Rolex Shanghai Masters: Where to stay and dine around the tournament

The Rolex Shanghai Masters 2025 will return from 1 to 12 October, bringing together some of the sport’s finest players at the Qizhong Tennis Center. As the only ATP Masters 1000 tournament staged in China, it continues to hold a unique place in the international tennis calendar.

Since its first edition in 2009, the event has built a reputation for excellence both on and off the court. Matches are played on outdoor hard courts beneath the magnolia-shaped retractable roof of Qizhong Stadium, a distinctive landmark in its own right. Over the years, champions have included Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Jannik Sinner, reflecting the calibre of competition that the tournament attracts. With a 96-player draw and prize money close to US$9.2 million, the Masters remains a highlight of the season for players and fans alike.

Exploring Shanghai beyond the baseline

Shanghai’s retail landscape is as diverse as the city itself, offering everything from international luxury to local treasures. Nanjing Road stands as the city’s commercial heartbeat, stretching for miles with its mix of flagship stores, traditional Chinese shops, and modern department stores. The pedestrianised section buzzes with energy day and night, where you’ll find the sleek Edition hotel rising above the commercial chaos, offering a sophisticated retreat from the frenzy below.

The Bund remains Shanghai’s most iconic attraction, and experiencing it both on foot and from the water reveals different aspects of the city’s character. The riverside promenade offers unobstructed views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline, while an evening cruise provides perspective on how dramatically the city transforms after dark. For an even more impressive view, Shanghai Tower’s observation deck on the 118th floor showcases the entire metropolis, though booking ahead is essential.

Across the river in Pudong, IFC Mall represents Shanghai’s appetite for luxury. This gleaming complex houses every international brand you could desire, but what struck me most was how seamlessly Eastern and Western retail concepts blend here. Meanwhile, Xintiandi offers something entirely different – an outdoor shopping district where traditional shikumen architecture has been transformed into boutiques, galleries, and cafes. The winding streets create an intimate atmosphere that feels worlds away from the grand boulevards elsewhere in the city.

A room with one of Shanghai’s most coveted views

There’s something to be said for choosing the right side of the river in Shanghai. While the Bund offers undeniable historic charm, staying in Pudong puts you at the heart of modern China’s most ambitious skyline, and nowhere does this better than Mandarin Oriental Pudong.

This iconic property has earned its reputation as one of Shanghai’s most prestigious addresses, consistently attracting discerning travellers who understand that location and luxury go hand in hand. Set along the banks of the Huangpu River with commanding views of both the historic Bund and Lujiazui’s towering financial district, the hotel occupies a unique position that captures Shanghai’s dramatic transformation from colonial trading port to global metropolis. Our recent stay reinforced exactly why this property continues to set the standard for high-end hospitality in China’s most dynamic city.

Culinary exploration

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Shanghai’s dining scene reflects the city’s position as a cultural crossroads, where traditional flavours meet international innovation. Polux by Paul Pairet exemplifies this perfectly – a French restaurant that feels distinctly Shanghainese in its approach to hospitality and presentation.

Yet some of our most memorable meals came from decidedly less glamorous settings. 辣肉面大王, whose name roughly translates to “spicy meat noodle king,” serves exactly what it promises in a no-frills environment where the focus is purely on flavour. The hand-pulled noodles arrive swimming in a rich, complex broth that manages to be both comforting and invigorating.

Coffee culture

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Shanghai’s coffee scene has exploded in recent years, and Manner Coffee represents the homegrown side of this revolution. This local chain takes specialty coffee seriously without the pretension often associated with third-wave coffee culture. Their shops are compact but efficient, perfect for grabbing an expertly crafted flat white before exploring the city.

Avec Toi, nestled in the Former French Concession, offers something more leisurely. This charming cafe occupies a restored villa where you can spend hours reading or people-watching from the garden terrace. The French influence extends beyond the architecture to the pastries and light meals, creating a perfect refuge when the city’s pace becomes overwhelming.

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Unmissable experiences

No visit to Shanghai feels complete without experiencing the contrast between old and new that defines the city. Yu Garden transports you back centuries with its traditional Chinese architecture and carefully manicured landscapes, while the surrounding bazaar offers a sensory overload of local snacks and souvenirs. The garden itself provides a peaceful counterpoint to the energy just outside its walls.

Wukang Mansion stands as one of Shanghai’s most photographed buildings, and for good reason. This 1924 French Renaissance-style apartment building curves elegantly at the intersection of two tree-lined streets, embodying the architectural legacy of the French Concession. It’s become something of a pilgrimage site for architecture enthusiasts and Instagram users alike.

A defining sporting occasion

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The Rolex Shanghai Masters has grown into more than a competition. It represents Shanghai’s role as a global hub for sport, culture and entertainment. For international visitors, October offers a chance to watch the world’s best tennis players while discovering a city that balances heritage with modernity.