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Shanghai TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

If you want a dynamic introduction to modern China, then Shanghai is the place. The city’s reputation as “Paris of the East” declined after World War II, but its resurgence is again attracting legions of “foreign adventurers.” Here you can visit a 1000-year-old temple, a bleeding-edge art gallery, and the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party – all on the same day.

Why Go

For the intoxicating mix of old meets new and east meets west; for the burgeoning architectural marvels; and for the exotic street life that ensures you're always aware you're in China.

Shanghai Travel Guide: Deals to Shanghai | Shanghai Neighborhoods | Things to do in Shanghai | Shanghai Hotels | Shanghai Restaurants | Shanghai Nightlife | Shanghai Shopping | Shanghai Day Trips | When to go to Shanghai | Getting to Shanghai | Shanghai Tips | Shanghai Additional Resources

See Also: Asia | China | Shanghai

$84/nt+: Top-rated China hotels in Hong Kong Orbitz

$735+: Bejing & Shanghai package w/flight TripWizards.com

Shanghai Hotels

As World Expo 2010 approaches, hotel developers have been drawn to Shanghai like sharks to sardines. Take your pick from international luxury chains, the latest designer boutiques, or colonial-era charmers with some rooms at less than $100 per night.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
LUXURY
MODERATE
HIP & TRENDY
BUDGET

88 Xintiandi
Adjacent to Shanghai’s fashionable, downtown Xintiandi dining and entertainment district, 88 Xintiandi was the first... design

Jia Shanghai
This 60-room hotel has brought the style of its Philippe Starck-designed Hong Kong sister property to Shanghai. The location... luxury

JIA Shanghai
Opened in April 2007, this 55-room boutique residence is the sister establishment of the Philippe Starck-designed JIA Hong... luxury | boutique | expensive

Park Hyatt Shanghai
Scheduled to open in July 2008, the Park Hyatt will occupy the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai Hills World Financial... new | expensive

Portman Ritz-Carlton
Located west of the river in the Puxi district and in the heart of Nanjing Road’s upscale shopping and dining, the...

Pudong Shangri-La
One hotel set in two adjoined buildings, the riverside Pudong Shangri-La is the deluxe choice in Pudong. The hotel’s... smart splurge | expensive

Astor House
During Shanghai’s 1920s heyday the city was known as the Paris of the Orient, and this was the Far East’s most... historic

Lapis Casa
Opened in 2006, this small boutique property is located beside the buzzing downtown Xintiandi district. The interior decor...

M Suites
Part of the Pier One complex, near the art galleries of Moganshan Lu, this renovated brewery offers 24 sleek, modern rooms.... moderate | boutique

Ruijin Guest House
Occupying five neo-classical 1930s villas on a leafy estate once owned by a British newspaper baron, this statuesque hotel is... historic

The Nine
Occupying a thoughtfully renovated 1937 art deco villa, this small hotel is loved by style gurus, designers, and architects...

Motel 168
Don’t be put off by the name (the cheapest rooms start from 168 yuan), because this fast-growing budget chain offers...

Old House Inn
Tucked down a side lane in Shanghai’s former French Concession, this is a charming and friendly alternative to the... historic | great value

88 Xintiandi
Adjacent to Shanghai’s fashionable, downtown Xintiandi dining and entertainment district, 88 Xintiandi was the first... design

Jia Shanghai
This 60-room hotel has brought the style of its Philippe Starck-designed Hong Kong sister property to Shanghai. The location... trendy

JIA Shanghai
Opened in April 2007, this 55-room boutique residence is the sister establishment of the Philippe Starck-designed JIA Hong... boutique | trendy | expensive

Park Hyatt Shanghai
Scheduled to open in July 2008, the Park Hyatt will occupy the 79th to 93rd floors of the Shanghai Hills World Financial... new | expensive

Portman Ritz-Carlton
Located west of the river in the Puxi district and in the heart of Nanjing Road’s upscale shopping and dining, the...

Pudong Shangri-La
One hotel set in two adjoined buildings, the riverside Pudong Shangri-La is the deluxe choice in Pudong. The hotel’s... smart splurge | expensive

Astor House
During Shanghai’s 1920s heyday the city was known as the Paris of the Orient, and this was the Far East’s most... historic

Lapis Casa
Opened in 2006, this small boutique property is located beside the buzzing downtown Xintiandi district. The interior decor...

M Suites
Part of the Pier One complex, near the art galleries of Moganshan Lu, this renovated brewery offers 24 sleek, modern rooms.... boutique | trendy

Ruijin Guest House
Occupying five neo-classical 1930s villas on a leafy estate once owned by a British newspaper baron, this statuesque hotel is... historic

The Nine
Occupying a thoughtfully renovated 1937 art deco villa, this small hotel is loved by style gurus, designers, and architects...

Jia Shanghai
This 60-room hotel has brought the style of its Philippe Starck-designed Hong Kong sister property to Shanghai. The location... luxury

JIA Shanghai
Opened in April 2007, this 55-room boutique residence is the sister establishment of the Philippe Starck-designed JIA Hong... luxury | boutique | expensive

M Suites
Part of the Pier One complex, near the art galleries of Moganshan Lu, this renovated brewery offers 24 sleek, modern rooms.... moderate | boutique

Motel 168
Don’t be put off by the name (the cheapest rooms start from 168 yuan), because this fast-growing budget chain offers...

Old House Inn
Tucked down a side lane in Shanghai’s former French Concession, this is a charming and friendly alternative to the... historic | great value

Shanghai Restaurants

Shanghainese cuisine deploys soy, sugar, and ginger with appetizing results, but don’t neglect other flavors in this cosmopolitan city. Adventurous diners will be amazed by the range of consistently good food served in unusual places – from sidewalk stalls to hotel towers.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
MODERATE
BUDGET
EXPENSIVE

1221
If you’re intimidated by Mandarin-only menus and entrees that return your stare, try this pleasant introduction to... family | great value | shanghainese

Guyi
This perennial favorite of both expats and locals serves spicy Hunanese specialties such as fried pork ribs with cumin and... great value | hunanese

Hamilton House
Opened November 2007 in an Art Deco building two blocks behind the Bund, the Hamilton House offers French bistro fare –... new | trendy | french

Moon River Diner
There’s nothing like a good burger and a cold beer when you’re far from home. Moon River Diner’s cheerful staff can... family | american

Bi Feng Tang
A popular chain with Hong Kong roots, Bi Feng Tang is unpretentious, often noisy, and open late. The Nanjing Road outlet... cantonese

Din Tai Fung
This hip, bright restaurant is typically packed with upscale shoppers resting their weary credit cards. The house specialty is... taiwanese

Yang's Fry Dumpling
On a street that offers dozens of options, the longest lines form outside Yang’s two identical shops. Don’t expect... shanghainese

Jade on 36
Set on the 36th floor of the Pudong Shangri-La, this jewel of high design and high cuisine offers innovative preparations of... trendy | notable chef