Shanghai can be considered the most vibrant and prosperous city in China, bringing together all the highlights of a modern metropolis. If you are planning a trip to China, Shanghai is undoubtedly a destination you should not miss. In the following guide, I will show you how to explore this city with ease. With just a translation device and this guide, you will be ready to discover everything Shanghai has to offer.
How Much Is Your Budget for Traveling to Shanghai?
Based on local prices and the firsthand experiences of our colleagues living in Shanghai, we have compiled a relatively objective expense list. You can use this list to plan your own travel budget.
Shanghai Travel Budget Reference (7–10 Days)
| Budget Type | Accommodation (per night) | Food (per day) | Transportation (total) | Attractions | Estimated Total Cost (7–10 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Backpacker) | ¥150–300 (~$22–43) | ¥80–150 (~$12–22) | ¥200–400 (~$29–58) | Mainly free or low-cost sites | ¥2,000–3,500 (~$290–500) |
| Mid-range (Comfort) | ¥400–700 (~$58–100) | ¥200–350 (~$29–50) | ¥400–600 (~$58–87) | Some paid popular attractions | ¥6,000–10,000 (~$870–1,450) |
| High-end (Luxury) | ¥800–2,000+ (~$115–290+) | ¥400–800 (~$58–115) | ¥600–1,000 (~$87–145) | VIP tours, private guides | ¥15,000+ (~$2,200+) |
This Shanghai independent travel budget table has been compiled by our team based on firsthand experience living and traveling in Shanghai, combined with extensive information gathering and analysis. We considered local transportation costs, attraction entrance fees, accommodation, and dining market prices, and categorized expenses according to different traveler profiles—budget backpackers, mid-range travelers, and luxury tourists.
For the convenience of international visitors, we have also converted prices according to the RMB to USD exchange rate as of early 2025. Our estimates aim to be accurate and objective, providing practical guidance to help travelers plan their budgets according to their individual needs.
If you want more detailed travel guides, feel free to contact us.
Planning a Solo Trip to Shanghai on a Budget
First, you need to learn how to use China’s bus and subway systems, as these are the most affordable modes of transportation in the country, with surprisingly low fares. For example, the average bus fare in Shanghai costs just a few yuan. Below is the pricing information for Shanghai’s local buses.
Shanghai Bus Fare and Transit Pass Overview
| Transportation Type | Fare Description | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular City Bus Routes | Flat fare | ¥2 | Applies to most city bus routes |
| City Express Bus Routes | Starting fare ¥2, plus ¥1 for each additional distance segment | Starting at ¥2, increases by distance | Some express routes use distance-based fares |
| Integrated Transit Pass (3-day) | Unlimited rides on bus, subway, and ferry within 72 hours | ¥47.8 | Suitable for short-term frequent travelers |
| Integrated Transit Pass (7-day) | Unlimited rides on bus, subway, and ferry within 168 hours | ¥85.8 | Ideal for longer stays with frequent travel |
When using the bus, you should prepare a Shanghai bus route map in advance and choose the appropriate routes based on the locations of the attractions you want to visit. As a backpacker, it’s recommended to do thorough research before arriving in Shanghai to know which bus lines and route numbers correspond to your destinations. This will help you plan your trip more efficiently and smoothly.
Of course, if you want to save time, you can consider purchasing our travel guide (as shown in the table above), which includes detailed bus, subway routes, and attraction information for Shanghai, as well as recommended dining spots.
Shanghai Metro Ticket Costs Explained
Besides Shanghai’s buses, the metro is the second most affordable mode of transportation. Below is the fare information for the Shanghai metro, with prices listed in RMB.
| Fare Type | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Fare | ¥3 | For trips within 0–6 km |
| Additional Fare | ¥1 per every 10 km | Increases based on travel distance |
| Maximum Fare | ¥15 | For the longest possible trip |
| One-Day Pass | ¥18 | Unlimited rides within 24 hours |
| Three-Day Pass | ¥45 | Unlimited rides within 72 hours |
| Maglev + Metro One-Day Pass | ¥55 | Includes single Maglev trip + unlimited metro rides within 24 hours |
Regarding how to use the metro and buses, you can refer to the following guide. Although it is based on Shenzhen’s distances, the methods of riding are the same.
Shenzhen Bus Guide: Essential Tips & 2025 Update
Shenzhen Metro Guide: Fares, Routes, Transfers & Travel Tips
Solving Your Accommodation Needs in Shanghai
If you are on a limited budget, it is recommended to stay in hostels or budget hotels. Accommodation in central areas of Shanghai (such as the Bund and Nanjing Road) is usually more expensive, ranging from $41–$60 per night. If you stay outside these popular districts, prices are more affordable, starting at around $20 per night.
You can choose to stay away from popular tourist spots like the Bund and Nanjing Road, but still live nearby in areas with convenient transportation, just a few subway stops or a short walk from the city center.
This way, you can save on accommodation costs while still enjoying easy access to attractions. Recommended areas include the southern part of Huangpu District near People’s Square, which is just one subway stop from the Bund and offers well-developed amenities and a wide range of lodging options;
the area around Nanjing West Road in Jing’an District, known for its relatively quiet environment, ample shopping and dining choices, and multiple subway lines for easy access to the city center; the Luwan or Xuhui District near Shaanxi South Road and Hengshan Road, which are close to Nanjing Road, rich in cultural atmosphere, and home to many hostels and budget hotels;
and finally, Hongkou District near Sichuan North Road and Quyang Road, where the subway provides direct access to the Bund and accommodation prices tend to be more affordable, making it suitable for budget travelers.
How to Find Affordable Hotels in These Areas？
After arriving in Shanghai, simply use Google Maps to navigate and take public transportation to the recommended areas below. We have carefully selected these locations because they offer very affordable hotels with decent accommodations—great value for budget travelers.
| Area | Specific Locations | Type of Accommodation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huangpu District (People’s Square area) | Huaihai Middle Road, Xujiahui Road area | Budget hotels, Business hotels | Many chain hotels, wide selection |
| Around People’s Square | Hostels | Suitable for budget backpackers | |
| Jing’an District (Nanjing West Road area) | Near Jing’an Temple, along Nanjing West Road | Budget and mid-range hotels | Busy commercial area, convenient |
| Alleys around Jing’an Temple | Hostels | Quiet area, some artsy hostels | |
| Luwan/Xuhui District | Hengshan Road, Jiashan Road, Shaanxi South Road | Boutique hostels, Budget hotels | Rich cultural atmosphere, good for artsy travelers |
| Hongkou District | Around Sichuan North Road commercial street | Economy chain hotels | Convenient transportation, affordable prices |
| Along Quyang Road and nearby alleys | Hostels | Mostly affordable hostels |
These establishments typically look like the one shown in the picture below. Though the exterior appears simple, the interior facilities are fairly standard.
I remember back in college, when my monthly budget was tight, I often chose places like these. The experience was average, but the price was very affordable.
How to Communicate with Hotel Staff After Arrival？
Sorry, the article is not finished yet. I will update it later. My apologies.
