Shanghai is a bustling city—doesn’t the night view of the Huangpu River and the Oriental Pearl Tower tempt you? It’s no secret that living costs in Shanghai are high, so saving money while traveling in Shanghai is an important issue. Below, we’ll share some money-saving tips for your trip to Shanghai.
Money-Saving Tips for Traveling in Shanghai & Shanghai Travel Guide
Chinese Name:Shanghai
Foreign Names:Shanghai
Airports:Hongqiao International Airport, Pudong International Airport
Train Stations:Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Climate:Subtropical Monsoon Climate
Famous Higher Education Institutions:Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, East China Normal University, Tongji University
City Flower & Tree:White Magnolia, French Plane Tree
Famous Attractions:Oriental Pearl Tower, The Bund, Tianzifang, Old City God Temple, Madame Tussauds Shanghai, Nanjing Road, Zhujiajiao, Expo Site
Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai is a bustling city—doesn’t the night view of the Huangpu River and the Oriental Pearl Tower tempt you? Below, I’ll share some money-saving tips for your trip to Shanghai.
1. Accommodation
The standard room rates for three-star, two-star, and one-star hotels in Shanghai are roughly 350 RMB, 270 RMB, and 220 RMB, respectively. Some hotels offer an additional 50% discount if you check in after midnight (or 2 AM), but if you check out after 12 PM (or 2 PM), a half-day surcharge will apply. Most hotels provide free self-service breakfasts and free luggage and valuables storage. Since most rooms are doubles, if you’re traveling with a child, you can request an extra bed, usually around 20 RMB.
2. Dining
It’s recommended to have breakfast at your hotel, as many offer complimentary buffet breakfasts. For lunch, try eating near tourist attractions. When ordering, avoid dishes marked “market price”—ask about the unit of measurement, as some restaurants overcharge by manipulating units like “liang” (tael) or “per piece.” Dinner doesn’t have to be at your hotel due to higher costs. In central Shanghai’s main commercial areas, there are plenty of food courts offering good value, with meals typically costing between 15–25 RMB per person and decent service.
3. Transportation
The Inner Ring Road (central urban area) of Shanghai is 48 kilometers in circumference, approximately 15 kilometers from east to west and 8 kilometers from north to south. The Outer Ring Road (main urban built-up area) is 100 kilometers in circumference, covering an area of 610 square kilometers—larger than the entire country of Singapore.
For example, on a 10-kilometer trip: taking a taxi (avoiding congested downtown areas) takes about 20–25 minutes and costs 25–30 RMB; a direct bus ride takes around 40–45 minutes and costs 1–2 RMB; transferring once takes about 45–60 minutes and costs 2–4 RMB; the subway takes 19 minutes and costs 4 RMB. Most buses offer a flat fare (except those starting with lines “5,” “6,” “8,” or “9”)—1 RMB for regular buses (mostly unmanned ticketing) and 2 RMB for air-conditioned buses.
Therefore, for getting around central Shanghai, the subway and buses are your best options—try to take taxis less often. Of course, if traveling in a group of 3–4 people, taxis can be cost-effective for medium to short distances. For trips to the suburbs, the most convenient and economical way is to take one of the 10 tourist shuttle bus lines from the Tourist Distribution Centers at Shanghai Stadium or Hongkou Football Stadium.
4. Entertainment
Almost all entertainment venues have different prices at different times. For example, bowling costs 12–15 yuan per game at night but only 3 yuan per game in the morning. Similarly, tea houses charge different prices in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
V. Shopping
The price of the same piece of clothing can vary greatly across different malls, so it’s essential to “compare prices among multiple stores.” Generally speaking, shops on Sichuan North Road offer lower prices, while those on Nanjing Road are larger, feature well-established brands, and have moderate pricing. Huaihai Road mainly caters to white-collar workers and fashion-conscious individuals.
Even within Xujiahui, Shanghai No. 6 Department Store and Hualian Jiamasheng (Xinluda branch) target working-class customers, while Oriental Department Store primarily serves white-collar workers. Pacific Department Store focuses on fashion, Harbour City has many specialty stores, and MetroCity is known for entertainment, food, and a professional computer market.
The best places to buy daily necessities are hypermarkets, while “Gome” and “Guotong” chain stores offer the most cost-effective options for home appliances. For affordable clothing, head to Sichuan Road and the nearby Qipu Road specialty market. Of course, taking advantage of store anniversaries, holidays, and trade fairs to snag bargains is also a good idea.
VI. Attraction Tickets
Student IDs, military IDs, and ID cards for seniors over 70 can grant discounts or free entry to certain attractions. Some scenic spots also offer combo tickets that are quite economical. For example, the combo ticket for the Grand Theatre, Museum, and Art Gallery at People’s Square costs just 50 yuan—30 yuan cheaper than buying individual tickets. Similarly, when visiting Sheshan or Sun Island for a holiday, purchasing combo tickets and corresponding membership cards based on your needs can save you a lot of money.
Top 10 Must-Try Snacks in Shanghai
1. Jing’an Xiaoting Malatang
Address: No. 68 Yuyuan Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (at the intersection with Changde Road)
Shop Description: “Reputedly the best malatang in Shanghai,” “always has a terrifyingly long queue,” “probably many people go there because of the reputation.” The taste “isn’t as good as imagined,” but “still quite decent.” The broth is “very rich,” and with vinegar added, it’s “sour and spicy,” “very appetizing.” However, the “environment is really poor.”
2. Guang Lian Xiang
Address: No. 649 Tanggu Road (at the intersection with Jiangbei North Road)
Prices: Silver sprout spicy fried rice noodles 7 yuan per serving, red bean sago 4 yuan per serving...
Shop Introduction: A “somewhat famous” Cantonese snack shop. Its biggest advantage is being “cheap and delicious.” Dim sum and desserts are “personally made by a Cantonese granny,” all in “authentic Cantonese style,” and they offer takeout, making it “great for dessert enthusiasts.” Additionally, the congee is “delicious in every variety,” and dry-fried beef chow fun is also “pretty good.” The environment is “truly awful,” the shop is “small and crowded,” and the service is “quite average.” It’s a good spot to “grab a bite” when “shopping at Qipu Road.”
Recommended Dishes: Guilinggao / almond tofu / double skin milk / chicken feet / red bean cake / sago / boat congee / cheung fun / fried beef chow fun / red bean double skin milk / mango pudding / water chestnut cake / chicken wings / XO sauce fried rice / sliced fish congee / coconut sago / three-delicacy congee
3. Xiuji Barbecue
Dongchang Branch Address: No. 72 Rushan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (Exit 2 of Dongchang Road Subway Station)
Deping Branch Address: Deping Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (near Pudong Avenue)
Shop Introduction: A barbecue shop jointly opened by several northeasterners. The crispy cartilage is “the best”; the chicken wings are “tender,” brushed with a layer of sauce that “penetrates well”; the beef and lamb are “both good,” seemingly tasting especially great when grilled on iron skewers. The environment is “just so-so,” the shop is “too small,” and seats are “a luxury,” but “the feeling of eating heartily by the roadside is actually pretty great.”
Prices: Beef and lamb 0.5 yuan per skewer, crispy cartilage 1 yuan per skewer, chicken wings 4 yuan (two)...
Recommended Dishes: Crispy cartilage / chicken wings / lamb skewers / beef tendons / lamb / chicken hearts / grilled lamb / beef tendons / beef skewers / grilled chicken wings / beef tendons / wing tips / chicken wings / beef / grilled beef tendons
4. Yunnan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
Address: No. 293 Hankou Road (at the intersection with Shandong Middle Road)
Shop Introduction: Really love the rice noodles here, often crave them enough to take a bus just to eat them. Personally prefer noodles or rice noodles—they’re chewy enough, but I like the way they’re served here even more: crack an egg first, then add meat, then vegetables, and a bit of spice and vinegar. Ugh, it’s making my mouth water again. Haven’t tried anything else and don’t want to either.
Prices: Fried pork chop 4 yuan per serving, crossing-the-bridge rice noodles 6 yuan
5. Wenmiao Vegetable Rice
Address: No. 282 Wenmiao Road (at the intersection with Zhonghua Road)
Shop Introduction: Rather than calling it a small shop, it’s more like the “home kitchen” of that “folk expert old aunty.” The broth is full of “oil gluten and bean curd sheets,” the vegetable rice is “always emerald green,” and a spoonful of fermented tofu meat soup adds a touch of “tradition,” stirring up “endless appetite.” So even though the “environment is unbelievably bad,” it’s still “very popular.”
Recommended Dishes: Vegetable rice / bone soup / soybean bone soup / fermented tofu meat / fermented tofu meat / double-dish soup / soybean soup / triangular bun
VI. Lao Banshan
Address: No. 600 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (near Zhongjiang Middle Road)
Price: Savory Dishes Meat Noodles 7 RMB / 2 liang......
Shop Introduction: “A traditional time-honored restaurant.” The hairtail noodles and savory meat noodles are “famous far and wide,” and the various small snacks are also “quite good.” There are also Huaiyang dishes available, but the taste is “just average.” The prices are “relatively affordable,” the environment is “not great,” and the service is “efficient but lacks warmth.” There are “many elderly customers.”
Recommended Dishes: Savory Meat Noodles / Rice with Vegetables / Black Rice Cake / Savory Meat / Soybean Soup / Hairtail Juice Noodles / Stewed Noodles / Lion’s Head / Hairtail Noodles / Pan-Fried Buns / Pickled Vegetable Noodles / Xiaolong Buns / Salted Pork Rice with Vegetables / Seafood Rice Vermicelli / Mixed Meat Noodles / Double Mushroom Noodles / Meat Bun / Smoked Meat Noodles / Rice Vermicelli / Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles
VII. Lüyang Village Restaurant
Address: No. 763 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai (near Shimen 1st Road)
Jiangning Branch Address: No. 77 Jiangning Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai, opposite the Majestic Theatre (near Fengxian Road)
Signature Dishes: Vegetarian Bun 1.2 RMB / piece, various pastries 1.0–1.5 RMB / piece......
Shop Description: “A long-established time-honored brand,” “mainly serving Huaiyang cuisine.” The taste of the dishes “has definitely declined over time.” Nowadays, “you’ll only feel a sense of respect for Lüyang Village, and appreciate some of its charm, if you come with a touch of nostalgia, a bit of world-weariness, and a carefree attitude.” The snacks are “really quite good,” with “a wide variety” and “good flavors.” The vegetarian buns, date paste griddle cakes, and various pastries “are very popular.”
VIII. Meixin Snack Shop
Address: No. 105 North Shaanxi Road (at Weihai Road intersection)
Shop Description: This “veteran snack shop” is most famous for its Fresh Meat Glutinous Rice Balls — the wrappers are “thin,” “smooth and delicate, with excellent chewiness”; the meat filling is “quite fresh,” “not sweet or greasy,” and “very juicy.” Other items like noodles, spring rolls, and wontons are also worth trying. Prices are “very affordable,” and the environment and service are “on par with state-owned old-style shops.” When you have time, drop by to enjoy the “sticky glutinous rice balls” while taking in the “Shanghainese dialect,” observing “the old shop, veteran staff, and loyal customers” — “it’s a very classic Old Shanghai vibe.”
Recommended Dishes: Fresh Meat Glutinous Rice Balls / Glutinous Rice Balls / Spring Rolls / Sesame Glutinous Rice Balls / Fresh Meat Tangyuan / Vegetable and Meat Wontons / Spicy Meat Noodles / Tangyuan / Eight-Treasure Rice / Lard Tangyuan / Mushroom Noodles
Price: Three-Shredded Cold Noodles 6.5 RMB / 2 liang, Cold Wontons 4.5 RMB / 10 pieces, Curry Beef Soup 2 RMB / bowl
IX. Youzi Old Duck Vermicelli Soup
Wuchang Road Branch Address: No. 579 Wuchang Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai (near North Jiangxi Road) — Take Metro Line 2 to South Henan Road, get off near Qipu Road; served by buses 25, 14, 17, 19, 66, 929
Tianyaoqiao Road Branch Address: Entrance to Lane 171, Tianyaoqiao Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Qibao Branch Address: Qibao Old Street, Minhang District, Shanghai
Shanxi Road Branch Address: Opposite Qiaojiazhai on South Shanxi Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (near Hankou Road)
Shop Description: A “very famous” street stall where “even in the sweltering midday heat of summer at over 30°C, there will still be around fifty people queuing up.” The old duck vermicelli soup comes in a “huge bowl, brimming full,” with “plenty of duck gizzard and duck intestines,” the noodles are “very chewy,” and the soup is “rather delicious.” The price is “cheap.” Shanghai’s old duck vermicelli is also very authentic — just 6 RMB a bowl, truly a little slice of heaven. Near Qipu, after a tiring stroll, sit down and savor the tenderness of the duck gizzard, the crispness of the duck intestines, the richness of the duck soup, the bounce of the marinated egg, the crispiness of the lion’s head... pure bliss begins right here and now.
Price: Old Duck Vermicelli 6–7 RMB / bowl
X. Islamic Restaurant
Address: No. 2035 Sichuan North Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai (near Shan Yin Road)
Price: Beef Potstickers 3 RMB / serving (4 pieces)
Shop Description: The potstickers here seem to be quite famous — beef filling or lamb filling? Either way, the taste is good. The cumin lamb has a decent flavor and is quite fragrant. The Stir-fried Fish with Grain (can’t recall the exact name, but it’s some kind of fish, haha) with celery is clean-tasting and refreshingly flavored. The fish ball soup is also light, with plenty of actual fish meat in the balls — you can even taste the fish bones, hehe. The spicy beef tendon is chewy and spicy.