Gagnaire’s protégé, Romain Chapel, le Comptoir offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner. The restaurant boasts high wooden ceilings with exposed beams, large windows overlooking the courtyard, and comprises a 60-seat dining room, a 40-seat bar, an additional semi-private seating area, and an exclusive eight-seat Chef’s Table.

Continuing the fusion of Chinese and French design, screens elegantly separate the various lounge spaces. Within the main dining room, banquettes line the interior wall, while solid rosewood tables and chairs, adorned with ivory leather and linen upholstery, are arranged along the exterior wall. The oval-shaped onyx bar is accentuated by a large custom chandelier reflected in the mirror above.

Details:

Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li is at 480 West Jianguo Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai 200031, China. Browse promotions

Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0