Shanghai accommodation from NZ$172

We’ve got more good news: Looking for hotels in Shanghai is like searching for hay in a haystack. The trick is choosing a neighbourhood with the best vibes and sights for your trip. To wake up to views of the Huangpu River and instant access to some of Shanghai’s most popular shops and restaurants, book accommodation near The Bund, a winding waterfront walkway. Ready? So are we. Let’s go!

Things to Do in Shanghai

In Shanghai, you can do whatever you want—within reason. If you’re staying in the Bund, don’t miss the Bund International Architecture Exhibition after dark, when you can see the unmistakable Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre and Jin Mao Tower lit up against the night sky. During the day, the observation deck at the Oriental Pearl is a great way to get to know the landscape.

Further inland, check out Shanghai Museum and People’s Park downtown for the inside scoop on this ancient city. Southwest of downtown, spend a lazy arvo in Luwan (aka the Old French Concession), home to colonial architecture and winding footpaths lined with colourful market stalls and delightful fusion bistros. Can’t get enough of this area? Book Shanghai hotels here and stick around awhile!

When you’re ready to get off your feet after a day of sightseeing and snacking, sit back for a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe. Does all the flipping and flying give you an adrenaline rush? Dance it off in the hip-hop and house music clubs in Huaihai Lu, west of downtown. Recharge in nearby Shanghai accommodation, because you can’t possibly see this city in one day.

Getting To & Around Shanghai

Book flights to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), right on the edge of Yangtze River and 48km east of the city centre. Because the streets are crowded and traffic is heavy, head underground. Shanghai has 12 subway lines, so you can find top sights and accommodation in Shanghai without ever getting behind the wheel, unless driving in the world’s most crowded city is on your bucket list.

Upcoming Events

If you find yourself in town during the middle of June, check out the Shanghai Television Festival, abbreviated to STVF. This is the place to be if you’re looking to get a sneak peek into the latest developments of the domestic television market. There’s also the Magnolia TV Screening, where productions from around the world are showcased.

You’re a tourist, right? Good, because the Shanghai Tourism Festival is perfect for you. Held every year beginning in mid-September, this nonstop party runs until early October. It starts with an extravagant opening ceremony and a parade filled with dancers dressed in folk costumes. There’s even a rose wedding ceremony, whatever that is.

If you can take a break from the nonstop action, check out the culinary stands, where some of the best food in Shanghai is being served. If you don’t believe us, order up some xi eke huang (crab shell pie), Chinese style fried chicken and a cong you bing (green onion pancake). We’ll be waiting for your apology.

Get Outside!

There are many fine places to stay in Shanghai. Once you’re in one, don’t get stuck in it. Book a spot on a tour boat and take a Huangpu River Cruise. Enjoy food and drinks while you lazily float by city landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund and Zhujiajiao Water Town. When the tour comes to a close, hop on a bicycle and take a tour of the city streets.

Ditch the bike for your own two feet and go for an exciting walk down the Bund, a section of Zhongshan Road along the Huangpu River. This stretch of the city is loaded with amazing buildings like the Peace Hotel, the China Merchant Bank and the Shanghai Club. The latter was once one of the premier social clubs for British nationals back in the day. Now it’s a hotel, but you can still enjoy a few drinks at the bar for happy hour. Or any hour, really.

Must-See Spots

Are you only spending one day in Shanghai? Not a problem; there’s still plenty of things you can see and do before you have to leave. Book our Private Cultural Highlights tour and you’ll be an expert on this city in no time. Your guide will take you down Sinan Road, where old, Western-style houses line the narrow streets. Some have been renovated and are open to the public.

Next, follow your local leader to the Xintiandi district, a car-free dining, shopping and entertainment district. A plate of chao fan and a cold Tsingtao are a perfect way to round out the tour.

When your cultural expedition comes to a close—but before boarding your plane back to wherever—head over to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Make your way up to the observation deck for 360-degree views of the entire city. There’s even a revolving restaurant up there! We don’t know what it’s like to eat a meal while spinning in a slow circle, but we’d love for you to find out.

Shanghai is waiting to amaze you, and at Wotif we’ve got some wow-worthy travel deals, so you can go big with a small price tag. Book today!