A Chinese Aesthetic Hotel Hidden in Shikumen: Bocui Hotel·Shenwei
What does old Shanghai look like in your mind? When speaking of old Shanghai, one must mention Shikumen.
Shikumen is a new type of building that integrates Western culture and traditional Chinese residential characteristics, a unique residential form with Chinese features. And Bocui Hotel·Shenwei is hidden inside a Shikumen. Come and explore this hotel nestled in Shikumen with me.
It is located in Fuzili, Chuansha Ancient Town, where the old streets have been preserved, making it the most vibrant place in Shanghai brimming with everyday life. Walking through them is like riding a time machine back to old Shanghai.
Opposite the hotel is the City God Temple, and within 50 meters are the Guandi Temple and Chuansha Park, as well as the former residences of Huang Yanpei and Soong Ching-ling. There are also plenty of trendy snack shops nearby, where you can enjoy the most authentic old Shanghai treats like tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), wontons, scallion pancakes, and more.
The hotel has a pair of black doors, each adorned with lion-head knockers, giving a solemn and deeply traditional feel. Even before entering, you can sense a strong Chinese ambiance.
The lobby is steeped in artistic atmosphere. The walls display genuine paintings from the owner's collection. Upon entering, you'll see a long table set with the Four Treasures of the Study. If you're in the mood, you can practice calligraphy or paint traditional Chinese paintings—a leisurely pursuit that cultivates the mind and soul.
There's also a tea counter where you can brew tea and take a break in the afternoon, sipping and reflecting on life. The hotel provides tea ceremony utensils, so you can experience the traditional art of tea firsthand and feel its charm.
The rooms are named after ‘Zili’ (hometown) plus a room number, closely tied to memories of old Shanghai and adding a sense of warmth. The room number plates are distinctively designed—carved rosewood paired with bronze lion-head knockers, exquisitely detailed. Above the doors, custom brass strips are engraved with passages from the Di Zi Gui (Standards for Being a Good Pupil and Child) and the Three Character Classic, rich in cultural depth, making guests who are far from home feel the warmth of their hometown. If you bring children, they can recite these verses, symbolizing the inheritance of Chinese culture. The hotel corridor is paved with Republic-era grey bricks, and to protect the floor, you need to wear embroidered slippers while walking—a very special experience the hotel offers.
It's often the details that touch the heart. At the staircase corner, an antique rosewood carving depicts ‘nine dragons playing with a pearl.’ Further up, the corridor walls display collected antique marquetry pictures inlaid with mother-of-pearl, wrapping you in classical elegance at every moment, as if walking on the old blue-stone paths. The back of the staircase features a mother-of-pearl mosaic design, which can also be found in some rooms—subtly luxurious yet clean and neat. The porch floor tiles blend Chinese and Western patterns, laid piece by piece rather than whole tiles, showing great design sense. The bedroom also features calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, immersing you in the art. My favorite is the vanity mirror in my room, with its unique design, making it very convenient to sit and do makeup. The bathroom design is also excellent, with a creatively designed washbasin and a smart-flushing toilet.
This time, I stayed in a business king room. In addition, there is a suite and a standalone villa. The suite is spacious with a creative design—stepping inside feels like entering another space, and it even has a fireplace that keeps it warm in winter. The standalone villa’s first floor is a living room with a large dining table, which can also serve as a private banquet venue. There’s also a guqin (ancient Chinese zither); you can light incense, play a tune, and let time slip away through the notes under your fingertips.
I must mention the hotel’s dining—from breakfast to afternoon tea to dinner, each is worth describing in detail.
Breakfast is a fusion of Chinese and Western cuisine. What I miss most is the steaming bowl of wontons, handmade by the chef, and the creamy steamed buns that fill your mouth with fragrance. Afternoon tea is a must-try, with a dazzling array of exquisite sweets that you can't help but indulge in, and a cup of pear soup that refreshes your spirit. Dinner is Western-style, with every dish delicious and beautifully plated, full of artistry.
The hotel also offers very thoughtful butler service. After booking, the butler will send a booking confirmation three days in advance via SMS/in-app message, along with local weather and air quality alerts, and ask if you need airport pickup, if anyone in your party has a birthday or special anniversary, or if there are children or elderly guests.
I arrived at the hotel in the morning. Not only did they assist with luggage, but they also prepared a handwritten welcome card and a steaming bowl of wontons in the room, making me feel the warmth of home after being out in the cold. By the way, breakfast can be delivered to your room the next day—truly too considerate! If you're heading to Disneyland, the hotel offers free shuttle service to take you there, and airport drop-off is also available. If you ever get a chance, you must stay here—this hotel is so full of old Shanghai charm!
Travelogue Directory 1. Republic-era style hotel design 2. Chinese charm among bricks and tiles 3. Unique culinary experiences 4. Bespoke butler service Travel Info Hotel Index Guide Index Flight Index Website Navigation Travel Index Cruise Index Corporate Travel Index Partnership Cooperation Affiliate Links Friendship Links Corporate Gift Cards Insurance Agents Agency Cooperation Hotel Joining Destination & Scenic Spot Cooperation More Cooperation About Ctrip About Ctrip Ctrip Hot News Contact Us Careers User Agreement Privacy Policy Business License Security Center Ctrip Content Center Intellectual Property Trip.com Group Algorithm Disclosure
