This partition used at the Morris Residence of the InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin hotel features two lions playing with a ball, an auspicious motif in Chinese culture. The Morris family had a penchant for combining traditional Chinese furniture with Western architecture.

InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin hotel

The latest guest of honor to check in at this rare oasis in the hectic city center was Prince William, whose appearance in March thrust this century-old gem back into the limelight.

Built by English newspaper tycoon H.E. Morris in 1916 as his private residence, the 100-acre historic estate boasts arguably the largest garden in the former French Concession. It is well-known for the celebrity clientele who passed through its doors both before and after it was converted into a state guesthouse in 1979.

Chairman Mao Zedong and Nixon are among those who graced its luxury premises. Others made use of the English neo-classical architecture in one of its two-story buildings by turning it into their home and office. Chiang Kai-shek and his wife spent their first few years of married life there, while Chen Yi, the first mayor of Shanghai, lived and worked in the same building during his time in office in the 1950s.

The building is being renovated and is expected to open its doors in August, when it will be known as the Morris Residence. Prince William was privy to a soft opening, or unveiling ceremony, when he visited Shanghai to attend the UK government-sponsored Great Festival of Creativity in Shanghai.

Address: 118 Ruijin Er Road