Shanghai, a city blending history and modernity, offers homestays as a budget-friendly way to immerse yourself in local life. From colonial-era villas in the French Concession to lively alleyways, homestays provide a window into authentic Shanghai. Yet, careful consideration is key to a smooth experience.
Top Areas to Stay: Where to Find Convenience
静安区 Jing’an District
Jing'an District is one of the busiest urban centres in Shanghai, combining modern commerce with historical heritage. It's well connected (metro lines 2/7/14 intersect), within walking distance of the luxury shopping district of Nanjing West Road, while hiding artsy laneways and cafes.
Unique Experience
Yanping Road and Jiaozhou Road are dotted with popular cafes (such as SLAB TOWN) and niche shops, all within a 10-minute walk of the neighbourhood.
Popular Streets
-Yanping Road is a coffee lover's paradise by day, and a gathering place for craft breweries by night.
-Jiaozhou Road: Independent designer shops and vintage grocery shops line Jiaozhou Road, making it a great place for niche shopping.
-West Nanjing Road: luxury shopping malls (Plaza 66, CITIC Pacific) and century-old shops (Wang Jia Sha Dim Sum Shop) coexist.
徐汇区 Xuhui District
The Hengfu Cultural District in Xuhui District is known as the ‘soul of Shanghai’, where century-old houses covered by sycamore trees are intertwined with small art and literature shops to form a poem. It is a perfect place for slow-paced travelling and experiencing the sophistication and lethargy of Shanghai's culture.
Unique Experience
-Baker & Spice and Old Mac Cafe are 10 minutes walk away.
- The neighbourhood is characterised by Anfu Road, Julu Road, Hengshan Road and Hengshan Road.
黄浦区 Huangpu District
Huangpu District is a must-see ‘business card’ for tourists, with the Bund, Xintiandi, Shikumen, and People's Square museums all in one place. It is suitable for first-time travellers who want to experience the classic attractions in one stop.
Unique Experience
- Most of the B&Bs in Huangpu District are converted from old houses or historical buildings, preserving the original architectural style and historical flavour.
-Xintiandi and other busy shopping areas are a ‘paradise’ for fashion and food lovers.
长宁区 Changning District
Changning District is known for its cosmopolitan neighbourhoods, with many expatriate families and multinational companies in the Hongqiao area. It's a convenient place to live and the rents are friendlier than the city centre, making it ideal for long term stays or family trips.
Unique Experience
-Yuyuan Road Historic District, adjacent to Zhongshan Park Metro Station (Line 2/3/4).
-Walking distance to the ‘Shangsheng-Xinshuo’ Cultural and Creative Park and the popular Niaoya Bookstore.
Homestays vs Hotels
Hotel Advantages
- Professional management and services
- Usually conveniently located but with higher price
- Suitable for short stay of business trip
Homestay Advantages
- Relatively cheaper, especially in prime locations
- More local character and cultural experience
- More home facilities such as fridge, oven, dishware, washing machine
- Suitable for family trip/couple trip/longer stay for business
Unique Features of Shanghai Homestays
Shanghai offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern comfort in its accommodations. Whether you're drawn to the nostalgic allure of historic lane houses or the sleek convenience of modern compounds, the city provides a diverse range of stays that cater to every traveler's preference.
Old Villas and Alley Culture
Unique Experience: Time-Travel in Style
- Architectural Charm: Red-brick facades, carved lintels, and skywell courtyards—Instagram gold.
- Local Life: Join the breakfast queue for fried dough sticks and soy milk with Shanghainese elders.
- Cultural DIY: Optional cheongsam dressing, vinyl listening, or tea ceremonies.
Tips for a Smooth Stay in Historic Villas
- Step into the 1930s French Concession with original wooden floors and brick walls. While modern kitchens and bathrooms ensure comfort, we suggest packing light and bringing personal essentials to fully embrace this nostalgic journey.
Pack Light :The villa retains its original architecture with narrow stairs and no elevator. Compact luggage or backpacks are recommended for effortless movement.
Peaceful Nights ：Bring earplugs to enjoy a restful night, embracing the ambient sounds of alley life and wooden floors.
Eco-Friendly Routine : Dispose of tissues in bins to preserve the heritage plumbing system.
Is the villa suitable for large suitcases?
To navigate stairs and alleys smoothly, compact luggage is recommended. Contact us for oversized baggage storage solutions.
Will I hear neighbors during my stay?
The villa’s wooden floors and brick walls reflect its heritage charm, offering a glimpse into local community life.
Pro Tips
- Luggage streamlining: choose 20-24 inch suitcases and avoid the morning and evening staircase rush (8-9 AM / 6-7 PM).
- Neighbourhood etiquette: whispering after 10pm and returning the communal kitchen to its place after use.
- Book smarter: Search “Jing’an Shikumen” or “French Concession villa” on website. Priority is given to post-2020 refurbished properties.
Residential Compounds
Local Life: Live Like a Shanghainese
- Convenience: 24/7 stores, street breakfast, and and bike-sharing at your doorstep, you can experience ‘Chinese-style neighbourhood life’.
- Smart Layout: Efficient studios or 2-bed units ideal for families.
- Security and privacy: Gated compounds with 24/7 guards.Access control system + property patrol, Max security.
Key Features
Composition:
-Typically consist of multiple high-rise buildings. - A prevalent housing form in China, primarily referring to newer compounds.
Modern Facilities:
-Equipped with elevators and advanced infrastructure.
- Enhanced amenities
Homestay Characteristics:
- Usually flat apartments (single-level units).
- Often located in the suburbs near city centers, balancing accessibility and affordability.
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Pro Tips
- Location Tips: Xujiahui or Century Avenue for transit-access.
- Ask hosts: Confirm in-unit laundry/microwave availability(not standard in all flats).
- Bonus: Some compounds have free gyms/pools!
Essential Tips for Choosing a Homestay
Confirm Details in Advance
Before booking, always confirm check-in/out times and the available facilities to avoid misunderstandings.
Ask Friends or Contact Us Directly
Seek recommendations from friends or consult us directly for genuine feedback and advice.
Check User Reviews
Carefully read previous guests’ reviews to understand the real condition of the property and service quality.
Manage Your Expectations‼️ (Especially Important)
While homestays offer a more authentic living experience, they may fall short in hygiene, soundproofing, and standardized management compared to hotels. If you have high standards for your accommodation, consider hotels first.
Find Your Dream Home in Shanghai
Finding the right homestay is not just about a place to sleep — it’s the key to unlocking the heart of a city. In Shanghai, we hope you won’t just pass through, but truly become part of its rhythm and stories!
Ready to Book? Contact Us for a Truly Local Experience!