After a dull and grey Beijing, stuffy Guangzhou, Shanghai is like a breath of fresh air. When you look at its contemporary architecture, smiling people and parks, you understand why it has been called “Paris of the East”. It the place where the East and West meet and join in the absolutely unique way. Even times feels different here!
Skyscrapers, enormous financial centers, international cuisine restaurants, huge shopping malls, and white collars crossing the street and sipping whiskey in bars after work - this is the face of modern Shanghai. But right around the corner, you’ll see traditional family-owned cafes, beautiful pagodas, temples, and workshops. Chinese have never forgotten about their culture, traditions, and history. They are proud of their architecture and are more than happy to impress tourists with something extraordinary and truly authentic.
Shanghai Hotel Guide
The Downtown of Shanghai has a greatly varied hotel infrastructure. Here you shall find an accommodation option which fits any budget and taste. From single beds in common rooms worth $6 per night to luxurious complexes which cost at least $150. Mind, that budget hotels seldom have English-speaking personnel, so make sure you have an online-translator or a set of useful phrases in Chinese.
Three-star hotels typically offer their residents spacious rooms with modern furniture, a restaurant, and a gym. The average price is around $35-40. Four-star options have a higher, European level of service and multilingual staff. The rates are considerably higher.
If you are on an economy trip and are mostly interested in exploring the city, choose one of the numerous hostels. If you are lucky enough and book in advance, you may find a bed in a common room at only $11-15.
How to Get to Shanghai from the Airport?
There are three ways to get to the Downtown from Shanghai Pudong International Airport:
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Take the subway Green Line 2. It goes throughout the whole megalopolis and connects two airports. The Pudong Station is located right inside the Terminal. You’ll just have to make one change at the Guanglan Road;
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Maglev Train is a quick train which will get you to Longyang Road Station in 10 minutes at $7.5. From there, you can either take a subway, a bus or a taxi;
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If you cherish comfort and your time, consider ordering a taxi. The ride costs around $19.
Hotels in the Center of Shanghai - Feel the Vibes of the City
The most fashionable accommodation options are located in the very heart of the megalopolis within an easy reach from the main historical, cultural and entertaining attractions. The majority of the hotels in the center of Shanghai have their own concert halls, nightclubs, and restaurants. The reception desk operates 24/7 and the friendly personnel will be happy to assist you any time of the day. It’s a perfect choice for those tourists who come to enjoy this exotic city.
On our website, you shall find plenty of options both for budget and demanding travelers. You may compare the prices and availability, check previous guests’ reviews and photos, and choose a perfect variant fitting your needs. Here are some of the most frequently-booked hotels in the center of Shanghai:
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Jing An Shangri-La;
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Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden;
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Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai-a concept by Hyatt.
Luxurious Five-Star Hotels in Shanghai
Five-star hotels in Shanghai are the best complexes in the city. They resemble a separate megalopolis which exists inside another one. These luxurious accommodations offer everything you might even think of and more! Multilingual personnel will help you organize your pastime and arrange tours which may fit any budget. Most of them are located in contemporary and futuristic constructions, though some five-star hotels occupy old historic buildings with an authentic architecture. Their restaurants serve both international and local cuisines at their extraordinary restaurants. Some of them are on the top-level terraces of the skyscrapers. Imagine the view!
If you cherish great comfort, spacious design suites with fabulous interiors, and a wide range of amenities, then five-star hotels in Shanghai are an excellent choice. Travelers especially love these variants:
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Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund;
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The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai;
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Fairmont Peace On the Bund;
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Renaissance Shanghai Caohejing Hotel;
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The Langham, Shanghai, Xintiandi.
Cheap Hotels and Hostel and Shanghai under $25/Night
Due to the crowds of tourists, there are plenty of cheap hotels in Shanghai. They have democratic rates and comfortable conditions which can become a perfect solution for genuine travelers who don’t have a single spare moment to sit inside the hotel room.
Another economy accommodation option is hostels in Shanghai. They are popular not only among travelers but also by the Chinese students and workers. However, hostels for locals differ from the hostels for tourists. They offer more comfort and a wider range of amenities. Such variants have a convenient location next to public transport stops, railway stations, and airports.
We prepared a list of cheap hotels and hostels in Shanghai which cost less than $25 per one night. You may find more options on our website.
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Genting Star Shanghai;
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GreenTree Inn;
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Lujiazhui In Close.
Must-See Places in Shanghai
Seeing even the main attractions of Shanghai will require at least one week of your time. However, if you have just one or a couple of days which you can devote to sightseeing, try to visit these attractions:
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The Bund or Waitan waterfront. Better come here at night, when the lights are on;
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The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower is the real symbol of the city, like the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The view from the observation deck will blow your mind!
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Old Nanshi District comprises plenty of ancient buildings in the traditional Chinese style;
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Shanghai Zoo if you are a fan of cute pandas;
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Nanjing Road is the paradise for all the shopaholics.
Moreover, Shanghai has various temples, museums, and galleries which are definitely a must-see if you have a spare day.
