Step into Shanghai Drum Tower and feel the pulse of history! This Ming Dynasty relic is one of the last ancient bell towers in Shanghai, where crimson walls and intricate eaves showcase classic Chinese architecture. Climb to the top for a striking contrast between the modern skyline and old town - don't miss the dazzling light shows at night! The surrounding Old City alleys hide authentic snack stalls and craft shops. After exploring, continue your journey to nearby Yu Garden. Pro tip: Touch those weathered bricks to literally connect with 600 years of stories!

This hotel is a perfect choice for both family vacations and business trips! Spacious rooms over 70 square meters with floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning views of Shanghai, and the smart TV system makes entertainment and services easily accessible. Kids will love the children's playground and club, while adults can relax in the indoor heated pool, tennis courts, and spa. The location is super convenient, close to the subway, just 15 minutes from Hongqiao Airport and the convention center. Chinese and Western restaurants serve a variety of delicious dishes, and the grand banquet hall is ideal for weddings and meetings. With attentive service and top-notch facilities, it’s no wonder it has a high rating of 4.8. Highly recommended!

This hotel is the perfect choice for both business and family trips! Located in the heart of Hongqiao Business District, it offers easy access to Qibao Ancient Town and Zhujiajiao, where you can explore local culture. The hotel features stylish and elegant rooms, 4 unique restaurants and bars, a luxurious Yuan Xu Spa, and a spacious indoor heated pool. The pillar-less grand ballroom is perfect for meetings and events. With its prime location near the subway and airport, transportation is a breeze. Excellent service and top-notch facilities have earned it a high rating of 4.8!
Everything you need to know about Drum Tower
Shanghai Bund Shangri-La is a top choice, located just 1.5 km from Shanghai Drum Tower, a 15-minute walk away. This luxury hotel blends modern elegance with traditional Chinese design, offering spacious rooms and exceptional service. Some suites provide panoramic views of the Huangpu River. Guests can enjoy a world-class spa and an elegant sky bar. Conveniently situated near Metro Line 1’s "People's Square Station," it’s ideal for exploring nearby attractions like Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple.
The most convenient option is taking Subway Line 1 or Line 8 from near Shanghai Drum Tower to "Renmin Square" or "Laoximen" stations, then transferring to buses or walking to key sites like Chenghuang Temple, Yuyuan Garden, and Xintiandi. Chenghuang Temple is just 300 meters away—only a 5-minute walk. For a leisurely experience, rent a shared bicycle and ride along the Huangpu River waterfront, enjoying the blend of historic architecture and modern skyline. Most attractions offer accessible pathways and guided tours, making them suitable for families and elderly travelers.
Don’t miss the traditional Jiangnan instrumental concerts held at the Chenghuang Temple stage on weekends, showcasing the delicate sounds of classical Chinese music. Join hands-on intangible cultural heritage workshops offered by local institutions—learn paper cutting, indigo dyeing, or Haipai-style qipao crafting to explore Shanghai’s artistic soul. For history lovers, book a guided Old Town alleyway tour, wandering through cobblestone lanes while hearing stories of 19th-century urban life and architectural heritage. These activities take place mainly at Chenghuang Temple and Yuyuan Garden, with bilingual guides available for international visitors.
Yuyuan Garden is perfect for families—its intricate layout features child-friendly zones, live traditional opera performances, and interactive activities like lantern-making and costume photo sessions. Just outside, Chenghuang Temple Bazaar offers iconic snacks such as Nanxiang soup dumplings and licorice candy, ideal for a fun culinary adventure. Nearby, People’s Square has open green lawns for kids to run, while the Shanghai Museum provides free children’s activity kits and engaging interactive exhibits that spark curiosity. All sites feature family rest areas and accessibility facilities, ensuring a comfortable, inclusive experience for all ages.
Yes, several upscale hotels like Shanghai Bund Shangri-La and Peace Hotel provide complimentary airport/train station shuttles, covering Pudong Airport, Hongqiao Airport, and Shanghai Railway Station. They also offer 24-hour concierge services to assist with taxi bookings, itinerary planning, and restaurant reservations. To save time, guests should confirm shuttle schedules and book in advance—some require at least 24-hour notice. Budget accommodations typically don’t offer shuttles, but their proximity to subway stations allows easy access via subway combined with bike-sharing for efficient travel.
See what other travelers say about Drum Tower

Booked a 2-night, 1-day deal for a double room and only paid $728—includes dinner and breakfast. Honestly, the food was incredible! I’ve shared photos of the buffet, and it honestly rivals what you’d find at many five-star hotels. Think fresh crab, juicy lamb chops, premium salmon sashimi, Peking duck, hot pot, an array of main dishes, and decadent desserts—everything was abundant and well-prepared. My parents were thrilled, saying it’s one of the best value experiences they’ve had. The room itself is spacious at 70 square meters with a view of the pool, and stepping out onto the balcony gives you a stunning vista. It’s peaceful, elegant, and so relaxing. This place totally exceeded my expectations. The owner’s from Guangdong—big respect! If you’re looking for comfort, great food, and unbeatable value, Star River Shanghai is a must-try.
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