Lujiazui Pudong Area

Question

Hi everyone

We will be visiting in Shanghai in February next year. We don't want to stay in a tourist area so I'm thinking we should steer clear of Jing'an, Peoples Square etc.

We like the idea of leaving busy, tourist areas behind at night but still be within a reasonable commute time as well so we are looking at the Lujiazui area. I would love to stay in Hongkou/Green Land areas but everything looks very expensive for the time we're there.

I just want to see what people thought about Lujiazui given our likes and dislikes?

Traffic doesn't bother us. We've stayed in Hanoi, Bangkok, both sides of Hong Kong and we've travelled widely in Italy so we're used to dodging anything and everything with a motor 😄

I'd love to get your thoughts and suggestions if at all possible.

Many thanks in advance 🤞😊

Answer

Lujiazui in Pudong is a solid choice for travelers who prefer a more modern, business-oriented area with relatively fewer tourist crowds at night. While it’s not as traditional or cultural as areas like Jing’an or the French Concession, it offers a sleek skyline, easy access to shopping malls, and a quieter evening atmosphere, which seems to align with your preferences.

Some points to consider:

Lujiazui is home to major landmarks like the Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and IFC Mall. While these attract some visitors during the day, the area tends to quiet down in the evenings, especially on weekdays.
The area has many hotels and serviced apartments, which cater to business travelers, so you’ll find clean, modern facilities and convenience for commuting.
Dining options in Lujiazui range from international hotel restaurants to local eateries. You’ll generally find fewer street food vendors compared to more touristy or older parts of Shanghai.

Commute and connectivity:

Even though you prefer dodging traffic, Lujiazui is well connected via Metro Line 2, which takes you straight to Peoples Square and other key parts of Shanghai in about 10–15 minutes.
Didi/taxi services are plentiful in Lujiazui, making travel to cultural districts like Jing’an or the French Concession very manageable.
If you want to venture to Hongkou or other neighborhoods, Lujiazui can still serve as a convenient hub.

Overall, Lujiazui suits travelers who:

Prefer modern, high-rise cityscapes rather than historic neighborhoods.
Want quiet evenings without heavy tourist congestion.
Don’t mind using public transport or taxis for quick access to more lively or cultural districts.

For your February visit, staying in Lujiazui will give you a balance between convenience and a more relaxed evening environment, while still keeping central Shanghai within easy reach.

Lujiazui Pudong Area

More Shanghai Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions