Shanghai might not be the capital of China but it is certainly the nation’s largest city to date. Accommodation prices are ever increasing each year and a holiday in this flourishing global metropolis is unfortunately not what you would consider cheap by Asia’s standards.

But fret not, because there are still several budget-friendly accommodations you can stay in. From Holiday Inn Shanghai Jinxiu, The Bund Riverside Hotel to Crowne Plaza Shanghai Fudan, here are 9 Affordable Hotels in Shanghai You Can Stay At For Under S$150 A Night.

Source: Crowne Plaza

#1 CROWNE PLAZA SHANGHAI FUDAN

Crowne Plaza Shanghai Fudan is a 5-star hotel with four dining destinations, a fitness centre and an on-site spa. Complimentary parking and internet are provided to overnight guests. Iconic landmarks such as The Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower are located 11 kilometres away.

199 Handan Rd, WuJiaoChang
Yangpu, Shanghai, China, 200433
Tel: +86 21 5552 9999

Rates start from S$137* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#2 DORSETT SHANGHAI

Dorsett Shanghai is located directly outside the exit of Century Park Metro Station (Line 2). The 4-star hotel is only a 10-minute walk away from Shanghai New International Expo Centre, hence making it an ideal destination for business travellers.

800 Hua Mu Road
Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201204 PRC
Tel: +86 21 3852 2222

Rates start from S$121* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#3 GUBEI GARDEN HOTEL SHANGHAI HONGQIAO

Gubei Garden Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao is only a stone’s throw away from Yili Metro station, thereby making it extremely convenient for travellers to explore Shanghai via public transport. It is only 14 kilometres away from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

1446 Hongqiao Rd, Changning Qu, China
Tel: +86 21 5257 4888

Rates start from S$106* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#4 HOLIDAY INN SHANGHAI JINXIU

Holiday Inn is a global brand that most of us are familiar with. Holiday Inn Shanghai Jinxiu is situated in a quiet neighbourhood and the 4-star business hotel is only four kilometres away from Shanghai International Exhibition Centre.

No. 399 Jin Zun Road
Pudong, 200125 Shanghai, China
Shanghai Shi, China, 200125
Tel: +86 21 5055 9888

Rates start from S$92* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#5 HOLIDAY INN SHANGHAI VISTA

Holiday Inn Shanghai Vista’s hotel rooms are bigger than most hotel rooms in Shanghai – and we reckon that itself is a major factor! The Jade Buddha Temple is within walking distance, whereas the city centre is just a 10-minute drive away.

700 Changshou Rd, Putuo Qu
Shanghai Shi, China, 200060
Tel: +86 21 6276 8888

Rates start from S$115* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#6 HOWARD JOHNSON PLAZA SHANGHAI

Howard Johnson Plaza Shangai’s location is superb. The hotel is within walking distance to Nanjing Road East Station, The Bund, Shanghai Museum and People’s Square. It is a combination of convenience, comfort and luxury!

595 Jiu Jiang Road
Huangpu, 200001 Shanghai, China

Rates start from S$150* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#7 SHANGHAI TIANPING HOTEL

The stylish Shanghai Tianping Hotel is only a 5-minute walk away from Xujiahui Commercial district. The 4-star lodging itself offers guests four different restaurants, complimentary internet and free parking.

185 Tianping Rd, XuJiaHui
Xuhui Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200030
Tel: +86 21 5456 9999
Rates start from S$113* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#8 THE BUND RIVERSIDE HOTEL

The Bund Riverside Hotel is only a 5-minute stroll from East Nanjing Road Subway Station (line 2 and 10). The 4-star hotel is also only a 10-minute walk from People’s Square, Yu Garden and The Bund.

398 Beijing E Rd
Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 200001
Tel: +86 21 6352 2888

Rates start from S$126* per night.

Source: Booking.com

#9 TONG MAO HOTEL – PUDONG SHANGHAI

Tong Mao Hotel – Pudong Shanghai is located in Lujiazui Financial District, Pudong New Area. The following subway stations namely Pudian Road, Century Avenue, Yuanshen Stadium and Shanghai Science & Technology Museum are within a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

357 Song Lin Road
Pu Dong New, Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 5830 0000

Rates start from S$116* per night.

10-minute walk from Shanghai New International Expo Centre and Kerry Parkside

The world’s fastest developing city, Shanghai, is hailed as the New York City of Asia. With its endless skyscrapers, prosperous economy and bustling nightlife, Shanghai is indeed a flourishing city not to be missed!

Here is a list of 10 things to do in Shanghai that will keep you occupied all day. From standing on a transparent glass 350 meters above ground to eating the world’s best xiao long baos, there is definitely something for everyone!

1. Oriental Pearl Tower

The iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, aka Dong Fang Ming Zhu, was the first building to define Shanghai’s skyline. This majestic building stands at 468 meters tall and has 15 observatory levels.  The highest observatory deck is called the Space Module, which stands at 350 meters. One can stand on the platform made of transparent glass and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. The feeling of Shanghai underneath one’s feet is indescribable. Ticket prices range from 35 CNY to 150 CNY (S$7 to S$31), depending on the number of spheres you are visiting.

No. 1 Century Avenue,
Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 58791888

2. Oriental Pearl Tower Revolving Restaurant

The Oriental Pearl Tower is more than just an observatory. Asia’s second biggest revolving restaurant can be found at 267 meters. A full rotation is made in 2 hours, hence offering one the complete 360 degrees view of Shanghai. The international buffet spread is as impressive as the view. Diners of the restaurant are entitled to a free visit to all three spheres and the Municipal History Museum. Lunch buffet is priced at 269 CNY per person (S$55) and dinner buffet is priced at 298 CNY per person (S$61).

3. Take a stroll down the bund

The Bund is one of the prettiest waterfronts I had ever visited. Taking a stroll down the stretch of river is free, of course. The Bund’s location allows one to simultaneously admire the old colonial buildings and the new city developments. The Bund is also home to numerous award winning restaurants and bars, which usually offer breathtaking views. I remember myself saying, “I’m in love with Shanghai,” as I watched the sun set over the captivating waterfront.

Zhongshan East 1st Rd,
Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 6323 1268

4. River cruise around Huang Pu River

If walking is not your thing, why not take a river cruise around Huang Pu River to see for yourself the mixture of old and new buildings around Shanghai? The cruise cruises around the river for an hour and showcases Shanghai’s brilliant architecture. The dazzling city lights and glistening waters will make your trip an unforgettable one. Prices depend on the type of cruise.

5. Visit Yu Yuan Gardens and eat Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao

If you would like to teleport yourself to medieval China, visit Yu Yuan Gardens. First created in 1559 and having undergone the Opium War, Taiping Rebellion and World War, the Chinese government officially declared Yu Yuan gardens as a national monument.

The two hectares wide garden contains a restaurant called Nan Xiang, which serves the best xiao long baos in the world. Do be prepared to queue. There are several different lineups for takeaways and dine in services. The most interesting dish would be the giant xiao long bao where you can drink the soup with a straw. It looks extraordinary but taste wise I would suggest you sticking to the dainty steamed dumplings. Besides the standard pork fillings, Nan Xiang also serves a variety of dumplings such as the popular crab fillings!

No. 218 Anren St
Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Daily opening hours 8:30 am–5:00 pm
Tel: +86 21 6326 0830

6. Party at G Club Plus

Shanghai is the most populated city in the world and their clubs are open every single day. One of the best clubs would be G Club Plus located at the internationally famous Xin Dian Di district. Equipped with large LED screens and a huge dance floor, it is no surprise that G Club Plus is a hit amongst both locals and expats. G Club Plus has a long list of renowned guest DJs such as Steve Aoki, Afrojack and Tiesto etc.

5F, 6Block South,
Xintiandi, Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 5386 8088

7. Take a bath at a public bathhouse

The Chinese has an interesting 5000 years old cultural practice – washing up in public bathhouses. This tradition is different from the Korean bathhouse as men and women are separated and do not shower together in the same area. Opened 24/7 is Orient Rome, a luxurious public bathhouse that resembles a Roman castle with its numerous statues of Greek gods and goddesses. Locals have claimed this practice as relaxing but I personally found it super awkward.

There are also restaurants and movie halls for one to lounge at. Guest rooms are also available for massaging services.

1420 Jiangning Road (near Aomen Lu)
Putuo district, Shanghai, China
Daily: 24 hours
Tel: +86 21 6276 8490

8. Shop at Super Brand Mall

Super Brand Mall (Zheng Da Guang Zhang) is a massive shopping mall that will satisfy all shopaholics. Many globalized retails and local Chinese brands can be found in this shopping center. The cleanliness of this place is also remarkable. It is easily accessible via train and a stone’s throw away from the Pearl Tower. Foodies would be glad to hear that Super Brand Mall is home to a large list of eateries with cuisines from all over the world.

168, Lujiazui Xi Road,
Pudong, Shanghai, China
Tel: + 86 21 6887 7888

9. Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s main shopping street

Nanjing Road is a 3.4 miles long stretch of road filled with both local shops and global brands. West Nanjing Road is dominated by globalized brands while East Nanjing Road sells more local Chinese goods. There are many conmen hoping to scam tourists into buying “authentic” items so do be cautious when one approaches you. Take extra attention to your belongings when shopping, as pickpockets are common in this crowded street. There’s also a mini sight seeing bus that drives down Nanjing road.

10. Apple Store in Shanghai

There are 407 Apple stores world wide, but Shanghai’s Apple store has been listed as one of the world’s most beautiful. The glass cylindrical building, which leads one to the underground shop via a glass stairwell, boasts the world’s largest piece of curve glass. Fun fact: Shanghai’s Apple store is also the world’s most profitable Apple store.

Store 27, Lower Ground 2nd floor
IFC Mall, No. 8 Century Avenue,
Pudong, Shanghai, China
Tel: +86 21 2033 5300

About the writer
Hui Jun Ng is a Media and Communications student at RMIT University, Melbourne. She loves indulging in good food and traveling. She is part of a media productions group called CUTXPACE Productions and they recently completed a promotional video for Melbourne Art Show. You can follow her adventures in Melbourne here.