Shanghai Exploration | Welcome to the Oriental Paris

Last week, I went on a whirlwind two-day, one-night trip to Shanghai with my classmates. With limited time and a tight budget, we spent a long time choosing accommodation. In the end, we picked a female-only hostel that had great reviews for its prime location, beautiful decor, and reasonable prices. Honestly, the moment I opened the door, I was pleasantly surprised—this place, costing just a few dozen yuan per person per night, was way beyond expectations! Stepping into the lobby felt like stepping into another era. It wasn’t tacky at all; the European classical vintage style was clearly well thought out. Warm yellow lights shone on dark wooden furniture, vintage oil paintings hung on the walls, and ornate standing lamps and velvet sofas were tucked into corners. Even the front desk was designed like an old-fashioned hotel counter, exuding elegance. The best part? With such stunning common areas, splitting the cost among us meant paying less than 100 yuan per night! Compared to hotels outside that easily cost hundreds, it felt like a steal. Our room continued the same aesthetic. Though compact, the beds were tidy, with dark wooden frames, thick retro-patterned curtains, and charming wall lamps. The best feature was the blackout curtains—pulling them shut plunged the room into complete darkness. At night, the other girls in the room were quiet, moving around softly without slamming doors. After a day of nonstop walking, crashing into such a peaceful, pretty little space was pure bliss, leaving us fully recharged the next morning. Every penny was worth it. The location couldn’t be more convenient. Just a short walk from the subway station, it saved us time and transportation costs for all our sightseeing. Whether heading out in the morning or returning at night, sitting in that gorgeous vintage lobby to rest or plan routes felt more like being in a cozy, understated café than a hostel. The atmosphere was lovely, and most of the other girls were quietly doing their own thing, creating a respectful, unintrusive environment—though it was easy to strike up a conversation if you needed directions or to share a ride. 🎠 Oriental Paris Female Youth Hostel (Shanghai Railway Station Branch) ✨ 3F, 360 Hengtong Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai