Shanghai, the second-largest city in China, is an international city with many foreigners and expatriates as well as numerous visitors. Usually, when people talk about Shanghai, they immediately think of the Bund, the French Concession, and the Financial Center. However, Shanghai has a lot of other nice neighborhoods with a lot of character for your stay in the city. When planning a trip to this bustling Chinese city, there are a ton of options to consider in terms of accommodations and areas most convenient to travelers’ preferences. When looking where to stay in Shanghai, consider these unique areas to set up base in.
Go City
Make the most of your trip to Shanghai with a Go City that offers access to all the iconic sights of this amazing city, including the Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck, Shanghai Film Park, Puijang River Cruise Tour, and more. Take your pick from two different pass choices, All-Inclusive and Explorer, to experience the best of Shanghai. Enjoy up to 55% off gate prices and get your Go City now!
1. Xujiahui: vibrant shopping paradise (from USD 68)
Xujiahui is the culture and commerce hub in the Xuhui area. The famous Fudan University is located within the vicinity. Located just within the border of the French concession, Xujiahui retains old colonial architecture from the past making it some of the most idyllic and best places to stay in Shanghai. Iconic buildings, like the St. Ignatius Cathedral, which is now the stronghold for Eastern Asian Catholics, are still very well preserved in the area. The beautiful Shanghai Library is another notable building. The main shopping areas in Xujiahui is centered around Hongqiao Road, Huashan Road, Zhaojiabang Road, and North Caoxi Road. Supermarkets, 6 major shopping mall, and office buildings dominate this area. Xujiahui is thus the most convenient place to stay that also offers visitors cultural experiences.
There are many highly-rated hotels in this area. Some notable hotels include:
Anting Villa Hotel
Address: 46 Anting Road., Xuhui, 200031 Shanghai, China
Price: from 96 USD / 640 CNY
Courtyard By Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Sauna Fitness centre
2. Tian Zhi Fang: nostalgic, old lanes (from USD 87)

The Tian Zhi Fang neighborhood is a complex of low lying houses that still retain old-style Chinese architecture. Many of the buildings are now used as dining and shopping establishments. There are one or two residences within this area, but it is mostly commercial where all the best hang out spots are, great for travelers who wish to join some shopping tours in Shanghai. The neighborhood presents a very arty, designer feel to it. It gets really busy on the weekends with tourists coming to visit. Despite this, the area is still pretty quiet and quaint.
Tian Zhi Fang gathers artistic people in the area. A few interesting and good accommodations with classy contemporary finishes will let you immerse yourself into the cultural feeling of Tian Zhi Fang.
Fan She Cheng Shi Min Su(2rd Ruijin.2)
Address: No 83 Lane 129 2rd Ruijin Road, Huangpu, 200000 Shanghai, China
Price: from 136 USD / 906 CNY
Livo
Address: 3F, No.3, JianGuo Middle Road
Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Non-smoking rooms Business centre
3. Xin Tian Di: nightlife and westerners (from USD 156)

When we think about Xin Tian Di, the first thing that comes to mind is about nightlife and its abundance of westerners hanging around the pubs. Xin Tian Di would be the best area to stay in Shanghai due to its Shikumen illustrating the old and unique architecture of Shanghai, which has been preserved and made to suit modernity. Now, bars, restaurants, cafes, and pubs took over most of these beautifully preserved buildings. Xin Tian Di is a vibrant place with many visitors; however, it still preserves its history and the culture of Shanghai.
Here are some of the recommendations for a stay in Xin Tian Di:
DMaxine's Planet in Xintiandi
Address: Floor 1, Gate 30, Lane 214, Danshui Road, Huangpu District, Huangpu, 200000 Shanghai, (see map)
Price: from 150 USD / 1,000 CNY
Secret Area-Xintiandi Guest House
Address: 1st Floor, Building 4, No.336 Alley, Madang Road
Air conditioning Garden Lockers WiFi Available Grocery deliveries Family rooms Sun terrace WiFi available in all areas
4. Jing An Temple: classy office area (from USD 193)

The Jing An area originally got its name because of the Jing An Temple in the area. Now, the area has been developed into a commercial area with beautiful high rise buildings and posh 5-star hotels. One of the central areas, easily accessible by the metro, the Jiang An area now has become a more and more popular choice because of its class and the fact that it is less noisy and boisterous than the Bund area. It’ also a great jet-off point for those keen on taking day trips from Shanghai to other parts of China for cross-country travelers and backpackers. There are many classy drinking places around the area as well.
Check into one of these chic hotels for a stay:
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai
Address:1376 Nanjing Xi Road., Jing'an, 200040 Shanghai, China (see map)
Price: from 209 USD / 1,395 CNY
Shanghai Hengshan Moller Villa Hotel
Address: No.30, Shaan Xi South Rd
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Garden
5. Nan Jing Dong Road: tourist haven (from USD 114)
From Nan Jing Xi Road to Nan Jing Dong Road, the area is busy and very popular among tourists. With many commercial buildings and hotels to be found, the area is always filled with pedestrians and tourists. Major metro lines also cross this area making it a popular place for most to stay for its convenience. Nan Jing Dong Road has accommodations ranging from hostels to 5-star hotels. It is definitely a good location for tourists looking for a convenient yet comfortable Shanghai accommodation.
Shanghai Tujia Sweetome Vacation Apartment - East Nanjing Road
Address: 8th Floor, No.600, East Nanjing Road, Huangpu, 200001 Shanghai, China (see map)
Price: from 121 USD / 806 CNY
The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai
Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities 24-hour front desk Fitness centre Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms
6. Heng Shan Road area: colonial chic (from USD 193)
The Heng Shan Road area has a lot of old, colonial-style houses and bungalows, which have been restored. The road is actually in the French Concession area. This explains its architecture and design of its buildings. Some of the houses are residential; however, some are now being used for restaurants, cafes, and shops. In the ‘90s, when China just began to open up to the outside world, this place was a famous nightspot area with many pubs and bars and of course, westerners frequenting the area. These days, Heng Shan Road has become a peaceful area to reside in. Try out a boutique-style hotel or an authentic Shanghai homestay in this beautiful Shanghai concession.
Heritage Residence at French Concession
Address: No. 6, Lane 85 South Urumqi Road, Xuhui District, Xuhui, 200040 Shanghai, China
Price: from 99 USD / 660 CNY
HUALUXE Shanghai Twelve At Hengshan, an IHG Hotel
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-hour front desk Garden Terrace
7. Shanghai Stadium: sporty vibes (from USD 134)
The Shanghai Stadium neighborhood has strong sports feel about it. Even taking the metro towards the Shanghai Indoor Stadium and the Shanghai Stadium, one can see athletes of all sorts, be it runners or basketball players on their way to workout. It is not hard to see why, as there are many sporting facilities, such as swimming pools and indoor courts, for sporty people to work out in. The area has a few malls, many of which have sporting goods shops inside for sports lovers to grab their needs and necessities. This area is less noisy and rowdy and is perfect for sporty people where a bunch of affordable and comfortable Shanghai lodgings can be found.
Nan Zhuan Homestay
Address: F2, 396 South Wulumuqi Road, Xuhui, 200031 Shanghai, China (see map)
Price: from 45 USD / 300 CNY
Shanghai Former French Concession Garden Hotel
Address: No.9, 115 lane, TaiAn Road
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service 24-hour front desk Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms
8. Lu Jia Zui: Shanghai's financial hub (from 72 USD / 480 CNY)

On the other side of the Huang Pu River, Lu Jia Zui is the financial hub and trade commercial area for Shanghai. With many high rise buildings, the Dong Fang Ming Zhu tower is also located there. This place is a total contrast from the opposite side of the river, with few historical buildings. It represents the new and commercial side of Shanghai. Tourists also flock to Lu Jia Zui to get a full view of the Bund. The area is bustling with activity and busy with office workers commuting to and from work during the peak hours. Lu Jia Zui is a place for urbanites and those looking for modernity.
Try out these apartments and enjoy a piece of home and comfort in the hub of the central business district.
Entire Apartment in Lu Jia Zui
Price: from 72 USD / 480 CNY
Number of Guests: up to 4 people
Classic Apartment in Lu Jia Zui
Price: from 62 USD / 413 CNY
Number of Guests: up to 3 people
9. Wai Tan: The Bund (from 78 USD / 519 CNY)
This is probably the most iconic and significant part of Shanghai. Also commonly known as The Bund, facing the Huang Pu River, the buildings here retained the old colonial days, making you feel as though you are in Europe. From banks to hotels, these old buildings present the classic days of Shanghai. The boardwalk in front of these buildings attracts hordes of tourists each day, as this area has many photogenic sites.
It does not have to be glamorous; try these home stays and get to enjoy the Bund!
Loft near The Bund
Price: from 78 USD / 519 CNY
Number of Guests: up to 4 people
10. Cheng Huang Miao: Temple of the City God
Cheng Huang Miao or the Temple of the City God of Shanghai is another old iconic area among other Shanghai neighborhoods. Generally known as Yu Yuan because of the beautiful garden area located within, the neighborhood is characterized by traditional Chinese architecture and also wholesale shops that are located from the metro to the site itself. Another well-liked and popular location for tourists and locals, the places are very busy and always filled with visitors.
View of Yu Yuan (Home Apartment)
Price: from 46 USD / 306 CNY
Number of Guests: 02 people
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the apt is extremely close to the yu yuan metro station and main attraction yu yuanCleanliness:
house room toilet is clean and nicethe bathroom living room kitchen were all sparkling cleancommunity is very safe and quiet and the flat itself is very stylish and cleanRead more reviewsHost:
warm hospitality and very responsive to my requeststhe host was very responsive and communicativeand liu is very warm-hearted and helpful that make us feel like homei had an excellent stay both hosts were gracious and welcoming upon my arrivali had a great holiday - thanks to my hosts
Neighborhood of your choice
When planning a trip to this part of China, finding the best places to eat, drink, and go sightseeing is best taken from a Shanghai neighborhood map to easily show travelers where to set base in. From modern to colonial, to traditional Chinese style, Shanghai has a variety of places to reside. A variety of homestays, vacation rentals, hotels, and Airbnb plus homes in Shanghai are found all over the city for those who are very particular with accommodations when traveling. The city is very modern and very convenient with many food joints, supermarkets, and malls.
Taxi2Airport
Looking for a hassle-free journey to your accommodation? Taxi2Airport is the easiest and most reliable way to get to and from the airport. Through secure online payments, you can book your airport transfers in advance, saving up to 35% on your journey.
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Create an account to bookmark our articles, like local expert tips, receive great stories in your inbox, and follow writers and topics that you love.
Log in with Google ×