Top 10 Luxury Hotels in China

1. Aman Summer Palace, Beijing

Located just steps away from the East Gate of the historic Summer Palace, Aman Summer Palace offers a serene and culturally rich experience. The hotel occupies a series of pavilions, some of which date back over a century, that were originally used by guests of the Summer Palace awaiting an audience with the Empress Dowager. The rooms and suites are designed in traditional Chinese architecture with an emphasis on privacy and tranquility.

• Unique Features: Private access to the Summer Palace, traditional Chinese architecture, serene surroundings.
• Dining: The hotel offers several dining options including the Chinese Restaurant serving Peking duck and other local specialties, and The Grill for Western cuisine.
• Wellness: The Aman Spa offers traditional Chinese medicine treatments and a large indoor pool.
• Why It Stands Out: The hotel’s proximity to the Summer Palace and its tranquil, historic setting make it a unique luxury retreat in the bustling city of Beijing.

2. The Peninsula Shanghai

Located on the historic Bund, The Peninsula Shanghai blends colonial charm with modern luxury. This Art Deco-inspired hotel offers stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline.

• Unique Features: Art Deco design, Bund location, rooftop terrace with stunning views.
• Dining: The hotel features Michelin-starred restaurants like Sir Elly’s and Yi Long Court, which offer French and Cantonese cuisine respectively.
• Wellness: The Peninsula Spa offers holistic treatments, and the hotel also has a stunning indoor pool and fitness center.
• Why It Stands Out: The perfect combination of historical charm, luxurious amenities, and prime location on the Bund makes The Peninsula Shanghai a top choice for luxury travelers.

3. Bulgari Hotel, Beijing

Located in the heart of the city's Embassy District, the Bulgari Hotel Beijing is a true urban resort, combining art, nature, and modern luxury. Surrounded by lush gardens and overlooking the Liangma River, the hotel offers a peaceful retreat in the middle of the city.

• Unique Features: River views, art gallery, contemporary Italian design.
• Dining: The Italian restaurant Il Ristorante - Niko Romito offers fine dining with a menu curated by a three-Michelin-star chef.
• Wellness: The Bulgari Spa offers various luxurious treatments, an indoor pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
• Why It Stands Out: The combination of its serene riverside location, art-inspired interiors, and top-notch service make it a standout in Beijing’s luxury hotel scene.

4. Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai

Set on the banks of the Huangpu River in the heart of Pudong’s financial district, the Mandarin Oriental Pudong offers unrivaled luxury and service. With its sleek, modern design and cutting-edge technology, it is a favorite among business travelers and tourists alike.

• Unique Features: Riverside location, cutting-edge technology, panoramic city views.
• Dining: The hotel offers a variety of dining options including the Michelin-starred Yong Yi Ting, which serves Jiang Nan cuisine.
• Wellness: The spa offers a range of therapies inspired by Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with an indoor pool and fitness center.
• Why It Stands Out: The hotel’s combination of modern luxury, top-tier amenities, and excellent service makes it one of the best luxury hotels in Shanghai.

5. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Housed in a century-old building that was once the Shanghai Club, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury. The hotel offers spectacular views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyline.

• Unique Features: Historic architecture, riverside location, Old World charm.
• Dining: The hotel features multiple dining options including the sophisticated Pelham’s, which offers contemporary European cuisine.
• Wellness: The Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a variety of rejuvenating treatments, along with an indoor pool and fitness center.
• Why It Stands Out: Its blend of historic architecture and modern luxury, along with its prime location on the Bund, makes it a top choice for travelers seeking a luxurious stay in Shanghai.

6. Four Seasons Hotel, Hangzhou at West Lake

Set amidst tranquil gardens and overlooking the picturesque West Lake, the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou offers a serene retreat that combines traditional Chinese architecture with modern luxury. The hotel is designed to resemble a traditional Chinese village, with elegant pavilions and beautiful water features.

• Unique Features: West Lake views, traditional Chinese architecture, tranquil gardens.
• Dining: The Jin Sha restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine, while WLB serves Western dishes with a view of the lake.
• Wellness: The spa offers treatments inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, and there’s also an indoor pool with views of the gardens.
• Why It Stands Out: The hotel’s serene location and traditional design, coupled with Four Seasons’ renowned service, make it a haven of luxury and tranquility in Hangzhou.

7. Rosewood Beijing

Located in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District, Rosewood Beijing is a modern luxury hotel that offers a mix of contemporary style and traditional Chinese elements. The hotel is known for its art collection and its personalized service.

• Unique Features: Art collection, personalized service, modern Chinese design.
• Dining: The hotel offers a variety of dining options including Bistrot B, which serves French cuisine, and Country Kitchen, which offers Northern Chinese specialties.
• Wellness: The Sense Spa offers a range of treatments, including Chinese medicine-inspired therapies, and the hotel also has an indoor pool and fitness center.
• Why It Stands Out: The combination of its contemporary design, excellent service, and prime location in Beijing’s CBD makes Rosewood Beijing a top choice for luxury travelers.

8. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

Situated on the top floors of the International Commerce Centre, The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline. As the highest hotel in the world, it offers an unparalleled luxury experience.

• Unique Features: World’s highest hotel, panoramic views, luxurious rooms.
• Dining: The hotel boasts several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Tin Lung Heen for Cantonese cuisine and Tosca di Angelo for Italian.
• Wellness: The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers an array of treatments with a view, along with an indoor infinity pool overlooking the city.
• Why It Stands Out: Its position as the highest hotel in the world, coupled with its luxurious amenities and breathtaking views, make it a must-stay in Hong Kong.

9. Amanfayun, Hangzhou

Located in a peaceful valley near the West Lake, Amanfayun offers a unique experience that combines traditional Chinese village life with modern luxury. The resort is set in a restored village that dates back to the Tang Dynasty, with ancient temples and tea fields nearby.

• Unique Features: Traditional village setting, proximity to ancient temples, serene environment.
• Dining: The hotel’s restaurants offer a mix of local and international cuisine, with ingredients sourced from the surrounding area.
• Wellness: The Aman Spa offers traditional Chinese therapies, and there’s also a meditation and yoga studio.
• Why It Stands Out: Its unique village setting, combined with Aman’s signature luxury, makes Amanfayun a truly special retreat in Hangzhou.

10. Park Hyatt, Shanghai

Occupying the top floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt Shanghai offers some of the most breathtaking views in the city. The hotel is known for its minimalist design and its emphasis on personalized service.

• Unique Features: Sky-high location, minimalist design, personalized service.
• Dining: The hotel offers several dining options including 100 Century Avenue, which offers Western, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine with panoramic views of the city.
• Wellness: The Water’s Edge Spa offers a range of treatments, and there’s also an indoor infinity pool with city views.
• Why It Stands Out: The combination of its sky-high location, luxurious amenities, and minimalist design make Park Hyatt Shanghai one of the top luxury hotels in the city.

These ten luxury hotels showcase the best of what China has to offer in terms of opulence, comfort, and unique experiences. Each hotel provides not only a place to stay but an immersive experience that reflects the rich culture and history of its location. Whether you're seeking the serenity of a historical retreat or the vibrancy of a modern metropolis, these hotels promise an unforgettable stay in China.