Shanghai, China – Where To Stay
Shanghai is one of those cities that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. From the glittering skyline of Pudong to the leafy, lantern-lit lanes of the French Concession, this city layers centuries of history beneath a relentlessly modern pulse – and choosing the right neighbourhood to base yourself in can make all the difference to your trip.
Overview
Shanghai is mainland China's largest city and one of the most visited destinations in all of Asia. It sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River Delta and serves as the country's financial and cultural powerhouse. Visitors come for the iconic waterfront Bund, world-class dining, cutting-edge contemporary art, and a nightlife scene that rivals any global capital. Whether you're here for a long weekend or a full two weeks, the city rewards slow exploration just as much as it does a packed itinerary.
- Population: approximately 24 million people
- Time zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8)
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY) – roughly 7.2 CNY to 1 USD
- Language: Mandarin Chinese; English is spoken in most hotels and tourist areas
- Best time to visit: April to May and September to November for mild weather and fewer crowds
Essential Information
Before you travel, you'll need to sort a few things out. Citizens of many Western countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, can now enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days under recently expanded policies – but always verify the current rules with your country's embassy before booking. A VPN is strongly recommended if you want access to Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, or most Western social platforms, as these are blocked in China. Download one before you arrive, as you won't be able to access VPN provider websites once you're in the country.
Mobile payments via WeChat Pay or Alipay are now the dominant payment method in Shanghai. Linking a foreign bank card to Alipay's international version has become much easier recently, and it's well worth doing before your trip. Cash (CNY) still works everywhere as a backup, so carry a small amount just in case.
Practical Tips
- The Shanghai Metro is excellent, clean, and very affordable – most single journeys cost between $0.30 and $1.00 USD. Buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenience.
- Taxis are cheap by Western standards; a cross-city ride rarely exceeds $8–10 USD. Didi (China's Uber equivalent) works well and supports foreign payment cards.
- Tipping is not customary and can sometimes cause confusion – no need to leave anything extra at restaurants or in taxis.
- The French Concession (Xuhui and Jing'an districts) is the most walkable area and a great base for first-time visitors.
- Street food is fantastic and very affordable – a bowl of xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from a local spot will set you back around $1.50–3.00 USD.
Getting There
Shanghai is served by two major international airports. Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles the majority of long-haul international flights and is located about 30 miles east of the city centre. Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) serves mainly domestic and short-haul regional routes. Most visitors flying from North America, Europe, or Australia will arrive at PVG.
Direct flights to Pudong are available from major hubs including New York (around 15 hours), London (around 12 hours), Los Angeles (around 13 hours), and Sydney (around 10 hours). Airlines including Air China, China Eastern, Cathay Pacific, and several major Western carriers operate these routes. Return fares from the US typically range from $600 to $1,200 USD depending on season and how far in advance you book.
From Pudong Airport, the Maglev train is one of the world's fastest commercial rail services and will whisk you into Longyang Road station in just 8 minutes for around $5 USD. From there, connect to the Metro to reach your hotel. Taxis from PVG to central Shanghai cost roughly $25–35 USD and take 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Accommodation Options
Budget: Backpackers and budget travellers are well looked after in Shanghai. Hostels in the Old Town and People's Square area offer dorm beds from around $12–18 USD per night. Look at options along Fuzhou Road or near Xintiandi for a central, walkable location without breaking the bank.
Mid-Range: The sweet spot in Shanghai sits between $80–180 USD per night. Boutique hotels in the French Concession are particularly popular – look for properties along Wukang Road or Changle Road for tree-lined streets and proximity to great cafés, independent restaurants, and vintage shops. The Jing'an district is another strong choice for mid-range travellers who want metro access and a vibrant local atmosphere.
Luxury: Shanghai's luxury hotel scene is genuinely world-class. The Bund and Pudong districts are home to some of the finest properties in Asia. The Peninsula Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel, and the Park Hyatt Shanghai (perched on the upper floors of the Shanghai World Financial Center) all offer extraordinary experiences, with rates typically starting from $300–500 USD per night.
Plan your trip to Shanghai
Shanghai is a city that earns its reputation as one of the great travel destinations on earth – and with the right base, your stay will be nothing short of unforgettable. Ready to start planning? Begin comparing hotels and flights today and lock in your Shanghai adventure before prices climb.