Accommodation in Hongkou District from AU$160

Shanghai may be one of the most modern and hip cities in the world, but that doesn’t mean travellers can’t find a quiet area to base themselves in. In true Shanghai style, Hongkou District is not just a quiet corner, it is a big northeast section of the city that shows off the city’s fabulous atmosphere and beauty but in a quieter way than the crowded city centre. You’ll be nothing but relaxed while exploring the area’s parks, monuments, shops, old buildings and museums from your Hongkou accommodation. Then when you need a taste of Shanghai’s heart, all you have to do is jump on the Shanghai Metro and you’re there in minutes.

One attraction you should definitely visit is Lu Xun Park, which is much more than a place of beautiful and green natural beauty. Lu Xun is considered by many to be one of the better parks in Shanghai, with a cultural atmosphere that draws from both east and west. Dancers can be seen practicing their moves on the lawns and visitors cut across the lake on boats, while others practice martial arts or play traditional Chinese instruments like the two-stringed erhu, adding a lovely soundtrack to your walk. The park is named after and dedicated to the famous writer, Lu Xun, whose tomb and museum you can visit on the grounds.

Right next to the park is another famous and unique Hongkou attraction; Hongkou Football Stadium. While this large complex is impressive to look at, if you go inside you’ll be working up a sweat no matter what you do, whether its running around its squash courts, holding on for dear life on the climbing wall, or jumping up from your seat as you cheer on the Shanghai Shenhua football team.

The cultural showcase continues almost anywhere you go on the streets of Hongkou, even in the cafes! Old Film Café calls you into a cool looking two-storey building with an arch and pillars at its entrance. Inside you can enjoy refreshments while checking out pictures of celebrities on the walls and finding out the schedule for old movie showings on the screen upstairs. Then there is the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art, an eye-opening building that looks like a temple with multi-tiered roofs and red decorations. While it hosts some of China’s fine modern art, it claims to be the first museum of its kind in the country.

Hop off your flight to Shanghai and start from the quiet side of the city with a choice from our Hongkou hotels. There is no better way to introduce yourself to this amazing metropolis and with such great transportation at your doorstep, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of everything!