W HOTELS Worldwide, part of Marriott International, stole the scene in China with the recent premiere of W Shanghai.

The grand opening party, themed to capture the hotel’s design narrative of “Captivating Contrasts,” was attended by more than 1,000 guests including local and international media, industry influencers and celebrities.

“Shanghai is one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, fueled by its endless energy and appetite for what’s new or next,” said Anthony Ingham, global brand leader of W Hotels Worldwide.

“As an industry innovator, we are thrilled to showcase W Shanghai with the grand premiere, which brings to life the brand’s passion points through pulsating music, edgy performances and bold fashion.”

Taking center stage at the premiere was Chinese rapper VAVA, who debuted a song specially written for W Hotels from her yet-to-be-released album.

From WOOBAR to the hotel’s all-day dining venue The Kitchen Table to the WET Deck, guests were treated to a myriad of performances in true W edgy, sassy style served by fun-tastic drag queens and waiters and waitresses in high fashion outfits.

In celebration of the opening of W Shanghai, W Hotels debuted a 3-meter-tall xiaolongbao cart installation, kicking off a tour series that will soon see the installation at select W hotels in Asia, New York and London, eventually returning to China at the newly opened W Suzhou.

A nod to Shanghai’s iconic bicycles often stacked sky-high with delivery goods — a scene common on the Shanghainese streets — and Shanghai’s famous soup dumplings, the cart features playful colors such as pink, purple and turquoise intertwined with eye catching acrylic materials.

Hotels across Asia will feature special food and cocktail menus inspired by xiaolongbao and the city of Shanghai, including a custom-curated music playlist by W Shanghai’s music director.

Currently on display at W Shanghai’s Electric Laneway, the installation is a stirring opportunity to indulge one’s epicurean side.

Located on the North Bund, W Shanghai draws upon colonial glamour and futuristic motifs, with nearly all 374 guestrooms featuring views of the Huangpu River due to the uniquely curved frame of the building’s edifice.

Designed by the acclaimed G.A Design, the hotel showcases an exciting combination of historic and modern influences, such as Hai Pai, the art of combining the old and the new, East and West. (Tang Li)