About this hotel
General information
Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li occupies one of the last surviving clusters of shikumen houses in the Xuhui district: behind red walls run narrow lanes lined with three-storey brick-and-stone townhouses. Chinese and Western elements meet in this distinctly Shanghainese architecture, and the façades are crowned with “matou” gables shaped like a horse’s head. The estate was built in the 1930s, later grew into a busy residential quarter for local families, and is now cared for by the hotel as a piece of the city’s architectural heritage.
There are 55 villas with one, two or three bedrooms, their interiors pairing traditional Chinese detail and chinoiserie with French-inspired furniture in a 19th-century spirit. Every guest is looked after by a Capella Culturist, a city insider who plans walks, introductions and cultural pursuits. The French restaurant le Comptoir, Auriga Spa set in two of the old villas and The Living Room, a lounge reserved for guests, complete the picture.
Location
The hotel sits in Shanghai’s Xuhui district, within the Hengfu Historical and Cultural Landscape Area — a quarter of quiet plane-tree-shaded streets, pavement cafés and small artisan boutiques. Its red walls screen the estate from the traffic, so the lanes stay calm just steps from the lively boulevards.
Spa
Auriga Spa occupies two original shikumen villas and takes its name from the constellation that holds the star Capella. It has six treatment suites, two of them for couples, a vitality pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, salt room, ice fountain, floatation tanks and a relaxation lounge. Treatments combine products by the Parisian skincare house Carita with traditional Chinese massage, guasha and cupping, while the signature rituals follow the phases of the moon. The spa is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Sports & leisure
The fitness centre is open around the clock to hotel guests, the movement studio runs scheduled classes, and personal training can be booked in advance. The Culturists also put together the Capella Curates programme and the hotel’s daily rituals:
- walks through the Hengfu area with local architecture experts, tasting Shanghainese snacks along the way
- bicycle rides through shaded lanes on bikes by the Shanghai maker Phoenix
- a trip to the old water town of Zhujiajiao with a Shanghainese photographer who teaches how to work with light and shadow
- hands-on workshops in the neighbourhood’s artisan studios
- morning reading, old-Shanghai evenings with Chinese tea and local delicacies, the chance to try on a handmade qipao, and a restorative evening ritual
For children
The Capella Little Stars programme sends young guests on a treasure hunt through the lanes with an old map, collecting stories of the neighbourhood and keepsakes along the way, and offers a playful introduction to Chinese characters, from the earliest script carved on bone to the forms used today. Children receive Little Star key cards, vintage Shanghai storybooks and their own bath amenities, a play tent can be set up in the villa on request, and le Comptoir has a dedicated children’s menu.
Restaurants & bars
Dining leans towards France, and meals can also be served in the villas.
- le Comptoir — classic French cooking reworked with local produce; breakfast, lunch and dinner, with la Table d’Hôte for private dining
- la Boulangerie — bakery café with fresh bread, croissants, pastries and ice cream throughout the day
- le Bar — an intimate 40-seat cocktail bar using seasonal local ingredients, with a Champagne and wine list
- la Terrace — an open-air bar among the shikumen lanes, serving afternoon tea
- The Living Room — a guests-only lounge and library: tea and cakes by day, wine and Champagne in the evening, shelves of Chinese and European books
Rooms
The 55 shikumen villas, with one to three bedrooms, line the western part of the estate. Each is a three-storey townhouse of 111 m² or more with its own courtyard, sitting room and entertainment room; the floors are linked by stairs only.
Smart TV, BOSE SoundLink Bluetooth audio system, high-speed Wi-Fi, Lavazza coffee machine, safe, smart room controls, a minibar of snacks and soft drinks replenished daily, and Frédéric Malle bath products.
Shikumen Villa King
Three-storey villa with one king-bedded bedroom, a courtyard, sitting room, entertainment room and rooftop terrace, looking out over the shikumen houses. Sleeps up to 4 (2 adults and 2 children).
Shikumen Villa Twin
The same three-floor layout with two single beds in the bedroom, plus courtyard, sitting room and rooftop terrace over the lanes. Sleeps up to 4 (2 adults and 2 children).
Shikumen Garden Villa King
One-bedroom villa with a king bed, opening onto the Secret Garden, the estate’s green outdoor retreat, with views of the garden and the shikumen roofs. Sleeps up to 4 (2 adults and 2 children).
Shikumen Garden Villa Twin
Garden-facing villa with two single beds and direct access to the Secret Garden, overlooking the greenery and historic houses. Sleeps up to 4 (2 adults and 2 children).
Two Bedroom Shikumen Deluxe Villa
Three-storey villa with two bedrooms — one king, one with two single beds — and a generous living area overlooking the shikumen architecture and the grounds. Sleeps up to 6 (4 adults and 2 children).
Three Bedroom Shikumen Grand Villa
The largest villa: three bedrooms (two king, one with two single beds), separate living room, TV room and dining room, and a rooftop terrace. Sleeps up to 8 (6 adults and 2 children).
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.