Where to Stay in Shanghai – An Honest Guide (with Prices!)

Shanghai is the biggest city in China, so if you are traveling and trying to decide where to stay, I understand, the city is a little bit confusing! Where to stay in Shanghai is one of the most important decisions you have to make before your departure. But how can you choose, you might ask?

No worries, in this post I’m going to explain the 7 best neighborhoods in Shanghai, and I’m also giving you my best, hand-picked accommodation recommendations for each of them, broken down by budget.

So you’re sure to find the ideal spot for you if you love skyscrapers, but also want an authentic experience; if you love the vibrant nightlife, or want a chill vacation with your family.

But don’t forget that this city is the ideal spot to visit if you love skyscrapers combined with the traditional history of the country, making Shanghai one of the most visited cities in the world. That’s why I recommend booking your favorite hotel as soon as you find it! You don’t want to end up traveling without your accommodation sorted out!

To get you started, here is a map so you can see where is Shanghai located in the big country of China:

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

The two best areas to stay in Shanghai for the first time are the areas surrounding The Bund and People’s Square. These two areas are super central and very close to each other, so if you stay as close as possible to either of these landmarks, you’ll make the best decision.

• Best luxury hotel: The Peninsula Hotel
• Best middle-priced hotel: Metropolo Classiq
• Best budget hotel: Meego Yes Hotel

Which area should you choose?

There are 16 big Shanghai districts, which are then divided into neighborhoods, each with its charm, advantages, and disadvantages. Deciding which area is the best for your trip is a HARD and overwhelming task, trust me, mainly because the city is so big and full of essential attractions! And this is true especially if you’re visiting the city for the first time, as there are only some neighborhoods fit for tourists.

But deciding on the perfect base for your trip is an important step. And I’m here to help! I have selected the 7 best areas in Shanghai for all types of tourists, and I also made a quick list of my personalized recommendations for you:

• Where to stay in Shanghai for luxury: The Bund
• Best area for budget travelers: Jing’an
• Where to stay in Shanghai for an authentic atmosphere: Old Town Shanghai
• Where to stay in Shanghai for foodies: People’s Square
• Where to stay in Shanghai for nightlife: People’s Square & The Bund
• Best for families: Pudong

By the way, navigating the city is super easy, as Shanghai has an excellent public transport system! Anyway, now that you’re a bit more familiar with how the city is organized, let’s get into it:

1. People’s Square – where to stay in Shanghai for the first time

If you want to be super central and super close to all the main attractions in the city, then this is the place for you!

I think that the area surrounding People’s Square is the best place in Shanghai for first-time visitors (together with The Bund, which I’m going to talk about right below and which is near People’s Square as well). The People’s Square is big, and it is considered to be the main central point of the city.

The area is very well-connected with the rest of the city (especially via People’s Square Metro Station) and it’s full of great shopping opportunities for all tastes, especially on Nanjing East Road, as well as countless restaurants and street food stalls – a heaven for foodies! Some of the landmarks that are also in this area include Shanghai Museum (right in the middle of the square where you can take a look at the amazing ancient Chinese art), People’s Park, Shanghai Grand Theatre and more.

Without further ado, let’s see which are the best hotels in Shanghai in this area:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• The Langham Hotel – In case you are wondering where to stay in Shanghai to splurge in complete luxury, this is your choice! This superb 5 boutique hotel is located super close to Shanghai Grand Theatre, West Nanjing Road Station, People’s Square and it offers all the amenities you might need, including a full-service spa and a pool!
• Shanghai Marriott Marquis – This is another one of the best hotels with a central location near Nanjing East Road! It offers luxurious rooms featuring skyline or river views from the floor to ceiling windows. So get ready to enjoy a relaxing spa massage or the sauna after a gym session in its fitness center! And for the business travelers, the hotel offers meeting and banquet facilities for an additional charge.

Middle-priced (from US$80 – US$150)

• The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai – In case you want to be close to many shopping opportunities and restaurants, this is a great option! It’s centrally located in the heart of the district, close to the square, the park, the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Shanghai Grand Theater, Shanghai Art Museum and extremely close to East Nanjing Road pedestrian street. What more can you wish for?
• Grand Central Hotel – Here’s another valuable option for your stay in Shanghai in case you fell in love with this district. This awesome place has a super convenient location, close to the park, East Nanjing Road, and not far away from the Old Town either.

Budget (up to US$80)

• Shanghai Blue Mountain – In case you want to be in the perfect neighborhood for a really good price, look no further than this one! If you choose to stay here, you’ll literally be minutes away from many shopping and entertainment options and super close to Nanjing Road. A great choice for your China trip!
• Campanile Shanghai – And here’s another fabulous budget option with a central location near People’s Square, City God Temple and Shanghai Railway Station. It comes at an incredible price and it has a dream location – close to the park, Shanghai Museum, and even The Bund and the French Concession.

2. The Bund – where to stay in Shanghai for nightlife

The Bund (also known as Waitan) is a true symbol of Shanghai and one of its most well-known attractions!

The Bund is a beautiful waterfront area near Huangpu River where you can take a walk and enjoy panoramic views over the city. It’s made of superb colonial architecture, facing the modern skyscrapers of Pudong, and I think it truly encompasses Shanghai’s charm.

Besides being an excellent base for first-timers in Shanghai, it’s also the perfect area to go to if you’re a party animal who wants to enjoy some nightlife. You’ll also find many shops, restaurants, and pubs here, so rest assured that you’ll never get bored!

Check out my best hotels recommendations located close to The Bund:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Fairmont Peace Hotel On the Bund – Here’s one of THE best hotels in the entire Shanghai! Choose it if you want a spoiled, luxurious stay in Shanghai, and you won’t regret it! It has a very convenient location as well, within walking distance of the Shanghai History Museum, the metro station, and many shopping, dining, and drinking places. So awesome!
• W Hotel – Shanghai The Bund – Do you want to stay in Shanghai in a place where you can admire a view of Huangpu River whenever you want? Then check out this option! Some advantages of staying here include access to their on-site outdoor pool, train station pick-up service, delicious breakfast, and more!
• The Peninsula Hotel – Are you on the search for the best hotel in Shanghai? Well, you just found it! This one is a gorgeous boutique hotel in Shanghai! I recommend you check out the amenities here, they’re simply perfect! For example, you’ll have access to their fitness center and be close to countless shopping, dining options, and popular landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. How great is that?

Middle-priced (US$70 to US$150)

• Metropolo Classiq Shanghai The Bund Circle – Are you wondering where to stay in Shanghai for an excellent value-to-money ratio? I have a solution, of course! This fantastic place is right in The Bund area, close to this attraction, Nanjing Road, and the metro station, so you’ll be well-connected to the rest of the city. A great plus, if you ask me!
• Sofitel Shanghai Hyland – In case you want to stay in the city centre, close to endless shopping and food spots, then please find out that this gorgeous property has the ideal location for this. It’s in one of the city’s most exciting areas, and it offers excellent service!

Budget (up to US$70)

• Jinjiang Inn Nanjing Road – Do you want the perfect place to stay in Shanghai in the most popular district for a very convenient price? Here’s the best hotel for you! This accommodation offers excellent service, is clean, and the staff are super friendly! Plus, you have plenty of room types that you can choose from, all at a super cheap price!
• Fish Inn Nanjing East Road – Here’s another great one on my list of cheap hotels in Shanghai in this neighborhood! This property is perfect if you’re interested in shopping and exploring the city, regardless if you’re planning to spend one day or one week here! By the way, this hotel is not very far away from the Former French Concession either.

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3. Shanghai Old Town – for an authentic Chinese experience

If you’re looking for a more authentic experience in the middle of the metropole, then head over to Shanghai Old Town; you’ll be charmed!

The Old Town (called “Nanshi”) is the old city center before the 1900s and the place where you can see traditional houses, temples, and teahouses, wall ruins, but some modern buildings as well (it’s always a mix when it comes to Shanghai!). Even though it’s not as authentic as it once was, it’s the closest area where you can taste Shanghai’s roots.

Some of the most well-known attractions in this area include Yu Garden (also known as Yuyuan Garden), the City God Temple (also known as Cheng Huang Miao), Shanghai Old Street, the Ancient City Wall, and more. And, of course, you can just walk around and enjoy the picturesque streets and buildings!

If you feel like Shanghai Old Town is your place to be, here is the best hotels where you can stay:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel – If you’re looking for some of the best hotels, Shanghai is no short of amazing options! For example, this hotel is literally perfect for a luxurious stay in Shanghai, as you’ll have everything you need here, including proximity to the public transport system, such as a metro station, and very close to Shanghai World Financial Center!
• Hotel Indigo Shanghai – If what you are looking for is an excellent luxurious hotel with spectacular views of Pudong, this is the best option! Located along the Huangpu River, Hotel Indigo offers welcome drinks upon arrival, an indoor pool, and modern air-conditioned spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Middle-priced (US$70 – US$150)

• Riverdale Residence Xintiandi – In case you’re looking for the best hotel in Shanghai located in the Old Town with some affordable prices, search no more! This one has a great heated indoor pool, and it’s very close to Yu Garden and Nanjing Road, right in the heart of this beautiful neighborhood!
• Youxi Movie Hotel – Here’s another excellent option in this district, with many different landmarks super close to the property: Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Gucheng Park, and many more! This is the best hotel if being conveniently located is important to you!

Budget (up to US$70)

• Jinjiang Inn Select Shanghai – In case you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai Old Town on a budget, here’s the perfect option! It is located near many tourist attractions like the Shanghai Museum, People’s Square, and many more!
• Ji Hotel Shanghai Yuyuan – In case you want to be in a beautiful location, super close to the metro station, and pay an excellent price, then this hotel must be the perfect fit for you! It’s located on the street, not far away from The Bund either, so it has the best of both worlds!

4. Former French Concession – coolest place in Shanghai

The Former French Concession is, if you ask me, one of the coolest and up-and-coming places to stay in the entire Shanghai!

You may be wondering what’s up with this “French Concession” name, considering that we’re still in China, right? Well, the history of China is as rich as the country is wide, and the French Concession dates back to the middle of the 1800s when the city was broken down into smaller areas conceded to the French government.

So this neighborhood used to be a French colonial area, and it has a visible European and Colonial architecture and feels but, as the case is for the unique city of Shanghai, you’ll see a mix of old and new. Needless to say, you’ll be surrounded by countless food and shopping options, cozy cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Some popular smaller areas inside the Former French Concession are Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang, which I definitely recommend. While you’re in the area, make sure to visit Fuxing Park and the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre as well.

Convinced? Now let’s see which are the best accommodation options in the Former French Concession:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin – Besides offering an amazing 5-star service to all the travelers that choose to stay here, the Intercontinental in Shanghai also has a very convenient location, very close to the metro station, street food places and shopping opportunities. All in all, a great choice to stay in Shanghai!
• Pullman Shanghai Skyway – Here’s another excellent 5-star hotel with its address right in the heart of the French Concession area. So if you want to be located as centrally as possible and to enjoy all of the awesome attractions around while being spoiled back at your accommodation with elegant rooms, then this is your choice to stay in Shanghai!

Middle-priced (from US$90 – US$150)

• Okura Garden Hotel – I present to you this awesome mid-range hotel in the Former French Concession area that offers excellent service for some very good prices. It features easy access to The Bund and People’s Square, and I definitely recommend you check it out if you want a luxurious stay with accessible prices!
• Chez Moi – Offering accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, and flat-screen TV, this apartment provides an incredibly cozy atmosphere with garden views and a beautiful terrace to relax! It is also well connected to the city since it’s close to the People’s Square Metro Station.

Budget (up to US$90)

• Shanghai Tiancheng Hotel – If you want to stay on a budget in the Former French Concession area, check out this place! This is a cozy hotel that offers views of the city, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast. A perfect choice, if you ask me!
• Anting Villa Hotel – Last but not least, here’s another excellent budget stay in Shanghai in the Old French Concession area. Anting Villa Hotel is very comfortable and clean, just perfect for a good night’s sleep after a full day of exploring Shanghai, of course after enjoying a meal in its on-site restaurant!

5. Xujiahui – best area in Shanghai for shopping

Continuing to West Shanghai, we’ll get to Xijuahui, which is an “extension” of the French Concession neighborhood.

Xujiahui is central; it’s actually one of the main cores of the city (some people even call it Shanghai Downtown) and a great place to stay during your trip to Shanghai! By the way, Xujiahui is part of a bigger district called Xuhui.

It’s also a shopping paradise, perfect for anyone that wants to go searching for souvenirs or electronics, for example, as it’s full of shopping malls (Metro City is just an example). Some unmissable things to see here are Xujiahui Park, Shanghai Stadium, Hongqiao Road, Shanghai Film Museum, and more. If you want to visit more sites, no worries, as this area is very well-connected to the rest of the city!

Let’s see which are the best hotels in this neighborhood located in Central Shanghai:

Luxury (US$130 and up)

• Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Xujiahui – If you are searching for a luxurious, fabulous hotel located in Xujiahui, then you definitely have to check out this place! It offers 4-star service! Some of the best things about this accommodation include the 2 bars, the on-site restaurant that offers fine dining options, the Roman-style indoor pool and fitness center, plus it is also super close to Metro City!
• Crowne Plaza Shanghai – Here’s another awesome option if you want to stay right in the city center. Crowne Plaza Shanghai offers modern spacious rooms directly next to the Shanghai Arts Film Center. It boasts a day spa, an indoor heated swimming pool, and an outdoor terrace and bar where you can enjoy a drink after a long day in the city.

Middle-priced (US$70 – US$130)

• Shanghai Soho Garden – Here’s a great option in Central Shanghai, very close to Hongqiao Road and all the important attractions of the city! This one has a very good value-to-money ratio, and it’s ideal for people who want to stay in a hotel that offers excellent amenities – how awesome is that?
• Lee Gardens Hotel – In case you didn’t make up your mind just yet, here’s another excellent choice conveniently located near the downtown area that you’ll definitely enjoy! This one has daily breakfast available, an airport shuttle that you can use, an on-site restaurant, and more!

Budget (up to US$70)

• Hanting Hotel Shanghai – If you are searching for a beautiful, clean and cozy budget stay in this neighborhood, this is definitely one of my recommended properties! It’s close to Yongxin Square and the metro station and offers excellent service for little money. So great!
• Ji Hotel Shanghai Xujiahui – Here’s another budget option located in the city center, very close to many city’s landmarks. This budget stay offers free wifi in all rooms and an excellent on-site restaurant where you can get convenient and tasty dining options.

6. Jing’an – where to stay in Shanghai on a budget

If your budget is a bit tight, but you still want to stay in a cool, easily accessible area, search no further than Jing’an, where you will find the Jing’an Temple!

This area revolves around Jing’an Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple, and it’s a cool neighborhood where you’ll be within walking distance of the main spots of interest in the city. Except for the already-mentioned temple, some other well-known attractions here include Natural History Museum, the Kerry Center, and Jing’an Sculpture Park, for example.

It’s also a neighborhood where ex-pats usually make their base, so it has a unique feel. If you choose to stay here, no worries, you’ll always have a cool place nearby where you can eat, drink a coffee, or shop!

If you think this is the right area for you, here are my hand-picked hotels that you can choose from.

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• The Puli Hotel And Spa – In case you’re looking for complete luxury and relaxation during your stay in the city, then check out this recommended option! It’s very close to the city centre, so you don’t need to worry about missing an important landmark, and it’s decorated with great taste, offering a relaxed, zen atmosphere. Plus, it has an on-site spa!
• Hotel Indigo Shanghai Jing’An – If you’re looking for a place close to Jing’An Temple, search no more! This luxury hotel has an on-site restaurant, a fitness center that you can use, spa services, a conference room, and many other great facilities!

Middle-priced (US$60 – US$150)

• Hotel Equatorial – Here’s a perfect property if you want to be close to Jing’an Park, Shanghai Museum, and People’s Square and enjoy all the best things that this beautiful neighborhood has to offer. This incredible accommodation option offers 3 dining options and a fitness center!
• Swissotel Grand Shanghai – This hotel offers awesome service and quality for a smaller price than luxury hotels, for example! Do I need to talk about the location as well? It’s super close to the Natural History Museum and Jing’an Temple, for example – so great!

Budget (up to US$60)

• Meego Yes Hotel – If you’re looking for a beautiful and cozy budget place near Jing’an Temple, Oriental Pearl Tv Tower, and well-connected to the city centre, find out that you just found it! This property offers small but clean rooms where you can rest and room service, in case you’re too lazy to use the shared kitchen, for example!
• Hi Inn Shanghai – Last but not least, here’s my second budget recommendation near many popular landmarks. This accommodation has a cozy, modern decor that I simply love! Plus, it has family rooms if you want to stay here during your family vacations!

7. Pudong – where to stay in Shanghai with a family

I think you remember that I mentioned Pudong when I talked about The Bund earlier. It’s a place full of giant skyscrapers that light up at night and make you feel as tiny as an ant. The skyline is simply unforgettable!

Pudong District is the new and modernized “face” of Shanghai!

Some of the landmarks of this area include Shanghai Tower (the tallest building in Shanghai!), Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower (yep, many towers!), and last but not least, Disneyland and Shanghai Disney Resort! This is one of the main reasons why I think this area is great for people traveling with kids!

NOTE: Pudong is a pretty huge area that stretches from Huangpu river to the International Airport, but the best parts of it are actually Lujiazui and Tangqiao and what surrounds them. In short, try to stay as close to the Huangpu river as possible.

Enough talking, let’s see which are the best hotels in this area as well:

Luxury (US$170 and up)

• Kerry Hotel Shanghai Pudong – This hotel offers a luxurious service to all travelers that choose to book a room here. Trust me, if you want to be close to Shanghai Tower (or any of the 4 towers and other skyscrapers in the area), this is your place to be! It’s actually located in Lujiazui, close to the river, so you’ll have a beautiful view of The Bund as well!
• JW Marriott Marquis Shanghai Pudong Hotel – You may already know that staying in a Marriott hotel means you get excellent treatment each and every time, and this property in Lujiazui is no exception! It has floor-to-ceiling windows with a great view of The Bund, and you’ll also have access to their on-site spa and 5 restaurants, for example!

Middle-priced (US$100 – US$170)

• The Eton Hotel – Here’s one of my best recommended middle-priced hotels in this area – and it’s a choice you won’t regret, trust me! This one’s located on a calm pedestrian street, and you’ll have a great view of the city if you choose to stay here. It’s an excellent base for Pudong!
• Holiday Inn Shanghai Jinxiu – If you want to stay in Pudong, close to Huangpu River, then make sure to book a room here. Tt’s excellent accommodation offering 4-star service, 2 restaurants, a fitness center, a steam bath, and a sauna which I think it’s simply a great option to stay in Shanghai!

Budget (up to US$100)

• Ji Hotel Shanghai Lujiazui – If you want budget accommodation in one of the coolest areas in Shanghai, check out this property! It’s located very close to Shanghai Tower, and it offers all the amenities you may need for a pleasant stay!
• Novotel Shanghai Atlantis – Here’s another excellent choice located on a cool pedestrian street. It has an indoor pool and an awesome location – it is super close to famous landmarks like the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, 4 restaurants, and a bar/lounge. By the way, this one is an excellent option for families as well!

👑 Luxury price:	$200
💵 Mid Range:	$120
🛏️ Budget:	$70
💰 Accommodation prices:	Medium
📍 Best area:	People’s Square
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	The Peninsula Hotel
💵 Best mid-range hotel:	Metropolo Classiq
👛 Best budget hotel:	Meego Yes Hotel

BONUS 1: Best apartments in Central Shanghai, China

If you’re the type of traveler that likes some comfort, I get you, and I have a proposal for you: maybe staying in an apartment would be the best idea for you! An apartment is an ideal choice for people traveling in a larger group (families, for example) or for people who want to stay in the best areas for less money than hotels.

Luckily for you, there are plenty of amazing Shanghai apartments that you can choose from – and most of them are quite affordable!

Here are my top choices (by the way, all of them are very central, close to everything you might need for your stay):

Luxury (US$100 and up)

• Charming Apartment in City Center – This gorgeous apartment is located close to Nanjing East Road, in one of the best and most central areas of the city close to shopping malls! It’s perfect for a couple or two guests that want to enjoy a luxurious property with modern rooms!
• Wukang Retreat – Here’s another excellent choice for a luxury experience in Shanghai. This apartment has beautiful decor and fabulous reviews from past travelers. Plus, the location is awesome, located in the Former French Concession neighborhood!

Middle-priced (US$50 – US$100)

• Charming Lodge – Here’s a super clean and cute apartment that offers everything you may need for a pleasant middle-priced experience – a kitchen, a dryer, free Wi-Fi, and more. Plus, it’s spacious enough for four people!
• Cozy Downtown Apartment – Centrally located within walking distance of Subway Line 2, Kerry Center, and Jing’an Temple, this unique apartment boasts a sunny bedroom, well-equipped kitchenette, large bathroom, hot tub, and a laundry room on the first floor of the house. Everything you need and more!

Budget (up to US$50)

• Shanghai Family Apartment – One of the best budget accommodations located in the Pudong neighborhood, perfect if you are traveling with family and don’t want to spend a lot of money on the accommodation! Early in the morning, you can enjoy coffee on the small but cozy terrace, and on lazy days you can read books on the sofa. The hosts are super friendly and would be happy to assist you with any concerns or questions.
• Bedroom with Private Bath – Another excellent budget bedroom perfect for couples. You will be sharing this apartment with other amazing guests that will be happy to help you! The view is another great perk of staying here, it has a small fitness center as well – plus you will be well connected to the whole city since it’s super close to the metro station.

Check the rates for Shanghai Apartments

BONUS 2: Best hotels near Shanghai Pudong Airport

In case you fall in the category of business travelers or if you have a super early/late flight, a very wise choice might be to book a hotel located as close to Shanghai Airport as possible.

Shanghai has no less than 4 airports (I told you the city is huge!), but the most popular one and probably the place you’ll also land/depart from if you have an international flight is called Shanghai Pudong Airport.

Below I have selected the 3 best hotels near Pudong International Airport (one for each type of budget):

• Luxury: Primus Hotel Sanjiagang – Here’s my recommendation for people who are looking for a luxury place near the airport. This one offers 5-star service, and it awaits a cool indoor pool, a conference center, and free airport drop-off!
• Mid Range: Moonlo Hotel – In case you’re looking for a middle-priced place instead, this one’s for you! It awaits daily breakfast, concierge services, and free Wi-Fi, among others. It’s also great for families, as it awaits a free children’s club – such a nice bonus!
• Budget: Maixinge Boutique Hotel – And if you’re on a budget, no worries, I have an excellent choice for you as well! This property is nearby the airport and not far away from Disneyland either, which is a great advantage!

FAQs about Shanghai hotels

Conclusion

Phew! Congrats, you have reached the end of my ultimate guide on accommodation for your Shanghai travel trip! I bet you’re already an expert now, am I right?

In this post I have talked about the 7 best Shanghai neighborhoods, and for each of them I have given hand-picked hotel recommendations, all with fabulous reviews and amazing facilities. I also shared with you my list with the best apartments and airport hotels in the city. So, in short, what more can you wish for?! It’s all here!

Before leaving, I still want to recommend my top 2 picks to help you decide where to stay in Shanghai:

• The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai – I really love this boutique hotel because the location is just super convenient! If you stay here, you will be super close to all the main attractions.
• Shanghai Marriott Marquis – this is a more luxurious option, perfect to treat yourself during your Shanghai stay!

I hope you found this article useful and I’m sure you already found the perfect accommodation for your stay in the post above, and don’t forget to book as soon as you find the perfect option for you! Remember this city is full of tourists looking to secure a spot in the best hotels.

By the way, if you have further questions, do not hesitate to write them below and I’ll try to help!

Are you heading to Shanghai soon? Let me know!

Happy travels,

Romina

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