
How to Find Cheap Flights & Accommodations in Shanghai, China

1. Use Flight Comparison Websites
Websites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Google Flights can help you compare prices across airlines and discover affordable flight options to Shanghai. This solves the challenge of overpaying for flights.
- Price Alerts: Set alerts for price drops.
- Flexible Dates: Check different dates for cheaper flights.
- Budget Airlines: See which budget airlines operate flights to Shanghai.
- Nearby Airports: Consider flying into nearby airports for cheaper rates.
- Last-Minute Deals: Keep an eye on last-minute offers.

2. Explore Timed Flight Sales
Many airlines offer time-limited sales that include discounted tickets to Shanghai. Finding and utilizing these sales can significantly cut travel costs.
- Airline Newsletters: Sign up for airline newsletters for updates.
- Social Media: Follow airlines on social media for flash sales.
- Early Bird Deals: Look for deals released months in advance.
- Off-Peak Season: Travel during low-peak times for better deals.
- Membership Programs: Join loyalty or membership programs for deals.

3. Consider Multi-City Flights
Booking a multi-city flight, where you stop at different cities, can sometimes be cheaper than a direct flight to Shanghai. This solves the problem of high direct flight costs.
- Layover Benefits: Check if layovers offer savings.
- Different Airlines: Use different airlines for each leg for extra savings.
- Flexible Itinerary: Ensure you don’t mind a flexible itinerary.
- Mix Airlines: Compare fares with one-way tickets from different airlines.
- Duration: Be prepared for potentially longer travel time.

4. Check Flight Deals Apps
Apps like Hopper and Airfarewatchdog alert you to low-price tickets to Shanghai. This addresses the challenge of missing out on deals.
- Real-Time Alerts: Receive alerts on your phone for instant updates.
- Predictive Features: Use prediction models to buy at the right time.
- User Reviews: Check app ratings and reviews for reliability.
- Fees: Ensure the app doesn’t charge additional service fees.
- Multiple Airlines: Ensure the app supports multiple airlines for options.

5. Use Chinese Travel Sites
Sites like Ctrip and JD Travel often have unique discounts for flights to Shanghai that aren't available elsewhere. This is about leveraging regional offerings that aren't evident on international sites.
- Language Options: Confirm that the site has English language support.
- Payment Methods: Check accepted payment methods suitable for you.
- Trustworthiness: Verify the site’s reputation for safe bookings.
- Exclusive Discounts: Look for region-specific and exclusive discounts.
- Currency: Be mindful of currency exchange rates when booking.

6. Leverage Credit Card Rewards
Credit cards often offer rewards points for travel, which you can use to book flights to Shanghai. This addresses the challenge of offsetting travel costs.
- Points Accumulation: Use points for flight tickets.
- Partners: Check if your credit card partners with airlines.
- Fees: Be aware of transaction and foreign fees.
- Travel Insurance: Review travel insurance benefits included.
- Redemption Rules: Understand the rules for redeeming points.

7. Check for Student Discounts
Students can often get discounted rates on flights to Shanghai through programs like STA Travel and StudentUniverse. This addresses affordability for student travelers.
- Student Verification: Confirm requirements for discount eligibility.
- Agencies: Explore dedicated travel agencies for students.
- Age Limits: Verify any age restrictions for discounts.
- Special Offers: Keep an eye on seasonal student travel offers.
- Valid ID: Always have your student ID for verification.

8. Stay in Hostels
Hostels in Shanghai, like the Blue Mountain International Hostel or Mingtown Etour Youth Hostel, offer budget-friendly accommodation options. This approach handles expensive hotel prices by offering cheaper lodging.
- Location: Choose conveniently located hostels near attractions.
- Amenities: Review hostel amenities like Wi-Fi and secure lockers.
- Reviews: Check online reviews for cleanliness and hospitality.
- Security: Ensure the hostel has good security measures.
- Social Environment: Consider the social environment for meeting other travelers.

9. Use Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing allows you to stay with hosts in Shanghai for free, providing not just lodging but a cultural exchange. It directly addresses the cost of accommodation.
- Host Verification: Choose verified hosts with good reviews.
- Cultural Exchange: Be open to engaging with your host.
- Sense of Adventure: Be adaptable to varying living conditions.
- Safety: Ensure clear communication and safety protocols.
- Flexibility: Have backup plans in case a host cancels.

10. Rent Short-Term Apartments
Websites like Airbnb and Tujia offer apartment rentals in Shanghai, often cheaper than hotels for longer stays. This reduces housing costs over longer periods.
- Length of Stay: The longer the stay, the better the rates.
- Neighborhood: Select a neighborhood aligned with your travel interests.
- Facilities: Check the apartment facilities, like kitchen and laundry.
- Reviews: Read past guest reviews for authenticity and experience.
- Booking Fees: Look for hidden booking and cleaning fees.

11. Look for Hotel Deals on Aggregators
Websites like Agoda and Booking.com often have exclusive deals for hotels in Shanghai. This tackles the challenge of expensive hotels.
- Secret Deals: Sign up for newsletters or accounts for "secret deals."
- Mobile-Only Discounts: Use their apps for mobile-exclusive discounts.
- Free Cancellation: Opt for reservations that allow flexible cancellation.
- Star Rating: Choose between different star ratings based on budget.
- Loyalty Programs: Look for loyalty discounts and benefits.

12. Travel Off-Peak
Visiting Shanghai during the off-peak season, like fall and early spring, can save you money on flights and lodging due to lower demand. This tackles the challenge of high travel costs during peak seasons.
- Weather: Be prepared for varying weather conditions.
- Fewer Crowds: Enjoy attractions with fewer visitors.
- Local Events: Check for local events that might affect prices.
- Reduced Rates: Take advantage of generally reduced rates.
- Flexible Plans: Ensure your plans can accommodate fewer services.

13. Use the Metro for Transportation
Shanghai's metro is an affordable and efficient way to get around. It helps overcome the cost of transportation, making it budget-friendly.
- Map: Have a metro map handy for easy navigation.
- Rechargeable Cards: Buy a metro card for discounted fares.
- Peak Hours: Avoid travel during rush hours for comfort.
- Transfers: Prepare for potential transfers between lines.
- Coverage: Check coverage of metro lines near your accommodation.

14. Take Advantage of Visitor Discounts
Look for discounts available for international visitors on flights and accommodations when heading to Shanghai. It opens access to exclusive foreigner deals.
- Visitor Cards: Obtain visitor cards that offer discounts.
- Special Packages: Explore combined flight and lodging packages.
- Tourist Information Centers: Visit for deal information.
- Online Forums: Engage in forums for tips from fellow travelers.
- Websites: Check official tourism websites for legitimate discounts.

15. Utilize Group Discounts
Traveling in a group can make flights and accommodations more affordable through shared costs and group discounts. It addresses individual high costs by distributing them.
- Group Booking: Book together for better rates.
- Room Sharing: Opt for shared rooms to lower accommodation costs.
- Transport: Use group transportation options.
- Discounts: Look for group-specific discounts on attractions.
- Early Bird: Book early to ensure group availability.

16. Use Student Accommodation
Some universities in Shanghai offer affordable short-term housing for students and visitors. This makes lodging cheap by utilizing resources less known to the general public.
- Booking Periods: Know the booking periods for availability.
- Room Sharing: Be prepared to share accommodations with others.
- Amenities: Check what amenities are included.
- Location: Verify proximity to major attractions or transportation.
- Communication: Ensure ability to communicate in English for ease.

17. Book in Local Guesthouses
Local guesthouses are often more affordable than traditional hotels and provide a more authentic experience. This helps solve the issue of high-cost commercial hotels.
- Authentic Experience: Enjoy a more local, intimate stay.
- Online Booking: Use online platforms with guesthouse listings.
- Personal Service: Expect personalized service compared to big hotels.
- Neighborhood: Choose a guesthouse in a well-reviewed neighborhood.
- Cancellation Policy: Review their cancellation policies.

18. Leverage Members-Only Platforms
Platforms like Secret Escapes offer exclusive deals on flights and accommodations in Shanghai for members. It addresses the challenge of accessing premium discounts.
- Exclusive Access: Gain access to deals not found elsewhere.
- Membership Costs: Be aware of potential membership fees.
- Limited Time: Deals may be available for a limited time only.
- Coverage: Check if coverage is extensive in the Shanghai region.
- Trustworthy Reviews: Rely on verified member reviews for quality.

19. Take Advantage of Package Deals
Some travel agencies offer package deals that include both flights and accommodations in Shanghai, often at a discounted rate. It reduces the complexity and cost of separate bookings.
- Included Services: Review what's included, such as transfers and meals.
- Customization: Customize packages to fit your schedule and interests.
- Discounts: Look for discounts on popular attractions as well.
- Agency Reputation: Select reputable agencies for smooth processings.
- Backup Plans: Have alternatives in case of package cancellations.

20. Attend Travel Expos
Travel expos sometimes offer exclusive deals on flights and accommodations directly from airlines and hotels for visiting places like Shanghai. This addresses accessibility to exclusive and limited-time offers.
- Event Calendar: Keep track of when travel expos occur.
- Direct Contact: Meet airline and hotel representatives for direct deals.
- Limited-Time Offers: Secure deals that are only available during the expo.
- Comparisons: Compare multiple offers in one place.
- Registration: Be prepared for possible entry or registration fees.