Staying in Jing’an

Jing’an is where many repeat visitors to Shanghai end up. It lacks the romance of the Concession and it lacks the drama of the Bund, but it has the best transport connections in the city and reliably good hotels.

If you are in Shanghai for work and have two evenings to spare, this is almost certainly where you should stay.

The transport argument

Jing’an Temple station sits on lines 2 and 7, with the airport-express-adjacent line and easy transfers toward both airports. Nothing in central Shanghai beats it for standing at a platform knowing one will come.

It also has the best taxi availability in the city, which matters during rain and at rush hour.

What is there in the evening

More than people expect: serious restaurants, rooftop bars, a large temple complex lit up after dark, and excellent shopping.

It is a working district, so weekday lunch trade is strong and there is real infrastructure rather than visitor-facing venues.

Where within Jing’an

Near Jing’an Temple for the best atmosphere and access. Further north toward Zhongshan Park is cheaper and more residential.

The southern edge near Yan’an Road is convenient but the least pleasant to walk in.

The downside

Less atmospheric than the Concession, and some parts feel corporate and anonymous after dark.