Art Deco Inspired Tea at The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

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 52nd floor, 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 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 3 night club accommodations.

For specific rates or to book the “Shanghai Architecture Experience” package, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/shanghaipudong or call the hotel reservation at +86 21 20201111.