Moondog,

OP asked for hotels within $150 AUD which is just under 900 rmb. Oct to Mar I have often found the westin hitting that.

The westin is only two blocks from the riverside part bund. The Bund Center name wasn't chosen to mislead westin customers. It's the name of the high rise that the westin is a part of. While it is not a riverfront hotel like the Waldorf, peace, or peninsula. I wouldn't consider the 3 minute walk to the river inconvenient in any way. And also scenic in itself with the buildings on the way.

Understand your preference is Jing'an. I'm just providing a different perspective. What you classify as the pulse of the city I consider to be high rises and retail which you can tire of very fast. Also I wouldn't consider having an airport bus stop to make it a great airport connection. That criteria makes a level playing field for many of the downtown areas.