Shanghai Hotels

As one of the largest cities in China, Shanghai attracts attention with its historical richness and modern face. This fascinating metropolis offers a harmonious blend of towering skyscrapers and traditional Chinese architecture. Skyscrapers in the historic waterfront district known as the Bund shine brightly along the Huangpu River. The city is renowned for its world-famous shopping street, Nanjing Road, as well as its traditional markets and modern shopping malls. Culturally rich, Shanghai also boasts a deep respect for art and traditions, evident in its various museums, temples, and opera halls. The Pudong district, illuminated with light shows at night, showcases the city's innovative and lively side. Shanghai stands out as a dynamic metropolis that offers numerous opportunities for exploration for both business travelers and tourists.

Things to Know Before Going to Shanghai

• The normal business hours are generally from 9:30am to 6pm, with a break from 12pm to 2pm.
• Currency exchange service is available at most hotels, and all large banks. The ones to look out for include China Merchants Bank, ICBC and ABC.
• Tipping is not a thing in Shanghai, or most of China, except in the poshest places, or for private guiding services.
• Always carry tissues with you, just in case you need to go to the toilet.
• WiFi is everywhere, so don't worry. All cafés, restaurants and bars will oblige you with their passwords and your hotel will have free wifi too.

Shanghai Tips From Locals

• Download the Didi app on your phone and you will not have to worry about a thing when you arrive.
• You'll realize that mobile payment is the most popular way of paying for meals and goods. 
• Tap water in Shanghai is safe for teeth brushing, but not safe for consumption, unless boiled.
• Get a Shanghai T-Union card at the airport, you can use this for subways, buses.

Where is Shanghai?

Shanghai is located on the east coast of China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River where it meets the East China Sea.

Where to Stay in Shanghai?

Here’s a quick table of which areas in Shanghai are great for tourists:

Best Hotels in Shanghai 

Shanghai hotels offer a blend of luxury and convenience, providing exceptional services and amenities for your trip to be more comfortable. Even though luxury hotels in Shanghai may make you break the bank, they will be worth every penny thanks to their services. However, there are always mid-range and budget hotels in Shanghai to enhance your days and make your city tour seamless. Tailored for everyone, finding what kind of accommodation you want won’t be as hard as you think. Now, here are some of the best hotels in Shanghai we recommend and why:

Find best hotels in Shanghai here!

Best Shanghai Attractions

• The Bund: This famous waterfront area features stunning colonial-era architecture and offers great views of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River.
• Oriental Pearl Tower: One of the tallest TV towers in the world at 468 meters, it has observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and other attractions inside.
• Shanghai Tower: China's tallest building at 632 meters, it has an observation deck on the 118th floor with panoramic city views.
• Yu Garden: This 5-acre classical Chinese garden dates back to the Ming Dynasty and features beautiful pavilions, ponds, and rockeries.
• Jade Buddha Temple: Home to two rare jade Buddha statues brought from Burma in the 19th century, it's one of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temples.
• City God Temple: Dating back to the 15th century, this Taoist temple is dedicated to three deified city officials and has a lively temple fair.
• Shanghai Museum: One of the best museums in China, it has superb collections of ancient Chinese art, bronzes, ceramics, and more.
• Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: Showcases Shanghai's urban development with scale models and exhibits, located in People's Square.
• People's Square: A large public square in the city center, it's home to several museums, the Grand Theatre, and a large green space.
• Fuxing Park: A lovely park in the former French Concession area with gardens, walking paths, and a rose garden.

Is Shanghai Safe for Tourists?

Shanghai is considered as one of the safest cities in the world, with low rates of violent crime. Petty crimes like pickpocketing are the main safety concern, but they can be avoided with basic precautions.

Is Shanghai Expensive to Visit?

Shanghai is generally considered an affordable destination for tourists. The average daily budget for a tourist in Shanghai is around $115 (¥831) per person, which includes mid-range accommodations, meals at restaurants, and some paid attractions. 

Currency & Exchange in Shanghai

The official currency of China is the Chinese yuan. 

• 1 US Dollar (USD) = ¥7.27 Chinese Yuan (CNY) 
• 1 Euro (EUR) = ¥7.79 Chinese Yuan (CNY)

In Shanghai, currency exchange is straightforward with options like banks such as ICBC and Bank of China offering reliable services. Hotels and tourist areas also have currency exchange counters, though fees may be higher. Using international debit or credit cards at ATMs is widely accepted and provides competitive rates. Online platforms and mobile apps offer convenient alternatives, but ensure their reliability. 

Spoken Languages in Shanghai

The primary spoken language is Mandarin Chinese, specifically the local dialect known as Shanghainese (Wu Chinese). There are also other minority languages spoken in China, Shanghai:

• Zhuang
• Uyghur
• Tibetan
• Mongolian
• Korean
• Wu (Shanghainese)

How Many Days Are Enough to Visit Shanghai?

3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Shanghai and its tourist attractions. However, if you want a more relaxed exploration of the city, you can stay for 5 or 6 days.

What to Do in Shanghai?

• Yu Garden and Old Town: Explore traditional Chinese gardens and historic architecture.
• Shanghai Museum: Discover ancient Chinese art and artifacts.
• Jing'an Temple and Longhua Temple: Visit ancient Buddhist temples.
• The Bund: Walk along the waterfront for iconic skyline views.
• Shanghai Disney Resort: Enjoy thrilling rides and entertainment.
• Nanjing Road: Shop at bustling shopping streets.
• Shanghai Tower and Skywalk: Experience panoramic views from one of the world's tallest skyscrapers.
• French Concession: Explore trendy boutiques, cafes, and historical villas.
• Huangpu River Cruise: Take a boat tour for stunning views of Shanghai's skyline at night.
• Acrobatics Show: Witness mesmerizing acrobatic feats.
• Chinese Opera: Experience traditional Chinese performing arts.

When is the Best Time to Stay in Shanghai?

Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to November) are considered the best seasons to visit Shanghai.

What to Pack for Shanghai Trip?

Spring (March to May)

• Suits, jackets, sports coats, woolen jackets, and long-sleeved shirts
• Light coat for cool evenings
• Travel shoes

Summer (June to August)

• T-shirts, short-sleeved shirts, shorts, sandals
• Rainwear for the rainy season (July-August)
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen

Autumn (September to November)

• Suits, jackets, sports coats, long-sleeved shirts
• Travel shoes

Winter (December to February)

• Overcoat, thick woolen sweaters, lined coats, warm underwear
• Heavy socks, warm boots
• Hat, scarf, gloves

What to Eat in Shanghai?

Here are the must-eat dishes to eat in Shanghai, China:

• Shanghai Soup Dumplings: These paper-thin dumplings are filled with meat and piping hot soup, ready to scald the uninitiated.
• Shanghai-Style Braised Pork Belly: Tender pork belly cubes are doused in a sweet and sticky sauce – a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar that comes together in a vibrant red color.
• Shanghai Shao Mai: Steamed dumplings filled with pork or shrimp, a popular dim sum dish.
• Deep-Fried Dough (You Tiao): Crispy, deep-fried dough sticks often enjoyed with soy milk for breakfast.
• Egg Pancake (Dan Bing): Thin pancakes rolled with eggs and various fillings like vegetables or meats, often eaten for breakfast.
• Shandong Pancake (Jian Bing): Savory crepe-like pancake filled with egg, green onions, cilantro, and crispy fried dough, often a popular street food.
• Soy Milk (Dou Jiang): Warm, freshly made soy milk served plain or sweetened, often paired with deep-fried dough sticks.
• Steamed Buns (Baozi): Soft, steamed buns filled with savory or sweet fillings like pork, vegetables, or red bean paste.
• Xinjiang Lamb Skewers (Yang Rou Chuan): Grilled skewers of marinated lamb meat, a popular street food in China.
• Ma Lan Tou Spiced Tofu (Ma Lan Tou): Tofu cubes marinated in a spicy and flavorful sauce, a specialty snack in certain regions.

• Squirrel-Shaped Mandarin Fish (Song Shu Gui Yu): Deep-fried fish served with sweet and sour sauce, shaped to resemble a squirrel, known for its unique presentation.

   

Shanghai Nightlife

Here are the best nightlife spots in Shanghai:

• Bar Rouge: Upscale rooftop bar with stunning Bund views. 
• Revolucion Cocktail: Lively Mexican-themed cocktail bars. 
• Riink: Unique roller skating bar and club. 
• Manhattan: Trendy bar and lounge in the Former French Concession. 
• Birds of Paradise: Intimate cocktail bar with a tropical vibe. 
• Sky: Chic rooftop bar with panoramic city vistas. 
• M1NT: High-end club and lounge popular with the Shanghai elite. 
• The Cotton Club: Historic jazz club featuring live music performances. 
• JZ Club: Premier jazz venue hosting local and international acts. 
• Shanghai ERA-Acrobatic Show: Spectacular acrobatic theater production. 
• Huangpu River Cruises: Scenic nighttime boat tours of the Bund and Pudong.