TOP Cheap Hotels in Shanghai for 2026

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Our top choices for Shanghai cheap hotels

Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport by IHG

Pudong

Ronald

₹10,185 total

includes taxes & fees

10 May - 11 May

Holiday Inn Express Shanghai PVG Zhuqiao by IHG

Pudong

Joshua

₹4,702 total

includes taxes & fees

24 May - 25 May

Ramada Plaza Shanghai Pudong Airport

Pudong

Benita

₹9,825 total

includes taxes & fees

29 May - 30 May

SHANGHAI-DECO Hotel

Pudong

KIM HAZEL

₹4,122 total

includes taxes & fees

8 May - 9 May

Shanghai JOYFUL YARD Hotel

Pudong

Xiaoli

₹3,637 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jun - 5 Jun

KEGUAN RUIXUAN HOTEL

Songjiang District

₹4,369 total

includes taxes & fees

10 May - 11 May

Intercity Shanghai Xujiahui

Xuhui

₹11,862 total

includes taxes & fees

8 May - 9 May

Jinglai Zhenxuan Jiudian

Jing'an

₹4,794 total

includes taxes & fees

8 May - 9 May

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Find out more about Shanghai

Discover cheap things to do in Shanghai (and vicinity)

For budget-conscious travellers seeking to explore the vibrant city of Shanghai and its surrounding areas, a wealth of affordable experiences awaits. Start your journey at the iconic Yuyuan Garden, where you can stroll through classical Chinese landscapes filled with koi ponds and rockeries—entry is free, making it a perfect spot for families to enjoy. Don’t miss the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar nearby, where you can sample local street food like steamed buns and dumplings without breaking the bank. For a taste of history, visit the Shanghai Museum, which offers free admission to its extensive collection of ancient Chinese artefacts, ensuring a cultural enrichment for both adults and children. Adventure seekers can take a leisurely walk along the Huangpu River, enjoying stunning views of the Bund and the futuristic skyline—this picturesque experience costs nothing and provides fantastic photo opportunities. Staying in the former French Concession area offers a charming atmosphere with tree-lined streets and boutique shops, perfect for leisurely explorations. Here, you'll find budget-friendly hotels that provide a warm, personalised service, ensuring you feel pampered without spending a fortune. With convenient access to public transport, you can easily visit popular attractions without the worry of high travel costs.

Find the best cheap hotels in Shanghai (and vicinity)

Exploring the vibrant city of Shanghai doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some top budget-friendly hotels that provide great value without compromising on comfort and convenience.

Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel

Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: The Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers seeking comfort and convenience in the heart of downtown Shanghai. With an excellent traveler review rating of 8.8, this hotel offers essential amenities like free toiletries and Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant stay without extra costs. Guests will appreciate the daily housekeeping and premium bedding for restful nights after a day of exploration.
Other amenities: In addition to its budget-friendly offerings, the hotel features air conditioning for a comfortable environment and a child-friendly window design. Guests can also enjoy the convenience of an early check-in option and easy access to nearby shopping venues, making it ideal for those wishing to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Neighborhood: Downtown Shanghai
Nearby attractions: Former French Concession - 0 km, Yuyuan Garden - 0.8 km

Seventh Heaven Hotel

Why it's great for a budget-friendly vacation: Seventh Heaven Hotel is a budget-friendly gem in downtown Shanghai, with a traveler review rating of 7.2. This hotel offers essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi and complimentary toiletries, ensuring that travelers can enjoy a comfortable stay without overspending. With its historic charm and unique atmosphere, it’s a great spot for travellers wanting to immerse themselves in the local culture.
Other amenities: Guests can take advantage of nearby parking options and daily housekeeping for added convenience. The hotel also features air conditioning for a pleasant environment and offers access to a shopping centre located nearby. With additional services like in-room massages and a concierge, Seventh Heaven Hotel provides a well-rounded experience for budget-conscious travelers.
Neighborhood: Downtown Shanghai
Nearby attractions: People's Square - 0.9 km, Nanjing Road Shopping District - 0 km

Top Shanghai Hotel Reviews

Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre

8/10 Good

"The property is clean and in a great location, the communication was a bit difficult,"

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

6/10 Okay

"Hotel was decent, nothing special. Breakfast was ok - not fresh for sure. I was there for 1 week and it was the same everyday, I could tell it wasn't fresh. Only fresh thing was the guy making egg omelette. Surprisingly hardly anybody at the hotel spoke English. Very difficult to communicate, I didn't expect it as you would expect a high end hotel to. I personally wouldn't pay all that money to come here again, would rather pay less/half and go elsewhere. It was my 1st time in China/Shanghai. If I had of known it would be been like that then I would have rather stayed elsewhere and saved some money. As I've mentioned it wasn't anything special."

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

2/10 Terrible

"My room was nice but HOT! I called and asked them to fix the air conditioning. It took three calls before someone came. After they looked at it, they said give it time and it will get cooler. It never did. I called customer service no less than seven times before I could get someone to respond. They said they would bring me a fan. Somehow they forgot. After 30 minutes I called again. I asked to speak with the manager who after a while apologized and 15 minutes later brought a fan to the room. All I did was blow around hot air. Breakfast was also disappointing. The coffee machines did not offer simple brewed coffee. The toaster was broken. The bacon was raw, the eggs were cold. Very disappointing experience. I made the manager aware of all of my situations and he said thank you sorry for the inconvenience. No explanation, no discount, just more disappointment.."

Frequently asked questions

What is Shanghai like for travellers on a budget?

Shanghai has a variety of cheap accommodation options and things to do, making it a great holiday choice for budget-conscious travellers. In addition to its well-known attractions such as The Bund and Shanghai Disneyland©, this destination is home to People's Park and Huangpu Park, which you can enjoy while spending very little.

What's the best place to stay on a budget in Shanghai?

Based on reviews, Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World is a popular hotel for our travellers who want a more economical choice, and features free Wi-Fi and 3 restaurants. Other good options to stay on the cheap include Meego Youth Hotel Shanghai Jingan and Dayin International Youth Hostel - Tianzifang & Xintiandi.

How many cheap hotels can I expect to find in Shanghai?

Choose a hotel that suits your wallet from Expedia's 25 budget hotels in Shanghai.

When is the best time for a budget trip to Shanghai?

Weather will likely play an important role when you plan your trip to Shanghai, but bear in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. The hottest months are usually August and July, with an average temperature of 26°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 8°C. The rainiest months in Shanghai are June, July, August and September, with each month seeing an average of 196 mm of rainfall.

What is there to see and do in Shanghai?

Shanghai attracts visitors with its top museums and major shopping area, and offers plenty to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the top local attractions on your list, such as The Bund and Shanghai Disneyland©, and then make time for other wallet-friendly activities. Check out the area's cultural spots like Shanghai Grand Theatre and MOCA Shanghai, or get outdoors at People's Park.

How can I get to Shanghai and get around on a budget?

Scoping out the transportation options in Shanghai is a smart way to keep your trip affordable. The nearest airport is Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), situated 9 mi (14.4 km) away. However, if that doesn't suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of Pudong International Airport (PVG), which is 20.7 mi (33.3 km) away. You can access metro transport at People's Square Station, Dashijie Station and Xinzha Road Station.

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Check availability on Shanghai Cheap Hotels

Our top choices for Shanghai cheap hotels

Holiday Inn Shanghai Pudong Airport by IHG