Live Your Best Lives
  1. Travel FAQs
  2. Asia
  3. China
  4. Shanghai Region
  5. Shanghai

Beijing & Shanghai Accommodation Advice Please

After some advice please - first time travellers to China doing a ‘trip a deal’ tour from Aust however we have extended an extra few days in Beijing & Shanghai. Looking for best areas to stay and hotel recommendations for both please. Bear in mind we are doing a tour so no need for easy access to main attractions. We had the Bund area recommended to us for Shanghai ? Thoughts please ?. Would love places with nice views, walking distance to restaurants, shops etc - 4 to 5 star. Thanks in advance for your help.

For first-time travelers to China who are extending their stay in Beijing and Shanghai, it’s a good idea to focus on areas that offer convenience, nice surroundings, and access to dining and shopping, even if your main sightseeing is covered by your tour.

Beijing Accommodation:

In Beijing, you’ll want to stay somewhere central but also vibrant, with easy access to restaurants and shops. Consider areas like:

  • Wangfujing: One of the most famous shopping streets in Beijing, lined with restaurants, cafes, and street food. Staying here allows you to walk around in the evenings and enjoy local cuisine.
  • Dongcheng / Forbidden City vicinity: Offers proximity to historic sites, but also boutique hotels and modern restaurants. Good for experiencing Beijing culture while having upscale accommodation options.
  • Sanlitun: The nightlife hub with plenty of international dining and bars. Suitable if you enjoy evening strolls and casual dining options.

Recommended 4–5 star hotels in Beijing:

  • NUO Hotel Beijing (Wangfujing) – modern luxury with excellent service.
  • Beijing Hotel NUO – central location, traditional Chinese décor mixed with luxury.
  • The Opposite House (Sanlitun) – trendy, contemporary, great restaurants and bars nearby.

Shanghai Accommodation:

The Bund is indeed a popular recommendation. It offers stunning views of the Huangpu River and the iconic skyline of Pudong. Other benefits include proximity to high-end shopping, historic buildings, and a variety of dining options. Alternative neighborhoods to consider:

  • People’s Square / Nanjing Road: Central and walking distance to shops, restaurants, and museums.
  • French Concession: A quieter area with tree-lined streets, boutique cafes, and local restaurants. Offers a more relaxed vibe compared to the busy Bund area.
  • Xintiandi: A pedestrian street with many restaurants, cafes, and nightlife, blending historic Shikumen architecture with modern leisure spaces.

Recommended 4–5 star hotels in Shanghai:

  • The Peninsula Shanghai – famous for views of the Bund, luxurious rooms, and excellent service.
  • Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund – classic luxury with prime location.
  • Andaz Xintiandi Shanghai – modern design, excellent restaurants, and walking distance to shops and cafes.

Summary:

For convenience and scenery, the Bund in Shanghai is excellent. In Beijing, Wangfujing or Dongcheng will give you easy evening strolls with lots of food options. Both cities offer a mix of modern luxury and traditional charm, so you’ll be able to enjoy walking around, shopping, and dining without worrying too much about the main tourist spots since your tour will cover them.

More Shanghai Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Beijing
Forbidden City
Nanjing
China
Anda
China
The Bund
Nanjing
Central
Shikumen
Sanlitun
Shanghai
Huangpu River

Popular Destinations

Leishan
Central Plains Acrobatics Museum
Langguan Lane
Shangqing Palace on Mount Qingcheng

Popular Travel Questions