China Travel Guide
Where to Stay in Shanghai: The Best Areas for a First Visit
The two areas I recommend for a first visit, and how to choose between them.
By @mesapara1. I traveled through China in April 2026 and put together this page and guide to share everything I learned planning the trip on my own.
Last updated: October 17, 2026
Shanghai is enormous, and where you stay can make a real difference to your trip. It's not just about how long it takes to get to the main attractions: your surroundings, the atmosphere you find when you leave the hotel, and how the city feels at the end of the day all play a part.
For a first visit, I recommend considering two areas: Huangpu, around People's Square and Nanjing Road, and Jing'an and Xuhui, near the former French Concession.
Before you start looking, there's something worth knowing about prices: Shanghai is one of China's major cities, and accommodation is expensive compared with the rest of the country. In the two areas I recommend, which are also among the most touristy, it's hard to find a hotel for under 50 dollars a night. If you're on a tighter budget, hostels are the alternative.
Planning a trip to China? The guide brings together all the practical information I wish I'd had before traveling. See the guide →
People's Square and Nanjing Road, Huangpu: the best area for a first visit
For a first trip to Shanghai, Huangpu, especially around People's Square or Nanjing Road, is one of the most convenient options. Its location makes it easy to reach the main attractions and helps you make better use of your time without relying so much on transportation.
People's Square is one of the city's main transportation hubs, with several metro lines. From there, you can easily get to different neighborhoods and points of interest.
You'll also be close to two places you'll probably want to visit: The Bund and Yu Garden. Depending on exactly where you stay, you can walk to them or reach them in just a few metro stops. It's also a convenient location for returning to your hotel after a day of sightseeing, taking a break, and heading out again in the evening.
The nightlife is one of this area's biggest advantages. Nanjing Road, Shanghai's most famous shopping street, lights up and comes alive with shops, restaurants, and places to eat that stay open late. Walking around the area after sunset is part of the experience, especially on your first visit to the city.
The trade-off is that this is one of Shanghai's most touristy and busiest areas. There are plenty of people and lots going on, so it's not the best choice if you're looking for peace and quiet. Still, for a short first visit, the location makes up for it: you can see several of the city's most iconic sights without spending as much time getting around.
Where to stay around People's Square and Nanjing Road
Jing'an and Xuhui: a quieter area with cafés and tree-lined streets
Jing'an and Xuhui are good alternatives if you'd rather stay somewhere quieter, with tree-lined streets, cafés, bookstores, design shops, and bars. Parts of these districts also retain European-style architecture, especially in areas associated with the former French Concession.
The experience is different from staying around Nanjing Road. Instead of being in the middle of major shopping avenues and Shanghai's most recognizable postcard views, you can wander along quieter streets, discover small local shops, and enjoy a less hectic pace. These areas are tourist-friendly too, but they have a more residential, bohemian character.
The main difference compared with Huangpu is the location. Depending on where your hotel is, The Bund and Yu Garden will be a little farther away, so you'll probably need to use the metro more often. The distance isn't excessive, and both areas are well connected, but it's worth considering if your stay is short and you want to prioritize being close to the main attractions.
There's one more thing to keep in mind: these are very large districts, so exactly where you stay makes quite a difference. If you want tourist attractions nearby, your best bet is to look for accommodation around the former French Concession or near Jing'an Temple.
The types of accommodation available are another difference. In addition to hotels, Jing'an and Xuhui have a much wider selection of apartments and homestays than Huangpu, thanks to their more residential character. This can be worth considering if you're traveling with a group or family, since they're usually more comfortable than a hotel room.
Where to stay in Jing'an and Xuhui
Which area should you choose?
Both are good options, but they offer different advantages.
For a first visit, Huangpu, near People's Square or Nanjing Road, is usually the most convenient choice. Its location makes sightseeing easier and puts you close to The Bund and Yu Garden. The area is also lively at night, with lights, shops, and restaurants. The downside is that it can get quite crowded, and the best-located hotels tend to book up well in advance.
Jing'an and Xuhui are alternatives for travelers who prefer quieter, more bohemian surroundings. They have tree-lined streets, cafés, and a more residential atmosphere, although the main tourist attractions are a little farther away. They're still well connected, so distance alone isn't a reason to rule them out.
Ultimately, if your priority is keeping logistics simple and making the most of a short stay, Huangpu is a safe bet. If you prefer a quieter setting and don't mind taking the metro a little more often, Jing'an and Xuhui may be a better fit.
In my guide, I've put together a complete day-by-day Shanghai itinerary, including the best order to explore each area and how to combine your visits with the rest of your trip. See the guide →
The China Travel Guide
How to organize the rest of your trip, in the guide
Choosing where to stay is just one part of planning your visit. Next, you'll need to decide how many days to spend in Shanghai, how to organize your sightseeing, and how to combine the city with the rest of China.
- Day-by-day 2-week itinerary
- Apps, payments and internet set up before you travel
- Everything checked in person, not copied from the internet
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many nights should you stay in Shanghai?
- At least two nights, although ideally you should allow for at least two full days to see the main attractions without rushing. Shanghai is enormous, and getting around takes time too.
- Is it a good idea to stay in Pudong?
- For a first visit, Huangpu, Jing'an, or Xuhui are usually more convenient options. Pudong is the financial district, known for its skyscrapers and spectacular nighttime views, but it's on the opposite side of the river from The Bund and several historic and shopping attractions. If you want to enjoy the skyline, you can see Pudong's skyscrapers across the river from The Bund—that's the city's best-known view.
- Should you book in advance?
- Yes, especially if you want to stay near Nanjing Road. It's a very popular area, and the best-located hotels can sell out. Booking ahead gives you more options for finding something that fits your budget and is close to the metro. You can compare accommodations and book through Trip.com, checking each hotel's location and policies before confirming.
- Do all hotels in Shanghai accept foreign guests?
- No. Some accommodations in China are not authorized to register foreign guests and may refuse check-in even if you have a reservation. When looking for accommodation on Trip.com, check the hotel's policies to make sure it accepts foreign guests before booking.
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