If you are planning your first trip to Shanghai, one of the biggest questions is: where should I stay? The city is massive, with districts that each have their own character. For foreign travelers, the best way to choose accommodation is to consider three key points:
Proximity to Shanghai Metro Line 2, which connects most major attractions.
Balance between budget and comfort.
Personal travel style (luxury, mid-range, budget, or backpacking).
In this guide, we’ll break down the options from high-end hotels to youth hostels, with practical advice and price ranges in USD.
Why Metro Line 2 Matters
Shanghai is not only huge but also busy. The most famous attractions—such as The Bund, Nanjing East Road, People’s Square, Yuyuan Garden, Jing’an Temple, Lujiazui, Shanghai Tower, and the Shanghai Museum—are mostly concentrated along Metro Line 2.
Staying near this line means:
Easy access to the airport (Line 2 connects Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport/Train Station).
Quick rides to major attractions without changing trains too often.
Hotels in prime areas like The Bund, People’s Square, and Lujiazui.
👉 Tip: Choose a hotel within 5 minutes’ walking distance to a Metro station. This will save you both time and energy.
Luxury Hotels in Shanghai
If you want to experience the glamorous side of Shanghai, look no further than the iconic skyscrapers in Lujiazui, the city’s financial district. Here are some of the top picks:
Grand Hyatt Shanghai (金茂君悦大酒店) – Located in the Jin Mao Tower, this hotel offers incredible views of the Bund and Huangpu River.
👉 Official WebsitePark Hyatt Shanghai (上海柏悦酒店) – Set in the Shanghai World Financial Center, Park Hyatt is known for its sleek design and breathtaking skyline views.
👉 Official WebsiteJ Hotel Shanghai Tower (上海中心J酒店) – Perched at the very top of the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, this is one of the highest hotels in the world. Rooms start around $550 per night.
👉 Official WebsiteWaldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund (上海外滩华尔道夫酒店) – If you prefer to stay closer to the historic Bund, this luxury option combines old-world charm with modern comfort.
👉 Official Website
💡 These hotels are perfect for travelers who want convenience, comfort, and stunning views, but expect higher prices—especially during holidays
Mid-Range Hotels in Shanghai
If you’re looking for comfort without breaking the bank, Shanghai offers plenty of excellent mid-range hotels near Line 2.
Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel (上海外滩康铂酒店) – Just a short walk from Yuyuan Garden and The Bund, this hotel offers modern rooms with good value.
👉 Booking LinkMetropolo Classiq Shanghai, Off Bund (上海美居酒店) – A stylish hotel near Nanjing East Road, close to shopping streets and nightlife.
👉 Booking LinkHoliday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road (南京路假日酒店) – Reliable international chain, excellent location for shopping lovers.
👉 Official WebsiteSSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund (上海中亚雅悦酒店) – Boutique style with a focus on design, near People’s Square.
👉 Booking Link
These hotels usually include breakfast and have English-speaking staff, which is very convenient for international visitors.
Budget Hotels in Shanghai
For budget travelers, chain hotels in China are surprisingly clean and convenient. If you’re willing to stay a little farther from the Bund or Lujiazui, you can find good deals.
Hanting Hotel (汉庭酒店) – One of China’s most popular economy hotel brands. Rooms are simple but clean.
👉 Booking LinkOrange Hotel (桔子酒店) – Modern design at a budget price.
👉 Booking LinkJi Hotel (全季酒店) – Part of Huazhu Group, offers reliable service and comfortable beds at affordable rates.
👉 Booking Link
💡 Expect to pay $50–$70 per night for a decent budget hotel in central Shanghai.
Youth Hostels in Shanghai
If you are a backpacker or solo traveler, youth hostels are a fun and social option. Shanghai has several great hostels with communal spaces and international guests.
Yojia Hostel (尤家青年旅舍) – Cozy and friendly, great for meeting fellow travelers.
👉 Booking LinkDayin International Hostel (大隐国际青年旅舍) – Stylish design with both dorms and private rooms, located near the city center.
👉 Booking LinkNo.1 Hostel (壹号青年旅舍) – Affordable and convenient for backpackers, with a welcoming atmosphere.
👉 Booking Link
These hostels usually have dorm beds starting from $15–20 per night and private rooms from $30–40.
Seasonal Tips for Booking Hotels in Shanghai
Off-season (November–March): You can usually book last-minute, and prices are lower.
Peak season (May 1st Labor Day, National Day Golden Week, summer & winter school holidays): Hotels fill up quickly. Book at least 2 weeks in advance.
Weekends vs. weekdays: Weekends are more expensive, especially near the Bund.
👉 If you’re traveling during Chinese public holidays, book early and expect higher prices.
Why not let big panda tours choose for you
Choosing where to stay in Shanghai can be overwhelming—each comes with its pros and cons, and location always matters.
But here’s the good news: if you join one of our Shanghai or China group tours, you don’t need to worry about hotel selection at all. At Big Panda Tours, we carefully choose accommodations that are:
Comfortable – clean rooms, soft beds, and reliable amenities.
Conveniently located – always near metro lines or key attractions.
This way, you can focus on enjoying the Bund at night, exploring Yuyuan Garden, or taking in the skyline from Shanghai Tower—without spending hours comparing hotel listings.
✨ With our tours, your hotel is already taken care of, so all you need to do is relax and enjoy your Shanghai adventure.
