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Recommended Shanghai Economical Hotels & Hostels (3-star)

As a fascinating metropolis with a soaring modern skyline, western architectures, and traditional gardens, Shanghai is the city with the best hotels in China, from modern skyscrapers with vertiginous observation decks to the exotic cozy boutique stay by the riverside. The accommodation options are so varied that there’s something to suit every fantasy.

To help narrow it down, We’ve ranked the top hotels in Shanghai based on rate, price, location, and recommendations from real travelers. From the luxury 5-star to the budget 3-star, from traditional to modern. Read more about where to stay in Shanghai, and see our editor's picks for some of Shanghai's best hotels below.

Shanghai Accommodation

Luxury
Comfort
Economy

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Wujiaochang

Breakfast: Western & Chinese

Add: No. 1729 Huangxing Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai

Surrounding: Fudan University

Distance to Downtown: 11km;

Distance to Hongqiao Airport: 29km;

Distance to Pudong Airport: 38km;

Distance to Shanghai Railway Station: 11km

The price of the hotel is very reasonable. You’ll be impressed with the quality of the rooms and the cleanliness. Computers with free internet in the lobby are very handy and wired internet in rooms are accessible. Also, spacious guest rooms, great shower facilities as well good Chinese and Western food are well prepared for your stay. For the location not great for tourist destinations and not that close to the subway, the hotel offers transfer service.

How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

How to Get to Shanghai: You can fly to Shanghai directly from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Los Angeles & many overseas countries (regions) and almost all major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Xian; or take high speed bullet train to Shanghai from domestic cities.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai: The ideal times to visit are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the city’s natural scenery is at its most beautiful - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Spend 2 to 3 days exploring Shanghai’s unique blend of Western and Eastern influences!

Usually, tourists spend 2 days sightseeing the most famous landmarks, including the Bund, skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, historical Wukang Road, informative Shanghai Museum, etc. With one extra day, you can visit Zhujiajiao Water Town or enjoy family fun in Disneyland Park in the suburb.

☛ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
☛ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
☛ 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

For a change of scenery, consider these easy getaways:

Suzhou (30 min by high-speed train) - Famous for its classical gardens and charming water towns.

Hangzhou (1 hour by high-speed train) - Renowned for the poetic West Lake and Longjing tea plantations.

Yellow Mountain (3 hours by high-speed train) - Breathtaking peaks and UNESCO-listed landscapes.

☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
☛ 6 Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train
☛ 5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train
☛ 9 Days East China & Mt. Huang Tour by High Speed Train

Start Your China Adventure from Shanghai

As a major international hub, Shanghai is the ideal gateway for exploring China—many travelers begin or end their journeys here. If you're a first-timer, we recommend extending your trip to iconic destinations like Beijing (Great Wall & Forbidden City), Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Zhangjiajie (Avatar-inspired peaks), and Guilin (karst landscapes & idyllic river views).

☛ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing/Xian/Shanghai)
☛ 10 Days Classic China Tour (Shanghai/Guilin/Xian/Beijing)
☛ 13 Days China Landscape Tour including Zhangjiajie and Guilin(Beijing/Xian/Zhangjiajie/Guilin/Shanghai)
☛ 17 Days China Paradise Tour with Tibet Discovery & Yangtze Cruise

Travel with China Discovery

As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.

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Shanghai Travel Guide

Keep Reading About Shanghai Attractions

Recommended Shanghai Tours

Top 3 Shanghai tours chosen by most customers to explore Shanghai in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour (at Leisure Pace)

Shanghai

5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour

Shanghai / Hangzhou / Suzhou / Shanghai

3 Days Shanghai Highlights Tour with Water Town

Shanghai

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

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