Yongfoo Elite: Where history, celebrities and average Joes collide

Yongfoo Elite (雍福会) has been captivating newcomers and loyal members alike since the day it opened its doors. This formerly strict members-only club has served various roles over its 80-year lifespan, starting as the home of a mysterious original owner and then various stints as the diplomatic headquarters for Russia, Vietnam and the UK until 2001. Former Shanghai clothing designer, Wang Xing Zheng, later purchased the property first releasing its new Yongfoo identity in 2004.

Jonathan Hasson of Luxury Concierge China knows luxury when he sees it and Yongfoo Elite makes the grade.

History interrupted

With an aim to share his passion for vintage art with the masses, Wang and crew worked tirelessly to create the perfect fusion of style and bygone days with most original pieces from his own personal collection.

Antique buffs, prepare to be besotted. Every inch of this property plays a part in titillating your senses. Classy and romantic with random splashes of color, this eclectic blend of ‘old and older’ Shanghai (relics dating from the 1930s to the Qing dynasty) including sprays of historic kitsch, mid-century English iceboxes and barber chairs is a motley mix for sure, but somehow it works. From the moment you enter its gates, you are transported.Yongfoo Elite is so much more than just a bar or restaurant; it’s the heart of the city’s classic lifestyle,” explains Wang. “Here patrons can truly feel and experience Old Shanghai.

Charming by day and beguiling from sundown on, whether you’ve come for a drink or a bite, or both, sit back and soak it all in (one visit might not be enough). With two levels of indoor dining, amazing veranda views and three bars offering the full gamut of fine wines, spirits and tobacco -- any choice is guaranteed to impress.

Yongfoo Elite is so much more than just a bar or restaurant; it’s the heart of the city’s classic lifestyle.

-- Wang Xing Zheng, designer and Yongfoo Elite owner

There's a huge selection of dishes spanning continents and generations, including recipes dating back to great, great grandma's dinner table (that would be a Qing-era family recipe for those counting). Some might be a bit heavy on the wallet -- but you only live once. Cocktails and dinner in the garden is a warm weather favorite, accompanied by live, outdoor performances. There’s nothing like pondering life under the influence in the company of giant magnolias and goldfish with Buddha’s many blessings at every turn. 

Nearby open-air (weather pending) Mission Bar is another chill-out spot not to miss -- nature and history entwined amid tapestries, stained glass, tiles and trees. You’ll never grow tired of the view, particularly the ancient carved archway hovering above, which was literally transferred piece-by-piece from nearby Zhejiang.

Former fashion designer and Yogfoo Elite owner Wang Xing Zheng shares his passion for vintage art with the masses through this venue's fusion of style and bygone days.

Cai Xiang Shu Wu, further down the end of one spectacular hallway, is strictly members-only and regularly hosts glitterati the world over. Spoiling both palates and backsides with premium labels, Cohiba smokes and vintage Fendi and Gucci furnishings, its VIP list has catered to the likes of Vivienne Tam, Karl Lagerfeld and Yao Ming as well as Hollywood superstars Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Ralph Fiennes, Tom Cruise and Sharon Stone.

Accessibly elite

Local high-rollers still grace its grounds, but barring a few members-only areas that unlike many Shanghai members-only spots actually mean members only, Yongfoo Elite’s doors now are open to all. And for that, Shanghai’s average Joe’s and Zhou’s are thankful.

If its continually growing member base is any testament to the place, Yongfoo’s charms should be luring us back for many years to come.

Long-time member Jonathan Hasson, director of Luxury Concierge China, finds it hard to choose just one reason he keeps coming back: “The different shades of green in the garden, the divinely cooked Shanghainese specialties such as gong bao ji ding, and of course the sweet and sour crispy tasting Mandarin fish... A warm, loyal and friendly team who try their best to meet their customer’s every caprice.”

Stephanie Thomas is a freelance writer of all trades based in Shanghai.

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