Shanghai is the third most populous city in the entire world. It has a population just under 40 million and is also one of the nation’s most vibrant metropolises. The list of activities is endless, from discovering the indie boutiques, restored historic homes, and winding streets of the former French Concession to exploring Pudong, the neon wonderland anchored by the Shanghai Tower. Shanghai is also known for its culinary scene. It’s arguably the best in the world. xiaolongbao The best international restaurants and soup dumplings are located in Hong Kong. Hotel options here also feel boundless—and it seems luxury brands and regional favorites have captured Travel + Leisure readers’ attention.
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How voting works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe—to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 180,000 readers of T+L completed the survey for 2025. More than 657,000 votes have been cast in total across 8,700 properties.).
The criteria used to rate hotels included: their location, amenities and rating.
- Rooms/facilities
- Location
- Service
- Food
- You can also value
The respondents were asked to rate each characteristic. They could select excellent, superior, average, inferior, or poor. These responses are averaged to arrive at the final score.
The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
What Readers Loved
The Mandarin Oriental Pudong and The Middle House tied for the second spot in this year’s ranking.
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, located in the financial district of Shanghai’s Pudong neighborhood along the banks the Huangpu River, is a luxurious hotel. The hotel’s “very beautiful views” and “exceptional service” charmed its guests. Among its food and beverage outlets, there are two fine dining options: Fifty 8° Grill, specializing in French fusion in an Art Deco-inspired setting, and the Michelin-starred Yong Yi Ting, for authentic regional Chinese cuisine.
The Middle House, located across the river in trendy Jing’an District embraces Shanghai’s design and art scenes. It combines Chinese craftsmanship with Italian sensibilities, thanks to Piero Lissoni’s work as the interior architect and designer of the property. The mood here feels like an artsy hangout spot, with plenty of places for congregating, including the Café Gray Deluxe, modeled after a European grand café, as well as Sui Tang Shang for creative craft cocktails.
The Winner
The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi
The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi is the winner of this year’s award for location. It occupies 28 floors in a skyscraper. It is located within walking distance from Huaihai Road – a shopping street filled with stylish restaurants, boutiques and bars and historic architecture. The property itself is the main attraction: the 357 rooms, including 41 suites, epitomizes the sleek, refined aesthetic for which Langham is famous, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Shanghai’s cityscape. The Michelin-starred T’ang Court Restaurant serves Cantonese cuisine, and the Lobby Lounge hosts Langham’s famous afternoon tea. Chuan Spa is a traditional Chinese spa that offers a 24-hour fitness centre and indoor pool.
The full list
1. The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi
Reader Score: 98.64
2. (tie) Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Reader Score: 99.00
2. (tie) The Middle House
Reader Score: 99.00