HostelHawk

Shanghai

China · Price calendar

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Dorm beds in Shanghai, China range from $10 to $30/night over the next 3 months. HostelHawk tracks 25 properties. Cheapest upcoming dates: Jul 4, Jul 5, Jul 6.

Tap a date to see hostels available that night.

July 2026
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Hostel prices in Shanghai, China

A typical dorm night in Shanghai runs about $10.

Across the upcoming months, July tends to be the cheapest month (from $10/night) and September the most expensive (from $10/night).

At $10/night and up, Shanghai is one of the pricier hostel destinations in China.

Other cities in China

Hostels we track in Shanghai

Show all 25 hostels

Local knowledge for Shanghai

Where to stay

Most budget hostels cluster around People's Square and the northern edge of the French Concession, where Metro Lines 1 and 2 intersect and Nanjing Road is walkable. A handful of cheaper options sit near Yuyuan Garden in the old city, good for the waterfront but a bit further from the main transit corridors.

Getting around

  • Pick up a Shanghai Public Transportation Card at any metro station on arrival. It works on the metro, most buses, and some ferry crossings, and each ride costs slightly less than a single-journey token.
  • If you land at Pudong International Airport, Metro Line 2 gets you to People's Square for a small fare. The Maglev is faster in the air but drops you at Longyang Road, where you still need the metro, so it rarely saves meaningful time unless your hostel is in Pudong.
  • Food stalls and sit-down spots right inside the Yuyuan Bazaar charge tourist prices. Walk a couple of blocks away toward Fuxing Road and you will find the same soup dumplings and noodles for noticeably less.

When to go

Expect the lowest hostel rates from mid-November through mid-December. Beds fill fast and prices climb during Golden Week (October 1 to 7) and Chinese New Year, which falls in late January or February depending on the year.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a hostel in Shanghai cost per night?

Dorm beds in Shanghai currently range from $10 to $30/night based on the next 3 months of availability.

When are the cheapest dates to book a hostel in Shanghai?

Based on current data, the cheapest upcoming dates for hostels in Shanghai are July 4, July 5, July 6.

How many hostels does HostelHawk track in Shanghai?

HostelHawk currently tracks 25 hostels in Shanghai, China.

What's the cheapest month to book a hostel in Shanghai?

Based on current availability, July has the lowest hostel prices in Shanghai, with dorm beds from $10/night.

Is Shanghai affordable compared to other hostel cities in China?

Shanghai is one of the pricier hostel destinations in China, with dorm prices starting from $10/night.

Where do backpackers stay in Shanghai?

Most budget hostels cluster around People's Square and the northern edge of the French Concession, where Metro Lines 1 and 2 intersect and Nanjing Road is walkable. A handful of cheaper options sit near Yuyuan Garden in the old city, good for the waterfront but a bit further from the main transit corridors.

What is the best time of year to visit Shanghai?

Expect the lowest hostel rates from mid-November through mid-December. Beds fill fast and prices climb during Golden Week (October 1 to 7) and Chinese New Year, which falls in late January or February depending on the year.