Planning a Budget Travel Guide to Shanghai China from Singapore? You can comfortably see Shanghai’s best sights, eat well, and stay safely under control on less than S$120 per day with smart choices on flights, transport, food, and accommodation.
As a Homejourney researcher who has flown between Changi and Shanghai multiple times since pre-COVID, I’ll walk you through realistic costs, safe neighbourhoods, and practical tactics Singapore travellers actually use on the ground.
For a deeper look at how Asian travel ties into long‑term lifestyle and property choices, you can connect this guide with our main pillar on Singapore and regional living .
Shanghai China budget overview for Singapore travellers
From Singapore, Shanghai feels like a sharper, denser version of Orchard Road and Marina Bay combined – but it can be surprisingly affordable if you plan like a local.
Based on recent visits and cross‑checking with 2024–2025 travel cost data[1][2][3][4][7], here’s a realistic per‑day budget (in Chinese yuan, CNY):
- Accommodation (budget hotel/hostel): ¥160–280 per night (approx. S$30–55)
- Food (3 meals + snacks at local spots): ¥80–150 (S$15–30)[1][2]
- Metro & buses: ¥20–30 (S$4–6)[1][2][7]
- Attractions (mix of free + paid): ¥30–150 average per day[1][2]
- Total: roughly ¥290–610 per day (about S$55–115) depending on comfort and shopping.
On earlier trips, I averaged around S$80/day by staying near Jing’an Temple, using only metro and walking 10–15 minutes between clusters like People’s Square and Nanjing Road.
1. Destination basics: Why visit Shanghai China on a budget
Why go: Shanghai combines Bund waterfront views that rival Marina Bay, with lane houses, art alleys, and neighbourhood street food that feel more like Tiong Bahru and Geylang rolled into one. It is also a key reference city for Asian investors comparing Singapore with mainland China.
Best time to visit Shanghai from Singapore
- March–May (spring): Comfortable 15–25°C, flowers in parks; bring a light jacket.
- September–early November (autumn): Clear skies, mild temperatures – ideal for walking the Bund and French Concession.
- Avoid Golden Week (first week of October) and Chinese New Year for crowds and surge pricing[2][4].
Insider tip: From Singapore, shoulder periods like late February or early November often yield lower airfares and more hotel promos than school holidays.
Getting from Singapore to Shanghai
Direct flights from Changi (SIN) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) typically take about 5–5.5 hours, with multiple daily departures by Singapore‑based and Chinese carriers.
For a budget trip, watch for mid‑week departures and plan 2–3 months ahead to keep return fares in the S$350–600 range, excluding baggage sales.
From Pudong Airport to the city centre:
- Maglev + metro: Maglev to Longyang Road (~¥50 one way) then metro (~¥4–6). Fastest but not cheapest.
- Direct metro: Line 2 to People’s Square/Lujiazui ~¥7–9; about 60–70 minutes[7].
- Taxi/ride‑hailing: Starting at ~¥14 for first 3 km; airport to central areas usually ¥170–220 depending on traffic[3][7].
Insider tip: For solo budget travellers, metro is best value. For a family of four with bags (similar to a Changi–Punggol Grab), a taxi door‑to‑door can be more cost‑efficient.
Currency & payments
Shanghai uses the Chinese yuan (CNY). Most card‑friendly hotels and malls accept Visa/Mastercard, but many smaller shops and street vendors still prefer local mobile wallets or cash[4][7].
- Change some cash in Singapore for peace of mind, then top up via bank ATMs in Shanghai for better rates.
- International versions of Alipay/WeChat Pay are increasingly usable with foreign cards, but always keep backup cash for safety.
You can use Homejourney’s multi‑currency support and budget tools to benchmark Shanghai costs against Singapore property‑related expenses and daily living Bank Rates .
2. Top Shanghai attractions & budget‑friendly experiences
Many things to do Shanghai are either free or low‑cost if you plan your route to minimise paid entries.
Must‑see Shanghai attractions on a budget
- The Bund (Waitan) – Free, open 24/7. Perfect skyline shots across to Pudong; go at sunrise or evening for lights[1][2][7].
- Nanjing Road – Pedestrian shopping street from People’s Square to the Bund; great for window shopping and people‑watching[1][2].
- Yu Garden & Old Street – Classical Chinese garden (entry around ¥30–40) with surrounding old‑town alleys and snacks[1][2][7].
- Shanghai Museum (People’s Square) – World‑class collection of bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy. Free with timed ticket booking[1][2][7].
- Former French Concession – Tree‑lined streets (Wukang Road, Anfu Road) with lane houses, cafes, and boutiques – free to walk[1][6][7].
For a deeper dive into activities, check our dedicated attractions article: Complete Guide to Things to Do in Shanghai China | Homejourney Complete Guide to Things to Do in Shanghai China | Homejourney .
Cultural & hidden‑gem experiences
- Tianzifang – Former residential lanes turned into artsy alleys, cafes, and craft shops; free to explore, pay per snack[1][2][7].
- People’s Park Marriage Market (weekends) – Parents posting profiles of children; fascinating, free cultural insight[1][2].
- Local parks at dawn – Join retirees doing tai chi or dancing, especially in Fuxing or Lu Xun parks; free.
- Watertowns like Zhujiajiao – Day trip with optional boat rides around ¥30[1][6].
Insider tip: Arrive at Yu Garden right at opening time to avoid heavy tour groups, similar to reaching Gardens by the Bay domes at 9am.
3. Practical travel tips: visas, transport, and safety
Visa requirements for Singapore residents
Visa rules for China can change; always verify with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore or official MFA advisories before booking. Some nationalities may qualify for visa‑free transit for short stays, but long multi‑day tourism usually requires a visa.
This guide is informational only and not legal advice – confirm the latest requirements from official sources before travel.
Getting around Shanghai on a budget
The metro is the backbone of China travel in Shanghai and is comparable in reliability to Singapore’s MRT, but with a denser network.
- Metro fares: Typically ¥3–9 per ride depending on distance[1][2][7].
- Public Transportation Card: Pay ¥20 deposit and top up; gives around 10% discount on fares[1].
- Buses: Often ¥1–2 for short routes[2][7].
- Taxis: From ¥14 for first 3 km, then metered[3].
Insider routes:
- Line 2 links Pudong Airport – Lujiazui (Pudong skyline) – People’s Square – Jing’an, similar to a green “CBD spine”.
- Use People’s Square as a central interchange, like Dhoby Ghaut in Singapore.
Safety considerations
Shanghai is generally safe for tourists, including solo female travellers, with lower street crime than many large global cities[4][7]. However, practise the same caution you would at Clarke Quay late at night.
