On the Bund — you get the Pudong panorama at night and a 15-min walk to People's Square and the metro.
Best Hotels in Shanghai: Bund vs Pudong
Shanghai is split by the Huangpu river into two worlds: western Puxi with the historic Bund, and eastern Pudong with its modern towers. Your district pick decides what view you'll have from the room at night — and whether you're paying for a 1929 icon or a contemporary high-rise. We walked 5 districts and pulled our favourites.
The Bund — history and colonial classic
The Bund is a 1.5 km waterfront promenade with 52 buildings in neoclassical, art-deco and baroque styles. You look at Pudong from here. Ideal for couples and history lovers.
- The Shanghai EDITION (5★, $420+/night) — restored Power Company building, Ian Schrager design.
- Fairmont Peace Hotel (5★, $350+/night) — the 1929 art-deco icon with its legendary jazz bar.
- Les Suites Orient, Bund (4★, $200+/night) — fresh boutique with Huangpu views.
Pudong — futurism and towers
Pudong is the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (632 m), Jin Mao and the World Financial Center. You look at the Bund from here. Ideal for business travellers.
- Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong (5★, $380+/night) — SkyPool, Bund views.
- Park Hyatt Shanghai (5★, $450+/night) — occupies floors 79–93 of World Financial Center.
- Mandarin Oriental Pudong (5★, $400+/night) — private park on the Pudong waterfront.
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French Concession — hipster district
Cobbled streets, plane trees, boutiques and restaurants you won't find anywhere else. Ideal for repeat visitors seeking atmosphere.
- The Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li (5★, $500+/night) — Shikumen villas in the heart of the concession.
- Jing An Shangri-La (5★, $300+/night) — at the edge of French Concession, with a huge spa.
Xintiandi — boutiques & nightlife
Xintiandi is a restored Shikumen quarter with cafés, galleries and restaurants. Stays alive until late.
- Langham, Xintiandi (5★, $280+/night) — the best Sunday Brunch in town.
- andaz Xintiandi (4★, $220+/night) — design-led Hyatt.
How to choose between Bund and Pudong
Bund — if it's your first visit and you want to walk everywhere. Pudong — if you're travelling for business (CBD is next door) or want a killer window shot. Metro 2 connects both in 4 minutes, so either pick is convenient.
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$250–450/night in low season and $400–700 in high season (May, October).
Yes, Shanghai Pudong (PVG) — 30 min by maglev. For Puxi/Bund, Hongqiao (SHA) is easier — 20 min metro.
No, 4–5★ hotels all speak English.
Yes — 45 min by high-speed train (G-train). We have a ready sightseeing tour with the connection.