Prime Location: Where Heritage Meets Modernity
Located at No. 1, Lane 88, Sinan Road, Huangpu District, the hostel sits at the vibrant crossroads of Shanghai's two iconic cultural hubs: Tianzifang and Xintiandi. Nestled near landmarks like Sinan Mansions and Fuxing Park, the area offers a perfect blend of authentic Shikumen lane life and cosmopolitan flair.
A 5-minute stroll takes you to the creative alleys of Tianzifang, where you can explore the former studio of artist Chen Yifei and quirky boutiques that preserve the raw soul of old Shanghai. A 10-minute walk leads to Xintiandi, where red-brick and grey-tiled Shikumen architecture houses trendsetting brands like LE LABO and THE BEAST. From hidden local eateries to viral social media hotspots, the hostel provides seamless access to the diverse charms of the "Magic City," offering a tranquil sanctuary amidst the urban hustle.
Design Philosophy: "A Great Recluse Dwells in the City"
True to the "Dayin" brand DNA—which draws inspiration from the proverb "A minor recluse hides in the wild; a great recluse hides in the city"—the hostel balances the core hostel values of safety, economy, and hygiene with sophisticated aesthetics.
The design integrates the texture of historic architecture with modern minimalism and warm lighting. By pairing natural wood textures with soft color palettes and discarding redundant decor, we have created a socially photogenic space that honors Shanghai's cultural heritage while appealing to the aesthetic tastes of Gen Z. Our public areas feature a boutique cafe, a quiet book bar, and a shared social lounge, serving as both a peaceful retreat for afternoon reading and a vibrant platform for travelers from around the globe to connect and share stories.
Tailored Services & Premium Comfort
We cater to a wide range of travelers, including backpackers, students on study tours, and short-term vacationers. We aim to break the stereotypes of traditional youth hostels by offering premium amenities and thoughtful details.
Smart Living: Equipped with Xiaomi smart air purifiers, high-quality mattresses, premium toiletries, and Kohler bathroom fixtures.
Essential Facilities: On-site self-service laundry and drying areas, luggage storage, travel consultancy, meeting rooms, and a gym.
Local Experiences: We provide curated City Walk routes and guides to local creative markets to help you explore like a local.
At Dayin, every detail is designed to make you feel at home while ensuring your journey through Shanghai is convenient, comfortable, and unforgettable.
„I found this place by looking for a neighborhood with a bit of nightlife and local energy, and it ended up being a great fit — especially for the price.
I was expecting a more traditional hostel setup, but it’s actually a hybrid between a capsule hotel and a hostel. My room had six capsule-style beds, each with a clean, modern design and a surprisingly cozy feel. The lighting inside the pods was especially well done — soft, warm, and diffused through wood finishes instead of harsh LED lighting. As someone who works visually, I really appreciated that detail.
From the moment I arrived, the staff were incredibly helpful. There was a bit of a language barrier, but between their effort and translation apps, communication was easy. They got me checked in smoothly, offered small touches like cookies at the front desk, and provided essentials like slippers, a toothbrush, and even a disposable bath towel — which I hadn’t seen before.
The building itself is quite new, so there’s that “new construction” smell in some areas, and like many places in Shanghai, there’s a bit of cigarette smell in common areas and bathrooms. That said, my room itself was clean and didn’t have any smoke smell. The mattress was very comfortable — I actually scored a 99 sleep score during my stay.
I got lucky with a quiet roommate, but overall the setup felt private, secure, and well-designed for rest.
The bathrooms were mostly clean and new, though there were some early issues with drainage in the showers. Nothing major, but worth noting.
One of the highlights for me was the common area — a bright, warm space with large windows where you can eat, work, or just relax. It’s open 24/7 and stocked with free tea, coffee, and even a really cool water dispenser where you can choose exact temperature and volume. Small detail, but very useful.
The staff continued to impress throughout my stay — helping me with lockers, local apps like Alipay and WeChat, and even being flexible when I accidentally missed booking an extra night. They were also kind enough to hold my luggage until midnight on my last day.
As for the location — this really depends on your travel style. I didn’t see many other foreigners staying there, and it didn’t have a typical “hostel social” vibe. But for me, that was a plus. It felt very local, with tons of restaurants, cafes, bike access, and easy transit nearby. I was able to explore the city more like a resident than a tourist, which I always prefer.
For around $15 a night, this place offers incredible value. If you’re looking for something polished, social, or upscale, this might not be your spot. But if you want a clean, modern, local experience at a great price — it’s hard to beat.”