Shanghai Hotels 2026: Nanjing Road East, People's Square & Xintiandi

​

Shanghai Accommodation: A Location Guide!

Nanjing Road East vs. People's Square vs. Xintiandi

(North Bund: My Honest Review!)

ⓒ Choichoi

Hey there, global explorers! It's Choichoi here :)

One of the biggest head-scratchers when planning a Shanghai adventure is definitely **'Where should I choose my accommodation?'**

Shanghai boasts many renowned districts like Nanjing Road East, People's Square, Xintiandi, and The Bund. But here's the kicker: each has its own unique vibe and a set of pros and cons, making it **crucial to pick the one that perfectly matches your travel style!**

On my latest Shanghai adventure, I decided to settle into the **Golden Tulip Bund New Asia Hotel**.

It wasn't smack dab in the middle of Nanjing Road East; instead, it was in a spot **closer to the North Bund**. And let me tell you, I actually ended up loving this location!

Shanghai is bustling, and tourist spots can get seriously crowded. You might find yourself more exhausted than you expect after a full day of exploring!

In this post, I'll dive into the characteristics of three popular Shanghai accommodation areas, plus share my personal review of the hotel I stayed at near the North Bund! Ready to find your perfect spot? :)

---

1. First Time in Shanghai? Nanjing Road East is Your Spot!

Nanjing Road East is hands-down the go-to district for travelers **visiting Shanghai for the very first time** when they're scouting for a place to stay.

​

​

Pros

You'll love the easy access to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and The Bund. Plus, with tons of shopping malls and restaurants around, you can explore comfortably well into the evening.

​

​

Cons

Being a major tourist magnet means it's bustling with people from morning till night. So, if you're seeking a quieter, more serene accommodation experience, this area might feel a little overwhelming.

👉 Compare Nanjing Road East Accommodation Prices

​

---

2. Prioritizing Transport & Efficiency? People's Square it is!

People's Square is a total win for getting around, offering access to multiple subway lines, making it super **convenient to travel all over Shanghai!**

It's also conveniently close to Nanjing Road East, making it a solid, all-rounder choice if you're keen on both sightseeing and seamless transportation.

​

​

Pros

It's incredibly easy to hop on the subway and zip to various tourist destinations, making it perfect for travelers with a jam-packed daily itinerary.

​

​

Cons

Since it's not directly on The Bund, if you're dreaming of a short stroll back to your hotel after admiring the night views, Nanjing Road East or The Bund area might be a more convenient choice.

👉 Compare People's Square Accommodation Prices

---

3. All About Cafes and Ambiance? Xintiandi is Calling!

Xintiandi is a captivating district where Shanghai's distinctive **Shikumen architecture beautifully intertwines with chic cafes and restaurants**.

It’s absolutely perfect for those who prefer to savor their trip slowly, indulging in charming cafes and delicious eateries, rather than rushing from one tourist spot to the next.

​

​

Pros

You'll find an abundance of atmospheric cafes and delightful restaurants, and it's simply wonderful for leisurely strolls.

​

​

Cons

If your main itinerary revolves around The Bund or Nanjing Road East, be prepared to rely more on the subway or taxis to get around.

👉 Compare Xintiandi Accommodation Prices

---

4. Quiet Relaxation + Night Stroll by The Bund: North Bund

For this trip, I chose to stay at the Golden Tulip Bund New Asia Hotel.

Shanghai's famous tourist spots can get incredibly crowded, so after a full day of sightseeing, I often felt quite tired.

Since my accommodation was slightly away from the bustling heart of the tourist areas, the surroundings were relatively quiet, making it perfect for resting.

But it wasn't too far off either! I loved that I could enjoy the beautiful night views of The Bund and then leisurely stroll back to my hotel.

If you're like me,

​

“I want to actively explore tourist spots during the day but prefer a quieter, more relaxing space at my accommodation.”

then definitely consider comparing options in the North Bund area.

👉 Compare Accommodation Prices around The Bund & North Bund

---

5. Key Takeaways

​

First-time visit + The Bund Accessibility

→ Nanjing Road East

Transportation Convenience + Efficient Itinerary

→ People's Square

Cafes & Restaurants + Vibe

→ Xintiandi

Quiet Relaxation + Night Stroll by The Bund

→ North Bund

Having actually stayed in the North Bund area, I found that being able to relax quietly at my accommodation, away from Shanghai's bustling crowds, was a surprisingly huge advantage.

Rather than blindly choosing a famous area, I recommend first deciding what you value most – sightseeing, shopping, transportation, or relaxation – and then picking your accommodation accordingly. :)

---

💡 Essential Preparations to Enhance Your Shanghai Trip

These essential items and tours, booked alongside your accommodation, will make your trip so much smoother!

🚕 Hassle-free Airport Pickup & Drop-off: Shanghai Pudong Airport ↔ City Center

📶 Book Your Essential China Data SIM or eSIM

🏰 Get Shanghai Disneyland Tickets at the Lowest Price

🌙 Book a Wuzhen Water Town Night Tour (Shanghai Outskirts)