Where to stay in Shanghai, China

·2 December, 2022
·Samantha - Travelling King

Shanghai skyline cityscape Aerial view of shanghai shanghai lujiazui finance and business district trade zone skyline Shanghai China

Shanghai is the largest city in China. It is located along the country’s central coastline and has beautiful views of the Pudong district’s skyline across the Huangpu River. Not only is Shanghai the financial center of China, but is is also a global financial hub. China is home to several of the most populated cities in the entire world and with a population of 24.5 million people, Shanghai is no exception. It’s virtually impossible for such a large city not to have something for everyone. There are so many districts in Shanghai, each with a different feel.

If you are interested in culture, you can visit Xujiahui or if you’re a shopaholic, you’ll love East Nanjing Road. For party animals, The Bund is probably the area that you will enjoy the most. You might even be interested in several areas and with Shanghai’s top notch public transport systems, you can easily travel between the various districts in the city. Below is a list of hotels Shanghai.

We will cover off all types of Shanghai accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Shanghai hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Shanghai 2023, the best Shanghai hotels, best places in Shanghai to visit, the best places to stay in Shanghai, hotels near Shanghai attractions, Shanghai neighborhood guide and many more.

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Table of Contents

Nanjing Road – Best place to stay in Shanghai for shopping

Nanjing Road pedestrian street is the longest shopping district in the world at 5.5km long, and it is the shopping center of Shanghai. It’s one of the busiest shopping districts in not only all of China, but the entire world. It’s home to over 600 businesses that offer everything from traditional Chinese items and western name-brand products. If you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai for one night, Nanjing Road is your best bet.

Clearly, Nanjing Road is an especially great place for shopaholics. Nanjing Road is broken up into Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road and along with being the largest shopping district in the world, it also features a popular sightseeing train and frequent street musicians.

Best Places to Stay near Nanjing Road

Cheapest Hostels near Nanjing Road:
Shanghai Soho Bund International Youth Hostel
Laoshan Hostel (The Phoenix)
Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel
Captain Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels near Nanjing Road:
Jinjiang Inn Shanghai
Hanting Express Shanghai
Shanghai Fish Inn Bund

Mid-Range Hotels near Nanjing Road:
The Seagull on the Bund Hotel
Elegance Bund Hotel Shanghai
JinJiang Metropolo Classiq Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels near Nanjing Road:
Oriental Riverside Hotel
Guxiang Hotel Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Affordable Luxury Hotels near Nanjing Road:
Fairmont Peace Hotel
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
The Westin Bund Center Shanghai
The Peninsula Shanghai (best hotel to stay in Shanghai)

SHANGHAI, CHINA: People walking on the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai, China. Nanjing Road is a unique pedestrian street with numerous old and famous shops, and modern department stores.

The Bund – Best area to stay in Shanghai for nightlife

The Shanghai Bund, located in central Shanghai, is a famous waterfront regarded as the symbol of Shanghai. It runs along a 1.6km stretch of Zhongshan Road and offers a stunning view of the Shanghai skyline.If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend your evening, why not take a stroll along the Huangpu River?

The Bund is also home to several buildings including banks, hotels, exclusive clubs, press organizations, and headquarters of international concerns that are all designed in various architectural styles. While still located in the city, The Bund is on the edge of the city, so it’s not as busy as the town center, getting around Shanghai is easy with the Shanghai railway station. check out our list of hotels in the Bund Shanghai:

Best Places to Stay near The Bund

Mid-Range Hotels near The Bund:
Baron Business Hotel
Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Classiq Shanghai Off Bund

Family Friendly Hotels near The Bund:
Fairmont Peace Hotel
Baron Business Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels near The Bund:
Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center Shanghai
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Happy success person with arms up against Shanghai skyline on The Bund. China travel concept or urban lifestyle. Happiness healthy living people in modern city. Woman winning goal challenge.

Xujiahui – Coolest place to stay in Shanghai

Shanghai is a major shopping hub and many of its districts are well known for this. Xujiahui is one such district and is easily accessible via the metro train, which is understandable because it’s actually one of the four most popular shopping destinations in Shanghai. Xujiahui has several large, modern and fashionable shopping malls all within walking distance from each other.

This area is known for having electronic items, and has two fully electronic malls. Xujiahui is one of the premier shopping areas in Shanghai, especially if you are shopping for electronic items. Keep this in mind when you visit, as the cost of electronics in Shanghai might be significantly cheaper than your hometown.

Best Places to Stay near Xujiahui

Budget Hotels near Xujiahui:
Harcourts Kailun Hotel
Hanting Express Shanghai Nandan Road
Hanting Express Shanghai Xujiahui
Jinjiang Inn (Shanghai Wanping South Road)

Mid-Range Hotels near Xujiahui:
Regal International East Asia Hotel
Lee Gardens Hotel Shanghai
Hengshan Picardie Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels near Xujiahui:
Crowne Plaza Shanghai
Lee Gardens Hotel Shanghai

Affordable Luxury Hotels near Xujiahui:
Le Sun Chine

SHANGHAI CHINA - Unidentified people visit Metro City. Metro City is a shopping mall built in 1989 and serves as one of the landmarks Xujiahui.

Pudong – Where to stay in Shanghai with family

A comfortable city for living, Pudong is known as the “pearl of the orient”, named after the Oriental Pearl Tower and was designed to be China’s premier free economic zone. The land used to be occupied by marshes, farms, one story buildings and rice paddies – now filled with some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers. Pudong’s iconic skyline is visible from several areas in the city and is absolutely stunning at night.

Pudong is also home to one of the world’s most beautiful parks, the Shanghai Century Park, which is a mixture of western and eastern landscape architecture. The park is quite popular with families, and has areas that are kid-friendly. Many tourists enjoy visiting Pudong because it offers a mix of city life and suburban parks. If you’re looking to stay in a family-friendly area that is easily accessible via public transport, Pudong is the right place for you.

Best Places to Stay near Pudong

Cheapest Hostels near Pudong:
Hidden Garden International Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels near Pudong:
Hanting Express Shanghai Lujiazui Software Park
Pod Inn Shanghai Nanpu Bridge
GreenTree Inn Shanghai Pudong Tangqiao Express Hotel

Mid-Range Hotels near Pudong:
Dorsett Shanghai
Grand Mercure Shanghai Century Park
Crowne Plaza Century Park Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Pudong Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels near Pudong:
Chateau Star River Pudong Shanghai
Four Points by Sheraton Shanghai, Pudong
Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong
Holiday Inn Pudong Nanpu

Affordable Luxury Hotels near Pudong:
Kerry Hotel Pudong Shanghai
InterContinental Shanghai Pudong
Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai
The Hongta Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Shanghai

View of Pudong skyline (Lujiazui) in Shanghai China. Skyscrapers of downtown on waterfront. The Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) are visible at right.

People’s Square – Where to stay in Shanghai for tourists

The People’s Square is located in central Shanghai and is the largest central square in the entire city. It’s nestled between Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road and is home to Shanghai’s municipal government. Also located within People’s Square is People’s Park, the new Municipal Government Mansion, and the Shanghai Museum, which is filled with ancient relics.

The People’s Square also has the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. As you can tell, the People’s Square is rich with historical attractions, so if you’re a history buff, you’ll fall in love with this area of Shanghai in no time.

Best Places to Stay near People’s Square

Cheapest Hostels near People’s Square:
Shanghai SOHO International Youth Hostel
Mingtown Etour Youth Hostel

Mid-Range Hotels near People’s Square:
Park Hotel Shanghai
Pacific Hotel
Majesty Plaza Shanghai
Guxiang Hotel Shanghai

Family Friendly Hotels near People’s Square:
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Cachet Boutique Shanghai
THE ONE Executive Suites managed by Kempinski-Shanghai

Affordable Luxury Hotels near People’s Square:
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square
Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre
The Sukhothai Shanghai
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai

Shanghai, China - View of People's Square adjacent to Nanjing Road in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, China. Is the site of Shanghai's municipal government headquarter building.

Former French Concession Area – Where to stay in Shanghai on a budget

Known as the most style area in the city, the Former old French Concession is one of the coolest spots to stay in Shanghai. The streets are lined with gorgeous green trees and offer a number of quiet cafes, bars and restaurants. Dining options range from soba noodle shops to tapas bars and French bistros. Its also known as a very popular area for Expats with it’s and Tudor style houses. This are has some cheap places to stay in Shanghai.

Best places to stay in Former French Concession

Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Former French Concession:
Shanghai Blue Mountain Bund Youth Hostel
Laoshan Hostel (The Phoenix)
Mingtown Etour Youth Hostel
Shanghai Old West Gate International Youth Hostel

Budget Hotels in Former French Concession:
Royal Court Hotel Shanghai
24K International Hotel
Hanting All Season Shanghai Huaihai Road
Magnificent International Plaza Hotel

Mid range Hotels in Former French Concession:
Ascott Huai Hai Road Shanghai
Lanson Place Jinlin Tiandi Residences
Paper feat.H12
Pudi Boutique Hotel

Family Friendly Hotels in Former French Concession:
The Langham Shanghai Xintiandi
Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai
Jinjiang MetroPolo Hotel Classiq
Jin Jiang Tower Hotel

Affordable Luxury Hotels in Former French Concession:
JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
Hotel Massenet at Sinan Mansions
The Sukhothai Shanghai

SHANGHAI CHINA - Unidentified people visit Tianzifang. Tianzifang is a touristic arts and crafts enclave in traditional residential area of French Concession.

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Where to stay Shanghai

Article written by: Samantha - Travelling King

Hi, my name is Samantha, Finance Managing Guru by day, Travel Blogging Enthusiast by... well... day too! Haha! Travelling King is the destination hotspot for the wannabe traveller! Showcasing affordable, luxurious getaways for the budget conscious! With the combination of my financial knowledge and travelling experiences I aim to show you, with a little planning, the right budget and a realistic goal you can fulfil your travel fantasies and explore the world whatever your budget or desires may be!