Tired of trying to find cheap places to stay in Shanghai? This guide brings you the cheapest hostels in Shanghai, with real prices and real savings. No fluff, no BS—just the tools you need to stretch your budget further. We're Hostelz, the only site where you can compare all hostels in Shanghai to see prices and availability from Hostelworld, Booking.com, and more—side by side.
Table of Content: The Perfect Guide to Hostels
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Shanghai is one of the world's leading cities, renowned for its long history, vibrant cultural life, and vast commercial opportunities. Because of its popularity, however, the cost of accommodation can be quite high, especially if you're in search of a place to stay for a longer period. But never fear; there are still lots of affordable and quality hostels available in Shanghai.
Here are some of the cheapest hostels in Shanghai, offering great amenities and value for money.
Ichigoichikai Study Room Youth Hostel is a cozy and cool spot in Shanghai, perfect for travelers who love a calm, no-fuss vibe. Ichigoichikai Study Room Youth Hostel offers air-conditioned rooms with shared bathrooms that are clean and practical—equipped with showers, hairdryers, and comfy slippers for everyone. Each room comes with a closet, so guests can easily tuck their stuff away and feel at home.
Set in a quiet corner of the city, Ichigoichikai Study Room Youth Hostel keeps you connected to major landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Yu Garden, and the bustling East Nanjing Road. It’s a great pick for those who want to relax after a day of exploring downtown. With easy access to key city highlights and simple yet thoughtful touches throughout, Ichigoichikai Study Room Youth Hostel is a chill base for those who want to soak in Shanghai without spending big.
✨ Shanghai Dengba International Chain Inn – Hongqiao Airport Jiuting Metro Station Branch ✨
Looking for a convenient, comfortable, and budget-friendly stay in Shanghai? 🚆✈️
Located just minutes from Hongqiao International Airport and a short walk to Jiuting Metro Station (Line 9), Dengba International Chain Inn is the perfect choice for travelers seeking easy access to both the airport and the city center. Our inn offers:
🏨 Cozy private rooms & dorms with modern facilities
📶 Free high-speed WiFi throughout the property
🛋️ Relaxing lounge areas to meet fellow travelers
🍵 Local eateries & shops just around the corner
🚇 Direct metro access to Xujiahui, Jing’an Temple, and The Bund
Whether you’re on a quick layover, a business trip, or exploring Shanghai’s vibrant culture, you’ll enjoy a hassle-free stay with great value at Dengba Inn. 📍 Perfect Location: Only 20 minutes from Hongqiao Airport & Railway Station, and easy connections to downtown Shanghai attractions. 🌏 Why Guests Love Us: Convenience, comfort, and a social backpacker-friendly vibe in one of the most dynamic cities in China!...
际庭青年旅舍-马当路地铁站店 brings a cozy, no-fuss stay right to the heart of Shanghai. With clean, comfy shared rooms, air-conditioning to beat the city heat, and handy perks like free WiFi, hairdryers, and slippers, it’s got all the essentials covered. Guests can kick back in the lounge after a full day of exploring the city’s iconic streets and skyline.
What really sets this place apart is its easy access to major attractions like People’s Square, Yu Garden, and the buzzing Nanjing Road. Whether you're diving into local street food or snapping skyline views, you’re never far from the action. The staff speaks both English and Chinese, making things super smooth for international travelers. With glowing guest reviews and friendly vibes, 际庭青年旅舍-马当路地铁站店 is a solid pick for budget-savvy adventurers looking for comfort and convenience in Shanghai.
Compare all prices and availability for 际庭青年旅舍-马当路地铁站店 on Booking portals with 1 click on Hostelz.com
Shanghai Meego Qingwen Hotel in Shanghai is a classy lodging facility located in the downtown area of Jing'an district in Shanghai.
It is conveniently positioned close to the Nanjing West Road shopping area and other sites including high-level office buildings, malls, cinemas, sports centres and the US consulate. Shanghai Meego Qingwen Hotel is unlike the traditional ones as it places emphasis on self-care, respect and minimal waste for the people travelling here.
Rooms in different sizes are available to cater to several groups from family rooms, double rooms, bed rooms to multi-rooms as well as plenty of other facilities such as leisure space, water bar, video room, 24-hour check-in, internet access, self-service laundry, possessions storage area and pantry.
Compare all prices and availability for Shanghai Meego Qingwen Hotel on Booking portals with 1 click on Hostelz.com
Times Youth Hostel offers a refreshing take on budget stays in Shanghai, designed especially with students and travelers in mind. It’s not just a place to sleep — it's a space to live, learn, and connect. With a minimalist and modern aesthetic, Times Youth Hostel feels energetic and youthful, making it an instant hit with those who appreciate a clean, no-fuss vibe. One standout feature? A 24-hour study room, perfect for guests preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, or simply diving into remote work or creative projects.
Many guests stay for weeks or even months — some are international travelers soaking up local life, others are Chinese students tackling internships or academic goals. Times Youth Hostel’s community is friendly and globally minded, so making new friends is almost guaranteed. Rooms come with air conditioning, and the bathrooms are thoughtfully stocked with hot water, hairdryers, and slippers — all the comfort you need after a full day in Shanghai.
Compare all prices and availability for Times Youth Hostel on Booking portals with 1 click on Hostelz.com
Dengba Inn - Hongqiao Airport Jiuting Metro Station Branch
Map for 7 Cheapest Hostels in Shanghai
We've got your back when it comes to finding a great hostel location in Shanghai. We've gone ahead and mapped out all the hostels for you so you can get a good idea of where they're all at. This map will make your life so much easier!
Let's talk about hostel prices in Shanghai. This graph shows you typical, average prices for a bed in a dorm and for a private room. Simply mouse-over to see rates for each month.
Prices can vary a lot, especially on high-season, weekends, and special holidays such as New Years Eve.
Average Dorm Price per Month in Shanghai
Average Private Room Price per Month in Shanghai
When to book a hostel in Shanghai?
Let us have a closer look on some statistics and graphics.
The cheapest months to travel to Shanghai is February. Hostels in Shanghai cost $13 in February.
The most expensive month is July with $16.
Total number of hostels in Shanghai: 34
Total number of Party Hostels in Shanghai: 19
Total number of hostels in Shanghai with a +8.5 top-rating: 21
Most hostels are located in the neighborhoods of Huangpu District, Jing'an District, Jingan District.
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I'm Nomadic Nina, a curious and adventurous traveler who has spent most of my life exploring the world. From the deserts of Africa to the jungles of South America, I've traveled to dozens of countries on multiple continents, immersing myself in local cultures and learning about the world firsthand. Through my travels, I've gained a deep appreciation for the diversity and richness of the world's cultures, and I'm passionate about sharing my experiences with others through my travel blog.
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