9 Best Hotels in Beijing to Shanghai, China

At this classy summit hotel, you can count on comfortable, spacious double rooms (ask for one in the newer building) that come with down jackets, a welcome touch if you plan to brave the predawn chill to catch the sunrise. A very good restaurant and adjoining café round out the offerings.

Eight decks of spacious rooms wrap around a nautical-theme lobby bar at this shipshape luxury hotel on Jinji Lake; splurge on one of the Captain's Suites if you want to enjoy a soak in a private hot tub while you gaze out at the water. In a private marine nearby are several speedboats belonging to the hotel that can be hired for trips around the lake. Lounge beside the infinity-edge outdoor pool, or work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Occupying the uppermost floors of the Jimao Tower, designed so that its 62 concertina-like stories resemble a Chinese lantern, this international luxury hotel has state-of-the-art rooms, a fabulous spa (try the indoor mineral pool), and fawning service. Music@61 boasts a wine and live music bar (as well as many other offerings), and the lobby lounge serves afternoon tea amid stunning views. Fairmont Nanjing has seven dining outlets in all, so you won't go hungry.

This lofty hotel towers above its rivals in height, price, and, standards, although its amenities and decor—all blacks, creams, and chromes—are geared more to Chinese businessmen than foreign leisure travelers.

The professional service, wooden furniture–filled guest rooms, and meticulously tended gardens make this historic villa complex one of the finest accommodations in town. Despite being in the heart of the action, the elevated position and mountain views gives the impression of a rural retreat.

The Shangri-La makes up for its out-of-center location with sumptuous rooms and suites: the interior design nods to the city's cultural heritage—desks mimic traditional mah-jongg tables—while remaining completely contemporary. The hotel has a wonderful Cantonese restaurant, as well as such amenities as an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room.

This is the only real hotel on the summit, so although it has unusual perks (a bell rings to wake you in time to catch the sunrise), it's overpriced considering the barely adequate rooms.