Escaping the rainy season at Shangri-La Hotel, enjoying the sparkling post-rain views of Qiantan

Shanghai's humid plum rain season was getting to me, so I treated myself to a mini getaway at the Qiantan Shangri-La for a two-day "rain retreat," unexpectedly discovering the city's tranquil beauty. 🏙 The location is incredibly convenient. Just a 5-minute walk from the Oriental Sports Center metro station makes getting anywhere a breeze. With Taikoo Li right next door, all your dining and entertainment needs are covered—just cross the street downstairs, hassle-free even on rainy days. 🏠 The hotel lobby is quite charming, not the typical cold luxury vibe. There's a dazzling glass tree chandelier and a retro elevator, creating an eclectic yet stylish mix that detail lovers will appreciate. 🌊 The floor-to-ceiling windows in the river-view room are absolutely stunning. Sunlight pours in during the day, and at night, you can lie in bed admiring Qiantan's glittering skyline—no desire to close the curtains at all. 🛏 The room features a soft cream color palette, warm and inviting, with copper accents adding a touch of sophistication. The bed is the plush type I love, and you can even choose your pillow firmness. The wall-mounted control panel is thoughtfully designed—a dream for the lazy. The carpet feels great underfoot, making every step cozy. 🍜 Breakfast offers a wide variety of Chinese and Western options. The freshly made wontons and steaming white congee unexpectedly became my favorite combo—the congee was perfectly creamy. Fresh fruit and quick replenishment mean no worries about missing out if you sleep in. 🍽 For dinner, I visited the 7th-floor Chinese restaurant "Shang He Jiang Nan Zao." The ambiance is straight out of a Jiangnan ink painting. The dishes are light yet flavorful, each one crafted like a work of art—fresh and never greasy.