Shanghai On A Budget

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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Travelling to Shanghai, or anywhere in the Far East for that matter, is seldom the cheapest holiday option due to the distance involved. If you are looking to keep your holiday costs down, then search online for cheap flight deals outwith the high season, and look out for package deals, which can save you a bundle on accommodation costs.

When you get to Shanghai, you will find plenty to see and do, with many free and low cost attractions for those travelling on a budget. While there is definitely an expensive side to Shanghai, it is also easy to get by here with little money and still enjoy a truly unique holiday experience.

Shanghai is renowned for its world class cuisine, with all 8 of the Chinese cookery styles represented in the restaurants of the city. While you may not be able to afford tables in the top restaurants, this does not mean you have to miss out on top authentic Chinese cuisine. Head to the street markets and food stalls and you will find tasty and unique dishes at a fraction of the cost.

Street food is incredibly popular in Shanghai. As well as being cheap, it is incredibly fresh and varied. ...
... Traditional snacks to try include rice dumplings, cake balls, xiao long bao and more. Head to Yunnan Lu Gourmet Street, where you will find endless stalls and buffets, and you can sample a little of everything.

For some spectacular views out over the whole of Shanghai, there are several towering buildings that have observation decks that are free to access. The tallest skyscraper in China, the Shanghai World Financial Centre is one, also known as the Vertical Complex City, while the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which is 1,535 feet tall, is another, with three separate observation points.

For those who hanker after some more traditional architecture, historic Shanghai features several ancient Buddhist temples, the stunning Bund promenade that stretches along the Huangpu River, and many examples of 19th Century European colonial architecture.

While there are many luxury hotels and complexes around Shanghai, because many visitors are business travellers, hotels around the city are surprisingly quiet at the weekends. If you are looking to save on travel costs, then try looking for hotel accommodation at weekends at knock down prices.

The hotels and hostels operated by universities offer great value when it comes to accommodation too, and surprisingly high levels of comfort. These are available through the summer months and at any time when students are on their breaks. Our guide to travelling to Shanghia on a budget was written by Bonny Kominek, an experienced travel agent. They recommend checking the Octopus Travel website for the latest deals on Shanghai hotels.