For your stay in the 2nd largest city in China, are you wondering which neighborhoods to avoid in Shanghai, red light districts or unsavory areas?
Indeed, Shanghai has many tourist attractions, but behind the dazzling lights and impressive skyscrapers lie certain neighborhoods that require increased vigilance.
Well in this 2024 guide, you will find advice and a map to better identify the areas to avoid in Shanghai and the best areas to stay.
This article was written with the most recent data published on global rankings and statistics, press articles and other studies. It is therefore factual and does not contain any judgment or discriminatory remarks.
Is Shanghai dangerous?
First of all, you should know that China has some of the lowest crime rates compared to other countries. And just like Hong Kong, Shanghai is among the safest cities in the world.
This is what we see on the Numbeo world ranking. Indeed, in 2024 the city of Shanghai will be ranked 268th in the ranking of the most criminal cities in the world. But despite a fairly low crime index (30.3), Shanghai still remains more dangerous than Lisbon, Amsterdam, Riyadh, Seoul ou Tokyo.
What crime in Shanghai?
As in all major cities, violent crimes occur in Shanghai, but the rate of these crimes is very low compared to the number of residents of the city (nearly 26 million inhabitants).
In fact, the powers of the authorities deter potential criminals: High conviction rate, use of efficient technologies in maintaining order, strong police presence.
Surveillance cameras are increasingly used, particularly in dangerous neighborhoods in Shanghai. Concerning narcotics, zero tolerance is strictly applied.
However, low as it is, the crime rate in Shanghai has increased in recent years. The most commonly reported crimes mainly concern pickpocketing, assault and scams. And the most common crime in the city is drunk driving.
Sexual and other assaults can occur in various areas of Shanghai, but the most dangerous areas are in Shanghai's red light districts (see list below) where bars and clubs are concentrated. Excessive alcohol consumption and the presence of people with bad intentions can provoke fights and create an atmosphere conducive to aggression.
Is Shanghai safe for tourists?
Visitors and locals generally do not encounter any security problems in Shanghai.
Indeed, the recommendations for travelers going to China on government sites are not restrictive. For example, on the site France Diplomacy, almost the entire Chinese territory is under normal vigilance, including in Shanghai.
However, as in all major tourist cities, it is important to take basic precautions and avoid some bad neighborhoods (see list below).
Map of neighborhoods to avoid in Shanghai
The city of Shanghai is geographically composed of 18 districts and 1 county which are divided into numerous neighborhoods (more than 200).
Here is a map that allows you to locate the neighborhoods to avoid in Shanghai, the list of which you will find below: Google map
Dangerous neighborhoods in Shanghai?
No matter where you stay in Shanghai, you will not be in danger. In fact, there is no area in Shanghai where tourists could feel truly unsafe.
According to the majority of web data and according to statistics published on the study of researchgate.net, there are only 6 “dangerous” neighborhoods in Shanghai because of their higher crime rates than the others:
- Stupid with in particular Changshou Road and Zhenru
- Huangpu which is a popular area for those looking for affordable housing. However, the crime rate in Yangpu is higher than in other areas of Shanghai.
- Hongkou where the Tilanqiao district records a fairly high crime rate
- Zhabei notably the Daning Road and Hengfeng Road districts
- Luwan : Despite its historical charm and picturesque streets, some areas can be considered dangerous at night (Huaihai Road and Lujiabang Road)
- ing'an : In the center of Shanghai, this tourist district is not at risk but certain areas record many thefts (Jiangning Road and West Nanjing Road).
Areas to avoid in Shanghai
In addition to these neighborhoods, there are areas in Shanghai that are less quiet, have a bad reputation, are less attractive to visitors or are too far from activities and sites to visit. It is this type of place that it will be better to avoid when choosing your hotel in order to make your tourist stay a success.
Red light district in Shanghai
Because it is poorly attended at night, Simalu which is the red light district of Shanghai is also an area to avoid.
Best neighborhoods to stay in Shanghai
Central Shanghai is the best area to stay if you want to be in the heart of the action, close to the city's sights and entertainment. But in the city center there are many neighborhoods and not all of them are equally interesting.
Here are the favorite downtown areas for tourists visiting Shanghai:
The Bund
Le Waist is a famous must-visit tourist district in Shanghai. See location of this neighborhood
It is renowned for its impressive architecture and panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the Pudong skyscrapers. You can enjoy incredible city views from the Oriental Pearl Tower or have a cocktail at one of the many rooftop bars in the area.
If you want to stay in one of the most beautiful hotels in Shanghai with an exceptional view of the river and the skyline, then here is the Peninsula Shanghai :
Jing'an
Another central area popular with tourists is Jing'an which houses the famous Buddhist temple of the same name. Jing'an is a great choice if you want to be close to major tourist attractions such as the Nanjing Road shopping street and the Shanghai Natural History Museum. See location of this neighborhood
If you are looking for a nice little hotel very well located in this area, I recommend the Shanghai Huaihai Campanile which has excellent value for money: Cheap hotel in Shanghai
French Concession
La French concession is an area of Shanghai that is worth the detour. It was once a French territory and has retained much of its architecture from the period.
Made up of 3 districts (La Huai Hai Lu, Xintiandi and Tianzifang), there are many trendy bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as fashion boutiques and art galleries. It's a great place to stay if you like nightlife and a lively atmosphere. See location of this neighborhood
If you want to stay in the heart of this old district, I recommend the HUALUXE Shanghai Twelve At Hengshan : Hotel in the French Quarter
Area to stay near Shanghai Disneyland
Pudong is a beautiful neighborhood located east of the Huangpu River. It is one of Shanghai's most modern neighborhoods, famous for its iconic skyscrapers, impressive skyline and bustling commercial districts.
But above all, it is the ideal place to stay if you want to be close to Shanghai Disneyland or if you are traveling for business and want to be close to the airport.
If you want to stay near the Shanghai Disneyland park, then here is: Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone
Its location is ideal right next to the park with free shuttles to Shanghai Disneyland and the airport.