Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel
★3.5(56 reviews)$$Entertainment
🕑 2-4 night stay typical👶 Best for families with children ages 5 and up who can appreciate staying in a youth hostel environment. Older kids and teens (10+) especially enjoy the international social atmosphere and meeting travelers from around the world, while younger school-age children benefit from the central location for sightseeing.🧡 Saved by 12 families
About
Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel offers families a unique budget-friendly stay in central Shanghai with a creative cultural atmosphere. While primarily a hostel, it serves as a convenient base for exploring Shanghai's family attractions along famous Nanjing Road, with easy access to the Bund and nearby parks, making it ideal for adventurous families seeking affordable lodging in the heart of the action.
Highlights
- ✓Prime location on Nanjing Road shopping street, perfect for evening family strolls
- ✓Walking distance to the Bund waterfront and Yu Garden
- ✓Budget-friendly accommodation in expensive Shanghai
- ✓English-speaking staff familiar with helping international families
- ✓Central metro access for easy day trips to Shanghai attractions
Pro Tips
- 1.Book a private family room in advance rather than dormitory beds for more comfort and privacy with children.
- 2.The hostel is walking distance to People's Square metro station, making it easy to navigate Shanghai's excellent subway system with kids without needing taxis.
- 3.English-speaking staff are available at the front desk to help arrange family-friendly tours and provide tips on navigating Shanghai with children.
- 4.Request a quiet room away from the common areas if traveling with younger children who need early bedtimes.
- 5.Stock up on snacks and drinks at nearby convenience stores (Family Mart, 7-Eleven) as hostel facilities are basic and kid-friendly restaurant options may require some walking.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather for exploring Shanghai with kids. Book weekday stays for better availability and quieter common areas, as weekends draw more young travelers.
What to Know
This is budget lodging at moderate prices for Shanghai's prime location. Families should expect basic hostel amenities rather than hotel services. Nanjing Road pedestrian street is immediately accessible with countless dining options, though Western fast food chains provide familiar backup options for picky eaters.
Seasonal Notes
Avoid Chinese New Year (late January/February) and Golden Week (early October) when prices surge and the city is extremely crowded. Summer (June to August) can be uncomfortably hot and humid for exploring with children. Book well in advance for spring cherry blossom season.
Nearby Eats
Nanjing Road offers endless dining from street food to sit-down restaurants. Din Tai Fung (soup dumplings) is kid-friendly and has multiple locations nearby, while M on the Bund offers Western options with spectacular views if you want a special family meal.
More Activities Near Shanghai
Entertainment
Mingtown Youth Hostel Creative Park
$$
Mingtown Youth Hostel Creative Park offers families a unique blend of art, culture, and outdoor fun in Shanghai's Changping district. This creative cultural space features art studios where kids can watch local artists at work, spacious outdoor play areas perfect for burning energy, and family-friendly activities set in a charming, nostalgic artistic environment that gives families a break from Shanghai's bustling urban center.
Museum
Shanghai Children's Museum
$
Shanghai Children's Museum is a hands-on wonderland where kids aged 2-12 can explore interactive exhibits covering science, culture, and everyday life through play-based learning. With dedicated zones for different age groups and activities ranging from role-playing scenarios to science experiments, this museum keeps children engaged while parents enjoy seeing them learn through discovery.
Park
The Bund Waterfront Promenade
Free❤️15
The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade offering families a perfect blend of sightseeing, open space for kids to run, and stunning views of both colonial architecture and futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. The wide pedestrian walkway is stroller-friendly and features playgrounds, ice cream vendors, and plenty of photo opportunities that make it an ideal introduction to Shanghai for families.
Amusement Park
Happy Valley Shanghai
$$$❤️9
Happy Valley Shanghai is one of China's premier amusement parks, featuring thrilling roller coasters, gentle family rides, colorful themed lands, and daily entertainment shows that cater to all ages. This full-day destination combines Western-style theme park attractions with uniquely Chinese cultural elements, making it an exciting adventure for international families visiting Shanghai.