If you are visiting Shanghai for the first time, stay somewhere central like Nanjing Road. While the pedestrian street is busy, it offers proximity and easy access to most tourist spots either on foot or by metro, with plenty of easy food options around.We stayed in in Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai by Nanjing Road — the hotel offered really good value for money, unusual in such a central spot.

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Planning a family trip to Shanghai? Choosing the right neighborhood and hotel makes all the difference. For comprehensive China travel planning with kids, check our guide to planning your China itinerary to see how Shanghai fits into multi-city trips.

Best Areas for Families in Shanghai

1. The Bund & People's Square - Best for First-Time Families

Personal Experience: We stayed in Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai and in our opinion it was good value for money — we had a studio room with separate bedroom, in a very central location directly at Nanjing Road.

Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai
Radisson Collection Hyland Shanghai

🌟 Top Family Pick in The Bund Area:

  1. Atour X Hotel Shanghai The Bund Nanjing East Road Subway Station - From ¥900/night
    • Why families love it: Central location and themed rooms!
    • Best for: All age groups
    • Family amenities: Themed family rooms
    • Kid-friendly nearby: Nanjing Road, The Bund
Atour X Hotel Shanghai The Bund Nanjing East Road Subway Station
Atour X Hotel Shanghai The Bund Nanjing East Road Subway Station
Atour X Hotel Shanghai The Bund Nanjing East Road Subway Station
Atour X Hotel Shanghai The Bund Nanjing East Road Subway Station
🏨 Check family room availability

2. Xintiandi - Best for Families Who Love Culture + Convenience

3. Pudong (Near Shanghai Tower) - Best for Future-Focused Families

4. Jing'an District - Best for Families on Extended Stays

Best luxury hotels for families

🌟 Top Pick - W Shanghai

I honestly regret we didn't find this hotel before our trip — W hotel chain is known for their extravagant modern design. This one has an amazing view at The Bund, so you can enjoy evening views without the crowds — worth it if you have the money to spend!

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Best hotels near Disneyland

🌟 Top Pick - Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

This hotel is perfect for families looking for a classic Disneyland experience to spoil their kids. Featuring Disney characters and looking almost like a palace, it is experience the whole family might enjoy.

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Best hotels in Pudong New Area

If you plan to visit the Shanghai Planetarium or Haichang Ocean Park, I recommend booking a night in the area. The Pudong New Area requires a long 2h one way commute, even with a taxi it is over 1h, so the best thing to do if planning to visit those attractions is to book 1-2 nights in the area.

🌟 Top Pick - InterContinental Shanghai Harbour City

A beautiful and stylish resort, with indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a kids playground. For kids who are into astronomy and parents who want to spend extra, they even have cosmos themed rooms!

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Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel

A cheaper option that also features family rooms is Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel.

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First time planning a trip to China with kids? Start with our complete guide:

China with Kids: Yes, You Can Do This — Here’s How
All-in-one trip planning advice from a family who keeps coming back (6 times and counting!)
Baba goes China!Magda Sawyer
Traveling China with a Baby: Practical Guide (2026)
Honest guide to traveling China with a baby or infant. Feeding, diapers, changing facilities, strollers, flights, trains & what surprised us most.
Baba goes China!Magda Sawyer
Beijing vs Shanghai with Kids: Which Chinese City is Better for Families?
A case for why you might want to choose Beijing over Shanghai when planning a family trip to China
Baba goes China!Magda Sawyer

For more Shanghai planning resources:

FAQs

Q: Do Shanghai hotels provide cribs and high chairs?

A: Most international chains and upscale local hotels provide cribs, high chairs, and other baby equipment upon request. Always confirm when booking and arrive early to ensure availability.

Q: Are hotel pools in Shanghai suitable for children?

A: Many luxury and mid-range hotels have family-friendly pools with dedicated children's areas. Pool hours are typically 6 AM - 10 PM, with some having kids pools and floating aids for rent

Q: How safe are Shanghai hotels for families?

A: Shanghai hotels are generally very safe for families. Most upscale properties have 24-hour security, keycard access, and staff trained in assisting international guests with children.

Q: Do hotel staff speak English when traveling with kids?

A: Shanghai is the most English-speaking of all cities in China. At international chain hotels and upscale properties, English-speaking staff are common. This is also a great opportunity for children to practice basic Mandarin phrases with friendly hotel staff.

Q: What's the best area for families visiting Shanghai for the first time

A: The Bund area offers the best combination of iconic attractions, safety, transport connections, and family-friendly amenities. It's perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience classic Shanghai.

Q: Are serviced apartments better than hotels for families?

A: While in Europe we often opt-in for Airbnbs and other serviced properties, in China we always go for hotels. The reason for that is that the staff can help you if you have trouble with anything. The food is cheap and one of the main reasons we come back to China so often, so there is little incentive to cook. It is good to know that there are some hotel chains that offer a combination of both — they are a hotel but the room is a 1- or 2- bedroom apartment with a small kitchenette.