Our Story
Our Story: The Renaissance of a Bund Landmark at MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai
Every great city has a heartbeat, and in Shanghai, that heartbeat is found along the historic waterfront of the Bund. At MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai, our story is not just about providing a place to sleep; it is about preserving a legacy, celebrating a golden era, and redefining modern luxury in the heart of the “Oriental Paris.”
Located at the prestigious and historically significant address of No. 1 Jinling East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, 200002, China, our 5-star boutique hotel is a living testament to the city’s remarkable journey from a 19th-century trading port to a 21st-century global metropolis. Here is the story of how a historic landmark was reborn into a sanctuary of “quiet luxury.”
Chapter 1: The Genesis of a Historic Site (1862)
The story of our hotel begins long before the modern skyline of Pudong was even a dream. The very ground upon which MaxX By Steigenberger stands is steeped in the commercial history of old Shanghai. In the mid-19th century, this prime “Diamond” location at the southern end of the Bund was home to Russell & Co., the earliest and most prominent American-owned trading firm in China, established in 1862.
During this era, No. 1 Jinling East Road was the epicenter of global trade, where East met West, and where fortunes were made in tea, silk, and porcelain. The architectural foundations laid during this time were designed to project power, elegance, and permanence. As a hotel, we honor this pioneering spirit. When you walk through our doors, you are stepping onto a site that has been a cornerstone of international commerce and cultural exchange for over 160 years.
Chapter 2: The Glamour of the Roaring 1920s
As Shanghai evolved into the dazzling “Paris of the East” in the 1920s and 1930s, the architecture of the Bund transformed to reflect the era’s opulence. This was the golden age of Art Deco, a time of jazz, literary giants, and unprecedented glamour.
The design narrative of MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund is deeply inspired by this romantic era. When the property was revitalized, our architects and interior designers meticulously studied the Art Deco movement that defined old Shanghai. We preserved the grand, sweeping lines, the geometric motifs, and the majestic restored lobby dome that originally graced the building. Our “Our Story” is visually told through the bespoke vintage furniture, the curated antique art pieces, and the rich, moody color palettes that transport our guests back to the most glamorous decade in Shanghai’s history.
Chapter 3: The Modern Revival – Enter MaxX by Steigenberger
While we are deeply rooted in history, we are firmly planted in the present. The next chapter of our story begins with the introduction of the MaxX by Steigenberger brand. As a dynamic lifestyle brand under the prestigious Deutsche Hospitality umbrella, MaxX is designed for the modern, urban explorer—those who seek to “maximize” their travel experiences.
Bringing the MaxX lifestyle concept to a historic Bund landmark was a delicate balancing act. Our mission was to inject the vibrant, energetic, and cosmopolitan spirit of the MaxX brand into the solemn, historic shell of a 1920s masterpiece. The result is a brilliant juxtaposition: the timeless elegance of old Shanghai seamlessly fused with the cutting-edge, dynamic lifestyle of modern global travelers. We offer the precision, reliability, and world-class standards of German hospitality, wrapped in the romantic, artistic soul of Shanghai.
Chapter 4: The Philosophy of “Quiet Luxury”
In a city known for its neon lights and bustling energy, we realized that true luxury is found in tranquility, exclusivity, and meticulous attention to detail. This realization birthed our core philosophy: “Quiet Luxury.”
Unlike massive, sprawling corporate hotels, MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai was intentionally designed as an intimate boutique retreat. By limiting our accommodations to just 162 meticulously crafted rooms and suites, we ensure that every guest receives highly personalized, attentive service. Our story is one of curation rather than mass production. From the high-thread-count linens and the bespoke DIY cocktail setups in our panoramic suites, to the complimentary afternoon tea served in the lobby, every detail is designed to whisper luxury rather than shout it.
Chapter 5: A Living Story on the Huangpu River
Today, the story of No. 1 Jinling East Road continues to be written by our guests. We are proud to be more than just a hotel; we are a cultural bridge. We host international executives closing deals in our state-of-the-art business center, couples celebrating anniversaries in our Art Deco suites, and global foodies savoring authentic Shanghainese cuisine in our restaurants.
When you look out from our floor-to-ceiling windows, you see the futuristic Lujiazui skyline rising across the Huangpu River—a stunning visual representation of Shanghai’s past, present, and future. MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai stands exactly at that intersection.
Welcome to Our Story
Our history is etched into the very walls of our historic lobby, but our future is being written by you. We invite you to become a part of our ongoing story. Whether you are here to trace the footsteps of 19th-century merchants, to experience the glamour of the 1920s, or simply to enjoy the pinnacle of modern boutique hospitality, your chapter at No. 1 Jinling East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, awaits.
Discover the heritage. Experience the lifestyle. Welcome to MaxX By Steigenberger on the Bund Shanghai.