Peace Hotel Old Jazz Bar

Lan Ni Du

2

@atlasobscura

"The Peace Hotel is, alone, worth a visit. The historic art-deco behemoth is a centerpiece of Shanghai’s picturesque riverside Bund area. The hotel bar’s house band is just the cherry on top: The primarily octogenarian “Old Jazz Band” is likely the oldest living and longest-performing musical group alive today. The bar and its band are an encapsulation of a pivotal era in Shanghainese history. The arrival of jazz in the 1920s brought about an embracing of Western culture throughout the city known as the “Paris of the Orient”: Men began wearing suits, ties, and mechanical watches, and gelling their hair, while women assumed tight-fitting cheongsams with high heels. The band’s repertoire of mostly nostalgic tunes from the ’20s and ’30s is an homage to a bygone era that birthed what’s known as “Shanghai style,” a singular blend of East meets West, old meets new. Several musicians can likely attest firsthand to the period’s pathos; the “younger” of the bunch can recall practicing their forbidden instruments in secret during the Cultural Revolution of the ’60s. At any rate, the “Old Jazz Band” that began playing here in 1980 is the same one that plays today. The average age of the house musicians is currently 82, a number offset by the rotating, often younger “sultry female vocalist” (according to the hotel website) who joins the band at 9:00 p.m. each night. That the bar itself was originally an English-style pub is evidenced in its darker features, from the bar stools to the wooden tabletops, suited to an ambience of weighty refinement persistent throughout the hotel. Photos of famous politicians visiting the legendary bar line the walls, including Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama. Bill Clinton (did you know he played saxophone?) once famously joined the band for a stand-in solo. While the bar is open to the public, care is taken to evoke a sense of exclusivity. Returning guests’ preferred food and drink order, as well as their table and cigar selection, are memorized by staff. A menu of snacks accompanies a cocktail list inspired by those of the ’20s. Grab a martini and french fries and enjoy this living slice of Shanghai history. The band goes on each night at 6:30 p.m. If the charm brings you to tears, it’s dark enough that no one will notice." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

12 Bars and Restaurants With Music on the Menu
zgaijdrl/used with permission

20 南京东路, Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002 Get directions

2 Postcards

See full details

More Places For You

The Middle House

Hotel · Huangpu

This upscale gem in Shanghai boasts chic rooms with stunning city views, delightful dining options, and a top-notch spa, all wrapped in exceptional hospitality.

7 Postcards

Super Brand Mall

Shopping mall · Lan Ni Du

Discover a vibrant 13-story shopping haven in Shanghai's Superbrand Mall, featuring an eclectic mix of shops, eateries, and an IMAX theater—all set against the stunning Huang Pu River.

0 Postcards

Hkri Taikoo Hui

Shopping mall · Huangpu

Modern, prominent mall featuring popular global retailers, many restaurants, hotels & a theater.

1 Postcard

上海新天地朗廷酒店

Hotel · Lao Ximen

Nestled in the chic Xintiandi shopping district, this elegant hotel boasts stunning city views, a lively array of bars and restaurants, and luxurious amenities.

2 Postcards

The Shanghai EDITION

Hotel · Lan Ni Du

Nestled just a three-minute stroll from Nanjing East Road metro, this chic hotel boasts stunning views, gourmet dining, and top-notch service.

3 Postcards

Park Hyatt Shanghai

Hotel · Lu Jia Du

Perched high in the Shanghai skyline, Park Hyatt blends sleek design with stunning views, offering guests a luxurious retreat and top-notch service.

5 Postcards

The PuLi Hotel and Spa

Hotel · Jing'an

Nestled in the lively JingAn district, the PuLi Hotel combines sleek modern design with tranquil luxury, offering spacious rooms, an inviting infinity pool, and top-notch dining amidst city views.

4 Postcards

Xuhui District

· Xuhui

Nestled in the chic Xuhui District, this vibrant hub blends historic charm with luxurious shopping, trendy eateries, and lush botanical gardens.

2 Postcards

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Hotel · Lan Ni Du

Perched on the iconic Bund, this luxurious hotel blends historic charm with modern elegance, offering stunning city views, plush amenities, and impeccable service.

2 Postcards

Shanghai Grand Theatre

Opera house · Huangpu

The Shanghai Grand Theatre dazzles with its striking architecture and hosts a rich array of performances, making it a cultural gem in the city's arts scene.

0 Postcards