FindYourStay
💻Digital Nomads

Where to Stay in Zhabei

Best WiFi, coworking spaces, and long-stay neighborhoods

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: CNY 400/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Apr, Oct, Nov📶 WiFi: Good

Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads

Ranked by relevance for digital nomads visiting Zhabei

1

Former French Concession (Xuhui)

Mid-range

Charming, leafy streets lined with boutiques, cafes, and historic European-style architecture.

couplesfoodiesculturedigital nomads
  • +Beautiful and atmospheric streets
  • +Excellent dining and independent shops
  • +Relatively quieter than other central areas
  • -Can be more spread out, requiring some transport
  • -Some areas are quite upscale
🏨 Capella Shanghai, Jian Ye Li🏨 The Middle House🏨 Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai
2

People's Square Area

Mid-range

The vibrant heart of Shanghai, packed with museums, historical sites, and bustling street life.

first-timersculturefamiliesbudget
  • +Central location with excellent transport
  • +Abundance of cultural attractions
  • +Diverse food options
  • -Can be overwhelmingly crowded
  • -Street vendors can be persistent
🏨 Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World🏨 The Landmark Square Hotel Shanghai🏨 Shanghai Grand Central Hotel
3

Jing'an Temple Area

Luxury

A bustling hub of upscale shopping, modern architecture, and historical landmarks.

first-timerscouplesluxuryfoodiesculture
  • +Excellent public transport links
  • +Wide range of dining and shopping options
  • +Safe and well-maintained
  • -Can be very crowded
  • -Expensive
🏨 The Puli Hotel and Spa🏨 Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai🏨 The Sukhothai Shanghai
4

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel Area (Pudong)

Luxury

The futuristic financial district with iconic skyscrapers and stunning views across the Huangpu River.

first-timersluxurynightlifecouples
  • +Spectacular skyline views
  • +Modern infrastructure and amenities
  • +Good for iconic photo opportunities
  • -Can feel less authentic than Puxi
  • -Expensive for dining and accommodation
🏨 Grand Hyatt Shanghai🏨 The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong🏨 Jumeirah Himalayas Hotel Shanghai

WiFi & Remote Work in Zhabei

Quality

Good

Avg Speed

30-70 Mbps (in cafes/hotels)

Free WiFi

Many cafes, hotels, and public spaces offer free Wi-Fi (often requires local phone number for verification).

Coworking

Various options like XNode, Kr Space, WeWork (variable pricing, typically 15-30 USD/day for hot desks).

Daily Budget (Budget)

CNY 400/day

Hanting Hotel Shanghai Railway Station South Square BranchCNY 180
Local noodles and dumplings from a street vendor near the stationCNY 50
Shanghai Public Transportation Card (top up)CNY 50
Visit Jing'an Temple and explore the surrounding areaCNY 120
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Zhabei

Lesser-known spots the locals love

✨

1933 Old Millfun

FREE

Wander through this architectural marvel, a former abattoir with a unique labyrinthine design and striking concrete structure. It now houses shops, restaurants, and performance spaces, offering a surreal urban exploration.

experienceHongkou District (adjacent to Zhabei)
🍜

Yunnan Road Food Street

Immerse yourself in a lively street bustling with local eateries and street food vendors. This is the perfect spot to sample authentic Shanghainese snacks and regional Chinese specialties.

foodHuangpu District (easily accessible from Zhabei)
⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Zhabei

More Zhabei Guides

Full Zhabei guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families🎒 Backpackers✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers