Thompson Shanghai Expo with Arthur Bray

An intoxicating immersion: Thompson Shanghai Expo with Arthur Bray

It was a day of perfect weather. We walked along the Huangpu River toward the plaza beneath the Mercedes-Benz Arena, the river breeze blowing gently as the Lujiazui skyline unfurled in the distance.

Arthur Bray—co-founder of Yeti Out and a man who always carries a streak of genuine rebellion—watched for a moment before remarking, "The energy of this place is special".

What was once an industrial shoreline has been redefined by cultural venues and green spaces; new textures have grown over old bones. Standing as part of this new anatomy is Thompson Shanghai Expo.

Looking Up Beneath Steel Joists

Walking into the hotel, the first thing you notice is the treatment of space: a clean, steel framework supports a transparent, fluid public area. Light wanders freely between the steel beams like a silent, improvisational performance. The coldness of the industrial aesthetic is softened by natural light, creating a sense of perfect balance.

At the centre of the lobby stands a sculpture—a figure whose posture reaches toward the soaring ceiling. It serves as a reminder to every guest: look up. With so much to ignite your curiosity at Thompson Shanghai Expo, staring down at your phone truly feels like a waste.

The geometric lines of Art Deco influence and the arched elements of Shikumen architecture coexist here seamlessly. The warmth of Shanghainese-style furniture—the softness of leather sofas, the vintage glow of brass lamps, and the intricate textures of parquet floors—strike a delicate balance within the industrial skeleton. The hotel carries the temperament of a gentleman with an attitude: low-key, confident, and powerful.

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A Subversive Perspective on the Ceiling

In the afternoon, we entered the Red Pavilion King Room. Outside the window, the China Art Museum’s "Crown of the East" stands quietly in the sun. However, the room's true design feat isn't outside—it’s overhead. A full-length mirror is embedded into the ceiling by the window. Lying on the bed and looking up, reality and illusion begin to converge.

In the reflection, you see the street scene below: pedestrians, traffic and the halo of streetlights. Below that, the actual city skyline and drifting clouds. Ground and sky are folded into the same plane, like an open skylight. This is more than a visual game; it is a way of seeing the world—inviting you to re-examine the familiar from a new angle.

Eclectic Flavours

The restaurants at Thompson Shanghai Expo share this same rebellious spirit, treating flavour as a playground for experimentation rather than a set of rules. On the first floor, Bao Bao puts the humble baozi centre stage, playing with different colours and fillings to turn a traditional snack into a bold culinary statement. One standout is the red bean, sesame, and abalone bun—a dish that refuses to play by the rules, blending sweet and savoury flavours into something unexpectedly deep and layered.

Up on the 19th floor, Yu Fu looks to the five great water systems of the Yangtze River Delta for inspiration, highlighting seasonal produce with a light, contemporary touch. The chefs showcase their mastery through dishes that are clean, sharp, and brimming with the natural umami of the rivers and seas. Even the most simple element—a bowl of white rice—is elevated with a subtle addition of coconut oil, a nuanced touch that fully activates the grain's aroma and leaves a lingering, elegant finish on the palate.

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The DJ’s Improvised Moment

As night falls, TOTS on the 20th floor comes alive. This rooftop club is designed with a studio-inspired aesthetic, featuring three unique areas: the Studio Bar, the Rooftop Garden and TOTS House. Massive glass curtain walls frame the city night like a moving mural, with the lights of Lujiazui flickering outside.

Arthur and his friends gathered by the DJ booth for an impromptu performance. Beats flowed from his fingertips, syncing effortlessly with the rhythm of the river and city lights. It wasn't a rehearsed show, but a spontaneous expression.

"Shanghai is helping me write tomorrow's set," Arthur said quietly as the shoot wrapped, his eyes reflecting a quiet post-performance fire. This is exactly what Thompson aims to provide: a state of cultural intoxication; a threshold between clarity and immersion—a sense of limitless freedom. You can still see the lines of the city clearly, but choose to embrace them in a more relaxed, rebellious way.