The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong Launches New Shanghai Architecture Experience for Guests

SHANGHAI, CHINA--(Marketwired - Oct 30, 2015) -   Paying homage to the city of Shanghai's stunning collection of 1930's Art Deco architecture, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is pleased to now offer guests a new private day tour of the city's most dynamic architectural styles that have impacted the history of Shanghai. Curated by renowned architect and local historian Spencer Dodington, the Shanghai Architecture Experience tour concludes with a relaxing afternoon tea at Aura, where guests will enjoy tea as well as desserts resembling the city's most iconic Art Deco structures while overlooking aerial views of The Bund.

In Aura's sophisticated lounge, located on the 52^nd floor, hotel guests will sip "As Time Goes By" -- an elegant tea blend exclusively made for the experience -- alongside an original array of macarons, minicakes, and pastries mirroring silhouettes of Shanghai's skyline. Presented over an illustrated sketch of the skyline, the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower is recreated by Executive Pastry Chef Jean-Luc into a decadent dessert consisting of vanilla curd "verrine" compote of berries, cinnamon crumble, and macaroons made with strawberry almond cake, lemon and passion fruit. Other sweet treats resemble Shanghai's historical buildings and Pudong's skyscrapers, including a mango mousse dome on a buttery biscuit, and pistachio and milk chocolate jivara cake glazed with dark chocolate, served alongside boat-shaped chocolate and mascarpone cream cakes that reflect the passing ships on the Huangpu River.

Arranged by the luxury hotel's Concierge, The Shanghai Architecture Experience tour provides guests the opportunity to stroll through Shanghai's best neighborhoods, viewing an array of building styles that define the Paris of the East, from towering, sleek skyscrapers to Art Deco gems. Guests will experience the Bund, the old British waterfront district which is home to the best Art Deco and Neo-Classical structures in China. As a striking juxtaposition, guests will be amazed by sights of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the new skyscrapers of Pudong's Lujiazui, the financial epicenter of China where The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong resides inside the highest part of the IFC complex designed by world-famous Architect Cesar Pelli.

During the second day of the tour, guests also have the opportunity to experience Shanghai's pre-Concession Era history by strolling through the charming streets of the old French Concession -- including the new urban district, Xintiandi, and traditional Shanghainese townhouse, called 'Shikumen,' followed by an introduction to traditional waterfront villages Zhou Zhuang or Xi Tang Town outside Shanghai.

Offering guests a luxurious way to explore the city's rich past and vibrant present through its buildings, The Shanghai Architecture Experience includes a private day tour of Shanghai's most dynamic architecture from old to new, an optional second day of touring the traditional waterfront villages outside Shanghai, a new Art Deco-inspired afternoon tea at Aura overlooking the Bund, and three night club accommodations.

For specific rates or to book the "Shanghai Architecture Experience" package, visit http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/ShanghaiPudong/Reservations/Packages/Detail/Shanghai-Architecture-Experience-Day.htm or call hotel reservations at +86 21 20201111.

About The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong was opened on June 21, 2010. It is the luxury hotel brand's second hotel in the city, and it's seventh in China. Located in Shanghai IFC, the prime real estate in Lujiazui financial and entertainment center, the hotel complex is the masterpiece of world famous architect designer, Cesar Pelli. The 285-room Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong occupies the top 18 floors of the Shanghai IFC Tower I. With interior designs by Richard Farnell, style of the hotel is contemporary with hints or new interpretations of 1930's Shanghai Art Deco. This gives a great sense of place to the hotel as guest rooms and restaurants embrace magnificent sweeping views over The Bund -- the most intact collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world. The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong's guest rooms and suites range in size from 50 square meters to 410 square meters. There are three floors of Club accommodations and each club room enjoys access to the hotel's stunning Club Lounge on the 49th level. The hotel also offers a variety of dining options with four Shanghai, Pudong restaurants and a bar.

About The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 90 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 40 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe. For more information or reservations, visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com, and for the latest company updates, visit news.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR).