Check out Shanghai's most stylish Airbnbs
Taking a trip to Shanghai or just fancy a staycation or change of scenery for a couple of nights? Forget a four-night stay at that (admittedly super deluxe) wallet-defying hotel on The Bund and sleep like a local at one of the hundreds of awesome Airbnbs on offer instead.
(The prices fluctuate a fair bit, so those listed may be slightly off).
The deerhaus
Embrace your inner hipster at this rustic Jingan studio, with its exposed brick and cement walls, heavy wooden features and vinyl records, pans and a bike as decoration.
Sleeps Up to two.
Price Around 260RMB per night; 480RMB per night (weekends).
Near Jingan.
Airbnb recommendation.
The urban oasis
You're not in Bali or some dreamy island on the Pacific rim, but with those indoor palm trees and wooden chairs, you might as well be. Get the best of urban comforts and seaside shack at this sunkist retreat within walking distance of the metro station.
Sleeps Up to two.
Price Around 365RMB per night; 630RMB per night (weekends).
Near Huaihai Zhong Lu.
The time capsule
This apartment’s name is no exaggeration. It is in a historical building, as small as a time capsule, and packed with old-Shanghai ephemera – or at least reproductions of it – from the floor, to the load-bearing neoclassical columns, to the ceiling trim that you might hit your head against when you get up from bed. It's a cosy (cool-small) place with an old school vibe.
Sleeps Up to four.
Price Around 650RMB per night; 900RMB per night (weekends).
Near Nanjing Xi Lu.
Airbnb recommendation.
The old Art Deco condo
If buildings could talk, this beautiful condo would go on about itself for ages. Too bad you’d be too busy sprawling in its 100sqm and admiring the 1930s art deco-inspired interior motifs to listen, probably with a glass scotch in hand.
Sleeps Up to two.
Price Around 500RMB per night; 640RMB per night (weekends).
Near Yuyuan.
The treehouse
Not actually a treehouse, but the designers of this loft aimed to make it feel like one – and quite a spacious, clean and modern one at that, complete with a cute garden and a sleek bathroom. It’s located in a quiet alley not far from Shanghai Library and Wukang Road. For about 722RMB a night, you get a fully equipped, very modern-zen apartment that will feel like a den at a spiritual retreat.
Sleeps Up to three.
Price 750RMB per night; 820RMB per night (weekends).
Near Shanghai Library.
Recommended by Airbnb.
The European-style attic
This isn't some canal-side loft in Amsterdam, although we'd forgive you for thinking so. This tight and cosy one-bedroom apartment with a fireplace is perfect for those cold winter nights.
Sleeps Up to two.
Price Around 498RMB per night.
Near Anfu Lu.
The casual party house
An Airbnb made for get-togethers with friends, this apartment has a beautiful front garden perfect for barbeques, decorated with a colourful mural. Miss Can, the super-friendly Sichuan native that rents out the space, collaborates with nearby breweries and stocks the apartment’s fridges with craft beers. Crash on the queen bed upstairs (after all the guests leave, obviously).
Sleeps Three beds (up to 16 guests for gatherings).
Price Around 500RMB per night; 579RMB per night (weekends).
Near Shaanxi North Road.
The one with the 180 degree view
This sleek modern loft exemplifies chic urban modernity. Located just behind the West Bund, it's got views that stretch for kilometres and a bright white interior that will make you feel like you’re sleeping in the clouds.
Sleeps Up to four.
Price Around 615RMB per night; 670RMB per night (weekends).
Near West Bund.
The FFC garden bungalow
This super-light one-bedroom apartment set in a lane house near Shanghai Library has a kitchen and dining area, a small front terrace, an enormous fridge and a washing machine that will make you feel as though you never left home; except, of course, you’re smack in the middle of the Former French Concession. As an added bonus, you can cosy up by the indoor fireplace through the winter months.
Sleeps Up to three.
Price Around 590RMB per night.
Near Shanghai Library.
Airbnb recommendation.