Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Shanghai Hotel Prices and Accommodation Recommendations for the Fair Period in China (2025)

A Guide to Accommodation in China's Supply Giants
China, the world's largest manufacturing and exporting country, is a global business hub in hundreds of industries, from textiles and electronics to plastics and furniture. Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, in particular, are China's most strategic cities for business travelers.

In this article for E5 Global Trade users, we provide a detailed overview of hotel prices, accommodation areas, considerations during trade fairs, and cost advantages in China's most visited business cities.

Guangzhou Hotel Prices and Accommodation During the Trade Fair (2025)
Key Areas:
Haizhu District (Canton Fair): The busiest area for trade fair attendees
Tianhe & Yuexiu: The financial center and hotel chain district
Baiyun & Panyu: More economical, industrial areas
Average Hotel Prices:
3-Star Hotels: $50-$80 / night
4-Star Hotels: $90-$140 / night
5-Star Hotels: $160-$300 / night
Budget Hotels/Hostels: $25-$45 / night
Recommendations:
Prices can double during the Canton Fair period.
Accommodation within walking distance of the fairgrounds offers significant advantages.
You should check whether your hotel reservation includes breakfast, shuttle service, and internet access.

Shenzhen Hotel Prices and Technology Zone Accommodation
Shenzhen is China's technology and electronics manufacturing hub. Suppliers of giants like Apple and Huawei are located here.
Most Preferred Areas:
Futian & Nanshan: Technology park and financial district
Luohu: Area with a high concentration of affordable hotels
Bao'an: Close to industrial zones and the airport
Average Hotel Prices:
3-Star Hotels: $45-70 / night

4-Star Hotels: $80-120 / night
5-Star Hotels: $140-260 / night
Daily rental residences/apartments: $30-55 / night
Tips:
Business meetings in Shenzhen often take place in technology parks. Therefore, Nanshan or Futian districts are preferred. Because the public transportation network is very strong, hotels close to the metro are important.

Shanghai Hotel Prices and Business Travel Guide (2025)
Shanghai is positioned as China's trade and financial center. It is one of the country's most modern and expensive cities for trade fairs, business meetings, banking transactions, and investments.
Accommodation Areas:
Pudong District: Financial center, luxury hotels
The Bund & Nanjing Road: Close to the commercial center, tourist-heavy
Jing'an and Xuhui: Central but relatively affordable accommodation options
Average Hotel Prices:
3-Star Hotels: $60-90 / night
4-Star Hotels: $100-160 / night
5-Star Hotels: $180-400 / night
Hostels, capsule hotels, and apartments: $25-50 / night
Things to Note:
Tax and deposit fees are common in Shanghai.
Hotel prices increase by 30-50% during trade fairs.
Internet access may be limited throughout China; hotels with VPN support are recommended.

4 Golden Rules Before Traveling to China
1. Make your hotel reservations one month in advance, based on the trade fair schedule.
2. Choose hotels with translation staff.
3. For e-commerce and exporters, staying in the same region as buyers accelerates your business connections.

4. With your E5 Global Trade membership, you can receive accommodation recommendations and business matching services.

Strategic Travel and Accommodation Support in China with E5 Global Trade

Are you attending trade fairs in Guangzhou? Are you going to meet with manufacturers in Shenzhen? Are you holding a meeting in the financial center of Shanghai?
E5 Global Trade helps you find affordable and reliable hotels in the area closest to your business partners. End-to-end trade support and travel optimization help you reach your destination faster.