Discover the Best Hotels in Shanghai for Singaporean Travellers

Shanghai is one of the world's great metropolises, a city where East meets West in a dazzling fusion of historic architecture, futuristic skyscrapers, world-class cuisine, and boundless energy. For Singaporean travellers, Shanghai offers a fascinating counterpart to our own global city, with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, efficient public transport, and a lifestyle that oscillates between traditional Chinese culture and cutting-edge modernity. As China's largest city and its financial powerhouse, Shanghai boasts an accommodation landscape that ranges from heritage boutique hotels in restored shikumen lane houses to towering five-star properties with panoramic views of the iconic Pudong skyline. Booking a hotel in Shanghai through Traveloka gives you access to thousands of properties at competitive SGD prices, with instant confirmation, flexible cancellation options, and verified guest reviews to help you make the perfect choice.

Shanghai is well connected to Singapore with multiple daily direct flights, and the journey takes approximately five hours. Despite being one of the world's most expensive cities for locals, Shanghai remains remarkably affordable for Singaporean visitors thanks to the favourable exchange rate between the Singapore dollar and the Chinese yuan. From Michelin-starred restaurants to humble dumpling shops, from designer boutiques on Nanjing Road to bargain markets in the Old City, Shanghai caters to every taste and budget. The city's metro system is one of the largest and most efficient in the world, making it easy to navigate between attractions without ever needing a taxi. Whether you are visiting for business, leisure, or a bit of both, Traveloka makes finding and booking the ideal Shanghai hotel a seamless experience.

Iconic Attractions Near Shanghai Hotels

The Bund

The Bund is Shanghai's most iconic waterfront promenade and an absolute must-visit for every traveller. Stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5-kilometre-long boulevard is lined with 52 buildings in various architectural styles, including Art Deco, Baroque, Romanesque, and Gothic, remnants of Shanghai's era as an international trading port. Standing on the Bund, you are treated to one of the most extraordinary urban panoramas on earth: the historic European-style buildings behind you and the futuristic Pudong skyline ahead, featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center. The Bund is spectacular both during the day and at night when the buildings on both sides of the river are illuminated. Many of Shanghai's finest luxury hotels are located on or near the Bund, offering guests the privilege of waking up to this incredible view. For Singaporean travellers who appreciate architecture and city skylines, the Bund is an unforgettable experience.

Pudong Skyline & Observation Decks

The Pudong district is home to Shanghai's most recognisable modern skyline, a forest of supertall skyscrapers that symbolises China's economic rise. The centrepiece is the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world at 632 metres. Its observation deck on the 118th floor offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the city. The Oriental Pearl Tower, with its distinctive pink spheres, remains a beloved landmark and houses a revolving restaurant and a glass-floored observation deck. The Shanghai World Financial Center, recognisable by its bottle-opener-shaped top, offers another stunning viewing experience from its sky bridge. For Singaporean visitors who enjoy comparing skylines, Pudong provides a dramatic contrast to our own Marina Bay area. Hotels in Pudong place you right in the middle of this architectural wonderland, with many offering rooms that look back across the river toward the Bund.

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is Shanghai's premier shopping street and one of the busiest commercial thoroughfares in the world. The eastern section, Nanjing East Road, is a pedestrianised strip that stretches from the Bund to People's Square, lined with department stores, souvenir shops, and flagship retail outlets. It buzzes with energy day and night, with neon signs, street performers, and food carts creating a lively atmosphere. The western section, Nanjing West Road, is Shanghai's luxury shopping district, home to high-end malls like Plaza 66 and IAPM, featuring international designer brands. For Singaporean shoppers, Nanjing Road offers a different retail experience from Orchard Road, with a mix of international and domestic Chinese brands, and prices that can be surprisingly competitive. Numerous hotels of all categories are scattered along both sections of Nanjing Road, making it a convenient and exciting area to base yourself.

Yu Garden & Old City

Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, offering a tranquil oasis amid the bustling Old City of Shanghai. The garden covers about two hectares and features rockeries, koi ponds, pavilions, and intricately designed halls connected by zigzagging pathways and corridors. Each turn reveals a new scenic composition, and the attention to detail in the architecture is extraordinary. Surrounding the garden is the Yu Garden Bazaar, a sprawling complex of shops and restaurants designed in traditional Chinese architectural style, where you can find everything from silk scarves and jade jewellery to Shanghai's famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). The Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in the bazaar is one of the most famous dumpling spots in Shanghai, and queues often stretch around the building. For Singaporean travellers, Yu Garden provides a wonderful contrast to the modernity of Pudong and offers insights into the refined aesthetics of traditional Chinese garden design.

French Concession

The French Concession is Shanghai's most charming and atmospheric neighbourhood, a leafy enclave of tree-lined avenues, colonial-era villas, independent boutiques, craft cocktail bars, and some of the city's best restaurants. This former foreign concession area retains a distinctly European character, with plane tree-shaded streets that feel more like Paris than China. Wandering through the French Concession is one of Shanghai's greatest pleasures, and many visitors find it to be their favourite part of the city. Key streets to explore include Wukang Road, with its iconic Normandie Apartment building, and Anfu Road, which is packed with trendy cafes and concept stores. The neighbourhood is also home to several excellent museums, including the former residence of Sun Yat-sen. Hotels in the French Concession tend to be boutique in nature, offering an intimate and stylish alternative to the large chain hotels found elsewhere in the city. Singaporean travellers who enjoy exploring neighbourhoods on foot will love the French Concession's walkability and charm.

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is the newest Disney theme park in the world and a major draw for families visiting the city. Located in the Pudong New Area, the park features unique attractions not found in any other Disney resort, including the TRON Lightcycle Power Run roller coaster and the Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure ride, both of which are widely regarded as the best versions of their kind globally. The park's Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest and most elaborate of all Disney castles, and the evening fireworks and projection show is a spectacular ending to any visit. For Singaporean families, a day or two at Shanghai Disneyland is a wonderful addition to a Shanghai holiday. The park is accessible via Metro Line 11, and there are several Disney-themed and partner hotels in the resort area. Tickets can be booked in advance through various platforms, and weekday visits are recommended to avoid the largest crowds.

Best Areas to Stay in Shanghai

Shanghai is a vast city, and choosing the right area for your hotel can significantly enhance your experience. The Bund and Huangpu area is the classic choice for first-time visitors, offering proximity to the waterfront, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden. The French Concession in the Xuhui and former Luwan districts is ideal for travellers who prefer boutique hotels, excellent dining, and a more relaxed, walkable neighbourhood. Pudong is the business district, home to the skyline and Shanghai Disneyland, and suits business travellers and families. Jing'an is a trendy, central district with excellent shopping and dining, situated between the Bund and the French Concession. Hongkou to the north offers a more local and less touristy experience with budget-friendly hotel options. Traveloka allows you to filter hotels by district, making it easy to find accommodation that matches your itinerary and preferences.

Essential Tips for Singaporeans Visiting Shanghai

Shanghai is accessible from Singapore via multiple daily direct flights taking around five hours. Singaporean passport holders require a visa to enter China, though transit visa exemptions of up to 144 hours are available for travellers passing through Shanghai to a third country. Check the latest visa requirements before your trip. The local currency is the Chinese yuan (CNY), with SGD 1 equalling approximately CNY 5.3 to 5.5. Shanghai is a largely cashless society where mobile payments dominate, so it may be helpful to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arriving. The Shanghai Metro is extensive, affordable, and easy to navigate, with station signs and announcements in both Chinese and English. The best times to visit are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the city is at its most beautiful. Summers can be very hot and humid, while winters are cold by Singaporean standards, with temperatures dropping to near zero. Book your Shanghai hotel on Traveloka today and experience one of the most dynamic and exciting cities on the planet.