The large water basin in the courtyard reflects the forested mountains that surround the Roku Kyoto hotel. Photo: Courtesy of Roku Kyoto. As spring approaches, Kyoto readies itself for another onslaught of tourists who will come in their rented kimonos to gawk at the cherry blossoms at the Kiyomizu-dera and cram the streets of Gion….
The industry’s deepening focus on Shanghai reflects a strategic reaffirmation of the city as they signal more than just market confidence. The fashion industry is shifting its gaze from Beijing to Shanghai — a city that’s fast emerging as the cultural and commercial heart of luxury in central Asia. From Dior’s extravagant 2021 pre-fall show at Shanghai’s…
As Shanghai cements its status as one of fashion’s most dynamic (yet seemingly underrated) capitals, a new generation of up-and-coming designers is stepping into the global spotlight. Fusing directional aesthetics with cross-cultural fluency, these rising talents are reshaping perceptions of Chinese fashion, blending tradition, technology, streetwear and luxury into striking new forms. From sculptural experiments…
Shanghai’s modernity as a first-tier city in China attracts investors. Image: Japan Times. Shanghai’s real estate market is starting to show indications of a cautious comeback after years of losing steam, which could represent a turning point in China’s larger real estate slump. A recent article by Jing Daily (2025) claims that in January 2025,…
In just a few weeks, the White House and the United States (U.S.) have found themselves in a situation from which escape will prove incredibly difficult. Starting on April 10, trade between the U.S. and China progressively — but irresistibly — came to a halt. Cargo bookings, in fact, collapsed in the wake of “Liberation…
Eight Tenths Garden / Wutopia Lab © CreatAR If the seven wonders of the world ever added an eighth, it would the Eight Tenths Garden of Shanghai. Devised locally by Wutopia Lab, an award-winning, Shanghai-based, architectural design firm with an aim to create magical realism and “daily miracles”, the Eight Tenths Garden is a one-of-a-kind…
On a blustery spring evening, over 60 youngsters cuddled up in a snug living room framed by vintage décor and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Beijing’s central business district. The projector played old songs, while guests lounged on the sofa or sank into bean bags interspersed among several coffee tables cluttered with half-drunk cocktails. As the ice…
Francis Lapp (second right) with his family and guests Sunreef Yachts staged an entertainment-packed outdoor launch ceremony for the Sunreef Lounge in Shanghai, with the new location at the Sunch Yacht Club in Pudong marking a significant milestone in the brand’s global expansion. The event also celebrated the brand’s deepening presence in the Chinese market…
Pivoting from Beijing’s glossy mega-developments to Shanghai’s more “hidden” expressions of creativity and heritage, the latter city’s boutique hotels, design-driven museums and hyperlocal cultural pockets are offering a more nuanced way to experience modern China. LUXUO explores the city’s evolving cultural scene through its most stylish stays, design-forward museums and under-the-radar experiences. From Art Deco…
What did the special guests lining the runway think about the after-dark unveiling of the #DiorFall25 collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri in Kyoto’s Toji gardens? Among the selection of famous faces willingly sharing their thoughts were Dior ambassadors Rikako Yagi, Anna Sawai, Sonam Kapoor, Pretty Yende, Nadia Tereszkiewicz and Deva Cassel, Dior Japan ambassador Ryusei…