Shanghai is the world's busiest container port hub with the East China Sea as its border. In the 19th century, the city grew in size and recognition as Europe identified Shanghai's economic potential and convenient port location. The First Opium War took place against the British, resulting in the French Concession and the Shanghai International Settlement. This action allowed Shanghai to become a peaceful trading port between the West and the East. When the Communist party took control of China in 1949, the city's influence on the world declined, as trade focused on socialist countries only.
Visitors can find countless attractions in Shanghai, many with history behind them. City God Temple is in the old part of the city and honors Shanghai's rise in municipal status. The building's architecture captivates residents and visitors alike. Nearby, you'll find Yu Garden, built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. The gardens take up more than 5 acres and feature six distinct areas.
You'll find public transportation buses or trains that can help you save money on expensive taxi fares. With much to explore, you'll want to find the right season and the right place to stay when you're visiting Shanghai.
When to Visit Shanghai, China
The best time to visit Shanghai is in the fall between October and November. The temperature hovers between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making the weather more than comfortable for walking around outdoors and exploring the city. A light jacket is all that's needed for staying outside all day. Hotel prices tend to be lower during this time, making the fall months an ideal time to visit if you're traveling on a budget.
Summer can bring typhoons and crowds of visitors on summer break. Spring is also a lovely time to visit, particularly between the months of April and May. The weather starts to become favorable, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s. Beautiful pink blossoms start to bloom all over the city, making this period a great time for photography. Many events happen during these months as well, providing you plenty of entertainment.
In April, the Qingming Festival is a traditional Chinese festival that honors ancestors; the event generally takes place April 4 or 5. May 1 brings the Chinese Labor Day, a holiday which celebrates the working classes and laborers.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Shanghai, China:
Shanghai, China: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Shanghai, China. Browse these illustrations to calculate the most cost effective time to book in Shanghai for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Shanghai, China
4 Star Average Prices: $102.37
Visitors won't find a shortage of luxury hotels in Shanghai. A stay at the InterContinental Hotel Shanghai Pudong lets guests enjoy pampering visits to the spa without having to leave the hotel. An app is conveniently available, and iPhones and iPads can offer GPS hotel directions, concierge information, and access to the restaurant chef's recipes. Children ages 4 to 12 can take part in Planet Trekkers, a club for children with many activities to keep them busy. The hotel also prides itself on offering environmentally friendly, sustainable materials in the rooms.
Located near Yu Garden, Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund is a stylish designer hotel. After checking in, head to the rooftop bar for stunning views of the city while enjoying a handcrafted cocktail. In the morning, swim in the indoor pool or get a workout in at the fitness center. Laundry and dry cleaning services are available for business meetings or dinners. An ATM is conveniently located inside the hotel, eliminating the need to scour the city for one when you need access to cash. A gift shop is also available for those last-minute purchases.
Affordable Hotel Options in Shanghai, China
3 Star Average Prices: $38.33
For such an elegant city, you don't have to look too hard to find an affordable hotel. The Crowne Plaza Shanghai Pudong features a health club, satellite programming, and restaurant for meals. Twenty-four-hour room service is provided for night owls who are too busy exploring the city to stop for dinner. In the summer, guests can take advantage of the hotel's barbecue grills to make their own meals outside, while air-conditioned rooms offer a comfortable retreat. Located within walking distance of this hotel, you'll find the Chinese Wushu Museum, Huangxing Park, and the Shanghai International Convention Center.
For a convenient hotel that still retains its quality, stay at the Howard Johnson Plaza Lingang Shanghai. Golfers will appreciate being close to the Gulf National Forest Park and Agile Binhai Golf Club. Each private bathroom at this hotel features a separate shower and bathtub. Babysitting is available for a fee if parents need to enjoy a night out on the town without their little ones. Laundry facilities are also available, and wireless internet is complimentary.
Best Discounts in Shanghai, China
Many hotels offer discounts for certain memberships. AAA members can enjoy 10 percent discounts at the Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao hotel. This five-star property is close to L'Avenue and the Consulate General of Switzerland. Each guest room is individually decorated and equipped with DVD players for entertainment. In addition to an indoor pool, an indoor tennis court can help you stay in shape while traveling. The hotel offers two restaurants in addition to 24-hour room service. Limo and town-car service is available when you arrange transportation through the front desk.
Senior citizens and travelers with AARP memberships will enjoy receiving a 15 percent discount at the Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Meilong. In addition, free parking is available, and breakfast is complimentary each morning. The hotel connects to a shopping mall for convenient access to purchases. Guests can also visit Dino Beach and Tropical Storm Water Park, two nearby attractions for guests to explore.
Visitors without a car can have a round-trip airport shuttle arranged by the front desk for a fee. Express check-in is available for weary guests who get in late at night and want to get to bed upon their arrival.
Best Value Options in Shanghai, China
Hotel ibis Shanghai JinshaJiang Road offers the best value for your money. Each guest room features air conditioning and has free high-speed internet available for travelers. A restaurant and bar are available for evening guests who may be too busy or tired to go out for dinner and a drink. In addition, multilingual staff can help travelers with any needs during a stay here. Located within walking distance of this hotel, guests will find the Jing'an Temple and Cloud Nine Plaza. The Shanghai International Gymnastic Center and Zhongshan Park are also close by for visiting.
Another great value option is the Ramada Plaza Shanghai Caohejing hotel. Each room in this four-star hotel features air conditioning and has a minibar and refrigerator. Complimentary toiletries and hair dryers are available, as well as free wired and wireless internet access. Business travelers will find plenty of space available for business events, with multiple conference rooms and a conference center. The Guilin Park and Caohejing Hi-Tech Park are both within an easy walking distance from the hotel. For entertainment, the Jinjiang Action Park and Shanghai Everbright Convention & Exhibition Center are also in the area.
Discover Top Shanghai, China, Destinations
Shanghai has a variety of museums to discover. The China Art Museum is in the former China Pavilion at Expo 2010 and features more than 1,790,000 square feet of modern Chinese art, making it the largest art museum in Asia. For more ancient Chinese art, head to the Shanghai Museum. Located in the People's Square in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, this museum is considered to be one of China's first world-class museums. From historic museums to modern art and stunning skyscrapers, Shanghai has something to suit everyone's needs when it comes to entertainment.
In central Shanghai along the waterfront, you'll find a district known as "The Bund." The area is a popular visitor destination due to the stunning buildings and wharves along Zhongshan Road. Building heights are restricted in this area, a factor which ensures an unobstructed view of the landscapes surrounding the area.
Whether you're traveling with guests who want to visit the city and save money or you're traveling by yourself and you want to splurge on a luxurious stay, Shanghai offers a hotel experience for practically every type of traveler. The city has a range of entertainment options available, whether you enjoy taking in the flora and fauna of peaceful gardens or exploring the bustling city center. With many Shanghai hotels in the heart of this city, you'll find a stay at your choice of hotel one that puts you within easy access of the cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities that make Shanghai, China, one unforgettable place to visit.
Shanghai, China summarized
China seems to resemble a continent of its own, comprised of cities and provinces that have diverse ways, held by strict Chinese tradition. Shanghai may as well be its most advanced city, boasting of advanced technology that remains unparalleled and unchallenged in the world. It is also the world's largest city proper and busiest container port, with a population of more than 23 million and growing. Sculpted along the delta of the Yangtze River, Shanghai became a popular tourist destination with attractions such as the Pudong skyline, Yuyuan Garden, City God Temple, and the Bund. Shanghai is considered China's showpiece, with structures unseen elsewhere. Exploring the splendid architecture is easy, just make sure you know how to get there. The Maglev, the world's longest network, is one of the fastest and steadiest fares in the world. Customers can drink their coffee without even the risk of spillage. Interestingly, Shanghai also has the oldest trolleybus system and the most extensive urban bus network in the world.
'In a totally sane society, madness is the only freedom, - wrote Shanghai born author J.D Ballard, and there are many who would certainly describe China's biggest city as mad!
Shanghai is the largest city in China in terms of population, and it is also a global financial hub, making it a largely multicultural place. Hotels in this city range from budget cheap hotels to those on the pricier end, and many are aimed at people traveling for business.
Shanghai on a Budget
The Ibis Shanghai Lianyang Hotel is close to most transport links including the metro, making it a great base for getting around the city. It is one of many cheap hotels in the city located near to the shopping malls, meaning guests can experience the great Shanghai shopping and dining. It is ultimately a straight-forward unfussy hotel. The GreenTree Inn is an alternative budget option offering a complimentary breakfast for guests. It's in a great location and near to the Jing'an Temple, which is a Buddhist temple located in the Jing'an District. There is also the Jinguangs Shanghai Nanjing Road Hotel which is a ten minute drive from the Nanjing Road Shopping District. There is a restaurant in this hotel and breakfast is also available for guests.
Luxury Options in Shanghai
The Radisson Blu Hotel New World is one of the well-known luxury hotels in Shanghai. The building itself stands out and is iconic in the city's landscape. Great for those traveling for business as the rooms come equipped with spacious work areas including large desks. There is also in-room dining offered, and free wifi. The Langham Shanghai offers contemporary elegance in the middle of the city's entertainment hub. Its great location means that this hotel is within easy reach of many shops, restaurants and museums. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, beautifully furnished and offer stunning views of the city. The Grand Hyatt Hotel is a great option for those looking for a luxurious base in Shanghai. This hotel similarly to other hotels in Shanghai has impressive architecture, as it is set in an eighty-eight floor building! Most four and five star Shanghai hotels are in huge skyscrapers such as this. As would be expected from a five star hotel the rooms are spacious and grand. They also come equipped with all the modern essentials a traveler would need.
Boutique and Quirky Option
The three star Asset Hotel is one of the slightly different Shanghai hotels, great for those looking for something a little out of the ordinary. It is described as a 'business boutique hotel'. It offers a contemporary atmosphere, with comfort at the forefront, and nice extras such as mini freezers in rooms, bottled water and bath products. PuLi Hotel and Spa is another quirky hotel, and it calls itself an 'urban resort' promising luxury, but in a different way to luxury hotel chains. It has a health club with sauna, gym and steam room, and an overall personal touch.
FAQs about hotels in Shanghai