What the Place Is
The Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World is a hotel and city landmark at No. 88 Nanjing West Road in Shanghai’s Huangpu District, facing People’s Square. Its distinctive flying-saucer-shaped orb, revolving restaurant and central location connect visitors with Shanghai’s commercial, historical and cultural center. The hotel is also known as the Radisson New World Hotel or New World Grand Hotel.
History
The hotel was completed and opened in 2003, during a period of rapid urban development in Shanghai. Designed for international business travelers and tourists, it is near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and The Bund. Its development was part of the modernization and expansion of Shanghai’s hospitality infrastructure. More information is available from the Radisson Blu official site and the Skyscraper Center.
People’s Square was once home to the Shanghai Race Club during the colonial era. After 1949, it was transformed into a public space intended to symbolize Shanghai’s modernization and communal spirit. Today, it hosts cultural events, exhibitions and citywide celebrations.
The Bund developed as a commercial hub in the mid-19th century. Its 52 historic buildings represent a range of architectural styles and have earned the area the title “Museum of International Architecture.” The Bund was once home to major banks, trading houses and consulates, and symbolized Shanghai’s role as a gateway between East and West.
Architecture and What to See
The East China Architectural Design & Research Institute designed the hotel as both a functional space and a recognizable city landmark, combining modern amenities with a distinctive silhouette on the Shanghai skyline.
The hotel is 208 meters tall, with 47 stories above ground and 520 guest rooms and suites. Its concrete construction provides durability and stability on Shanghai’s soft ground. The crowning “flying saucer” orb houses a revolving restaurant on the 45th floor, with a full 360-degree panorama of the city. The 47th-floor bar offers another elevated viewpoint. At night, the illuminated orb and spire stand out on the skyline. The revolving restaurant rotates smoothly to provide changing city views.
Hotel facilities include a full-service spa, swimming pool, fitness center, virtual golf, snooker and squash courts, a modern business center, and more than 950 square meters of meeting space.
Nearby People’s Square is surrounded by cultural and administrative institutions, museums and entertainment venues. Sights in and around the square include the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Shanghai Grand Theatre, People’s Park and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
The Bund’s landmarks include the Peace Hotel, an Art Deco icon with a historic jazz bar; the Customs House and its distinctive clock tower; and views of the Pudong skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a multimedia ride under the river.
Practical Visiting Information
Hotel hours, tickets and reservations
- Lobby and public areas Open 24 hours daily.
- Revolving restaurant Open daily from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM; last seating is at 9:30 PM.
- 47th-floor bar Open from 5:00 PM to midnight.
- Admission There is no general admission fee for public hotel areas. Dining at the restaurant or bar requires reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays. Reservations can be made through the official website or leading travel platforms.
Occasional architectural tours showcase the hotel’s design and engineering. The restaurant and banquet halls also host themed dinners and seasonal celebrations. Check the hotel’s event calendar or contact the concierge for current schedules.
The hotel is accessible for guests with disabilities, with wheelchair-friendly ramps, elevators and specially designed rooms. People’s Square metro station is nearby.
Nearby sites: hours, tickets and access
People’s Square
- Access Open 24 hours; the square itself is free to enter. Museums and exhibitions may charge separate fees.
- Shanghai Museum Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM and closed Mondays. Entry is free, but an advance online reservation is necessary.
- Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center Open 9:00 AM–5:00 PM daily; tickets cost approximately 30 RMB.
- Shanghai Grand Theatre Check online for showtimes and ticketing.
- Accessibility The square has ramps and accessible facilities.
The Bund
- Hours and entry Open 24/7 and free to visit. Nearby attractions, including the Shanghai History Museum and Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, require separate tickets.
- Accessibility Wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and smooth pathways.
- Length The promenade is 1.5 km long.
- Tours Walking and boat tours are available.
Getting around
- People’s Square metro station Lines 1, 2 and 8.
- The Bund East Nanjing Road station on Lines 2 and 10, or People’s Square station on Lines 1, 2 and 8.
- Bus Several routes serve The Bund.
- Taxi and ride-hailing Plentiful and affordable.
- Walking People’s Square is easily reached on foot from nearby hotels and attractions.
Tips
- For photographs of the hotel, visit at sunset or after dark, when its lighting is most vibrant. Explore different public areas for varied views of the city and the hotel’s architecture.
- Reserve dining in advance to secure seats in the revolving restaurant.
- People’s Square tends to be less crowded early or late in the day. Spring and autumn are suggested as good seasons to visit, and weekdays generally have smaller crowds.
- Reserve museum tickets online in advance. Museum photography policies vary, but non-flash photography is generally permitted.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around People’s Square and along The Bund. The Bund is especially popular at sunrise and after dark; early morning or evening can offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Consider combining a Bund stroll with a Huangpu River cruise.
- For deeper context about People’s Square, use a language app or book a guided tour. Guided tours of the square are available and cover its history and lesser-known stories.
Nearby Places
People’s Square
People’s Square is Shanghai’s cultural, historical and social center, surrounded by museums, institutions and entertainment venues. Its nearby attractions include Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, The Bund, People’s Park, the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. The concierge can provide maps and directions to popular sites.
The Bund
The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River, known for its early-20th-century colonial buildings and views of the modern Pudong skyline. It is most popular at sunrise and after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the revolving restaurant’s hours?
Daily from 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with last seating at 9:30 PM.
Is there an entrance fee for the hotel?
There is no fee for the hotel’s public areas. Dining requires reservations.
How do I book a table at the revolving restaurant?
Use the hotel’s official website or contact the restaurant.
Is the hotel accessible for guests with disabilities?
Yes. The hotel has accessibility features throughout, including wheelchair-friendly ramps, elevators and specially designed rooms.
Are guided architectural tours available at the hotel?
Occasionally. Ask the concierge or check the website for schedules.
Is there a fee to enter People’s Square?
No. The square is free; museums and exhibitions may charge separate fees.
When is the best time to visit People’s Square?
Spring and autumn are suggested, and weekdays generally have smaller crowds.
Is People’s Square accessible?
Yes. It has ramps and accessible facilities.
Can I take photos inside the museums near People’s Square?
Policies vary, but non-flash photography is generally permitted.
Is The Bund free to visit?
Yes. The promenade is open and free to all.
When is the best time to visit The Bund?
Early morning or evening, including sunrise or after dark. These times can offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.
Are guided tours available at The Bund?
Yes. Walking and boat tours are offered.
For real-time updates and travel planning, consult the Radisson Blu official site, guides for People’s Square and The Bund, and the resources above. Download the Audiala app for exclusive travel tips, offers and insights, and follow us on social media for updates on Shanghai’s leading attractions.
