Songjiang is a suburban district of Shanghai, well outside the central city and oriented around its own historic core, its university town, and the Sheshan hill area to the north-west. It is the kind of place you visit for a specific purpose rather than as a general base for Shanghai sightseeing.
For a visitor, the practical question is which part of the district to sleep in, because the useful clusters sit several kilometres apart and are linked mainly by Metro Line 9 and by road. This guide covers the areas the sources identify, what each suits, and the general accommodation levels you can expect.
Best areas to stay in Songjiang
1. Songjiang old town (Fangta area, Zhongshan East Road)
This is the historic core of the district, around Zhongshan East Road, and the most convenient base if your interest is the old town itself. It is a straightforward choice for first-time visitors and for budget travellers, since the area's listed accommodation is at the inexpensive end.
You find simple chain hotels here rather than large resorts. The practical advantage is that you are within the district centre, so local sights and services are close by rather than a drive away.
2. Songwei North Road area
A second budget-oriented cluster within the district, on Songwei North Road. It suits travellers who want a low-cost room and do not need to be in the old town.
Accommodation here is of the same modest chain type as the old town. Treat it as a functional base and check how you will reach the sights you plan to see, as this is not the historic core.
3. Renmin North Road area
This is the district's upscale option, on Renmin North Road, where you find full-service five-star accommodation. It suits visitors who want a comfortable, amenity-rich stay and are willing to pay for it.
Rooms here are the most expensive in the district. It is a reasonable base if your trip is built around the district centre and you prefer a hotel with extensive facilities.
4. Sijing Town / Sheshan area
The Sheshan area, reached via Sheshan station on Metro Line 9, is where you find resort-style accommodation, including in Sijing Town. It suits visitors whose priority is the Sheshan hill and leisure facilities rather than the old town.
The main practical point is access: the resorts here are a short drive from Sheshan Metro Station, so you are dependent on a car or taxi for the last leg. This area is quieter and more spread out than the district centre.
5. Chenhua Road area (west of Songjiang University Town)
A distinct, self-contained luxury option on Chenhua Road, roughly nine kilometres west of Songjiang University Town station on Metro Line 9. It suits travellers treating the stay itself as the purpose of the trip.
Because it sits well away from the district centre and from the metro, plan on arriving by road. It is not a practical base for exploring the old town or Sheshan on foot.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: chain hotels with straightforward double rooms, found in the old town and along Songwei North Road.
- Mid-range: the source material lists no dedicated mid-range properties in Songjiang, so expect to choose between the budget chains and the full-service hotels.
- Splurge: five-star and luxury properties, including resort-style hotels near Sheshan and Sijing Town and a luxury hotel on Chenhua Road, with the highest rates in the district.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in the Songjiang old town around Zhongshan East Road. It puts you in the district's historic centre, keeps you close to local sights and services, and offers the simplest and cheapest rooms. The resort and luxury options further out make more sense once you already know the district and have a specific reason to stay there.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car to stay in Songjiang?
Not if you base yourself in the district centre, where you can get around locally. If you stay in the Sheshan or Sijing Town resorts, or on Chenhua Road, you will need a car or taxi for the final stretch, as these sit away from the metro.
Which metro line serves Songjiang?
Metro Line 9. Sheshan station serves the Sheshan area, and Songjiang University Town station is the reference point for the Chenhua Road area to its west.
Is there mid-range accommodation in Songjiang?
The source material lists budget chains and five-star properties, but no dedicated mid-range category. In practice you will be choosing between the inexpensive chains and the full-service hotels.
Where should I stay if I want the cheapest option?
The old town around Zhongshan East Road and the Songwei North Road area both offer the district's lowest-cost chain accommodation.
Compare live prices for the areas above using the booking tools on this page before you decide.