Shanghai, or “Hu” as the locals call it, is perched right at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Sure, it’s famous for its fast-paced business vibe and skyline, but honestly, there’s so much more to discover here beyond the glitz and glass towers.
Best Districts to Stay in Shanghai
Pudong Area
Best for early flights/layovers; quick airport access.
- Da Zhong Airport Hotel: Price from US$70. Terminal 1 integrated location – zero-transfer access to departure gates. Streamlined rooms with 24/7 baggage assistance and fast check-in for stopovers.
- Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Pudong Airport: Price from US$51. Free shuttle (5 mins to terminals). Features soundproofed modern rooms, multilingual concierge, and grab-and-go breakfast for seamless travel.
- Dihang Boutique Hotel (Shanghai Pudong Airport): Price from US$8, Budget-savvy comfort with Disney/airport shuttle services.
People’s Square
Central location for sightseeing, shopping & metro access.
- Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai: Price from US$120. Located in Nanjing Road with panoramic city views from rooftop bar. Steps from luxury boutiques and metro.
- Dayin International Youth Hostel: Price from US$15. Bund-facing budget hostel with communal kitchen. 5 mins walk from People's Square metro.
- Meiliju Hotel Nanjing Road: Price from US$16, clean and spacious room with English-speaking service. 5-min walk to shopping (Plaza 66).
Jing’an Temple/Nanjing West Road
Upscale area with luxury brands & cultural spots.
- Swissôtel Grand Shanghai: Price from US$70, 5-star with Indoor pool, sophisticated health club and spa, and executive lounge with Jing’an Temple views (5-min walk).
- Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum: Price from US$18, great breakfast, free overnight baggage storage for early check-ins. Some rooms offer river views. 8-min walk to metro (Lines 1/12/13), 5-min drive to Jing’an Temple.
- Guisu Homestay (Nanjing West Road): Price from US$68. Spacious, beautifully decorated apartments with stunning city views. English-speaking, responsive hosts ensure a seamless stay. Walking distance to major landmarks like Yuyuan Garden.
Getting to and Around Shanghai
Here are two airports in Shanghai. Pudong Airport (PVG) is about 45 kilometers from downtown and handles most international flights. On the other hand, Shanghai Hongqiao airport is just 15 kilometers from the city center and mostly deals with domestic flights.
Consider staying at one of these hotels near the PVG airports with shuttle services.
Click to find more hotels near the Pudong international airport.
Find More to Match Your Travel Style
Disney Magic at Your Doorstep
- Kid-friendly & shuttle to Shanghai Disneyland → Shanghai Disneyland Hotel (Price from US$457)
- Themed stay for Disney fans → Toy Story Hotel (Price from US$238)
Classic Glamour with Skyline Views
- Old Shanghai charm on the Bund → Fairmont Peace Hotel (Price from US$282)
- Ultra-modern luxury with Pudong panorama → The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong (Price from US$340)
Instagram-Worthy Boutiques
- Art deco gem in French Concession → The Sukhothai Shanghai (Price from US$239)
- Rooftop pool with city views → EDITION Shanghai (Price from US$318)
Final Shanghai Hotels Booking Tips
- Book early (3–6 months ahead) for peak times like National Day (Oct 1-7), Labor Day holiday (May 1-5), or major China holidays.
- Watch Out for Trade Fairs & Events: Shanghai hosts large exhibitions (e.g., China International Import Expo in November, Auto Shanghai in April), which cause price surges and low availability.
- Use Trip.com promo codes to unlock up to 8% off hotel.
- Opt for well-connected but less touristy areas like Jing’an, Hongqiao, or Xujiahui—close to Metro Lines 1/2/10—instead of pricier hubs (The Bund, Nanjing Road, Lujiazui).