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Home » Asia » China » Shanghai

INSIDER SHANGHAI ITINERARY for (2024)

When it comes to Shanghai, less is certainly not more! As a leading business center, a luxury shopping paradise and a treasure trove of history, the city definitely thrives on excess! With our  Shanghai itinerary , you’ll get to see why some call it ‘China’s Big Apple’!

Whether you’re having drinks on top of one of the city’s iconic skyscrapers or traversing crowded People’s Square, amazing entertainment and lots of things to see is definitely guaranteed! From sipping traditional tea to learning more about China’s history, this guide has it all.

You’ll find that this bustling city slows down in the art galleries and traditional gardens. Put in the work with our Shanghai itinerary, and you’ll be lucky enough to see the amazing city drop its guard and transform from glitzy city center to lush Chinese garden!

tour itinerary shanghai

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Best Time To Visit Shanghai

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Bustling Shanghai stays busy year-round with business people, that is! When you’re planning a trip for pleasure, it’s super important to know when to visit the city!

The best time to visit Shanghai is from October to November, during autumn when the temperature is comfortably warm, rainfall is low and the crowds are thin. The first week of October, which is a national holiday, is a good time to visit as smart hotels will offer discounts while the business people are on holiday!

when to visit shanghai

Spring is another good time to plan your trip. However, it’s also festival season which will hike prices so if you’re backpacking China on a budget , steer clear. On the other hand, this is the prime time for culture lovers with money to spare!

Shanghai is a global business destination, meaning that weekdays tend to bring higher prices. So it doesn’t matter how many days you spend but try to get a weekend in!

Shanghai is already a sprawling city and it continues to grow, with over whopping 24 million people living there! This can easily overwhelm tourists and make it tricky when you’re looking for the best place to stay in Shanghai . Luckily, this part of our itinerary will take all the guesswork out of picking the perfect accommodation!

Where to stay in Shanghai

In our opinion, the best place to stay in Shanghai is Xujiahui. It has a perfect central location so it’s ideal for a first-time visitor! It’s also a popular shopping district, with plenty of international and Chinese brands at the many shopping malls. When it all gets a bit too much, you can relax beneath the trees at Xujiahui Park!

Shanghai is largely very modern but there are more traditional parts as well. If you’d like to soak up the contemporary part of the city, head to Pudong. The skyscrapers that light up come nightfall are the heart of this area.

The Bund and People’s Square are both older parts of the city. You’ll find souvenir stores between traditional houses there, but you’ll still have sight of those towering skyscrapers in Pudong! The Former French Concession area is popularly known as the “Little Paris of the East,” thanks to its quaint cafes and neoclassical buildings!

Best Airbnb in Shanghai – Room With Big City Views

Room With Big City Views

If you plan on staying in the magical city of Beijing, you gotta find a place in the city. Lucky you, this place is smack dab in the heart of it all.

It is considered the golden area of Shanghai and for a good reason. The restaurants in the neighborhood are to die for, and they are just within footsteps of this home.

With European decoration and on the 13th floor you can see the beautiful city lights that entrap us all. For the walking type of traveler, this home is about 15 minutes from the subway, so if what your looking isn’t around the corner, hop on the train, and you will almost certainly find whatever you are looking for in no time.

Don’t forget to try the Japanese restaurant around the corner while you are here!

Best Budget Hotel in Shanghai – Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum Hotel

shanghai itinerary

This excellent hotel from the Campanile group offers true value for your money! It has a sophisticated interior that prioritizes comfort, with airconditioning and heating to ensure the perfect microclimate in your room. The hotel also boasts a restaurant, cafe, and bar. Although it’s not exactly centrally-located, it is near the center, and you’ll be within easy reach of the metro.

Best Luxury Hotel in Shanghai – The Peninsula Shanghai

shanghai itinerary

Right opposite the Bund and in the center of town, the Peninsula Shanghai is the absolute best hotel in Shanghai! Each room comes with a Nespresso machine and large-screen TV but there’s so much more to discover outside of your room. The two in-house restaurants ensure that all tastes are catered to, while live music and drinks are offered at the other in-house establishments!

Best Hostel in Shanghai – The Phoenix

shanghai itinerary

The warm welcome you get as you check-in at The Phoenix is just the start of great things to come! It’s a clean, friendly place that is also ideally situated next to the People’s Square metro station. There’s free Wifi in the hostel and The Phoenix Bar on the rooftop. What more can you ask for?

Want a few more amazing ideas? Head over to our post on the most incredible hostels in Shanghai !

The Phoenix is one of our favourites in Shanghai but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

It really doesn’t matter how many days in the city you spend because we’ve got the perfect plan for you! With art galleries, panoramic observation desks, and quaint historic districts, you won’t even have time to wonder what to do next!

Thanks to its superb public transport system, it’s easy to get into the city center, no matter where you stay! The heart of the network is the metro system and it’s best to stick to this form of public transport. Signs, maps, and announcements come in both Chinese and English so there’s minimum confusion!

Shanghai Itinerary

Individual tickets cost upwards of USD $0.45 and never exceed USD $2.00, but there are more cost-effective options! The 1-day and 3-day passes cost USD $3.00 and USD $7.00, respectively.

If you’d like an even more convenient way of getting around Shanghai, then call a taxi, or Uber. Dazhong Taxis is the most reputable local taxi company.

Once you’re in the city center, you’ll be fine just getting around on foot since all the top Shanghai attractions are quite near to each other! Just watch out for the never-ending stream of hurried motorists!

The Bund | Nanjing Road and People’s Square | Shanghai History Museum | Observation Deck | Old City

For day 1, our guide will introduce you to the most classic Shanghai points of interest! From a public square to a history museum and a riverside promenade, there’s plenty of things to do in Shanghai! (And, yes, you really can see all of this in just one day in Shanghai!)

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Bund

  • Why it’s awesome: It’s one of the most easily recognized Shanghai attractions!
  • Cost: Free!
  • Food nearby: We have yet to find fault with Lost Heaven Silk Road which serves authentic Yunnan dishes in a sleek venue with spectacular views!

We’re starting our first 24 hours in Shanghai with the iconic Bund! It’s a long waterfront on the bank of the Huangpu River that is lined with numerous historical buildings from the colonial era. In fact, there are 26 buildings in so many different styles that the Bund is now known as ‘the museum of international architecture’!

Most of the buildings were designed as imposing workplaces for banks and merchants which is what they’re still used for today! Look out for the Nissin Building, which has a pleasing combination of Japanese and classical Western styles. The China Merchants Bank Building, which is one of the oldest on the Bund, was designed in an elaborate gothic style.

The Bund

Mostly though, you just want to stroll around and enjoy the lively atmosphere. There are some incredible views and sites that will probably provide some of the best photos you take home from your Shanghai trip!

Insider Tip: It’s important to see the Bund during the day to appreciate all the lovely architecture, but do try to come back later in the evening. There are amazing views of the city’s skyscrapers all lit-up, and watching the sunset across the river is one of the best things to do in Shanghai at night!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Nanjing Road and People’s Square

  • Why it’s awesome: This iconic road stretches over 5km and is the best shopping destination in Shanghai!
  • Food nearby: There are so many Chinese food stores along Nanjing Road where you can find plenty of Chinese snacks. Look out for meat-filled mooncakes and wine-cured crab!

As you leave the Bund, you should find yourself in the much-talked-about Nanjing Road. It’s chock-full with department and luxury stores, both local and international!

Besides the usual Tiffany’s and Montblanc, you’ll find old Chinese department stores that specialize in traditional Chinese crafts. There’s a myriad of silks, jade carvings, and clocks on sale here, making Nanjing one of those places you must see in Shanghai!

Nanjing Road

Along Nanjing Road, you’ll find People’s Square, the heart and soul of modern-day Shanghai! It’s bisected by People’s Avenue, a 32m-wide pavement that has a large greenbelt.

On the southwest side of the square is a blue and white dovecot. Thousands of doves gather there in the mornings, providing a soothing presence in one of the busiest parts of Shanghai!

In the center of the square, be sure to admire the Musical Fountain! It spans 320 square meters and is decorated with Chinese symbolisms.

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Shanghai History Museum

  • Why it’s awesome: The museum uses state-of-the-art technology and rare artifacts to transport visitors through the millennia since Shanghai was settled!
  • Cost: Admission is free; audio guides cost around $3 USD.
  • Food nearby: On the museum’s rooftop you’ll find Roof325, a cafe serving international meals and offering jaw-dropping views of People’s Square and the larger city!

On the southern end of People’s Square, you’ll find an imposing building with redbrick features. This is the Shanghai History Museum which tells the 6,000-year-old story of this colossal city!

When the museum opened in 2018, people were queuing up from 5am to get inside! Thankfully, this level of popularity has subsided since but the Museum is still the best museum you’ll find in the city and something you should definitely do in Shanghai!

There are over 1,100 artifacts spread out over an awesome 9,800 square meters! As you make your way from the ground floor to the third floor, you will travel from Neolithic China to the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949!

Shanghai History Museum

In the ancient section, you’ll be blown away by how the early Chinese utilized precious materials like jade and ivory to create utensils, as well as intricately-detailed ceremonial items! There is also art and other pieces that show some of the sights, like the Yu Garden, as they were when they were first created!

The section on modern Shanghai is a lot more somber, as the exhibitions chronicle long decades of war and colonialism, followed by the Maoist years. However dark, it’s an important part of Chinese history, and it’s well-presented.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Observation Deck

  • Why it’s awesome: Shanghai’s collection of neck-craning skyscrapers are some of the most iconic landmarks! Not to mention, there are views for days!
  • Cost: $31 USD for admission to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the in-house Municipal History Museum. $26 USD for admission to all sightseeing zones at the Shanghai World Financial Center.
  • Food nearby: You’ll find the Revolving Restaurant at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. At the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Park Hyatt Hotel has a cocktail bar and a smart restaurant!

Now that you’ve explored the tourist area around the Bund, cross the river to Pudong. The commercial center of Shanghai is bursting with high-rises that offer epic views! Our two favorites are the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the World Financial Center.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the second tallest TV tower in China with a height of 468m and the sixth highest in the world! With the Nanpu Bridge in the background, it’s designed to look like two dragons playing with pearls! The surrounding greenery should give you the appearance of a jade plate.

oriental pearl tower Observation Deck

Inside the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, it’s all very modern, especially the various observation decks. Time to send home some pictures!

The Shanghai World Financial Center on the other hand, is the second tallest building in the whole world! It attracts a global finance industry, but we’re really just here for the views! There’s a sightseeing hall at 423m, a sightseeing observatory at 439m with windows to take photos, and a sightseeing skywalk at 474m!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Old City

  • Why it’s awesome: Discover a picture-perfect district of traditional pre-European Chinese architecture, culture, and history!
  • Food nearby: No visit to Old City is complete without Chinese teas at Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse! The extensive tea menu has been sampled by British Queen Elizabeth and Bill Clinton!

One of the highlights of Shanghai travel has to be the Old City! As it predates 1850, it’s ideal for visitors who want to see a more traditionally Chinese part of the city!

Yu Gardens (often called Yuyuan Gardens) is the first place to visit in Old City. It’s a lush, shaded park with sparkly fish pools and fragrant magnolia flowers! It was built over 18 years in the 16th century, during the Ming dynasty!

Old City

The Temple of the Town God is a restored 15th-century temple that combines Taoist and Buddhist worship. Be sure to admire the carvings that decorate the roof!

Complete your own “What to do in Shanghai” walking tour of Old City by heading to Dàjìng Pavilion . This pavilion contains the only extant section of the old city walls. There’s also a lovely, tiny Guandi Temple and a small calligraphy museum to enjoy!

tour itinerary shanghai

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The Former French Concession | Jade Buddha Temple | Urban Planning Exhibition Center | Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art | Moganshan Road Art District

Spending at least 2 days in Shanghai is perfect for you to explore the city’s cultural history and contemporary art scene! Today will take you to sites that are a little further out of the city center but are totally worth the effort!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – The Former French Concession

  • Why it’s awesome: Called “The Little Paris of the East,” this stylish suburb offers quaint Shanghai points of interest!
  • Food nearby: Find your morning pick-me-up at And Coffee. Amongst the minimalist interior, you’ll be served with a refreshing, tangy drink of coffee, tonic, and raspberries!

As morning dawns on the second day of your trip, enjoy your own casual Shanghai walking tour by heading down this pretty district! It’s one of the best things to do in this area!

The Former French Concession was once just that: a part of the city occupied by the French after the Opium Wars. History aside, you’ll find that time tends to slow down as you wander the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession. This atmosphere is why it’s on our what to do in Shanghai list, but if you need a clear destination to stroll towards, read on!

The Former French Concession Shanghai

Wulumuqi Zhong Lu is the most popular place to start a Shanghai walking tour here! First up, it’s time for some local fashion. Feiyue is a Chinese sneaker brand that’s beloved around the world. You’ll find these snazzy shoes on sale at Culture Matters.

To see how local bamboo is used in the fashion industry, pop into Kate Wood Originals where you’ll find stunning sunglasses and custom-made wooden bicycle frames!

Wuyuan Lu is the next street to head to. Here, you’ll find the Zhang Leping Museum which is dedicated to the eponymous author of Sanmao the Orphan , a popular 20th-century comic.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Jade Buddha Temple

  • Why it’s awesome: An opulent house of Buddhist worship in the city, this is a fantastic sensory experience on our Shanghai trip itinerary!
  • Cost: It’s $3 USD for entrance and an additional $1 USD to see the jade Buddhas.
  • Food nearby: Enhance your Buddhist experience and grab a bite at the on-site vegetarian restaurant. You’ll be amazed at just how much can be cooked with only veggies!

Now that you’re well into your day 2, it’s about time that you head over to the Jade Buddha Temple in Jing’ an! This temple was built in 1882 to house two statues of Buddha that were shipped from Burma. It was destroyed during the revolution against the Qing dynasty but was rebuilt in 1928.

The Hall of Heavenly Kings houses exquisite statues of the four Heavenly Kings. Even more magnificent, though, is the Grand Hall. It’s usually packed with worshippers praying to Buddhas past, present, and future. Look out for the copper statue of Guanyin at the back of the hall.

Jade Buddha Temple

Across a courtyard lies the Jade Buddha Hall , which may well be the highlight of your itinerary! Put your camera away (photography is forbidden) and lower your voice as you admire the Sitting Buddha. This 1.9m statue was carved from a single piece of pale green jade. It’s a masterpiece of art!

In the Reclining Buddha Hall , you’ll find the second jade statue of Buddha. This statue is smaller and made of white jade, but it’s equally as beautiful as the Sitting Buddha!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Urban Planning Exhibition Center

  • Why it’s awesome: Shanghai is enjoying its present moment on the world stage but for a glimpse of the bright future, head here!
  • Cost: $4 USD for entrance. Audio guides are an additional $3 USD but information is provided in the exhibitions.
  • Food nearby: On the fifth floor, there’s a small cafe that serves light meals.

From its humble origins as a fishing village to a future that promises to be even more exciting, Shanghai’s destiny is comprehensively presented by the Urban Planning Exhibition Center! The use of photos, models, and other multimedia ensures that you really feel a part of the city in each and every era!

On the first floor, you’ll explore Shanghai’s past. The exhibition includes the establishment of the international community in the city, colonial architecture, and traditional shíkùmén (stone gate) housing.

The second floor is dedicated to temporary exhibitions.

Urban Planning Exhibition Center shanghai

The third floor is all about the future of this megatropolis ! A detailed model shows what the city is envisioned to look like, while the Virtual World 3D wraparound tour adds to the believability of it all!

Sustainability and transport are the subjects of exhibitions on the fourth floor.

As you exit the museum, you walk along Old Shanghai Street, a reconstruction of the city in the 1930s that comes complete with a cobble-stoned walkway and vintage cars! It’s a fun ending to such an exciting attraction on our 2-day itinerary in Shanghai!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

  • Why it’s awesome: This state-owned art gallery presents cutting-edge exhibitions that provoke thought amongst locals and foreigners alike!
  • Food nearby: Dulong Road has many interesting shops and cafes along the way but we love Old Film Cafe! This tribute to the golden age of local cinema is atmospheric, often hosts film screenings, and has excellent coffee!

With 2 days in Shanghai, it’s time to admire Shanghai’s contemporary art and there’s nowhere better to start than the Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art! Whether it’s an electronic music performance or an exhibition on local gender prejudice, this museum uses a variety of media to engage visitors!

The museum aims to connect Western and Eastern cultures through the power of art. To this end, artists hail from all corners of the world, with Picasso exhibiting alongside Yoshitaka Amano!

The museum is located on Duolon Road, a historic area where many prominent Chinese cultural figures, like Lu Xun, created their art. Inside, the spiral staircase that ascends seven floors is considered a work of art itself!

For a memento of your visit, browse around in the museum shop! There are some wonderful products, like books in Chinese and English, and posters for sale.

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Moganshan Road Art District

  • Why it’s awesome: Home to local and international talents like Zhou Tiehai and Ding Yi, this is the center of Shanghai’s art scene!
  • Food nearby: Wind down with a cup of coffee and delicious treats at UNDEF/NE. It’s a popular hang-out for local creatives. With regular events and some of the best coffee in town, you’ll soon see why!

At 50 Moganshan Road, known as M50, you’ll find a complex that’s a prominent home of contemporary Chinese art. The building used to house textile mills but has since been converted into a sophisticated network of galleries, studios and workshops all in the name of the city’s burgeoning art scene!

There are over 130 different artistic ventures in this complex so prepare to be blown away by China’s young creatives and their extraordinary ideas! You want to have a bit of a wander around but there are certain parts that you must visit before leaving!

If it’s iconic Chinese artists you’re looking for, head to shanghART H-Space Gallery . The Swiss-owned space is one of the oldest contemporary galleries in Shanghai! For a wider variety, try Eastlink Gallery on the 5th floor.

Moganshan Road Art District Shanghai

Bear in mind that M50 is the perfect place to bag some unique souvenirs from your trip to Shanghai! Plenty of tourists have managed to get well-priced pieces of art here. For this alone, you should have it on your Shanghai itinerary!

Insider Tip: There isn’t a metro station within walking distance of the art district and using the bus to get here is rather complicated. In any case, it’s best to save your energy for the myriad of shops, so take a taxi!

The Phoenix

The Phoenix

The warm welcome you get as you check-in at The Phoenix is just the start of great things to come!

  • 24 Hour Reception
  • Airport Transfers

Propaganda Poster Art Center | Soong Qing-Ling’s Former Residence | Chongming Island | Qibao | Power Station of Art

Today’s plan is all about the hidden gems that not all tourists get around to. Luckily, though, 3 days in Shanghai means that you’ve got more than enough time to enjoy these unique attractions!

Propaganda Poster Art Center

  • ‘Quirky’ and ‘vibrant’ are key words to describe this one-of-a-kind museum that documents the history of propaganda in Maoist China!
  • This fascinating insight into how the state functioned during that era is a mind-blowing experience !
  • The $4 USD that you spend on admission is absolutely worth it!

As you walk along Hushuan Street, you’ll come to a seemingly ordinary residential complex. This unassuming entrance, however, is how you enter the Propaganda Poster Art Center ! It’s located in the basement of the building which just adds to the intensity of the experience!

The museum has an extraordinary collection of around 5,000 posters, many of which were collected from rubbish dumps by the dedicated founder. Together they span three decades of Chinese political life, from the late 1940s to the late 1970s!

Propaganda Poster Art Center shanghai

These posters are works of art that demonstrate the political outlook at the time, as well as give us clues about how ordinary Chinese felt. You can track the change in styles over time, from European-style cartoons to socialist-realist images to the Red art-style of the Cultural Revolution. The artists truly managed to capture in images the resilience of the human spirit!

This is hands-down one of the best places to visit in Shanghai during your 3 days! You can even purchase some of these amazing historic artifacts at the center! It’s open daily, with the exception of Monday. Don’t miss it!

Soong Qing-Ling’s Former Residence

  • Soong Qing-Ling is a hero to multitudes of Chinese people. The locals honor her!
  • The Shanghai-born Soong Qing-Ling married Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Chinese Republic, and later played a prominent role in the communist government.
  • She lived in this two-story house for 15 years in the mid-20th century!

Soong Qing-Ling is the kind of historical figure that seizes the imagination when you first learn of her! In addition to her role as the wife of Sun Yat-sen, the much beloved Chinese woman would later become Vice President of China under the communist government and often served as head of state. Her home remains much as it would have been when she lived here in the 1950s, making it a treat for anyone touring Shanghai!

Soong Qing-Ling’s Former Residence Shanghai

The first floor of the house was the living and dining area, while upstairs you’ll find her office, her bedroom, and the bedroom of her beloved maid. A small annex to the house has an absorbing display of memorabilia. It’s a fascinating collection of letters from the likes of Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, family photographs, and her college degree!

In the garage, be sure to admire the two black limousines, one of which was given to her as a present by Stalin in 1952! The garden is often considered the highlight of the house. The well-kept lawn is bordered by magnolias and camphor trees and is where Soong entertained guests!

Chongming Island

  • Find peace and quiet from downtown Shanghai on this nature-filled island in the Yangtze River!
  • As the third-largest island in China, there’s a huge variety of fauna and flora to ogle on Chongming!
  • Try some tasty hairy crab while you’re there! Chongming alcohol, a herbal brew, is also good to taste!

Chongming Island is about an hour outside of the city center, so it’s a good option to save for the third day of your itinerary! Once you’re there and surrounded by the chirping birds and swaying trees, you’ll probably feel like you’re on the other side of the world.

In the center of Chongming Island, you’ll enter Dongping National Forest Park, which is the largest man-made plain forest in east China. The forest is dense and the sweet scent of flowers fill the air. It has good facilities for birdwatching, as well as offering rock climbing and ziplining, amongst other activities!

Chongming Island in Shanghai

On the far east of the island is Dongtan Wetland Park. Reeds grow in marshes as far as the eye can see, while thousands of birds soar towards the horizon. Try to show up for sunrise. The view is one of the most breathtaking things to see in Shanghai!

Come sunset, secure your spot in Xisha Wetland Park, on the western end of the island. Unlike Dongtan, it’s free to visit!

To see how traditional Chinese gardeners have tamed nature, visit Danyuan Garden, the only man-made garden on the island. It’s designed in the Suzhou style with halls, pavilions, small pools, and bridges scattered around the park. Have your camera on hand as you pose amongst the red lanterns and porcelain chairs!

  • Shanghai is surrounded by the aptly-named water towns which are admired for their canals, stone bridges, and charming whitewashed houses!
  • It’s the perfect place to experience a more traditional lifestyle as locals still use the waterways for transport, fishing, and washing clothes.
  • Qibao is the nearest water town to Shanghai (just 30 minutes by metro from the city center) so it’s an ideal attraction to put on your 3-day itinerary!

If you start to wonder what to do in Shanghai on day 3, then make a beeline for Qibao! This tiny town was established during the Northern Song Dynasty which ruled from 960 to 1126. The little settlement grew into a prominent commercial center over the centuries. In fact, ‘Qibao’ means ‘seven treasures’ in Chinese which locals attribute to the wealth the town gathered!

Qibao in Shanghai

Qibao Temple is the perfect place to start your adventure in Qibao! The temple is a much-revered site for locals as a famed monk, Jing, studied here. It’s the perfect place to observe both Han and Tang-era architectural styles!

One of the most unique experiences has to be this: cricket fighting! That’s right, this age-old Chinese pastime is still practiced in Qibao. In fact, it’s so popular that locals have established a small museum to it where visitors can learn more about the activity and witness live fights! Unlike bullfighting, cricket fighting very rarely causes injury to the animals.

Power Station of Art

  • This state-run contemporary art gallery is the heart of urban culture in Shanghai!
  • It’s hosted some of the biggest art shows in China, such as the Biennale and an Andy Warhol retrospective!
  • The awesome architecture and history of the location is also a highlight of our Shanghai itinerary!

Housed in a former power station, which was established in 1897 and along the Huangpu River, Power Station of Art screams innovation! It hosts an array of exhibitions that feature both Chinese and international artists.

From jewelry to toys to architecture, the museum takes a broad definition of art and changes the way visitors look at objects that may seem to have only a utilitarian use! It tends to collaborate with some big names, like jewelry house Van Cleef & Arpels, so what you see is certainly world-class!

Power Station of Art shanghai

Pick up some creative souvenirs for friends and family at A Power Store, branches of which are positioned throughout the museum! There’s also a cafe and a swanky restaurant upstairs to chat about your new discoveries!

When you go outside, crane your neck upwards to spot the temperature. The 165m high chimney serves as a thermometer to tell locals what the temperature in Shanghai is!

Insider Tip: Save money on the admission fee by visiting on a Tuesday, which is always free!

Those who travel to China generally find the country quite safe. However, there are a few general things to keep in mind safety-wise.

  • Chinese men have a poor reputation when it comes to drinking! Visitors have found that it’s very easy to get into a fight with locals in bars which is definitely not advised!
  • The major concern when you travel to Shanghai, though, is pickpocketing. As in all cities, this tends to happen in crowded areas like transportation hubs and landmarks.
  • Try to pay in exact change if you pay cash as China does suffer from counterfeit currency problems.
  • Pollution is also a concern so if you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, you may want to put a filtration face mask on your packing list. It’s a common thing for locals to wear, so you won’t look one bit out of place!
  • Shanghai has hectic traffic, so exercise supreme caution! A good tip is to avoid making eye contact with motorists when you want to cross the road; otherwise, they’ll think you’re letting them go!
  • For peace of mind while on vacation in Shanghai, get yourself a reputable travel insurance that offers you comprehensive cover in case of emergency. There are plenty of choices but we love World Nomads! It’s easy to purchase, provides comprehensive cover and customizes your policy based on your destination.

Get more AWESOME advice on our post about travel safety tips !

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tour itinerary shanghai

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We know it seems crazy to leave this dazzling city, but these epic day trips from Shanghai will change your mind! Whether it’s a lake or a palace, there’s somewhere exciting to explore outside the city every day!

Nanjing Private Tour from Shanghai

One of the best Shanghai day trips has to be this epic 8 hour trip to Nanjing! Nanjing was once China’s capital, and it remains an important city in modern China!

Nanjing Private Tour from Shanghai

Your first visit will be to Chaotian Gong, a 19th-century palace complex. Next up is the iconic Zhonghua Gate which is the biggest castle-style city gate in China and a part of the most complicated castle in the world!

After a visit to the 1,000-year-old Confucius Temple and a stroll along the city’s Qinhuai River, your tour will take you to the mausoleum of Dr Sun Yat-sen, the founder of the Republic of China. Even though it’s in Nanjing, the proximity to Shanghai means the mausoleum is an absolute must-see!

Private Day Tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake

This immersive 10-hour tour is one of the most extraordinary day trips from Shanghai!

The star attraction of this day trip is the Lingshan Grand Buddha, which towers above you at 88m! It’s actually the tallest bronze Buddha in the world!

Private Day Tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake

At the Five Mudra Mandala, you’ll have the chance to touch the largest Buddha’s hand in the world. It’s meant to bring good fortune and longevity!

Following a vegetarian lunch in the temple, it’s time to explore the northern bank of Tai Lake, the third largest freshwater lake in China . Then, it’s back to Shanghai with some amazing memories!

Private Day Tour to Suzhou From Shanghai By Fast Train

Most tourists consider this one of the best day trips from Shanghai due to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the heart of Suzhou!

Suzhou is nicknamed “the Venice of the East” because of the large network of canals. Around the canals are some gorgeous Chinese gardens! One of those you’ll visit is the Humble Administrator’s Garden which also has a pretty residential quarter.

Private Day Tour to Suzhou From Shanghai By Fast Train

A tour of Shantang Street will teach you more about China’s water towns. You’ll visit the Opera Stage and the Boat Museum.

To cap off this excellent day trip, there’s a boat cruise on the Grand Canal and a visit to the Suzhou Silk Museum. Don’t miss out!

Hangzhou West Lake, Dragon Well Tea Village & Linyin Temple

As you tour through he city, you’ll often hear talk of day trips to Hangzhou and wonder where is Shanghai in relation to Hangzhou! Well, all your questions about this lush and vibrant city will be answered by the end of the day!

Hangzhou West Lake, Dragon Well Tea Village & Linyin Temple

At the picturesque Dragon Well village, you’ll be introduced to Chinese tea farming and one of the best tea brands! Later on, there’s boat cruise on the West Lake and a visit to one of the lovely islands.

The Linyin Temple is the final stop on this trip. Built in 328, it’s now one of the largest Buddhist temples in China!

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao UNESCO Water Town Afternoon Tour

You may have visited Qibao already, but Zhujiajiao is the absolute winner of all the water towns surrounding Shanghai! It’s also one of the furthest, making it a perfect day trip from the city!

Shanghai Zhujiajiao UNESCO Water Town Afternoon Tour

This ancient water town is over 400 years old and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Make sure to keep your camera close by as you cruise along the stunning canals and admire Dian Shan Lake!

Your local guide will point out all the best places to eat and shop, as well as show you the most atmospheric parts of the town! Trust us, it’s sublime!

Active Roots Security Belt

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Shanghai itinerary.

How many days should you stay in Shanghai?

Shanghai is massive. However, thanks to its vast public transport system, 4-5 days are enough to really explore the area.

What should you include on a 3 day Shanghai itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these awesome hotspots! – Jade Buddha Temple – Old City – People’s Square – The Bund

Where is the best place to stay in Shanghai if you have a full itinerary?

Xujiahui is the place to be if you’re looking to stay close to everything. Its central location and transport connections make it an ideal base for exploring Shanghai.

What are the coolest things to see in Shanghai?

If you’ve got time to spare, we recommend checking out Qibao, the Power Station of Art, and the Observation Deck.

Foreigners tend to see Shanghai as a glitzy modern metropolis but with this Shanghai itinerary ,  you’ll find that there’s so much more to this riverside city! Look beyond the imposing cityscape of Pudong and explore the ground-level landmarks for a truly rich vacation!

From a temple with carved jade Buddhas to a converted powerhouse art gallery, Shanghai is bursting with creativity! Up-and-coming local artists mingle with long-gone Chinese masters, not just in galleries, but in the renovated stone houses of Old City. Whether it’s noodles and dumplings or using the river to get around, some things don’t change and that’s only enhanced the beauty of contemporary city!

A trip to Shanghai is an eye-opening, mind-boggling, and spine-tingling experience that is offset by tranquil oases of art and nature in the city center. Find the perfect balance between now and then, as well as the ideal combination of the man-made and the natural! Pick your favorite hostel or hotel to book and start packing for China!

tour itinerary shanghai

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Sasha

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Ruqin Travel

《儒琴旅行》 Ruqin Travel

Your Compass to Culture, Adventure, and the Wonders of the Middle Kingdom China!

Shanghai old town

The Best Shanghai Tour Itinerary

For the quintessential Shanghai experience, first-time visitors need a perfect blend of the city’s historical wonders, modern marvels, cultural delights, and gastronomic treats.

This meticulously crafted 3-day best Shanghai tour itinerary provides an immersive tour, tailored to showcase the best Shanghai has to offer. It’s a journey that balances tradition with modernity, and tranquility with metropolitan buzz, ensuring a memorable visit.

Day 1: Historical and Cultural Exploration

Morning Start your Best Shanghai tour itinerary at The Bund. Stroll along this iconic waterfront, marveling at the European architectural grandeur juxtaposed against Pudong’s futuristic skyline.

The European architectural grandeur along the Bund in Shanghai

Next, delve into Shanghai’s storied past at the Shanghai History Museum (add: 325 Nanjing West Road, near Huangpi North Road), housed in the illustrious former Shanghai Club building.

The doorplate (1917) for the Asiatic Petroleum Company (Shell) on exhibition in the Shanghai history museum

Uncover the city’s transformation from a humble fishing village to a bustling global hub.

Lunch For lunch, head to the heart of Yu Garden and Old Town . Immerse yourself in local culture with a sumptuous Shanghainese meal. Savor the iconic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), and enjoy the rich flavors of Shanghai-style noodles.

Savor the iconic xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)

Afternoon Post-lunch, explore Yu Garden , a Ming Dynasty gem, and explore its serene ponds, pavilions, and rock gardens.

Wander through the Old Town and Yu Garden in Shanghai

Then, wander through the Old Town’s charming lanes, uncovering quaint tea houses and vibrant shops, perfect for souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Evening End your day with a magical Huangpu River Cruise. As night falls, witness the city’s skyline transform into a dazzling light show. Admire landmarks like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower, offering a picturesque end to the day.

A magical Huangpu River Cruise

Day 2: Modern Shanghai and Cultural Immersion

Morning Begin day two atop the Shanghai Tower, among the world’s tallest buildings. The observation deck offers a panoramic city view, and the brave can experience the exhilarating skywalk. It’s a perfect blend of awe and thrill.

 The Shanghai Tower, among the world’s tallest buildings

Lunch Enjoy the diverse culinary landscape of Shanghai with an international lunch. Choose from contemporary fine dining or casual eateries offering global flavors.

Afternoon Visit the Propaganda Poster Art Center for a unique glimpse into China’s Communist era through an impressive collection of propaganda art.

Visit the Propaganda Poster Art Center

Then, explore Tianzifang, a labyrinth of alleys teeming with art galleries, boutiques, and artisanal shops.

Evening End your day with a stunning Shanghai acrobatics show. This performance, featuring astounding feats of agility and strength, is a cultural highlight not to be missed.

Shanghai acrobatics show

Day 3: Further Cultural Immersion

Morning The French Concession awaits with its tree-lined avenues and art deco buildings. It’s perfect for leisurely strolls, boutique shopping, and exploring cozy cafes.

Indulge in a chic café experience in the French Concession

Lunch Indulge in a chic café experience in the French Concession, where trendy eateries offer a fusion of global and local flavors.

Afternoon Find serenity at Jing’an Temple, an ancient spiritual oasis amidst the city’s hustle. Its peaceful ambiance provides a contrasting experience to Shanghai’s metropolitan energy.

Evening Discover Xintiandi , a harmonious blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern lifestyle. It’s the go-to place for dining and entertainment, offering a plethora of options to suit every taste.

Discover Xintiandi

General Tips

Navigating Shanghai is easy with its efficient public transport system, including an extensive metro and bus network. Taxis are affordable and convenient.

Cultural sensitivity is key, especially in religious and historical sites. Language barriers can be overcome with a translation app, as English isn’t widely spoken everywhere.

Lastly, keep an eye on the weather forecast and dress accordingly to make the most of your tour.

This 3-day best Shanghai tour itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical depth, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy. It’s designed for first-time foreign tourists to fully experience.

Shanghai’s unique charm, culinary delights, and lively entertainment scene. Following this guide ensures a well-rounded and unforgettable Shanghai adventure.

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The Travel Momento logo

The first step out of the train station, Shanghai already amazed us. From the French architecture surrounding you every step to the boasting tallest skyscrapers in the blink of an eye. The city uniquely blends the East and the West, which makes it impossible to leave you untouched. And this is exactly the aim of our 3 day Shanghai itinerary. 

A booming financial metropolis with a futuristic skyline, bustling streets, and delicious food is also China’s largest and most developed city. Despite busy crowds on the most popular tourist sights, you can easily find quieter districts to learn more about China’s history, sip traditional tea, or enjoy the most beautiful gardens. What is even better, Shanghai is a surprisingly walkable city.

The Best 3 Day Shanghai Itinerary

You only have 3 days in Shanghai and you feel overwhelmed by its size and all there is to see and do in Shanghai? No worries! Our 3 day Shanghai itinerary will help you see all the must things and make the most of your trip to Shanghai. We have tried and tested it first hand 🙂

For those with limited time or those wishing to continue their journey to another city, be assured that you can managed to see everything on this Shanghai itinerary also in 2 days. 

The Best 3 Day Shanghai Itinerary - The Travel Momento

When to visit Shanghai?

The best time to visit Shangai is Spring or Autumn . More precisely, the best months are March to May and September to November. Spring offers comfortable temperatures to wander around and admire blooming flowers. In fall, the weather is beautiful every day and dressed in a colour palette. Often you will read about not visiting Shanghai in October due to the National holidays. We stayed in Shanghai just when they started and didn’t find it too crowded.

Summer in Shanghai is hot and humid. The hottest month is July, where the temperatures can go way over 30. The winter period is cold and grey.

How many days to spend?

We found that 3 days is the winning duration to see Shanghai. It’s enough to visit typical and not-so usual tourist sights while adding a day trip to one of the well-known water cities.

Is it worth visiting Shanghai?

We absolutely loved Shanghai. It’s vibrant, full of beautiful contrasts, and exciting history. The traditional (Yu Garden, French Concession) and modern (financial area with its skyscrapers) come to play in such a unique and exciting way. History lovers can admire the past through museum visit and walk through the Bund, where Western elements meet Chinese. It’s a blend you will not see in any other place. All of these gives the city a memorable and magical character.

French Concession promenade

How to get to Shanghai?

Shanghai has two airports – the international airport (the Pudong) and the domestic airport (the Hongqiao). Despite the latter handling most of them, some domestic flights also operate from Pudong. Transfer between both airports can take up to 1 hour by taxi or 2 hours by metro. 

Getting from Beijing to Shanghai:  You can get to Shanghai from Beijing by domestic flight or express bullet train (G category). The cost of a train ticket is from 555 RMB to 1745 RMB (business class). We paid for a bullet train (2nd class) for two people 1200 RMB or 183 USD. It will take you around 5 hours to reach Shanghai. An option is also an overnight train which lasts for 10 hours.  

Getting from Shanghai to Xi’an:  The easiest way to travel to Xi’an from Shanghai is to fly as the train takes more than 8 hours. 

How to get from Shanghai airport to the city centre?

Both airports are on metro line 2, which is the main East-West line connecting the airport area with Shanghai centre.

A popular and memorable option is taking the Maglev train . The fastest high-speed electric train in the world can go up to 431 km/h. It connects Pudong Airport and the outskirts of the city centre in only seven minutes. Once you arrive at the final and only destination, the Longyang Road Metro Station (龙阳路地铁站), you can take the metro to downtown Shanghai. Single trip ticket costs ¥50 and round-trip ticket is ¥80.

How to reach Shanghai by train?

Shanghai is well connected with all the major cities around it with super-fast bullet trains. There are four main train stations:  Shanghai Railway Station  (上海站),  Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station  (上海虹桥站),  Shanghai South Railway Station  (上海南站) and  Shanghai West Railway Station  (上海西站) /   Nanxiang North Railway Station  (南翔北站) /   Anting North Railway Station  (安亭北站).

Getting around Shanghai

While some landmarks are within walking distance, you’ll need to use public transport or taxi to reach all of the sights part of our 3 day Shanghai itinerary. 

tour itinerary shanghai

The Travel Momento insider tip :  You need to see the Bund during the day to appreciate the architecture,  but try to come back in the evening. There are stunning views of the city’s skyscrapers all lighting up. And watching the sunset across the river is at the top of the things to do in Shanghai at night.

Waibaidu Bridge

  Recommended time: 15 minutes

Although it serves as the entrance to the Bund area, this sight is part of the old city. It’s supposed to be one of the earliest and largest steel bridges in Shanghai.

Walking through the Shanghai Waibaidu Bridge

Old Shanghai

  Recommended time: depending on the landmarks

If you want to get a feel of Shanghai’s past, look no further. The best way to experience it is to simply walk around and not forget to stop by its main gems: Yu Garden, City God Temple, and Old Street. 

  Recommended time: 2 hours

Yu Garden built in 1577 is a must see of this 3 day Shanghai itinerary. This breathtaking garden also known as the Garden of Happiness consists of an inner and outer garden covering more than 20,000 square meters. It’s one of my favourite spots to catch a glimpse of traditional China, but also for great food. 

Watch the making of a traditional Chinese tee at the most famous teahouse (Huxinting Teahouse), visit ancient temples or walkthrough the little pathways where vendors sell their products and food. You can also just sit down and relax in the charming setting of iconic Ming dynasty pavilions, Nine Curve bridge, and enchanting ponds.

We recommend visiting it during the day and at night when it litghtens up in all its gorgeousness. Keep in mind that it’s really busy most of the time. However, at night you can travel back to ancient Shanghai through the timeless music performance of a violinist in a boat crossing the lake.

Green lake in the Yu Garden

City God Temple

City God Temple was built in 1403 in the Ming Dynasty and represents the unofficial heart of the Shanghai’s old district. It also shows the vital role city played in people’s lives. The temple itself is not really big. If you are not interested so much in Taoism or culture, you can skip it and rather see other temples on our 3 day Shanghai itinerary.

Inside the City God Temple in Yu Garden in Shanghai

  Recommended time: 2o minutes

The street is primarily a shopping area with overpriced souvenirs but featuring traditional and delicious Shanghai dishes.

Lights and food stations in the Old Street in Shanghai

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre

A modern museum is detailing the urban development and history of the city of Shanghai. One of the most impressive things is a scale model showing the whole city. You can walk around through many bridges allowing you to recreate a 360-degree image of the city. Among other things, you can find the future plans of modernization, interactive exhibits, and video presentations to present the city’s past and the future in a completely unique way.

The museum offers a great insight into how Shanghai become one of the biggest cities. It’s an exciting sight for individuals as well as families with children.

Scale model of Shanghai in Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

People's Square

  Recommended time: 30 minutes

People’s Square is the main square of Shanghai and a subway hub. Surrounding it are some of the main tourist attractions like Shanghai Grand Theatre, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Shanghai People’s Government Offices, and the Shanghai Museum.

It’s a great place to walk around and feel the pulse of Shanghai. In the centre of the square you can admire the Musical Fountain.

People's Park

Nearby the square, you can find a green oasis to relax and observe the life of locals. It became a place for people to gather, exercise, and dance. And the most exciting activity: to find a life partner for their children.

On the northern side of the park, parents use umbrellas to place handwritten bios and interesting facts about their child. We thought these are only a few signs for tourists. But hey, we were surprised when we walked into the crowd and witnessed some deals being concluded.

Umbrellas with marriage proposals in People's Park in Shanghai

Nanjing Road

  Recommended time: 30 minutes (without shopping)

Nanjing Road is the most known central pedestrian street as well as Shanghai’s principal shopping street. The shops and restaurants represent a mixture of traditional Chinese brands and the most famous Western brands. It stretches for several kilometres and consists of two parts, Nanjing Road West and Nanjing Road East. The best way to experience it is to continue your walk from People’s Square down Nanjing Road and you will reach the Bund.

NIGHT RECOMMENDATION:  Return to Old Shanghai for a delicious dinner and relaxing musical performance or hop on one of the rooftop bars for fantastic night views.

Shanghai Day 2: City from above

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel | Riverside Walk | Shanghai Financial Center | Longhua Temple | Jing’an Temple | The French Connection

Start a day with a quick trip across the river for a closer view of the financial district and some stunning overview over Shanghai. Definitely high on the list of places to visit in Shanghai city. 

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

  Driving time: 5 minutes

One of the interesting ways to quickly reach the other side of the river is in a kind of capsule with special multimedia effects. You can also take a taxi, metro or ferry to get to the other side.

The entrance on the Bund is North of the Chenyi Square and you arrive in Pudong on the south side of the Oriental Pearl TV and Radio Tower.

The Travel Momento insider tip : If you buy the tunnel experience together with a visit to one of the viewing platforms, you will get a discount price. 

Lights in the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel​ Shanghai

Riverside walk

  Driving time: 30 minutes

Once you reach the other side, take some time to walk along the riverside. It offers a splendid views of the Bund and surroundings while you are making your way towards the heart of Pudong – the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Coming to the city’s financial side might be a cultural shock. And it might feel like you’ve teleported into the future with all the modern buildings up high like nowhere else.

Shanghai Financial Centre

  Recommended time: 1 – 2 hours

Shanghai’s financial hub is not much different from the world’s most prominent centres in New York or London. Even many buildings have international names. Besides the Oriental Pearl Tower, the other most memorizable building is a bronze building in the shape of a giant crown known as the Bund Finance Centre.

The best way to see not only the financial part but the whole city is from above. There are several observation decks:

  • Oriental Pearl Tower (468-meter): the third-largest TV and radio tower in the world offers 360-degree views of Shanghai from three different levels. For booking click here . 
  • Shanghai World Financial Centre :  the second-highest observation deck on the 100th floor with three glass walkways on the 97th floor.
  • Shanghai Tower (632-meter): the second-tallest building with the observation deck on the 118 floor. You can book your ticket here . 
  • Jin Mao Tower : panorama views on the 88th floor and the panoramic walk above Shanghai. Book the entrance ticket here . 

View from the panoramic platform of the Shanghai Financial Center

We decided to visit the Shanghai Financial Centre.

Once you see the city from each angle and return down to the earth, don’t miss the circular pedestrian walkway. It offers one of the best views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and plenty of opportunities for a great instagrammable photo.

Pedestrian walk in Pudong with the view of Shanghai TV Tower

Longhua Temple and Pagoda

One of the oldest religious sites in China features a 40 meters tall wood and brick pagoda. Used today for Buddhist ceremonies, it features five large halls: Maitreya Hall (Mile Dian), with its giant Buddha statue; the Heavenly King Hall (Tian Wang Dian), dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings; and the Grand Hall of the Great Sage (Daxiong Baodian).

The highlight of the temple is the 4 meters high statue of sitting Buddha in the Mahavira Hall.

Jing'an Temple

Jing’an Temple is one of the three most significant Buddhist temples in Shanghai. For this reason it should be included in your 3 day Shanghai itinerary. It represents the synonym of peace and tranquillity, and it doesn’t fail to deliver it.

The French Connection

Starting to miss European spirit? Then you must visit the French Connection. The architecture, streets, boutiques and restaurants breath the western character and style. This area was a foreign concession for almost 100 years up to the year 1946.

The most trendy neighbourhoods are Tianzifang and Xintiandi . It’s easy to get lost in the maze-like streets. And believe us, even the map doesn’t help you much. The tiny streets are looking almost the same and they get quite busy. 

Shanghai Day 3: Water town

After seeing all the must visit places in Shanghai it’s time to explore Shanghai’s surrounding. Around Shanghai you can find several famous water towns. 

We decided to visit Zhuijajiao, which is only an hour and a half from the city centre. You can reach it by taking the metro line 17.

Buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasty and narrow canals across the Cao Gang River earned the city the name “little Venice of Shanghai”. At every step you can find small shops and eateries.

From 36 bridges altogether, the most famous is the main one attraction you see on most of the photos. Therefore, prepare for crowds. 

But, if you pay attention to the small corridors leading behind the houses to the riverside you can find better views. From a cultural perspective, the most interesting are the Great Qing Post Office in the western part, the City God Temple, and the Kwan Wong Temple.

There is plenty of options to take a gondola ride along charming waterways and relax for a few minutes. The price is per ride and the boat can accommodate up to six people.

Boat ride through the canals of Zhuijajiao​ Water Town

Other day trips from Shanghai

If you are planning to prolong this 3 day Shanghai itinerary, here are some ideas for travel outside Shanghai to see additional places:

Shanghai travel tips

  • Not many people speak English.
  • In small local restaurants, you won’t be able to find an English menu.
  • Always have a card of your hotel with the hotel address in Chinese.
  • Always have your passport with you. It can happen that police stops you and you need to show it. Sometimes you need to present it at the entrance to specific landmarks. 
  • Use a VPN to access Western digital platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Google, and Gmail. 
  • Wear comfortable footwear as you’ll walk a lot. Taxis only drive longer distances, and metro stations can be quite apart. 
  • Don’t drink tap water.
  • In the Shanghai financial centre, you can pay with credit cards.

Summing up the 3 day Shanghai itinerary

Shanghai is great for short trips. Although 3 days in Shanghai might not sound enough, it’s the perfect length based on our experience. It gives you enough time to promenade the famous riverside, admire the skyscrapers and take a step back to medieval China by visiting Yu Gardens.

Following our 3 day Shanghai itinerary, you will  get the best of both worlds and make your trip one for the record books.

Let us know how you find Shanghai in the comments.

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tour itinerary shanghai

We are two travel passionistas, who are always in the minds of planning their next travel trip and creating memories. Get honest tips and all the details, learn from our mistakes and enjoy our travel guides so you can have the best time!

Day Trips From Shanghai

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Temples to Visit

Best Markets

Where to Shop

Annual Events and Festivals

Food to Try

Top Restaurants

Best Cocktail Bars

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Shanghai Pudong International Airport Guide

Public Transportation

Neighborhoods to Know

48-Hour Itinerary

48 Hours in Shanghai: The Ultimate Itinerary

tour itinerary shanghai

Yongyuan Dai / Getty Images

Dynamic, glamorous, a meeting point of the east and west, Shanghai is known for many things. After the British opened its port in the 1840s, Shanghai grew into a mega-city, over 24 million people strong. Now, past and future meet here too: swirls of history are found throughout the former concessions, and a look across the Huangpu River at Pudong’s skyscrapers makes one feel they as if they are seeing the world of tomorrow. Nanjing Road alone holds new luxury malls with five-star hotels, as well as classic street vendors peddling cheap wares. Opposites combine in sharp contrast here.

Years ago, when former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping declared it was okay for Chinese citizens to pursue wealth, Shanghai took the go-ahead and galloped into capitalism full-on, churning out millionaires and even a few billionaires in the process. That wealth can be seen not only in its impressive buildings and VIP clubs but also in the high-end food and fashion trends of the city, leading to the tastemaker reputation it enjoys.

So indulge yourself in its history, rich foods, and extreme entertainment, but don’t forget to take it in quietly, as well. Some of its magic can only be found by sitting by the river early in the morning or sipping a coffee as you wander around shikumen houses. Enjoy the great and little pleasures of the city, and you’ll get an authentic taste of Shanghai.

Day 1: Morning

Scott E Barbour / The Image Bank / Getty Images Plus

2 a.m.: After landing at Pudong International Airport, catch a taxi (or use the complimentary airport transfer service) to the Pacific Hotel. Located in the middle of Shanghai next to People's Square, all of the Pacific's rooms have balconies overlooking the city or Huangpu River, the heartbeat of Shanghai. Stand on your balcony, marvel and the city's lights, and then get a few hours of shuteye before exploring the city.

6 a.m.: Sunrise, Bundrise! Hop out of bed, freshen up, and head to The Bund, Shanghai's famous riverfront area, for a stunning sunrise. Walk (or jog, if you're sporty) along the river, and take in the orange-yellow early morning glow of the infamous Pudong skyline across the river, complete with the Shanghai and the Oriental Pearl Towers. Look out for early morning groups of tai chi practitioners, dancers, and runners, ushering in the first light with vigorous exercise.

7:30 a.m.: Catch the subway to the Shunchang Lu Breakfast Market near the Madang Lu metro stop (about a 15-minute ride) to have your pick of stalls selling Shanghainese breakfast staples. Your mission? To find and eat the "four warriors" of Shanghainese breakfast: youtiao (油条) fried dough sticks, dou jiang (豆浆), hot soy milk, da bing ( 大饼) sesame pancake, and ci fan ( 粢饭) glutinous rice balls.

9 a.m.: Take a taxi back up north to Nanjing Road to experience the most famous shopping street in China. Here, you'll find the Shanghai No.1 Department Store (the city's oldest department store), luxury malls Plaza 66 and the Jing An Kerry Centre, old-fashioned street vendors, and the largest Starbucks in the world. Stick to the western part if you want high end stuff or go east for more local flavor and cheaper deals in silks, Traditional Chinese medicine, calligraphy artwork, and many other souvenirs.

Day 1: Afternoon

Afriandi / Moment / Getty Images Plus

12 p.m.: Either walk or take the subway from East Nanjing Road to Yuyuan Gardens . Admire the Ming Dynasty architecture of these 400-year-old walled-off gardens rife with pavilions and pagodas. Stroll along the waterways and dragon headwalls. Gape at the five-ton jade rock of unknown origin, and bring yourself luck by walking across the Jiu Qu Bridge to Shanghai’s oldest teahouse, Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse.

1 p.m.:  Make your way into the Yuyuan Bazaar for more shopping, and fantastical street food like or just go straight to lunch at the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant to feast on xiaolongbao , delicious soup-filled dumplings full of pork or shrimp broth. Open for over 100 years, Nanxiang is one of the most famous and time-honored xiaolongbao restaurants in the city. Pro tip: go to the top of the restaurant if you want to be seated immediately, you’ll pay more but save time and not have to deal with line pushers.

3 p.m.: After lunch, take the metro to the Centre Pompidou x West Bund Museum Project. The space is both cultural institution and art museum housing three art galleries (some featuring Chinese contemporary art), a book store, and a café all perched on the Huangpu River. The installations, workshops, and other offerings aim to bring patrons a “full-sensory artistic experience” in this Franco-Sino exchange.

Day 1: Evening

Duy Doan / Getty Images

6 p.m.: Hop in a cab and head to The Swatch Art Peace Hotel and make your way to its rooftop bar to catch some sunset views of the Pudong skyline. Kick your feet back on one of their lounges, order a cocktail, and enjoy the laid-back vibe. If drinking isn't your thing, but river lights, bridges, and famous buildings like the Customs House are, opt for a river cruise instead, casting off from Shiliupu Wharf.

7:30 p.m.: After a short metro ride back to the hotel, freshen up (option to power nap, too), then hail a cab. You're on your way to experience one of the most Shanghainese dishes ever: the infamous hairy crab. After all the walking, shopping, and speeding around, you'll appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Fu 1088 (福1088), as much as their xiefen , a steamed custard of crab roe and their hong shao rou (red braised pork belly), another Shanghainese classic dish. Located in a 1920s Spanish-style mansion, each room is decorated with antiques, while music wafts through from the grand piano downstairs. Make sure to reserve your table well in advance and be aware of their 300 yuan (about $43) minimum spending requirement.

9 p.m.: From Fu 1088, hop in a cab to The Pearl , (not to be confused with the Oriental Pearl Tower) where you can experience everything from the opulent to the eclectic side of Shanghai nightlife. The club occupies a former Buddhist temple and each night features a different kind of entertainment: cabaret shows, fire performers, stand up comedy, big band jazz, and gospel music acts, all perform within this two-story, three-bar, live entertainment venue. Try a craft cocktail or one of the frozen margaritas and prepare to boogie.

Day 2: Morning

Patrick Donovan / Getty Images

9 a.m.: Sleep in, then walk 20 minutes to Yang’s Dumplings on Ningbo Road for another Shanghainese breakfast staple: pan-fried pork buns. Known as sheng jian bao in Chinese, these cuties are a plump fried Shanghainese dim sum dish with juicy pork broth inside and fresh sesame seeds and chives on top. Chew and slurp as many as you need to fuel you up for a walk around the Former French Concession. 

10:30 a.m.: Take the metro to Xintiandi station and meander through Fuxing Park, where you’ll find an odd mix of beautifully landscaped rose gardens and giant Marx and Engels statues. Afterward, walk some more or take a quick taxi ride to the Lost Bakery for a croissant—it is the French Concession after all—and a solid cup of joe.

Day 2: Afternoon

Xie Huang Yu / Moment Unreleased

12:30 p.m.: Continue walking or take a taxi to the Propaganda Poster Art Centre , a private museum that displays around 6,000 Mao-era propaganda posters depicting coy-looking women in qipaos, fantastical military parades, and children flying planes, among many other things.

1:30 p.m.: Take your pick of what to do: architecture buffs should check out the Wukang Mansion (the flatiron building designed by the famed Shanghai-based architect László Hudec), history nerds should go to the former residence of Madame Sun Yat-sen (known as the Soong Ching Ling Memorial Residence 宋庆龄故居), and shopaholics will want to browse the shops of the Shikumen houses (classic Shanghai-style houses) in Tianzifang for unique handicrafts, clothing, and jewelry.

2:30 p.m.: For lunch, try another traditional Shanghainese dish: yellow croaker noodles. Conveniently, one of the best places to slurp down a bowl of this delicate broth is right next to your starting point of the Xintiandi metro station at Xie Huang Yu .

4 p.m.: You’ve seen Shanghai at sunrise, sunset, and up close. Now it’s time to get an aerial view from the second tallest building in the world. Jump back on the metro and take it to the other side of the river, to the Lujiazui station in Pudong. Head straight to the Shanghai Tower and ride one of their 45 mph elevators to the 118 th floor, a whopping 1,791 ft above the city. Take a moment to admire the panoramic view of Shanghai in its grandeur, and reflect on the highlights of your trip. Stay for a while, or if you want to do some shopping at one of China’s famous “ fake markets ,” head to A.P. Plaza for sensory overload and reasonable prices on clothes and electronics (if you know how to haggle).

Day 2: Evening

Keren Su /Corbis NX / Getty Images Plus

6:30 p.m.: Walk to Dongchang Road Pier and take the ferry across to Puxi to experience the quintessential mode of transportation of old Shanghai. From the pier, grab a taxi to Wujie , a Michelin-starred veggie restaurant with set menus, seasonal ingredients, and innovative dishes, like chestnut wintertime soup, crackling yellow curry, and Shepherd’s Purse, a medley of pine nuts, gingko, and rice.

8 p.m.: For your last drink in Shanghai, take a taxi to the Union Trading Company, arguably one of Shanghai’s best bars , and named one of the world’s top 50 bars . In this narrow but cozy neighborhood spot, toast your departure with the appropriately bittersweet Witchy Woman (Campari, rum, citrus juices, and Angostura bitters) or another one of their “alluring cocktails,” like the slightly tropical Waltzing Matilda.

9 p.m: Swing by the Pacific to grab your bags and get on the metro for one last ride to Longyang Road. From here, take the fastest commuter train in the world: the Maglev train to the Pudong International Airport in a mere 10 minutes. Check in and rest easy until your flight to your next destination.

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tour itinerary shanghai

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Only have 3 days to spend in Shanghai? Make the most of your time with my ultimate 3-day itinerary for China’s most vibrant city!

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Shanghai really is a city like no other. Not only is it fascinating blend of East meets West, the city also feels like stepping back in time and progressing into the future at the same time.

I know that planning 3 days in a city like Shanghai city can feel pretty overwhelming. But do not stress. I’ve condensed down all my top things to do, see and eat into this 3-Day Shanghai itinerary so you can make the most of every moment you have here!

Is Shanghai worth visiting for 3 days?

Yes, Shanghai is absolutely worth visiting for 3 days! I found that 3 days was a sufficient enough time to explore the city, hit the best attractions and try all the most delicious local food. I would recommend visiting for 48 hours at very minimum!

Best way to get around Shanghai?

The best way to get around Shanghai is by Didi, which is the local ride-hailing app. Most the rides I took around the city cost me less than $3. There is also a metro system you can use.

It is worth noting that due to internet restrictions Google Maps does not work in Shanghai. For navigation around the city, I’d recommend using Apple Maps instead.

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

How do tourists pay in Shanghai?

Before visiting Shanghai, I’d highly recommend setting up AliPay or WeChat. Although some places in Shanghai will accept cash and foreign cards, mobile payment is far more common.

I found it pretty straight forward to connect my bank card to AliPay and to use it for payment in Shanghai. For mobile payments, you just scan a QR code with the Mobile payment app and the money comes from your account.

Should I get a sim card when visiting Shanghai?

I would 100% recommend getting a sim card for your 3 days in Shanghai. It will make it so much easier to navigate the city and use apps like Didi and Alipay.

I’d suggest pre-purchasing an Airlo e-SIM before you arrive in Shanghai. Annoyingly, you can’t purchase an e-SIM once you are in China. Otherwise, you can buy a local SIM card once you arrive, but it’s a lot of paperwork and hassle (I learnt the hard way!)

Is the internet in Shanghai blocked?

Like the rest of China, the internet in Shanghai is heavily restricted, and you won’t be able to access platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can get around this by using a VPN.

Do you need a visa to visit Shanghai?

If you’re eligible for 144-Hour Visa-free transit, you will not require a visa for 3 days in Shanghai. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa through the nearest Chinese consulate at least 15 days prior to your trip.

Before you go to your Visa appointment, make sure you have all the necessary documents sorted. It is often required that you have hotel confirmation and an onward flight ticket for a visa .

day 1: Shanghai Itinerary

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Morning : Explore Yu Gardens

Start your day bright and early with a visit to Yu Gardens. This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese garden design. Wander through beautiful pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries, and soak in the serene atmosphere before it gets too crowded.

Skip the queue by pre-booking Yu Garden Tickets

ADDRESS : 218 Anren St, Huangpu District

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Lunch : Try the Original Xiao Long Bao

Head to lunch Nanxiang Mantou Dian, a Michelin-listed establishment conveniently located inside the Yu Gardens complex. This legendary spot is said to by the original home of the xiao long bao (soup dumplings). These delicate dumplings filled with rich, flavorful broth and perfectly seasoned pork are one of Shanghai’s greatest inventions.

ADDRESS : 85 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District

Afternoon : Shopping at Global Harbour

Spend the afternoon browsing through Shanghai’s biggest mall, Global Harbour. This colossal mall features a truly stunning architectural design and just about every store you could dream of under the one roof.

ADDRESS: 3300 Zhongshan North Road, Putuo District

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Evening: Cocktail with a View

Take a respite from shopping and head to the Sky Bar at the Hyatt Regency Global Harbour to soak in the city’s dazzling skyline from the 47th floor. With rooms starting from as little as $123 a night , this is also a great place to stay during your 3 days in Shanghai.

ADDRESS : 718 Ningxia Road, Putuo District Shanghai

Night : Street Food + River Cruise Tour

Round out your day 1 Shanghai itinerary with an epic 4-hour night tour . You start by sampling a selection of delicacies at Huanghe Road (this is a favourite street for locals to eat and where I tried some of the best food in Shanghai!). After this, you take a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River, which really is one of the best ways to marvel at the city’s neon-lit skyscrapers.

Book this 4-hour Street Food + River Cruise Tour here

ADDRESS : No.505 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District

day 2: Shanghai Itinerary

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Morning : Visit Water Town of Zhujiajiao

No Shanghai itinerary is complete without a visit to the amazing water town of Zhujiajiao. Known as Shanghai’s Venice, you can marvel at ancient bridges, narrow lanes, and traditional houses on a tranquil boat ride through the waterways. Zhujiajiao is located an hour out of the city, and you can get here by bus or book onto a half-day private tour .

ADDRESS : Zhujiajiao, Qingpu District, Shanghai

Lunch : Sample Braised Pork Belly

You can’t leave Zhujiajiao without sampling the famous braised pork belly. Known as Zharou, tender, slow-braised pork chunks are cooked in a sweet, thin sauce and is often served wrapped in lotus leaves. You can try it from a street vendor or at most local restaurants.

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Afternoon : Wander through the French Concession

Head back to city and over to Shanghai’s French Concession. With its picturesque tree-lined avenues and European-style architecture, the area offers a unique look into the city’s colonial past. This district is now filled with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and historical residences.

ADDRESS: Puxi Central, Huangpu District

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Evening: Edition Rooftop Bar

As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Shanghai EDITION Hotel’s Rooftop Bar. This is easily one of the best places in Shanghai to watch the sunset over the skyline. The cocktails may be pricey but that view is priceless!

ADDRESS : 199 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District

Night: Try the Iconic Sheng jian bao

Head around the corner to Yang’s Dumplings to sample sheng jian bao, which is another one of Shanghai’s must-try street foods. These pan-fried buns offer a delightful blend of crispy bottoms, fluffy tops, and juicy, flavourful fillings of pork, beef or prawns.

ADDRESS : 97 Huanghe Road, Shanghai

DAY 3: SHANGHAI ITINERARY

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Morning : Try Shanghai’s Four Breakfast Warriors

Go out on a mission to find Shanghai’s “Four Breakfast Warriors” The city’s traditional morning fare consists of soy milk (dou jiang), deep-fried dough sticks (youtiao), sticky rice balls (ci fan) and sesame pancakes (da bing). Each morning, you’ll find shopfronts selling these items in most residential areas.

Afternoon : Shanghai Disneyland

If you are a Disney fan, trip to Shanghai Disneyland simply has to be apart of your 3-day itinerary. The park is a blend of classic Disney magic and distinct Chinese culture, making it a very unique Disney experience. The park is home to six themed lands and many great rides, including the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Roaring Rapids.

Book a 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai + Private Transfer here

Evening : Watch the Light Show at the Bund

Spend your final evening in Shanghai watching the dazzling light show at the Bund. With historic buildings on one side and the futuristic skyline on the other, this spectacle really does showcase the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.

The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Night: Explore Nanjing Pedestrian Street

After the show, head down the bustling Nanjing pedestrian street to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in some local street food. Be sure to try some stinky tofu (chòu dòufu), grilled lamb skewers (yangrou chuan) and candied hawthorn (tanghulu) for a sweet finish to the night!

Planning a trip to Asia? Read these posts next:

  • The ULTIMATE 3-day Itinerary for Singapore

10 Things to do in Thamel, Kathmandu

  • Why Okinawa Needs to Go On Your Travel Bucketlist

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3 Days In Shanghai: The Perfect Itinerary

Shanghai is a sprawling cosmopolitan city. From the famous high rise office buildings in Pudong to the villa-lined neighborhood of the former French Concession, it is impossible for the city to leave you untouched. Do you only have 3 days in Shanghai? Are you overwhelmed by the choice and the size of the city? Don’t worry, this post will help you decide what to do in Shanghai in three days as I wrote it after my own Shanghai itinerary so it has been tried and tested. With so much on offer, it is important to plan your time well. I’ve done the groundwork for you. So check my itinerary to discover Shanghai in 3 days with suggestions on what to include and what to leave out.

For those with limited time, rest assured that three days in Shanghai is enough to explore the neighborhoods of the French Concession, gaze up at the skyscrapers and get a generous dose of compelling history and heritage intertwining with modern Chinese society. If you prefer a slower and more relaxed style of travel, check this travel itinerary for one week in Beijing . But be sure to be prepared for the cultural shock with my post about tips to remember when traveling to Shenzhen.

3 Days In Shanghai -The Perfect Shanghai Itinerary

3 Days In Shanghai -The Perfect Itinerary

Day 1 – from bund to jing’an temple.

If you asked anybody who has been there what to do in Shanghai in 3 days one of the first things they would suggest is strolling along the Bund promenade. Famous for its striking skyline, the Bund Wai Tan waterfront along the Huangpu River is home to a number of impressive old buildings and historical establishments that remain standing to this day.

the Bund Wai Tan waterfront

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Take your time exploring the area during the day because chances are there will be very few people around. Take a cruise at night to capture images from a totally different perspective.

Explore the Pudong and the Lujiazui

While the views from across Huangpu river are awe-inspiring, there’s nothing like getting up close and personal with them. Take a taxi or hop on a metro or ferry to get to the other side. Find yourself in the area dense with the skyscrapers, entertainment centers, and restaurants. Lujiazui makes you feel like you’ve teleported into the future while ascending to the observation deck of the Shanghai World Financial Center and admiring some exceptional panoramic views.

Explore the Pudong and the Lujiazui

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The Pearl Tower is an attraction in itself. Having a unique architectural design, each sphere house different entertainment facilities and a revolving restaurant at the top sphere. It wasn’t my first trip to Shanghai when I actually enjoyed spectacular views. So I decided not to climb the Oriental Pearl Tower. Instead, it was indeed very impressive just to roam around the base of the skyscrapers imagining how small I appear from up there.

But there’s a catch.

Aside from gorgeous views, top-notch restaurants and some of the best drinks in Shanghai, Lujiazui, not to mention Pudong, doesn’t have considerable things to explore. If you have only 3 days in Shanghai, I’d recommend spending there two or three hours if you’re not really into climbing up the towers and end your day by sipping a cocktail at one the rooftop bars.

Pay Jing’an Temple a Visit

The Jing’an Temple is one of the three most famous and significant Buddhist temples in Shanghai. While the Jade Buddha Temple and the Longhua Temple are more popular with travellers, the Jing’an Temple is definitely not to be missed! I believe I was lucky enough to visit Jing’an Temple otherwise known as the temple of Peace and Tranquility on a day when no entrance fee is charged. That was probably also the reason why the entire place was so busy.

While tranquility and peace weren’t the case during my visit there on a lovely Saturday in early December, I loved this place with loads of incense sticks, local worshippers and quirky-looking pagoda-shaped shrine in a court area.

Jing’an Temple

Jing’an Temple is a remarkable complex to explore. Its history dates back to the early 13th century when the temple was relocated to its current site. With three main halls from the 1880s: the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Three Saints and the Hall of Virtuous Works, there is enough room to escape the crowds of tourists and it may feel like a contrast to the modern skyscrapers nearby.

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The highlight of the Temple is the Mahavira Hall. A steep staircase leads up to the sanctum, where the largest Buddha statue from Myanmar Jade is shown. The statue of the seated Shakyamuni is almost 4 meters high. That’s quite amazing since I had thought that the Jade Buddha Temple had the most impressive statue in the city.

You can walk around the hall and discover all sorts of amazing things in the rooms on the side and in the back: some are dedicated to special sacrificial and commemorative rituals. Here you can commemorate those who have passed and have them blessed by the monks. You can reach the Temple from the Jing’an temple station.

Day Two – Explore The Rest of Puxi

Yuyuan gardens and bazaar.

Located in the very heart of Puxi district, Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar are my favorite spots to get a glimpse of medieval China. When it comes to things do in Shanghai in 3 days both attractions are near the top of the list. Yuyuan is the most famous garden in the city. Not only because it is surrounded by a pedestrian area full of little alleyways where vendors selling their products and food, but because this tranquil and traditional courtyard setting has an abundance of history.

YuYuan Gardens

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Yuyuan Garden dates back to the 16th century when it was first founded as a private garden by Pan Yunduan. The garden was declared a national monument in 1982 so it is no wonder that so the entire place can get very crowded on weekends. If you’re not particularly into mingling with the locals and want to avoid the crowds, I’d recommend visiting Zuibaichi Park, which is only a few steps out of exit 3, Zuibaichi metro station and a few blocks away from the Songjiang mosque and Xilin temple.

Nanjing Road

Of course, it’s all about shopping when strolling the Nanjing Road. While I’m not an avid shopper and never have been, the pedestrian Nanjing Road for me is generally about people watching and absorbing the vibrant character of Shanghai. Bustling city’s central scene with crowds of people, I could spend hours walking up and down even if I have no real purpose for being there.

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road starts at the Bund and runs westward until it reaches the People Square. It is a common place to visit for Chinese and foreign tourists alike. Stroll the Nanjing Road in the evening when a variety of neon lights up with different colors, they make the buildings even more magnificent.

Explore Former French Concession: Xintiandi and Tianzifang

The French Concession of Shanghai was a foreign concession for almost one hundred years until 1946. The entire area is in stark contrast with the rest of Shanghai. It boasts European style avenues, cafes and leafy green gardens. You could get lost here. And this is probably the best way to explore certain streets of the neighborhood. Even if you’re pressed for time and only have 3 days in Shanghai.

Don’t bother trying to use a map or follow signs. The winding tiny alleyways are packed with bizarre things and each tells their unique story. Once a premier residential and retail district of Shanghai, now it is a popular tourist destination so you could pretty much get off at any stop in the area and just stroll around the shops, boutiques, and restaurants.

French Concession

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While Shanghai is a futuristic and forward-thinking city, there is still a chance that you find some low-rise, traditional neighborhoods. Both Xintiandi and Tianzifang feature shikumen, the traditional Chinese courtyard dwellings, with gates and courtyards.

The alleyways and the shikumen houses give a fascinating glimpse into local life centuries ago. The buildings are mostly in their original condition but you should know that Xintiandi has undergone a massive reconstruction. At the same time the authorities have put less efforts into renovating Tianzifang. If you don’t have time to visit both neighborhoods and compare them, I’d recommend hitting Tianzifang. It is where original buildings are still intact and locals mostly live in the apartments above the shop units. To get to Tianzifang take a taxi or use the subway line 9 to reach Dapuqiao station.

Day Three – Take a Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town

There are loads of water villages around Shanghai. But when it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of the big city I can’t recommend taking a day tour to Zhujiajiao highly enough. Zhujiajiao water town is about an hour and twenty minutes by Metro Line 17 from downtown Shanghai.

Obviously not the easiest name to pronounce. Zhujiajio is located in the Qingpu District that is filled with man-made canals, rivers, and boats propelled by gondoliers. The history of Zhujiajiao definitely adds to the charm factor. With sights like Fangsheng Bridge, Kezhi Garden, and the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple, I particularly loved wandering through the narrow laneways and soak in the Qing dynasty atmosphere.

Zhujiajiao

Dianpu river acts as the vein of this typical Jiangnan water town. It is also lined with historic buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Thirty-six beautiful ancient bridges link the streets and provide charming vistas down the waterways where balconies and laundry hung out over the water. Street vendors sell knick-knacks and food almost everywhere. You’ll find the Chinese tofu, dried fish and weird meats that proved popular with the visiting locals.

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My entry ticket (30 CNY) gave me access to four scenic spots including Tongtianhe Medicine Shop, Qing Dynasty Post Office, Y-Art Gallery, and Ke Zhi Garden. There are also tickets for 60 and 80 CNY that would allow you to visit the sights like City God Temple, Yuanjin Meditation Room as well as take a traditional canal tour boat.

And this is where your awesome 3 days in Shanghai must come to an end.

I know it was short, but I’m sure you saw the best of the best of Shanghai. If you’ve found some extra time, or find your way back to Shanghai again, be sure to explore the many other great things to do in Shanghai that you’re sure to be glad you added to your Shanghai itinerary. Now it’s your turn! Have you ever been? What was your favorite part? Any must-sees I missed or questions about the places I listed? Let me know in the comments below!

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tour itinerary shanghai

Sounds like a fantastic 3 days! I enjoyed reading your experiences, and hope to visit Shanghai myself one day. Thank you for sharing!

tour itinerary shanghai

May i know where did u stay? Name of the area..

tour itinerary shanghai

MindTheTravel

Hey Aiman! Thanks for stopping by! I stayed in Jing’an neighborhood. There are plenty of mid-range hotels to choose from and several more budget-friendly hostels. The neighborhood is in the very heart of Shanghai so you can easily and quickly reach any attraction form there.

tour itinerary shanghai

Allison Jac

Great itinerary. Was thinking of taking a tour to the Watertown but you make taking the metro sound easy (and certainly cheaper). Once off the train, is it easy to navigate where to buy tickets and get a boat ride?

tour itinerary shanghai

Jackie Sudano

I’ve never been to Shanghai but I just saw an amazing flight deal from Austin and now it’s got me thinking I should go. Then this article sealed the deal! The French Concession neighborhood sounds fascinating! Thanks for sharing and putting this together!

tour itinerary shanghai

Alex Stevenson

Shanghai is definitely on my bucket list now! Thanks for the awesome itinerary!

tour itinerary shanghai

ALEX THOMPSON

Your explanation of Shanghai is so detailed with beautiful photos. Thanks a lot.

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tour itinerary shanghai

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tour itinerary shanghai

4-Day Shanghai Itinerary

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  • Shanghai in 4 days
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tour itinerary shanghai

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: west side of town, day 3: proximity is everything, day 4: keep it simple, oriental pearl tv tower.

tour itinerary shanghai

Shanghai Tower

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tour itinerary shanghai

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tour itinerary shanghai

Gucheng Park (Northeast Gate)

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Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Century park, 1933 old millfun, huangpu park, china art museum, din tai fung.

tour itinerary shanghai

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Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Zone

Shanghai ancient town at zhujiajiao tourism development co., ltd., shanghai audi international circuit, guyi garden, hongqiao pearl market, top searches in shanghai, popular road trips from shanghai, what's the weather like in shanghai.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Shanghai for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Shanghai in January
  • Weather in Shanghai in February
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  • Weather in Shanghai in May
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  • Weather in Shanghai in November
  • Weather in Shanghai in December

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  • Shanghai to Guangzhou drive
  • Shanghai to Tongxiang drive
  • Shanghai to Qingdao drive
  • Shanghai to Xiamen drive
  • Shanghai to Chengdu drive
  • Shanghai to Ningbo drive
  • Shanghai to Hue drive
  • Shanghai to Busan drive
  • Shanghai to Halong Bay drive
  • Shanghai to Fukuoka drive
  • Shanghai to Changzhou drive
  • Shanghai to Wuhan drive
  • Shanghai to Yangzhou drive
  • Shanghai to Shaoxing drive
  • Shanghai to Huangshan drive
  • Shanghai to Yangshuo County drive
  • Shanghai to Zhangjiajie drive
  • Shanghai to Tianjin drive
  • Shanghai to Guilin drive
  • Shanghai to Vladivostok drive

Explore nearby places

  • Chongming County
  • Jiashan County
  • Haiyan County
  • Shengsi County
  • Zhangjiagang
  • Rudong County
  • Daishan County
  • Changxing County

All related maps of Shanghai

  • Map of Shanghai
  • Map of Taicang
  • Map of Chongming County
  • Map of Kunshan
  • Map of Qidong
  • Map of Jiashan County
  • Map of Pinghu
  • Map of Haimen
  • Map of Changshu
  • Map of Suzhou
  • Map of Jiaxing
  • Map of Haiyan County
  • Map of Nantong
  • Map of Tongzhou
  • Map of Shengsi County
  • Map of Tongxiang
  • Map of Haining
  • Map of Zhangjiagang
  • Map of Wuxi
  • Map of Cixi
  • Map of Rudong County
  • Map of Daishan County
  • Map of Jiangyin
  • Map of Yuyao
  • Map of Huzhou
  • Map of Jingjiang
  • Map of Shangyu
  • Map of Changxing County
  • Map of Ningbo
  • Map of Rugao
  • Map of Zhoushan

Shanghai throughout the year

  • Shanghai in January
  • Shanghai in February
  • Shanghai in March
  • Shanghai in April
  • Shanghai in May
  • Shanghai in June
  • Shanghai in July
  • Shanghai in August
  • Shanghai in September
  • Shanghai in October
  • Shanghai in November
  • Shanghai in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Shanghai?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

  • 4-Day Suzhou Itinerary
  • 4-Day Wuxi Itinerary
  • 4-Day Ningbo Itinerary
  • 4-Day Jiashan County Itinerary
  • 4-Day Tongxiang Itinerary

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Zoe Goes Places

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary (The Best of Shanghai)

Shanghai is a huge city with so much to see and do. Deciding what to do isn’t easy, so this Shanghai 5-day itinerary is here to help you…

This city is a bucket list destination for many. And, that’s not surprising given the spectacular skyline, incredible food and important history.

It’s a place where historic buildings and towering skyscrapers sit side by side. Where cultures collide and millions of people go about their lives.

Despite the international and modern feel, visiting Shanghai can still be overwhelming.

As such, this itinerary and guide is full of practical advice and recommendations for your Shanghai itinerary… All based on my experience in this incredible city!

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a qualifying purchase.

Looking at the skyscrapers of shanghai from the bund, with a blue sky behind and light, fluffy clouds

Visiting Shanghai in 2024

China is only just reopening following years of strict measures and travel restrictions. As such, few international visitors have been there since early 2020.

And Shanghai will have inevitably changed. They’ll be new places and some will have closed.

Because of this, I’ve updated this guide as much as possible with the information I can find. But, some of it will be out of date.

Plus, it will take a while for tourist numbers to recover. The expat community is just a fraction of what it was before and it’s not as easy to get into China at the moment, as it was before.

Tourist Visa for China

Since early 2023, the China transit visa is back – allowing tourists from about 60 countries to stay in the country for up to 6 days.

However, things change quickly. For the most up-to-date information and testing requirements, check out the latest advice on your country’s government website.

If you’re not eligible for a transit visa, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa from an embassy.

What You Need to Know Before Visiting Shanghai

It can be overwhelming to go on a vacation to Shanghai where the culture, language and laws are so different. But with a little preparation and research into what to expect, you can quickly get to grips.

Here are some key bits of information to help you have the best time…

Summers in Shanghai are Scorching Hot

In July and August, temperatures are often in the high 30s. And, when combined with smoggy or humid days can be really insufferable.

If you have a trip planned in the summer, you’ll want to minimise walking and time outdoors. Consider afternoon naps!

Say Goodbye to Google Maps

You’ll need to find a maps app that isn’t Google.

I used Maps.me, which worked perfectly and had all the functionality of Google Maps. This includes being able to star/favourite places and use pre-downloaded offline maps.

Cash is King for Tourists

Shanghai still operates a predominantly cash-based society for tourists. This is because most people use an app for payments that requires a Chinese phone number.

Withdraw cash from banks or ATMs in the city as you’ll need cash for restaurants and tourist attractions. The currency is the Renminbi, which uses units of Yuan.

ATMs are usually inside banks or buildings that have 24-hour access – and even have individual cubicles for total protection.

The availability of ATMs in Shanghai means you don’t need to carry large amounts of cash on you. Find a bank account that offers a 0% transaction fee on foreign withdrawals – then make small, regular withdrawals.

You’ll Feel Cut Off from the Outside World

Pretty much all Western news sites are banned in China. As well as all Western social media networks.

The ban on Google also means Android users can’t use Google Pay, Google Drive etc.

Get a VPN to keep an eye on the news and do research about where to go in Shanghai. Although these aren’t guaranteed to work.

Common Shanghai Myths: Debunked

Myth: you’ll have to use squat toilets in shanghai.

Reality: Not true, I found seated toilets in every public toilet block. Hotel bathrooms always had seated toilets.

And, while some public toilets did have a mix of both, you can simply choose what you are comfortable with. Importantly, and in my experience, accessible toilets offered the best chance of finding a seated toilet.

However, public toilets never provided toilet roll – so make sure to bring your own (or tissues).

Myth: The language barrier will be huge and will affect your experience in Shanghai

Reality: Shanghai is the Chinese city with the most foreign expats. As a result, if something is going to be translated into a second language, then that will be English.

The airports, Metro, museums and tourist attractions are very foreign-tourist friendly.

For local restaurants, the availability of an English menu was hit and miss. And most of the time the staff didn’t speak English. You can either learn the names of foods, use translation apps, or just eat somewhere else.

Myth: All the food is (very) spicy

Reality: Incorrect.

I think this misconception often comes from people who try to find Western food in China, as often this is spicier than what you’d find at home.

But, this is because the restaurants are targeting Chinese people who want to eat Western food rather than Westerners themselves, and as such have catered to local palates.

Having said that, not all Chinese food is spicy. And, compared to Western eateries, a greater proportion of food is freshly prepared to order. So you can ask for less or no spice if you would prefer.

Myth: China is dirty

Reality: This is also really far from the truth. Having first visited China back in 2010, and then twice more in recent years, I have only ever found it to be a clean country, overall.

The streets and Metro of Shanghai were free from litter and all the tourist spots were clearly regularly cleaned.

Historically, spitting was common in China – in public, private, indoor and outdoor places. But, in recent years the Chinese government have been running marketing campaigns to reduce spitting.

With this, they hope to increase the appeal of China to Western tourists and also make Chinese tourists more sanitary visitors to foreign countries.

Myth: Everywhere is overcrowded

Reality: Shanghai is the second-largest city in the world. Estimates of the city’s population range between 24 to 27 million – rising up to 34 million people when you consider the wider metropolitan area.

Shanghai is also a popular domestic tourist destination, attracting citizens from all across the most populated country on Earth. So, if you’re expecting to have The Bund to yourself even by going at 6am, then I’m going to have to disappoint you.

However… Whilst Shanghai is busy, it is not overcrowded. Unless you are visiting on national holidays then you can still enjoy everything on this Shanghai 5-day itinerary without feeling claustrophobic.

Find the best prices and the best dates with flight comparison sites like Skyscanner!

Make sure you use tools such as ‘Add nearby airports’ and set your departure airport as wide as possible (you can just put the United States or UK, for example) to see the cheapest cities to fly from! Check prices for your trip here…

How to get around in Shanghai

Using the metro in shanghai.

The Metro system is going to be your best friend for the 5 days you’re in Shanghai.

It’s cheap, quick and requires absolutely no knowledge of Mandarin! Think of it as a cleaner, cooler and cheaper version of the London Underground.

Ticket prices are based on the distance covered, with fares ranging from 3 to 15 Yuan ($2.20). Given that the 15 Yuan fare is for distances of over 116 km, it’s impressively cheap!

Additionally, one-day tickets are available for 18 Yuan ($2.60), with a three-day ticket costing 45 Yuan ($6.50).

Tickets can be bought from self-service machines that can be changed to a language that suits you. Signs on trains, platforms and in the station are also in English as well as Mandarin.

Taxis and Buses in Shanghai

Since the 17 Metro lines cover most of the city, it’s unlikely you’ll need to use taxis or buses during your 5 days in Shanghai. Taxi prices start at 14 Yuan increasing by 2.5 Yuan for each kilometre and are higher at night.

To avoid confusion, anxiety and unintentional city tours – having a screenshot or printed version of the place you are going in Mandarin is good to show the taxi driver.

Certain places are easy to cover on foot, such as The Bund and Nanjing Road. But Shanghai is huge and there can be large distances between places. Given how cheap and quick the metro is, it makes for an easy and convenient choice over long walks. Especially in the heat of summer or cold of winter.

An upclose shot of a temple-like building in Shanghai

Where to Stay in Shanghai

Pretty much all of the best things to do in Shanghai are located in the centre of the city. As such, I recommend staying as central as possible to make the most of your time here.

Generally speaking, staying near a Metro Line 2 station is best as this line links pretty much everywhere you’ll want to go.

Like all cities, Shanghai has a full range of options from budget to luxury accommodation for your 5 days in Shanghai.

Hostels in Shanghai

The city doesn’t have a big hostel scene and backpackers aren’t too common here. But, there are still a couple of cheap and basic hostels.

Meego Youth Hotel has private rooms and dorms. It’s surrounded by grocery stores, bars and restaurants. The metro is a few blocks away.

Alternatively, Hidden Designer Youth Hostel is located right by People’s Park and Nanjing Road. With a metro station also very close by.

The hostel has private rooms and dorms and allows check-in from midday.

If you’re looking for cheap and cheerful, there are plenty of options in Shanghai.

Conveniently located near the metro, Shanghai Fish Inn Bund has sleek rooms and all the essential facilities. The executive suite even comes in a very budget-friendly price range, so it can be a great place to upgrade for a little extra luxury.

Another option is Seventh Heaven Hotel , located a stone’s throw from the Nanjing Road pedestrian shopping street. As well as being 5 minutes from the metro, the hotel also has a cabaret, beauty salon and massage parlour!

Shanghai is full of mid-range options and a lot of them have pretty good facilities.

One such option is the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World , situated on the northern side of People’s Park. This hotel is centrally located just metres from the metro and Shanghai’s famous shopping street.

All stays come with free use of the fitness centre and indoor swimming pool! Additionally, if that wasn’t enough, it also has a revolving restaurant on the 45th floor!

If money is no object or you just fancy treating yourself to a night of luxury, you’ll want to check out The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong .

Located among the skyscrapers in Pudong, this hotel is a slice of luxury. This hotel features an indoor swimming pool with panoramic views of the city (free use as a hotel guest).

Plus, all rooms have city views. And, even the cheapest room has a standalone bathtub, an extra-large bed, floor-to-ceiling windows and over 500 square feet of space!

How many days do you need in Shanghai?

5 days is a good amount of time to see the best Shanghai has to offer, without having to rush around like mad! From food to history to culture, the city has something for everyone.

You could see the top attractions in 2 action-packed days. With 3 or 4 days, you’d probably still have to be selective about what you see and do.

Of course, you won’t see the whole city in 5 days. But, in this time, you’ll start to get a real feel for the culture and way of life. And, get to see the best spots in the city.

What to Eat in Shanghai

Shanghai is full of amazing restaurants and street food stalls. And, there are a few foods that you have to try! All of these can be found all across Shanghai, so when you’re in a restaurant keep an eye out for them.

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is soup dumplings made with pork and/or crab meat, most commonly. The soup is made in advance and then refrigerated to turn into a jelly, in this state it can then be wrapped in the outer shell.

The dumplings are steamed and the jelly melts back to soup inside! Be careful when you eat them though as you don’t want to burn the inside of your mouth!

These are, in essence, crepes that come with a variety of toppings. Normally including egg, spring onions, spicy sauce and a rice cake/cracker.

Additional sweet and savoury options also vary depending on the seller. Jian Bing is commonly sold in small, hole-in-the-wall food outlets on the streets of Shanghai.

Cong you Bing

Cong You Bing is a popular savoury snack across much of China. These scallion (spring onion) pancakes are available in restaurants and street-side stalls. Cheap and tasty!

Shengjianbao

Shengjianbao is fried pork buns, with a much thicker and doughier outside than xiaolongbao.

Yang’s Dumplings restaurants are commonplace in Shanghai and are a perfect place to try these bao buns.

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 1

Day 1 of your Shanghai 5-day itinerary should be spent exploring the heart of the city! Use this time to get your bearings in this vast city and it’ll make your next 4 days in Shanghai much easier.

Consider taking a walking tour for a guided view of the city, but you can do it all yourself.

Key stops: People’s Square & Park, Nanjing Road, The Bund, Yu Gardens and the Old City.

People’s Square & People’s Park

Start your day in People’s Square and People’s Park. This is a popular meeting spot for locals in Shanghai.

You’ll find yourself immersed in the Shanghainese culture pretty quickly. Hence, this is the perfect first stop for your Shanghai trip itinerary.

Nanjing Road Shopping Street

Next, you’ll want to visit Nanjing Road, which starts at the northeast corner of People’s Park. It’s full of national and international brand shops and restaurants.

On a warm day, you’ll want to stop for ice cream along this street. Or perhaps a hot drink in winter.

Nanjing Road runs all the way from People’s Square to the next stop and is an absolute must-do in Shanghai…

Home of the most famous viewpoint in all of Shanghai is The Bund! This long, riverside promenade offers spectacular views of the Lujiazui skyscrapers.

Once you’ve finished at the city’s most popular photo spot (it’ll be hard to drag yourself away from the mesmerising view), head south to the next stop.

Make sure you also visit the Bund after dark, the lit-up skyline is one of the best things to see in Shanghai – simply spectacular!

Just a 20-minute walk south along The Bund is the popular and beautiful Yu Gardens.

The small entrance fee (30/40 Yuan [off-peak/peak]) is well worth it to see the 5 acres of gardens, water features and traditional Chinese-style architecture.

Shanghai Old City

The gardens are located in the heart of Shanghai Old City , a great place for exploring.

From the city wall to temples, and streets full of local sellers and shops, it’s a very different experience from central Shanghai.

Take a food tour

Finally, finish off Day 1 of this Shanghai 5-day itinerary with a food tour .

Guided tours are good as they allow you to visit local eateries and be introduced to local cuisines without a language barrier. I went on a tour with Free Tour Asia , although there are other operators available at a range of costs.

> > > RELATED POST: If you only have 1 day in Shanghai, I recommend following this Shanghai one-day itinerary to see the best of the city!

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 2

Day 2 of 5 in Shanghai explores the Lujiazui area of the city. It’s home to some of the most popular Shanghai tourist attractions.

Known for its soaring skyscrapers, the architecture and engineering in Lujiazui will leave you in awe!

Key stops: Oriental Pearl Tower, Science Museum, Century Park.

Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Put your head in the clouds and journey to the top of some of the tallest buildings in the world.

The Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower provides the full visitor experience with a 360-degree transparent Skydeck at 259 metres up as well as an observation deck at 351 metres.

Other options for skyscrapers include the Shanghai World Financial Center , known by locals as ‘the bottle opener’ for its distinctive look.

The building has three observation floors – including a transparent floor deck on the 100th floor, 474 metres up!

Another option is the Shanghai Tower – the second tallest building in the world at 623 metres high!

The observation floors are located around 550 metres above the ground – for stunning views of Shanghai (or the clouds). Given this, choose a clear day to ascend the Shanghai Tower for the best views.

Science & Technology Museum

Next up, is the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum . It’s three stops along on the Shanghai Metro from the TV tower.

This vast museum covers all areas of science from pre-historic animals to space exploration. There’s something for everyone here and you can easily spend a couple of hours seeing all the exhibitions.

Century Park

Located just a stone’s throw from the science museum is Century Park . This huge, inner-city park is a world away from the skyscrapers.

In the park, you can hire bicycles or pedalos, you can visit the small funfair, or you can just explore the many gardens and lakes. The perfect slice of nature in a busy metropolitan city!

If you exit the park through Exit 7 on the south side then you’ll pass the Century Mart on your way to Century Park Metro station. Is it really a trip abroad without a trip to a local supermarket for unique snacks and drinks? I would say not!

Did I buy several bottles of salted caramel flavour Pepsi? Absolutely, yes! Was it sickeningly nice? Also, yes!

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 3

For the mid-point of this Shanghai itinerary, it’s time for a day trip to Hangzhou.

This beautiful city is one of the best day trips from Shanghai and is located just less than 200 kilometres southwest of Shanghai. But, thanks to the high-speed train network, the journey time is just 1 hour!

Key stops: Hangzhou & West Lake.

The high-speed trains run from Shanghai to Hangzhou from Hongqiao Railway Station . Which is located on Line 2 of the metro.

Trains run several times an hour from 6 am to 9.30 pm.

You can buy a ticket from the station – but don’t expect the staff to speak any English. Alternatively, you can book your train tickets in advance and online using 12go.asia – a specialist transport agency. Remember to pack your passport, as this is required to travel on trains in China.

Once you arrive at Hangzhou East Railway Station (Hangzhoudong), take the Metro (Line 1) 5 stops to Fengqi Road. From here, it’s just a 10-minute walk to West Lake – the absolute jewel of Hangzhou.

West Lake in Hangzhou

West Lake is the hub of the best things to see in Hangzhou. There are many attractions, viewpoints and photo spots on the shores.

With stops for attractions, photos and breaks, it’ll take you most of the day to walk the perimeter of the lake. But, rest assured, this is the best place to be in Hangzhou.

All around the lake, you’ll find pavilions, parks, bridges and walking trails. There are viewpoints and photo spots almost everywhere. And you can even take a trip on the lake with the pleasure boat service.

By early evening, you’ll want to be back on the eastern side of the lake to watch the sunset in the west. This is a popular activity at West Lake, so you won’t be alone, but that won’t detract from a magical sunset.

Give yourself enough time to navigate the Metro back to Hangzhou Station and get your train back to Shanghai.

Given everything that we’ve covered so far, you’re only 60% of the way through this Shanghai itinerary! Two more action-packed days to come!

> > > RELATED POST: Looking for a shorted Shanghai trip itinerary? This Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary makes sure you get to visit the best the city has to offer in just a few days!

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 4

Day 4 and we’re back exploring some of the best places to visit in Shanghai – it’s what we came to do after all! Today’s itinerary is rather cultured as we visit a host of temples and museums.

Key stops: Jing’an Temple, Food Market, Jade Buddha Temple, History Museum, Urban Planning Museum, Shanghai Museum

Jing’An Temple

First up is the beautiful Jing’an Temple . Which is served by a Metro stop aptly named ‘Jing’an Temple’ on Lines 2 and 7.

Surrounded by skyscrapers and modern-day buildings, this temple complex is just shy of 2000 years old! Although, there have been more recent reconstructions and restorations.

Huxi Mosque Muslim Food Market

Next up, is the Huxi Mosque Muslim Food Market , which runs every Friday from 10 am until 3 pm.

Here, you can sample many delicacies of the Uyghur people such as lamb skewers and freshly baked bread.

The market is located on Changde Road, just a short walk from the Changshou Road Metro Station. Which is two stops north of Jing’an Temple on Line 7.

Jade Buddha Temple

A 20-minute walk away from Huxi Mosque is the Jade Buddha Temple , home to a giant jade-green Buddha statue.

This impressive temple complex is a great place to learn more about Buddhism. And you can easily spend at least an hour here exploring the many parts.

From the Jade Buddha Temple, you should head two Metro stops away to the Shanghai Natural History Museum (Line 13). This tourist-friendly museum is a great place to escape the outside weather for a couple of hours while learning a thing or two.

Although, there are a large number of stuffed (preserved) animals. Which do look quite creepy and perhaps aren’t as accepted in Western culture these days.

A 30-minute walk from the history museum will bring you to the Shanghai Urban Planning Museum .

It isn’t the biggest of museums in Shanghai. But the main attraction is a complete model version of the city of Shanghai. Featuring every building and every road, to scale!

The museum also showcases the rapid development of Shanghai into today’s status as the world’s most populated city!

If you’re not completely sick of museums of this point, then just across the road is Shanghai Museum . This free museum contains 1000s of artefacts and artworks providing a snapshot into China’s history and culture.

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 5

For the final day of your Shanghai China itinerary, I’d recommend a slightly easier day (i.e not visiting 5+ attractions in one day!)…

Two potential options: Disneyland Shanghai or Zhujiajiao water town

Disneyland Shanghai

Like all Disney parks around the world, Disneyland Shanghai is a truly magical place and fun for all the family!

If you book tickets at least 7 days in advance online then you get a discount and avoid queuing on the day. Generally, weekends are peak times and weekdays are regular prices.

Despite the high prices, entrance to the park is much cheaper than for other Disney parks around the world (including Hong Kong).

Disneyland Shanghai is the last stop on the eastern end of Line 11 of the Metro. From People’s Square Station, you’ll need to take Line 8 nine stops south to Oriental Sports Center. Then, you’ll need to change to Line 11 for the eight stops to Disneyland.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao is located to the west of the city and is an ancient water town. Much like its more famous counterpart, Venice.

The town makes for a great day trip from Shanghai as you can explore the canals, old streets, bridges and take gondola rides.

As the town is a dedicated tourist area, it can get very busy on weekends and public holidays. So I recommend visiting during the week if possible.

You can reach Zhujiajiao via the Metro. You’ll need to take Line 2 all the way to Hongqiao Railway Station stop, then change to Line 17.

After the 11 stops, you’ll arrive at Zhujiajiao Metro Station, which is a 15-minute walk from the water town.

Is Shanghai Safe for Tourists?

Assuming you apply the usual rules of common sense, then yes, Shanghai is a safe city for visitors.

Like anywhere that is popular with tourists, exercise reasonable caution about pickpockets. Avoid putting your phone or wallet in your back (or visible) pockets and make use of hotel safes for valuable items.

Additionally, visitors to China are required by law to carry their passports on them at all times. As such, I recommend finding a safe internal pocket within your bag for this.

Is Shanghai Tourist Friendly?

The city attracts tourists from across China and across the world. But, tourism has been almost non-existent for the last 3 years.

Given the hardships and measures the city had to endure, it’s hard to say how welcome visitors will be made to feel as the country opens its doors.

However, the city has a good tourism infrastructure and will continue to attract visitors for years to come. And if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s to travel while you can.

Is Shanghai an Expensive City?

Shanghai seems to have a reputation as an expensive city. While it would be easy to spend your money here, there are plenty of budget options. And what you do spend on, you get much more value for money than in the West.

Both food, travel and accommodation are fairly cheap. Meaning, that you can make the rest of your trip as cheap or expensive as you want.

For those on a budget, choose from the many free activities, take the metro and eat locally.

But if you want to spend more money there are plenty of tours, western restaurants and international brand shops.

And, for most people visiting Shanghai, they’ll be somewhere in the middle. So, you can choose which experiences are important enough to you, to spend money on.

Is Shanghai worth visiting?

If you like big cities and tall skyscrapers and don’t mind immersing yourself in a totally different culture and language, Shanghai is for you.

In this city, east meets west and historical landmarks sit in the shadows of modern engineering masterpieces. It’s busy, it’s big and it’s every bit worth visiting!

If you have any questions or want any more information drop a comment below and I’ll get back to you!

Prices and offerings mentioned are correct to the best of my knowledge as of April 2023 but are subject to change in future.

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21 thoughts on “Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary (The Best of Shanghai)”

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This sounds like a great Itinerary. I find it interesting that such a large city is mostly cash based.

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90% of the locals don’t carry a single cent of cash. They scan QR code with their phone to pay. While for foreigners without access to this app, it’s cash only in most stores. Stores catering to tourists do accept credit card.

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Yes, this is true. Pretty much everyone uses WeChat for payment, but you need a Chinese mobile number to access the app. So for tourists, it is pretty much cash only. Card payments are accepted in some places, but it’s just easier to have cash as you never know if they will accept Visa/Mastercard/have a working card machine. Apple pay can be used in some places, but Google Pay doesn’t work with the ban on Google.

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Such an in-depth guide! You really haven’t missed anything out and it will certainly help me plan my trip to Shanghai! Thanks so much and keep up the great work 🙂

Thank you, glad you found it useful! Hopefully we will all be back travelling freely soon!

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A few comments: I felt the Shanghai Art Museum to be more interesting than the Science Museum. You did not mention the MagLev train. If you qualify, the Executive Lounges at China’s international hotels (e.g., Marriott) put anything in America to shame. The tidal bore (Silver Dragon) in Hangzhou at the river is not to be missed, if you time it right.

Ah I should definitely add the MagLev train, there’s not many places in the world you can travel at those speeds (and it feel like a pleasant ride all the same). Thanks for letting me know, I’ll consider these next time I update the post.

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I lived in Shanghai for eight years; one in Pudong and the rest in Puxi. This was a very good recap for the city, and the comments are also good. Thank you!

Thank you, glad you enjoyed the post!

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Does tourists need to use Ali pay to make payment in Shanghai ? Can foreigners pay with cash in most shop frequent by local?

I haven’t been since before 2020 but I had no problems using cash then and even had free withdrawals from ATMs. It might be worth checking out some forums to see if it’s changed in the last few years especially with the lack of international visitors.

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Many thanks for this very interesting article about your 5 days itinerary in Shanghai. Perhaps is our online route planner for the Shanghai metro (subway) usefull as well: https://www.metrocazar.com/shanghai/

Very helpful, thank you!

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Going next week and I’m quite nervous! How is english speaking with the locals fare? Last time I was in Shanghai was 20 years ago.

Excited to see shanghai!

I found far fewer people spoke English than I expected, especially in restaurants/shops etc. I’d recommend finding a good offline/non-Google translation app as that’ll help a lot, or using a tour guide, walking tours etc.

This 5-day itinerary looks like a great way to see the best of Shanghai, from historical sites and museums to delicious food and shopping – I don’t know where I’m going to start but I’m looking forward to planning my trip using this guide!

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Is the Muslim Friday market really open for business? I read that it has been closed down after covid.

Hi Liza, I believe it has closed down permanently. I tried to leave in places that had closed over the pandemic in the hope they might open again with the return of tourism, but seems that’s not the case here, I will update as soon as I can. Thanks, Zoe

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Hey Zoe, I’ve just returned home from China and this is a great itinerary for Shanghai 🙂 Just on the spitting – you’re right about it not being very common in Shanghai. However, if you go to any smaller Chinese city it is still very prevalent. What did you think of Disneyland? I wasn’t sure about going there alone!

Hi Mike, thanks for the feedback, always nice to hear. That’s interesting to know, I haven’t visited any of the smaller Chinese cities since way back in 2010 but it was very widespread then. Always love a Disney trip, sometimes you just have to get your cliche tourist hat on for a day! Thanks, Zoe

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Great Itinerary, simple and sweet. Found helpful. Thanks for sharing !!!

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The ULTIMATE SHANGHAI Itinerary

Introduction.

Welcome to the vibrant and bustling city of Shanghai! If you’re planning a trip to this dynamic metropolis, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. From towering skyscrapers to centuries-old temples, Shanghai seamlessly blends the old with the new, creating a unique destination that offers something for every traveler.

In this comprehensive itinerary, we will guide you through the must-visit attractions, hidden gems, and local experiences that will make your time in Shanghai truly memorable. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, this itinerary has got you covered.

From exploring the iconic Bund and city center to delving into Shanghai’s rich history and culture, we’ve packed each day with a diverse range of activities. You’ll have the opportunity to marvel at modern architectural marvels like the Oriental Pearl Tower, wander through ancient water towns, and indulge in mouthwatering local cuisine.

But don’t worry, we’ve also left plenty of free time for you to explore at your own pace, discover hidden gems, and soak up the bustling atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Shanghai is sure to captivate your senses and leave you craving for more.

So, get ready to embark on an incredible journey as we unveil the ultimate Shanghai itinerary. Get your camera ready, your taste buds prepared, and your sense of adventure fully engaged – Shanghai is waiting to be explored!

Day 1: Exploring the Bund and City Center

Start your Shanghai adventure by immersing yourself in the heart of the city – the Bund and the surrounding city center. The Bund is a waterfront area that showcases the historical charm of Shanghai, with its elegant European-style buildings lining the banks of the Huangpu River.

Begin your day by taking a leisurely stroll along the Bund promenade, soaking in the panoramic views of the iconic Pudong skyline across the river. Admire the grandeur of buildings such as the Peace Hotel and the Customs House, which are a testament to Shanghai’s colonial past.

After exploring the Bund, venture into the bustling city center. Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street, is a must-visit. Indulge in some retail therapy as you browse through an array of shops, from luxury brands to local boutiques. Don’t forget to try some delicious street food along the way!

Just a short walk from Nanjing Road is People’s Square. This expansive public square is a hub of activity and a great place to relax and people-watch. Take a stroll through the lush greenery of People’s Park or visit the Shanghai Museum, which houses a vast collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts.

In the evening, head to the popular pedestrian street known as Xintiandi. This trendy area is a perfect blend of old and new, with restored traditional Shikumen houses now housing stylish boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Enjoy a delightful dinner at one of the many international or local eateries before ending the day with a drink at a rooftop bar for a breathtaking view of the city.

Day 1 is all about immersing yourself in the vibrant energy of Shanghai’s bustling city center. With its mix of history, culture, and modernity, this area will set the stage for an incredible journey ahead.

Day 2: Immersing in Shanghai’s History and Culture

On Day 2 of your Shanghai itinerary, dive deeper into the city’s rich history and culture. Start your day by visiting the iconic Yu Garden. This serene oasis in the heart of bustling Shanghai is a traditional Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, intricate rock formations, and serene ponds. Lose yourself in the tranquility of the surroundings as you appreciate the classical architecture and meticulously manicured landscapes.

Just a short walk from Yu Garden is the historic Old Town area, known as Shanghai’s “City God Temple” area. Explore the narrow lanes and bustling markets, filled with colorful shops and street vendors selling everything from traditional Chinese goods to delectable street food. Be sure to try some famous Shanghai snacks like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and shengjian bao (pan-fried stuffed buns).

Afterwards, make your way to the Jing’an Temple, one of Shanghai’s most important Buddhist temples. Marvel at the intricate details of the temple’s architecture and take a moment to find inner peace in its serene atmosphere. Don’t forget to explore the nearby Jing’an Sculpture Park, where you can admire various modern art installations.

For an immersive cultural experience, head to the Tianzifang neighborhood in the French Concession area. This labyrinthine network of narrow alleyways is filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and charming cafes. Get lost in the maze of unique shops and discover local artists and designers showcasing their creativity.

In the evening, treat yourself to a mesmerizing acrobatics show at Shanghai Circus World. Be amazed by the jaw-dropping feats and impressive displays of agility and skill. The acrobats’ performances will leave you in awe and give you a glimpse into the rich performing arts traditions of China.

Day 2 is all about experiencing the history and cultural heritage of Shanghai. From stunning gardens to ancient temples and vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Shanghai’s past and present.

Day 3: Discovering Modern Shanghai

Get ready to embrace the vibrant modernity of Shanghai on Day 3 of your itinerary. Start your day with a visit to the iconic Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world. Take the high-speed elevator up to the observation deck and marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views of the city. From the towering skyscrapers of Pudong to the meandering waters of the Huangpu River, the views from Shanghai Tower are simply awe-inspiring.

Next, make your way to the Shanghai World Financial Center, another architectural masterpiece that offers stunning views of the cityscape. Enjoy a cup of coffee or a light snack at one of the sky-high cafes while taking in the mesmerizing vistas.

Afterwards, immerse yourself in the futuristic world of technology and innovation at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. Explore the interactive exhibits, participate in hands-on experiments, and learn about the latest advancements in science and technology. The museum offers a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

In the afternoon, make your way to the trendy district of Xintiandi. This pedestrian-friendly area is known for its beautifully restored Shikumen houses, which now house trendy boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Spend some time exploring the boutiques, enjoying a leisurely lunch, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.

No visit to modern Shanghai would be complete without a visit to the famous Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Indulge in some retail therapy as you browse through the numerous international and local brand stores. Take a break to sample some delicious street food or try a traditional Chinese tea at one of the teahouses scattered along the street.

As the evening approaches, head to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. This architectural marvel offers not only stunning views from its observation decks but also houses a fascinating museum showcasing the history and development of Shanghai. Wrap up your day by enjoying a delicious dinner at a restaurant near the tower or take a relaxing stroll along the picturesque promenade.

Day 3 is all about immersing yourself in the modernity and innovation of Shanghai. From towering skyscrapers to interactive museums and trendy neighborhoods, you’ll get to experience the cutting-edge side of this dynamic city.

Day 4: Exploring the Traditional Side of Shanghai

On Day 4 of your Shanghai itinerary, take a step back in time and explore the traditional side of the city. Start your day by visiting the picturesque Zhujiajiao Water Town, located on the outskirts of Shanghai. Explore the ancient canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture that make this town a charming retreat from the urban hustle and bustle. Take a boat ride along the waterways and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings.

After returning from Zhujiajiao, make your way to the leafy oasis of Fuxing Park. This tranquil park, located within the French Concession area, offers a serene escape from the city’s bustling streets. Take a leisurely stroll through the park’s pathways, marvel at the beautiful flowers and trees, and perhaps join in with the locals engaging in various activities like dancing, tai chi, or playing traditional instruments.

Next, head to the Longhua Temple, one of Shanghai’s oldest Buddhist temples. Admire the stunning pagoda and explore the temple’s peaceful grounds. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a traditional Buddhist ceremony or ritual taking place.

In the afternoon, dive into the world of Chinese art at the Shanghai Museum. This world-class museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts, including delicate ceramics, exquisite jade carvings, and valuable calligraphy scrolls. Take your time to appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship of these historical treasures.

End your day by experiencing a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. Visit a teahouse and learn about the art and customs of tea preparation. Savor the flavors of different teas and gain insights into the role of tea in Chinese culture. Let the soothing ambiance of the teahouse relax your senses as you reflect on the experiences of the day.

Day 4 is all about embracing the traditional side of Shanghai. From ancient water towns to serene parks, historic temples, and cultural treasures, you’ll get to immerse yourself in the rich heritage and traditions of this fascinating city.

Day 5: Taking a Day Trip to Nearby Water Towns

On Day 5 of your Shanghai itinerary, venture beyond the city limits and explore the charming water towns that surround Shanghai. These ancient towns offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese culture and architecture, with their winding canals, stone bridges, and well-preserved historical buildings.

Start your day by visiting Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water towns near Shanghai. Known as the “Venice of the East,” Zhouzhuang is renowned for its centuries-old houses, tranquil waterways, and picturesque scenery. Take a boat ride through the canals, stroll along the old streets, and visit traditional Chinese gardens like the Quanfu Temple Garden.

Next, make your way to Tongli, another well-preserved water town in the vicinity. Experience the traditional charm of this town as you wander through its narrow lanes and admire the stone bridges that span the canals. Visit ancient temples, explore the Tuisi Garden, and learn about the town’s rich history at the Tongli Museum.

If you have time, consider visiting Wuzhen, another popular water town known for its well-preserved architecture and cultural heritage. Take a leisurely boat ride along its canals, stroll through the old streets lined with traditional buildings, and visit the various museums and workshops that offer insights into local crafts and folk traditions.

As you spend the day exploring these water towns, be sure to sample some local delicacies. From local snacks to traditional dishes, these towns offer a wide array of culinary delights that are bound to tantalize your taste buds.

After a day of immersing yourself in the ancient charm of Shanghai’s surrounding water towns, return to the city in the evening and take some time to relax, reflect, and savor the memories of your day trip.

Day 5 is all about venturing beyond the city and discovering the enchanting water towns that surround Shanghai. Lose yourself in the serenity and beauty of these ancient towns, and gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage of the region.

Day 6: Enjoying Shanghai’s Food and Nightlife

Day 6 of your Shanghai itinerary is all about indulging in the city’s vibrant food scene and experiencing its lively nightlife. Prepare your taste buds for a journey through the flavors of Shanghai’s diverse culinary offerings.

Start your day with a visit to a traditional wet market, where you can witness the bustling atmosphere and sample some of the freshest ingredients that locals use in their dishes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and lively conversations as you explore the different stalls.

Next, embark on a culinary adventure by trying some of Shanghai’s most famous dishes. Treat yourself to a steaming bowl of xiaolongbao, a type of soup dumpling filled with flavorful broth and juicy pork. Sample the mouthwatering Shengjian bao, pan-fried pork buns with a crispy bottom and a savory filling. And don’t forget to savor the iconic Shanghai-style braised pork, known locally as “hongshao rou,” which is slow-cooked to tender perfection.

In the evening, experience the vibrant nightlife scene of Shanghai. Start by exploring the trendy district of Tianzifang, where you can find unique boutiques, art galleries, and charming cafes. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, trying a variety of regional Chinese cuisines or international flavors.

After dinner, make your way to the famous Bar Rouge, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city. Sip on a signature cocktail while enjoying the lively atmosphere and DJ performances. Alternatively, visit one of the many jazz bars in the city, where you can unwind to the sounds of live music while sipping on a classic cocktail.

If you’re interested in traditional Chinese entertainment, catch a performance of the mesmerizing Shanghai acrobatics show. Be amazed by the daring stunts, graceful movements, and intricate choreography.

As the night comes to a close, take a stroll along the beautiful Bund promenade and admire the stunning nighttime views of Pudong’s illuminated skyline reflected on the Huangpu River.

Day 6 is a feast for the senses, combining the flavors of Shanghai’s diverse cuisine with the vibrant energy of the city’s nightlife. It’s a day to indulge in the culinary delights, immerse yourself in the local culture, and create unforgettable memories.

Day 7: Shopping and Departure

On the final day of your Shanghai itinerary, indulge in some shopping and make your departure from this vibrant city. Take this opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your time in Shanghai.

Start your day by visiting the trendy district of Xintiandi, known for its chic boutiques and stylish shops. Explore the area’s pedestrian streets lined with international fashion brands, local designer boutiques, and specialty stores. From fashion and accessories to home decor and art, Xintiandi offers a wide range of shopping experiences to suit every taste.

For a more eclectic and bohemian shopping experience, head to the Tianzifang neighborhood. Browse through the charming alleyways filled with art galleries, boutique shops, and handicraft stores. Find unique handcrafted items, locally-made art, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home.

If you’re a book lover, don’t miss a visit to the Shanghai Book City. Located on Fuzhou Road, this multi-story bookstore is a haven for book enthusiasts. Lose yourself in the vast collection of books, magazines, and literary works, and perhaps find a special edition or a hidden gem.

In the afternoon, visit one of the city’s modern shopping malls, such as Nanjing Road or Huaihai Road. These bustling commercial areas offer a wide range of international and local brands, department stores, and specialty stores. Whether you’re looking for fashion, electronics, cosmetics, or unique gifts, you’re sure to find what you need.

As your shopping excursion comes to an end, take some time to relax and reflect on your Shanghai adventure. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the city one last time.

Finally, it’s time to bid farewell to Shanghai. Head to the airport or train station, taking with you the memories, experiences, and treasures you’ve gathered during your time in this incredible city.

Day 7 is all about shopping, reflecting, and preparing for your departure. It’s a day to find that perfect souvenir, immerse yourself in the city’s shopping culture, and take home a piece of Shanghai with you.

As your time in Shanghai comes to an end, you can reflect on the incredible journey you’ve had in this vibrant city. From exploring the historical landmarks and immersing yourself in the rich culture to embracing its modernity and indulging in its culinary delights, Shanghai has provided you with a memorable experience.

Throughout this comprehensive itinerary, you’ve had the opportunity to visit iconic landmarks like the Bund, Yu Garden, and the Shanghai Tower, getting a taste of the city’s captivating history and impressive architecture. You’ve also explored the traditional side of Shanghai through its water towns, temples, and cultural experiences.

Additionally, you’ve discovered the modernity and innovation of Shanghai by experiencing its technological marvels, visiting trendy neighborhoods, and enjoying its vibrant nightlife. From the hustle and bustle of Nanjing Road to the tranquility of Fuxing Park, you’ve witnessed the diverse facets of Shanghai’s dynamic lifestyle.

And let’s not forget the culinary journey you took in Shanghai, savoring the delicious flavors of xiaolongbao, Shengjian bao, braised pork, and much more. The city’s diverse food scene has left a lasting impression, tantalizing your taste buds with its blend of traditional and modern cuisines.

Through it all, you’ve experienced the warmth and hospitality of the Shanghai locals, who have welcomed you into their city and shared their cultural heritage with you. The memories you’ve created and the friendships you’ve made will stay with you long after you’ve left the city.

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where ancient traditions coexist seamlessly with modern innovations. It’s a place where the past blends harmoniously with the present, creating a captivating destination that truly has something for everyone.

So, as you bid farewell to Shanghai, take a moment to cherish the memories you’ve made, the experiences you’ve had, and the beauty of this remarkable city. Shanghai has undoubtedly left a mark on your heart, and its allure will beckon you to return and continue your exploration of this mesmerizing metropolis.

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plan shanghai tour

How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

Shanghai, one of the most exotic, lively, and interesting destinations to visit, is definitely a trip that all travelers must go. There are many reasons why this place is consistently visited by tourists all year round. Hence, if you’re planning out a trip soon, here’s a detailed guide on how and what you can do in Shanghai.

Before the Trip

1. determine the duration of your trip.

Decide how long you want to stay in Shanghai. This will help you make other arrangements, such as booking accommodations and planning your itinerary.

2. Research Visa Requirements

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter China or can enjoy 144-hour visa-free transit policy . Check the visa requirements for your country and apply well in advance, if necessary.

3. Choose the Best Time to Visit

Shanghai experiences a temperate climate, so choose a time that suits your preferences. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are generally considered the best seasons, with cool and comfortable weather.

4. Create a Budget

Determine how much you are willing to spend on your trip, including accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and shopping. Be sure to allocate some funds for unexpected expenses.

5. Book Your Flights

Look for flight options to Shanghai and compare prices from different airlines. Consider using flight aggregators or booking platforms to find the best deals.

6. Find Accommodation

Shanghai offers a wide range of lodging options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels and vacation rentals. Consider the location, amenities, and price when selecting your accommodation.

7. Plan Your Itinerary

Research Shanghai's top attractions, such as The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Decide which places you want to visit and allocate time accordingly. Don't forget to explore local cuisine and cultural experiences.

Yuyuan Garden

How long to stay - 3 to 4 days.

The ideal duration for your trip to Shanghai depends on your preferences and the activities you plan to engage in. However, considering the city's size and the multitude of attractions it offers, a stay of at least 3 to 4 days is recommended to get a good taste of what Shanghai has to offer.

This duration allows you to explore popular landmarks, experience the local culture, try various cuisines, and get a sense of the city's vibrant atmosphere. If you have more time available, extending your stay to a week or more will allow for a more in-depth exploration, as you can venture beyond the city center to visit neighboring cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou , which are known for their scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

Shanghai also boasts a vibrant nightlife, so those interested in entertainment and nightlife may want to allocate extra time to fully enjoy the city's diverse offerings. Ultimately, the length of your stay depends on your personal preferences and the scope of your itinerary. Consider the activities you want to include and allocate time accordingly, ensuring you strike a balance between exploring the city and leaving room for relaxation and spontaneity.

Best Times to Visit Shanghai – Spring and Autumn

The two best periods to visit Shanghai: Spring (from March to May) and Autumn (from September to November). Because the moderate temperatures in these two periods give travelers the most comfortable feeling. There is no extreme weather in Shanghai and the temperature is friendly all year round. It’s not too hot in the summer months and not too cold in the winter season.

Rainy Season

The period from mid-June to mid-July. The average rainy days in these two months are 28 days. Prepare to carry your rain gear with you all the time if you are to travel during this period.

Summer and Winter

The temperatures can rise to a staggering 39 degrees centigrade in July and August, and there is much rain in summer. The sultry weather might make your trip uncomfortable.

Similarly, though it seldom rains in winter, the cold and damp winter climate is unpleasant. The temperatures can be down to 5 degrees centigrade. But at this time, there will be fewer visitors in Shanghai. So, if you don’t want to see crowds, winter is a good time to visit Shanghai. The scenery is still nice and the temperature is bearable.

Monthly Shanghai Weather

Shanghai Weather

What Are the Best Things to Do

Shanghai, called “Mo Du (魔都)” by Chinese people (Mo means ambition and Du means metropolis.), is a sprawling multi-cultural metropolis, incorporating an eclectic blend of both traditional and contemporary features. With a reputation as a world-famous metropolis and tourist resort, Shanghai possesses abundant attractions for visitors to savor, and it won’t let you down.?

Water Towns Near Shanghai

  • Escaping from pressure: Slow down and listen to romantic stories or anecdotes that took place there. Take a boat trip and relax.
  • Convenient transportation: They are close to big cities, so transportation is convenient and basic infrastructure is well established.
  • Ancient atmosphere: They preserve well an ancient atmosphere and ordinary people still live there. With our insightful local guides, visitors can understand the culture of water towns very well.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao belongs to the Qingpu District of Shanghai and it is the typical water town of Jiangnan. It is located at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai with a prosperous economy and culture, known as “the largest town of Shanghai”. Its North Street was selected as one of the “Top Ten Leisure Streets in Shanghai”.

Nanxun Water Town

Nanxun is affiliated to Nanxun District, Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province. It is located on the southern shore of Taihu Lake. It has a very long history of more than 7000 years. And it is the AAAAA class scenic spot. The better seasons to travel are spring and autumn.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Oriental Pearl TV Tower serves as the symbol of Shanghai, at a surprising height of 486 meters. It is the third tallest radio and TV tower in the world. At the top, you can have a panoramic view of the Bund as well as a bird’s-eye view of the magnificence of Shanghai.

The Bund is another renowned landmark. There are various buildings in different architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical and Renaissance. It is recommended to visit the Bund at night, when all the colorful lights are lit up, making it a dazzling and wondrous world.

Regarded as the most beautiful garden south of the Yangtze River, Yuyuan Garden has an exquisite layout. The pavilions, corridors, courtyards, halls, stones and streams in the garden form a tranquil and unique picture that vividly shows the quintessence of southern Chinese landscape design in the Ming (1368-1644 AD) and Qing (1644-1912 AD) dynasties.

Nanjing Road

This bustling pedestrian street is a must-see metropolitan destination, attracting thousands of fashion lovers from all over the world. Over 600 shops on the road offer many famous brands, superior quality, and new fashions. At night, flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and spangle the night sky.

Jade Buddha Temple

Bright yellow saffron walls, upturned eaves, and symmetrical courtyards and halls make the Temple readily identifiable. It houses two precious seated jade Buddhist statues, rare porcelain works of art, encrusted with jewels. The sparkling and crystal-clear white jade gives the Buddhas the beauty of sanctity. This Temple receives many visitors and worshipers daily.

Disneyland Park

As the sixth in the world and the first in the mainland of china, Shanghai Disneyland Park creates many records among the existing Disney parks: it possesses the tallest theme castle, the first garden-designed zone, and the first pirate-themed garden. Besides, it combines movie figures with Chinese elements, such as the Chinese Zodiac Murals.

Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary:

Morning : Visit The Bund and enjoy the stunning skyline views of Shanghai. Explore the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: The Magic City's Future Plan

Afternoon : Head to Yu Garden, explore its classical Chinese architecture, and picturesque gardens, and visit the nearby City God Temple. Take a stroll and shop on Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai's premier shopping streets.

Evening : Explore Xintiandi, a trendy area with charming lanes, boutiques, and a variety of restaurants for a delightful dinner.

Morning : Visit the Shanghai Museum, known for its extensive collection of Chinese art and cultural artifacts.

Afternoon : Explore the Former French Concession, an area brimming with tree-lined streets, trendy shops, and charming cafes. Take a walk along Tianzifang, known for its narrow alleys filled with art galleries and boutiques.

Evening : Explore the nightlife of the Bund area or catch an acrobatics show at Shanghai Circus World.

Morning : Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town, known for its picturesque canals, ancient bridges, and traditional buildings. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride and explore the town's charming atmosphere.

Afternoon : Take a ride to the observation deck of the Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower, an iconic landmark offering panoramic views of the city.

Evening : Experience Shanghai's vibrant food scene by trying local dishes at a night market or dining in one of the city's authentic restaurants.

Tour Recommendation: 3-day Shanghai and Tongli Water Town Tour

Shanghai Water Town

Shanghai 4-Day Itinerary:

Follow the 4-day itinerary and add the following additional activity:

Morning : Visit the Former Jewish Settlement in Shanghai, and stroll around the residential area of labyrinthine alleyways.

Afternoon : Explore urban areas like Lujiazui or visit Shanghai Disneyland for a fun-filled day of entertainment and rides.

Evening : Enjoy a river cruise along the Huangpu River to see Shanghai's skyline illuminated at night.

Tour Recommendation: 4-Day Shanghai Relaxing Tour

Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary

Morning : Take a day trip to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East." Explore its Master of the Nets Garden, and Humble Administrator's Garden, visit the historic Pingjiang Road, and enjoy a boat ride on the picturesque canals.

Afternoon : Visit the Tongli Water Town near Suzhou

Evening : Return to Shanghai and indulge in a relaxing evening at a spa or enjoy a performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.

Water Town and Huangshan Tour: Elegant Water Town and Yellow Mountains Tour

Food You Should Try

Shengjian steamed stuffed bun.

This is a kind of fried and steamed bun, with sesame and chives on the outside and meat on the inside. It’s popular for its crisp wrapper, thick soup, and tender meat.

Xiaolong Steamed Stuffed Bun

This is another kind of steamed bun with meat stuffing, renowned for its tender wrapper and fresh meat. It is named after the cooker “xiao long”, which is weaved using bamboo skin.

This is a kind of baked pastry with sesame on the outside, popular for its crunchy wrapper as well as stuffing, which can be sweet or salty. It is called (‘crab-shell-yellow’) because its round shape and yellow color resemble a crab shell.

Getting to and Around Shanghai

Getting to shanghai.

For international passengers, you can reach Shanghai by air or boat. You can go via Beijing, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou if you can’t get to Shanghai directly. Shanghai is linked to the rest of China by efficient rail and flight networks.

Two airports in Shanghai

Shanghai Pudong International Airport: Located in Pudong New District, approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) east of downtown Shanghai, this is the biggest airline hub in eastern China.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport: Located in Hongqiao County, the western suburbs of Shanghai, this is approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center. Together with Pudong International Airport, it serves as one of the busiest airports in the east of China.

Three cruise terminals

Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal.

Three Railway Stations

Shanghai is the hub of China’s railway network. There are three major railway stations in the city: Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, and Shanghai South Railway Station.

Getting Around Shanghai

The transportation is very convenient in Shanghai. There are many ways to get around, like metro, city bus, sightseeing bus, taxi and public bicycle.

Maglev Train

Starting at Longyanglu Station at Line 2 of Shanghai Metro and ending at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Maglev Railway is the very first elevated maglev line in commercial operation in the world.

It can run at the amazing speed of 430 miles per hour, which means it can take you from downtown Shanghai to Shanghai Pudong International Airport in only 8 minutes.

By Public City Transportation

  • Metro: The Shanghai Metro leads in all directions, with 14 lines and 366 stations.
  • Bus: The Shanghai Bus System is also very developed. The buses can reach many small places the metro cannot reach.
  • Sightseeing bus: This is a good choice if you want to do some sightseeing in downtown Shanghai, because it only stops at scenic spots, which will save you time.

Private Transfer Service

China Travel’s private transfer service offers chauffeured service as an expedient and opulent alternative to public transport. Its private tours provide fully-equipped vehicles, catering well for you, along with an English-speaking driver and a well-informed guide. It will make your trip more smooth and convenient. See more on Shanghai transport.

Recommended Accommodation

Luxurious hotel.

  • Stay in a riverside hotel along the Bund to watch the splendid skyline of Pudong
  • Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund(Five-star) Ranked #2 on Trip Advisor
  • Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai (Five-star) Ranked #7 on Trip Advisor
  • Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai (Five-star) Ranked #20 on Trip Advisor (Best price among all the five-star hotels on the Bund )

Hotels in Pudong

  • Mandarin Oriental Pudong (Five-star) Ranked #1 on Trip Advisor
  • Four Seasons Shanghai Pudong (Five-star) Ranked #2 on Trip Advisor

Comfortable Hotel

Some hotels are not that expensive, but the location is good. Such as the Bund Hotel (near the Bund, 4-star).

Economic Hotel

If you are not too concerned about the environment around your accommodation, there are lots of hostels available, such as Kingstown Hotel Plaza Shanghai, Jinjiangzhixing Hotel, Seven Days Hotel, and so on.

Visa-Needed or Visa-Free

Citizens of certain countries may be eligible for visa exemption or visa-on-arrival when visiting Shanghai for a limited period. For example, citizens of many European countries, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can often travel to Shanghai for up to 144 hours (6 days) without a visa, as long as they are in transit to a third country. To learn more about 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit, please click Visa-Free Transit in China for Up to 144 Hours .

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2 Days Shanghai Tour

2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour (Most Time-Efficient)

What is the real charm of the biggest city of China?

What comes to your mind when you think of Shanghai? The “Paris of the East” and “Pearl of the Orient”? An awesome “Magical City”? The biggest and most populous city in China? A global center for finance? Only when you come here, you will understand what makes Shanghai a internationally-famous tourist destination numerous travelers love to visit.

Located in China’s eastern coast, Shanghai taking advantage of its well-developed waterway transportation and beneficial location has grown from a small fishing town to a world-class megacity, which excellently recognized as the epitome of China’s development and showcase of future trend. This 2-day Shanghai City tour offers you great opportunity to uncover distinct fascinations of Shanghai, including its ancient characters and local lifestyle culture harmoniously kept amidst in modern phenomenal high-rises, mixed culture of the East and Europe illuminated in plenty of exotic architectures. With our all inclusive Shanghai tour package, you can enjoy wonderful tour services and well-organized itinerary containing eye-opening sightseeing of top landmarks, relaxed walking and shopping, wonderful cultural learning and authentic local food tasting.

Good news! If you take this tour during December 1, 2019 ~ March 15, 2020 , you can save up to $120 per person (compared with peak season). Hotels, tour guide, private car are all covered! At the same time, you will be rewarded a much uncrowded Xi'an. Limited time only, don't miss out!

  •  Type : Private Tour
  •  Tour Code : CD-ST-02
  • 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
  • 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  •  Theme : History / Culture / Architecture

tour itinerary shanghai

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Bund, the best-known symbol of Shanghai to catch a splendid Vista of various Gothic, Baroque, Neo-Classical and Eclecticist-style buildings and closely encounter the city’s mixed culture;
  • Have an interesting contrast walking tour in Wukang Road, see featured traditional Shanghainese architectures, lifestyle and rows of western style historical edifices, taste local snacks and foreign delicacies;
  • Contrast impression of the life-size warriors of Terracotta Warriors and the mini terracotta figures of human and animals in Hangyangling;
  • Explore notable Yu Garden to view quintessential ancient architectures and have an insight into the aesthetic, art and craft of Chinese classical garden;
  • Marvel at towering skyscrapers in Lujiazui, walk on hanging glass walkway hundreds of meters high and get a panoramic view Shanghai from the air;
  • See a large collection of ancient bronzes, jades, etc, in Shanghai Museum to learn the fantastic Chinese history and art, get culturally educated and inspired;
  • Be accompanied by our local friendly and informative tour guide and skillful private driver.
  • Trip Itinerary
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Day 1 Shanghai Arrival & Tour (L) Today's Highlights: Pick up, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center
Welcome to Shanghai! Meet your private tour guide and driver at the airport, railway station, cruise port or your hotel in Shanghai, then start your Shanghai exploration! (Note: the number and order of attractions can be adjusted based on your schedule and interests.) You will firstly transfer to Shanghai old town to visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago. Walk around to view the ancient pavilions, halls, towers with jagged carved cornices and decorations, grotesque rockeries, glittering ponds filled with swimming kois and many old plants. These buildings, laid out in an asymmetry, fully embody impressive Chinese architectural style, art and skills, from which you can imagine an ancient living scene and find a magic harmony between human and nature. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is an interesting place for shopping traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and tasting a variety of local snacks. Next, you will visit Nanjing Road , Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks as a warm-up for your Shanghai modern city tour. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this long busy pedestrian mall. Continue your walk to the Bund , the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river. The last stop is the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui. With a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), the tower is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meter/2,073 ft). Ascend up to the 474 meter-high 100th floor observation deck, try a thrilling skywalk on the transparent glass walkway and enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, neighboring Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and many surrounding attractions. Feel Shanghai lying under your feet and blue sky hanging above your head. After visiting the Shanghai World Financial Center, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel. (If you want to be dropped off at the Bund, Nanjing Road or somewhere else please let your tour guide know.) Recommended Night Activities (optional): 1) Watch an entertaining Acrobatic Show , including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00); 2) Take a relaxing  Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes). Yu Garden: A Chinese Classical Garden Built in 16th Century 474 M High Glass Walkway in World Financial Center The Bund: Famous “Exhibition of the World's Architecture”
Day 2 Shanghai Tour & Shanghai Departure (B, L) Today's Highlights: Shanghai Museum, Tianzifang, Wukang Road City Walk
After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Museum , one of the best museums in China. Conveniently located near the People’s Square, this large museum is designed and built with a round top and a square base which symbolize the ancient Chinese perception of the world as “round sky, square earth”, and mainly focus on Chinese ancient history and art. Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited inside, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals and old coins from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Da Ke Ding (bronze food vessel in over 3000 years ago), Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments) are top treasures to visit. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to Tianzifang and Wukang Road to make a delightful contrast walking tour of local traditional houses and western style architectures. First, visit Tianzifang , a unique popular tourist enclave remolded from a traditional residential block. Intertwined narrow alleys are filled with small creative shops selling lovely souvenirs and plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s great fun to ramble through the maze-like area to appreciate the well-preserved traditional Shanghainese Shikumen (Stone Warehouse Gate) houses, see interesting novel art and handicrafts, savor a lazy open-air coffee time and try some local street food and feel the original Shanghai life vibe. Finally, you will take a leisurely walk in the charming Wukang Road which was a special premier living quarter and retail district for expats in early Shanghai (from 1849 AD until 1943 AD). You will browse hundreds of European style buildings, apartments, villas, boutique shops, restaurants of a wide range of culinary styles standing at tree-lined avenues. Located among the ultra-modern architecture complex, this area is a significant window into the city’s up-and-down history. After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport, railway station or cruise port for your flight / train / cruise to your next destination. Da Ke Ding in Shanghai Museum Wukang Road City Walk Exquisite Chinese Artifacts Shop in Tianzifang

Recommended Add-on Options

Suzhou of over 2,500 years old is abundant with ancient culture and history of Wu State in ancient times.

City like Suzhou which gathers its best highlighting attractions together in the historical old city area is ideal for taking a day trip. This tour brings you the best features of Suzhou in a brief day tour - Appreciate the beautiful Lingering Garden , one of the four most famous classic gardens of China; Spend some leisure time on the Shantang Street to experience the very history and local life of Suzhou; Explore the most historical site in Suzhou –  Tiger Hill ; Have fun to see see how the exquisite silk garment is produced at No.1 Silk Factory .

Lingering Garden Spring

“No mountain is worth seeing after a trip to Mt. Huangshan”!

If you want to travel Huangshan at a leisure pace, this is the ideal trip - short days, classic itinerary, cable cars covered, private transfer. You will reach the top of Mount Huangshan for a day-and-night trip to enjoy the best scenery, and get down the mountain to stroll along the Tunxi Ancient Street to encounter its hundred-years' history and admire the "Four Treasures of the Study" in Ink Stone Factory...

 Jack and Emily from UK visited West Sea Grand Canyon, Yellow Mountain in October, 2019

Explore the heavenly city - Hangzhou .

Spend two days to collects the essence of Hangzhou natural scenery and profound history, including cruise leisurely on West Lake to enjoy the tranquil lake views as well as the ancient pagodas, traditional arched bridges, tree-lined walkways, beautiful hills, green islands and lush gardens; experiencing the peaceful Buddhism atmosphere and breath the fresh tranquil air at Lingyin Temple; learning about authentic traditional Chinese tea culture and enjoy a cup of best Dragon Well Tea...

West Lake Cycling Experience

The quotation for this trip is from $326 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. ( China Public Holiday 2024 Schedule Released ) 3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc. 4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation. 5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025. 6. This price is not the final prices until the Confirmation Letter is sent. 7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

The tour you put together for us was great, we got to see the major sites. We really enjoyed gubei water town and wished we had more time there.

The ski day was luckily sunny and the kids had a lot of fun. It's their first time skiing so we didn't really know what to expect. It turned out well.

Driver Mr Hu and Guide Jamie were super patient with us. My kids sleep very late so we start everyday around 9am. They were very flexible and catered well to our needs.

Beijing Tour

Feedback as follows:

1. You are fast and patient to answer.

3. Willing to recommend your service.

4. Very impressive

I loved everything about the tour and everyone that helped me along the way.

Here's some comments and photos:

China Discovery provided exceptional service in customizing our trip to Guilin, Yangshuo, and Longsheng in late February 2024. April, my travel consultant, was responsive, helpful, and friendly, addressing all my questions and needs promptly. Our tour guide, Steven, was not only friendly but also adaptable to our needs and the unexpected weather conditions (there was a cold front during our trip) without the need for me to ask. His food recommendations for our meals at every restaurant were superb and we got to taste not only the local specialty but also what the restaurant is known for. Last but not least, Mr. Young, our driver, ensured our safety with his steady driving.

Guilin Tour

Dear Ms. Jiang,

We are so pleased with your China tour and are so thankful for all your help.

All the tour guides and drivers have been excellent and we felt very well taken care off.

We felt very safe and therefore could enjoy the tour without any worries.

Not only did we see a lot we also learned a lot about China, the country, the people, etc.

I think it is of great benefit to participate in this kind of a tour, first of all we did not have to share the tour guide with other persons, so we could ask all the questions that came to mind. Also that there was no shopping as a part of the tour was a plus.

Thanks again for a wonderful experience

China Tour

Afternoon Rita,

Apologies for the delay. As requested:

1. How do you comment your tour arrangements? DL: Overall an excellent service, well organised and a brilliant tour guide with expert knowledge/guidance.

Are you willing to recommend our service to your people who also have an interest to visit China? DL: Absolutely.

Xian Tour

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How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

China Tour

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

tour itinerary shanghai

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

China Tour

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

tour itinerary shanghai

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

tour itinerary shanghai

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

tour itinerary shanghai

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

China Tour

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

tour itinerary shanghai

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

China Tour

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

tour itinerary shanghai

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Photo gallery of this trip

Yu Garden: A Chinese Classical Garden Built in 16th Century

Most Important Shanghai Travel Notes

Normally, you need to get a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) for a Shanghai tour. However, at present, Shanghai offers different visa exemptions applying to different visitors. Knowing them helps you save lots of time, energy and money on applying for a Chinese Visa, and enjoy great convenience to have a visa-free layover tour in Shanghai. The 144-Hour Visa Free Transit and 15-Day Visa Free for Cruise Travelers are the two main visa free accesses used by international travelers.

Shanghai 144-Hour Visa Free: If you hold valid ordinary passport of one of the appointed 53 countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore...) and connecting ticket to a third country (region) with confirmed date and seat, you can get into Shanghai from Shanghai Hongqiao & Pudong International Airport (SHA & PVG), Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and Shanghai Railway Station, and visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, etc. (Shanghai, Jiangzu and Zhejiang) no exceeding 144 hours (6 days).

Shanghai 15-Day Visa Free for Cruise Entry: Foreign cruise group tourists can make visa-exempted shore excursion in Shanghai, Beijing and other coastal cities for up to 15 days if received by licensed Chinese travel agents.

Our private Shanghai tour packages provide you wonderful travel experiences of high quality and best value. Travel with us, you can enjoy the best sightseeing highlights, featured local activities and local experienced and knowledgeable tour guide, efficient private transfer, excellent dining and accommodation and many considerate tour services. One-to-one trip planning is offered during your whole tour. Except our popular itinerary, you can let us design a special travel itinerary in Shanghai based on your own schedule and interests. Also, you have great flexibility of choosing hotel and restaurant. Thousands of customers have realized their Shanghai tour with our help and spoke highly of our arrangement and service that you can get inspired from.

There are three ways to reach Shanghai: by air, by train and by cruise. Shanghai as two airports, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), both are international airports flying lots of international and domestic lines. You should know that Pudong Airport operates more international flights to/off Shanghai, but is located farther from downtown than Hongqiao Airport. If you want to take a train travel to Shanghai, you can depart from Beijing, Xian, Hong Kong, Guangzhou..., nearly all major cities in China. Besides, you can take an international cruise voyage or a Yangtze River cruise to get to Shanghai.

Located in China’s east coast, Shanghai experiences a humid subtropical monsoon climate, which features four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine and rainfall. The annual average temperature of Shanghai is about 17.6℃ and yearly sunshine hours is around 85.9 hours and mean annual precipitation reaches up to 1,173.4 mm, which mostly occurs between May and September. Shanghai is quite hot and moist during summer (June ~ August) and clammy and cold in winter (December ~ February). As an metropolis highlighting in cultural & historical sites and modern skyscrapers, Shanghai can be visited all year round. If you think of temperature comfort, travel convenience and seasonal features, Spring (March ~ May) and Autumn (September ~ November) are the best times to visit Shanghai, for the weather is quite pleasant, nature scenery is beautiful and a good time to taste crabs.

Normally, top Shanghai city highlights can be covered within a 2 to 3 days’ itinerary. Nearby area, such as Suzhou, a poetic city of classical gardens and Hangzhou, a paradise city with West Lake, both with UNESCO World Heritages are worth for a Jiangnan style natural and cultural exploration. It’s very popular to take day trips or spend 2 days in each city. If you have 2 days and more, you can also make a marvellous hiking in Huangshan Mountain, travel to Beijing realizing your Great Wall tour, visit Xian to see the miraculous Terracotta Army, to Guilin for a picturesque Li River Cruise and idyllic countryside experience, etc. Just contact us, tell your schedule and preference, we can tailor-make a unique China tour of different destination, theme and length for you.

If you choose Shanghai as the gateway city for a China discovery, it’s very convenient to travel from Shanghai to other parts of China, based on the city’s excellent transportation network. Depending on your time and personal interests, you can easily enjoy a China trip of different destination, theme and length. The “”Golden Triangle Cities” - Beijing, Xian and Shanghai are the top three must-visit destinations with the most famous iconic attractions of China, which can be covered in 7 to 8 days’ itinerary. If you only want to explore diverse charm in neighboring area of Shanghai, 5 days is enough to visit Suzhou and Hangzhou with Shanghai, and 9 days is fine to add the Huangshan Mountain in. With over 10 days, you can more stunning experiences, such as a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise tour, a pastoral Guilin countryside life immersion, a super cool real “Avatar World” expedition in Zhangjiajie, a colorful ethnic culture in Yunnan, and sacred spiritual trip to Tibet and so on. Just contact us, tell your schedule and preference, we can tailor-make a unique China tour for you.

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Shanghai Itineraries | How to Spend half Day, 1 Day, 2/3/4 Days in Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai , a cosmopolitan city that combines modernity with rich historical and cultural heritage . In Shanghai , you'll find a perfect blend of modernity and tradition, where towering skyscrapers coexist with ancient gardens, and the vibrant energy of the city merges with the serene charm of the water towns. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with captivating sights, cultural richness, and the allure of the Shanghai lifestyle.

You'll need at least 1-2 days to discover the romance and fashion of this city. Moreover, don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby water towns such as Zhujiajiao, Xitang, and Wuzhen. Exploring these towns may require 3-4 days , and you can also take the chance to visit Hangzhou and Suzhou to experience the gentle and enchanting beauty of the Jiangnan region.

Check out our ultimate Shanghai Itineraries , designed to help you plan the perfect 1, 2, 3, or 5-day trip to this enchanting city. Whether you are a foodie or adventurer, our itineraries offer a range of activities and sights tailored to your interests, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience in Shanghai .

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How to Spend 1 Day in Shanghai?

If you only have one day in Shanghai , maximize your time by visiting the city's top attractions. Start at the Shanghai Museum to delve into art and history. Then, head to Yu Garden and Shanghai City God Temple , followed by lunch at Yuyuan Bazaar.

Afterward, take a leisurely walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund , enjoying the bustling atmosphere. From there, hop on a ferry to Lujiazui and marvel at the renowned skyscrapers.

As the "City That Never Sleeps," Shanghai offers a vibrant nightlife. Experience traditional life in Xintiandi or catch a captivating Shanghai Acrobatic Show.

Highlighted Attractions Included:

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆) - Discover ancient Chinese art and artifacts, taking a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of China.

Yu Garden (豫园) - Immerse yourself in the historical Chinese garden and indulge in delicious traditional snacks.

Nanjing Road (南京路) - Dive into a shopping paradise along this lively pedestrian street, embracing the charm of modern Shanghai.

the Bund (外滩) - Blend yourself in the bustling Bund promenade and experience the picturesque scenery of the Bund , where vintage architecture harmoniously coexists with modern skyscrapers.

Lujiazui (陆家嘴) - Enter the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai and embark on a high-altitude adventure, challenging your limits while attempting to keep your excitement contained.

Xintiandi (新天地) - Take a leisurely stroll through the alleyways of old Shanghai, visiting century-old Western-style houses and indulging in modern dining and entertainment options.

Shanghai Acrobatic Show (上海杂技表演) - Enjoy a high-level and skillful performance of traditional Chinese acrobatics, showcasing the beauty and artistry of this ancient form of entertainment.

If you are looking for more one-day ideas in Shanghai, please check out our Shanghai Day Tours >>

the Bund

Classic Shanghai Day Tour - A Glimpse of China's Magic City Shanghai Layover Tour - Flexible to Explore Highlights of Shanghai Shanghai City Tour - Shore Excursion from Shanghai International Port Shanghai Museum Tour - Unveil The Historical and Cultural City of Shanghai 3-Hour Shanghai Night Tour Along Huangpu River: Puxi Bund or Pudong Skyline

How to Spend 2 Days in Shanghai?

On day one: Begin your day at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center . Then have an immersive tour of Yu Garden . Next, take a public ferry across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui and explore the towering skyscrapers for an exhilarating experience. Conclude your day with a city walk along the Bund .

On day two: Begin your day with a coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery . Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Xintiandi area and explore the Shikumen architecture. Enjoy a unique lunch experience at a fully automated and unmanned retail supermarket . In the afternoon, visit the M50 Art District to immerse yourself in the local art scene. If time permits, consider experiencing the Shanghai Maglev Train.

Yu Garden (豫园)

Lujiazui (陆家嘴)

Nanjing Road (南京路)

The Bund (外滩)

Xintiandi (新天地)

Starbucks Reserve Roastery (星巴克烘焙工坊) - It provides a fascinating up-close look at the entire coffee-making process, from roasting the beans to the final cup.

M50 Art District (M50创意园) - Explore cutting-edge exhibitions, interact with artists, and witness the dynamic creativity of the local art scene in the hub.

Shanghai Maglev Train (上海磁悬浮列车) - Obtain a thrilling and futuristic experience as it reaches incredible speeds, and enjoy a rapid and smooth journey.

Yu Garden

2 Days Shanghai Highlights Tour with the Bund, Skylines & City Walk Experience 2 Day Modern Shanghai Impression Tour Modern Skyscrapers, Lifestyle & Art 2 Day Shanghai Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour: From Urban Cityscape to Jiangnan Waterway

How to Spend 3 Days in Shanghai?

On day one: Upon arrival in Shanghai, freely explore the charming local culture and restaurants around your hotel. Have a good rest after a long-haul flight.

On day two: Start your journey at the Shanghai Museum . Then, have an immersive tour of Yu Garden . Afterward, take a leisurely walk from Nanjing Road to The Bund , enjoying the bustling atmosphere. From there, hop on a ferry to Lujiazui and marvel at the renowned skyscrapers. Catch a captivating Shanghai Acrobatic Show in the evening.

On day three: On your third day, start in the French Concession , where you can immerse yourself in its captivating history and charm. Don't miss exploring Wukang Road, the most worthwhile street in this area. Afterward, make your way to the vibrant neighborhoods of Xintiandi , known for their unique blend of modern and traditional elements. If time allows, take a leisurely stroll through Tianzifang to complete your day.

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)

Shanghai Acrobatic Show (上海杂技表演)

Tianzifang (田子坊) - Step into maze-like alleyways filled with unique shops, boutiques, cafes, and galleries, which offer a delightful mix of creativity and culture.

French Concession (法租界) - Enter the French Concession, where plane trees and Western-style houses are scattered, and explore the former residences of many renowned figures in this area.

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Half-day Itinerary: Theme Tour for Special Desires

Option 1: shanghai night tour along the huangpu river.

The Shanghai night tour revolves mainly around , as it offers the most beautiful night views in the city. You can choose to take a cruise along the Huangpu River, enjoying the romantic night scenery on both sides, especially the iconic skyline of Shanghai . Alternatively, you can ascend to the observation deck on the top floor of a skyscraper for an exhilarating and thrilling adventure, experiencing the city's night views from several hundred meters above ground level, providing a completely different perspective and unforgettable experience.

the Bund

3-Hour Shanghai Night Tour Along Huangpu River: Puxi Bund or Pudong Skyline

Option 2: City Walk Tour to French Concessions & the Bund

Shanghai is a city that offers excellent opportunities for city walks , especially in neighborhoods filled with vintage architecture and artistic ambiance, such as the French Concession's Wukang Road. Other areas like Xintiandi and Tianzifang provide shopping and leisure options. Additionally, the classic city walk route from the Bund to Nanjing Road pedestrian street allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Shanghai's history and culture. These city walks enable travelers to immerse themselves in the charm of Shanghai while exploring its rich heritage.

Tianzifang

Shanghai Half-Day Tour: Savor Highlights of Shanghai in Limited Time

Option 3: Museum Tour to Know Different History

Shanghai boasts a plethora of museums, each offering a rich and diverse collection. The Shanghai Museum showcases thousands of years of history through its exquisite artworks, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center utilizes advanced technology to present the city's development history and future plans. The distinctive Propaganda Poster Art Centre is filled with unique posters and artwork from various regions of China during the 20th century. The Shikumen Open House Museum presents the daily life scenes of a typical Shanghai family. Each museum is a unique treasure, providing visitors with a vivid and comprehensive understanding of Shanghai's past and future.

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum Tour - Unveil The Historical and Cultural City of Shanghai

Option 4: Cycling Tour along the Pudong Area for Skylines

Exploring Shanghai through cycling is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city. There are two distinctive routes that are ideal for tourists. One is the Binjiang Greenway along the east bank of the Huangpu River, offering panoramic views of Shanghai's iconic landmarks, the Lujiazui skyscrapers, and the scenic Bund on the opposite side. Day and night rides provide different experiences, and you can choose the most exciting sections from the 23-kilometer route based on your fitness level.

The second route overlaps with the mentioned city walk, starting from Xintiandi to Taikang Road in the French Concession, covering approximately 10 kilometers. This route allows you to experience the fusion of old Shanghai's Western-style houses and alleyways with the modern art and commercial scene, showcasing the charm of the new Shanghai . Both cycling routes offer unique travel experiences to visitors.

Cycling

Shanghai: 3-Hour Biking Tour with Skyscrapers & Historical Shanghai

How to Spend More Days Around Shanghai?

Extend your Shanghai tour to the neighboring cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou , both conveniently located within a 1.5-hour drive. Suzhou is renowned for its exquisite classical gardens , while Hangzhou captivates visitors with its serene West Lake . Immerse yourself in China's cultural heritage and natural beauty by exploring these enchanting destinations.

In addition, make sure to carve out time to visit the famous water towns surrounding Shanghai, including Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Qibao, and Tongli. These towns are like scenes from an ancient Chinese painting, with their charming canals, traditional houses, and picturesque bridges. Allow yourself 4 to 5 days to fully appreciate the allure of these captivating destinations.

Zhujiajiao

Explore Shanghai with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel

Headquartered in China with a local team based in Shanghai , Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing the best service and ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Shanghai. Our local team offers a range of carefully designed tours, including classic Shanghai tours , Shanghai Day Trips , Shanghai Layover Tours , Museum Tour , Biking Tour , Walking Tour , Disneyland Tour , Water Town Tours, Shanghai Suzhou Tours, and Shanghai Hangzhou Tours to meet your needs and desires, ensuring a pleasant holiday during your Shanghai tour.

Furthermore, as Shanghai serves as an important gateway on China's eastern coast, Asia Odyssey Travel also presents a variety of inspiring ideas through our China tour packages from Shanghai . Our professional travel consultants are always ready to help you customize your Shanghai tour at the most favorable local prices. Contact us now to start planning your dream Shanghai trip!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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2 Days Shanghai Highlights Tour with the Bund, Skylines & City Walk Experience

5 Days in Shanghai: Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary

Photo of Steve Batides

Ultimate Shanghai 5 Days Itinerary

Shanghai , the second most populous city in the world, doesn’t really look like the rest of  China .

Cosmopolitan, avant-garde and multi-faceted, it embodies  the symbol of a new China , a mixture of East and West. The economic capital of the country is for many, synonymous with change, complexity and above all the future.

As impressive as it is, it is surely  the Chinese city that is easiest to access for foreigners.  Starting your stay in Asia with Shanghai helps alleviate the cultural shock and thus makes a smooth entry into this Chinese world that fascinates us.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared a detailed  5 day Shanghai itinerary , so you won’t miss anything during your trip!

In addition to showing you  the best things to do and must-see attractions , I will give you tips as well as  accommodation suggestions depending on your budget . Planning your 5-6 day trip to Shanghai will be easy as 1, 2, 3 !

I will now show you how to spend  a week in Shanghai!

Table of Contents

Day 1: The Bund / Oriental Pearl TV Tower / Lujiazui

After breakfast, lets’ start our first day of the 5-day Shanghai itinerary by visiting the Bund and admire the view of the Huangpu River and Pudong district.

The Shanghai Bund  is a must-see tourist attraction in Shanghai. The boulevard which runs along the  left bank of the  Huangpu Jiang River  is located in the heart of the city.

A high esplanade has been set up for the walk and especially for the  view of Pudong, the business district . It is a popular place for walks, especially in the evening, where you can admire the beautifully lit modern buildings.

The  Shanghai Bund  is the perfect place to take photos. A walk on the Bund is the  thing to do in Shanghai!

The Bund, Shanghai itinerary

In the afternoon, go up the Oriental Pearl Tower and take in the panoramic views of the city. The Oriental Pearl Tower  is a television tower located in the business district,  Pudong District .

Named thus by Westerners, the tower is often compared to a giant ball and ball game. It is made up of three main spheres of different sizes and culminates at an altitude of 468m.

The tower has observation decks at 263 and 350m altitude, but also a rotating panoramic restaurant located at 267m.

View of Pudong and the Pearl of the Orient from the Shanghai Bund

In the evening, stroll along the Lujiazui riverfront and take in the bright lights of the Shanghai Tower and other skyscrapers.

In thirty years, the rice fields have given way to a business district. Located  on the right bank of the Huangpu, in Pudong district, Lujiazui  faces the Bund.

Today there is  the tallest tower in China, the Shanghai Tower , which has reached its final height of 632 meters. In this area, you can also visit:

  • Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
  • Shanghai World Financial Center
  • The Century Square

Lujiazui Business District

Day 2: People’s Square / Old Town

Start your second day of this 5-day Shanghai itinerary by visiting the People’s Square.

People’s Square  is located in the very center of  Shanghai . It marks the start of  East Nanjing Road , one of the city’s largest pedestrian avenues. This square offers a totally different spectacle throughout the day.

While strolling there, you can see  the Shanghai City Hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Opera House, the Urban Planning Exhibition Center and the Shanghai Museum .

If you have the opportunity, go there preferably on Sunday morning.  It’s “ bride market  ” day . Hundreds of Chinese people post advertisements to get their daughters or sons married.

Nanjing road, Shanghai

After lunch, wander the old streets of Old Town Shanghai, discover traditional architecture and handicrafts.

Small, very touristy district located west of Renmin Lu, the old town is the oldest inhabited part of  Shanghai .

It is made up of old streets, called  “Longtang (弄堂)” , very narrow and winding, where one goes from surprise to surprise. Boasting a wonderful setting, it is a place of interest not to be missed if you want to immerse yourself in the Shanghai of yesteryear.

You can stroll through the local bazaar, look for traditional handicrafts, discover magnificent  traditional Chinese houses  with red and gold roofs, stroll through the many typical shops.

Take the time to stop for tea in the  Huxinting Tea Pavilion , the oldest existing teahouse in Shanghai. It sits in the middle of a small lake, served by a zigzag bridge to discourage evil spirits.

The  City God Temple , also called  Chenghuang Miao,  is also a must-see in Shanghai’s old town.

Old Shanghai

Day 3. Yuyuan Garden / Former French Concession

To start the day, go to Yu Garden. It is towards the old city of Shanghai that you can also find the Yuyuan Garden , which has existed since the 16th century.

It is not huge, but is extremely well laid out and  very rich from an architectural point of view . On 2 hectares, it has no less than  twenty pavilions!  It is quite simply the most beautiful park in Shanghai.

Tips for your Shanghai itinerary: If possible,  try to go early in the morning  to avoid crowds, as  Yuyuan Garden  is very touristy.

one of the pavilions of Yuyuan Garden

Located in the southeastern part of Shanghai, the  former French Concession district  is one of the most dynamic areas of the city. Its streets lined with plane trees are home to small designer boutiques, and of course, designer cafes and restaurants.

The  French Concession of Shanghai  was under French administration from 1849 to 1946. Everything was organized to reproduce the very relaxed style of Paris at the time.

Today, the very lively district offers many tourist sites, such as  Fuxing Park , an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. A French garden where locals like to meet to sing, dance or practice taï chi.

French concession, Shanghai

Day 4: Tianzi Fang / Huangpu River

An unusual neighborhood,  Tianzi Fang  is a place that is at once modern, artistic and ordinary.

There are many artist studios, specialty shops and outdoor restaurants. It is also here that you can discover some of the best preserved  Shikumen  (old houses) in Shanghai.

During your visit, stroll through the small streets and admire these houses dating from the 1930s.

Tiangzi fang, Shanghai's artists' district

The  Huangpu River  is the longest river flowing through  Shanghai . It divides the city into two parts.  Pudong  to the east and  Puxi  to the west.

You can discover Shanghai in an original and fun way by taking a cruise on this river. Several cruises are possible.

Varying from 30 minutes to 3 and a half hours. Cruise ships offer a special spectacle on the bridges that straddle the Huangpu River! They also offer a breathtaking view of the buildings that make up the  Bund .

The ideal is to  take a cruise at nightfall , to appreciate the lights of the city. An unforgettable moment during your  trip to China .

Cruise boats on the Huangpu River, Shanghai

Day 5: Shanghai Circus World

It is a permanent circus located in  Zhabei District , northern Shanghai. The  Shanghai Circus World  stands out for the quality of the shows offered, but also for its architecture with its large golden dome which houses a room that can accommodate more than 1,600 people.

2 major shows are currently on display:

ERA Intersection of Time, the most famous:  This unique show combining circus and special effects, specializes in acrobatic numbers and is one of the best in the world.  the show takes place every evening at 7:30 p.m.  and lasts a little over 1h30.

Happy Circus:  This is a more classic circus show, with acrobats, clowns and animal tricks. It is played during  weekends and Chinese holidays at 2 p.m.

The ERA Intersection of Time act at Shanghai Circus World

In the afternoon, visit a nearby water town like Zhujiajiao to explore the old bridges, canals, and architecture.

On the outskirts of Shanghai, you can visit so-called  “  water towns”. These towns and villages with traditional Chinese architecture are renowned for the canals that cross them. Here is the list of the most famous:

  • Xitang Water Town
  • Qibao Ancient Town:  today located inside the megalopolis of Shanghai, accessible by metro.
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town
  • Zhujiajiao Water Town, the 2nd closest to Shanghai.
  • Xinchang Ancient Town
  • Tongli Water Town
  • Luzhi Ancient Town
  • Nanxun Ancient Town
  • Wuzhen Water Town

If you want a good guided day tour of a water town + Suzhou,  I recommend this one.

Suzhou

In the evening, return to Shanghai and enjoy the last night taking in the energy and sights of the city.

How many days to visit Shanghai?

This is a question that I am often asked, and in my eyes, the number of days you will spend in Shanghai will  depend on the length of your trip to China .

If you have chosen a  tour in China  of less than 15 days or less,  2 days in Shanghai are in my opinion sufficient  to get a good idea of ​​the city before setting off to discover other, more traditional aspects of the city. China.

On a stay of 3 weeks or more, you can however consider spending  3 or 4 days in Shanghai and the surrounding area.

1 Day Shanghai Itinerary

If you only have one  day in Shanghai , you’re going to have to make a few concessions on your city tour itinerary:

  • Start by visiting  Shanghai Old Town
  • Don’t miss the  Yuyuan Garden  and the superb  Huxinting Tea Pavilion , located next door.
  • After lunch, head to the  Pudong district  to climb the  Pearl of the Orient.
  • Also take advantage of being in the business district to see the  Centennial Square  and why not  visit the Shanghai Aquarium
  • In the evening,  go to the Bund  to enjoy the must-see thing in Shanghai: the view of the  illuminated Pudong district.

2 Days Shanghai Itinerary

In  2 days in Shanghai , you will have time to discover, in addition to the previous day’s itinerary:

  • To start the day,  go to the Shanghai Bund to watch the sunrise . It’s a totally different atmosphere than the previous night you will discover!
  • Second stop of this day,  People square, People’s Square
  • Take the opportunity to visit the Shanghai Museum (free), which is on the south side of the square.
  • In the afternoon, head to the ancient  district of Tianzifang .
  • On the evening of your 2nd day in Shanghai, why not  take a cruise on the Huangpu River  to discover the city from another angle?

3 Days Shanghai Itinerary

Having  3 days to visit Shanghai  is the opportunity to put your feet up and take advantage of your time to  stroll around the city, do some shopping , and why not discover the following places:

  • Take a trip to the  Dongtai Lu flea market
  • Discover one of  the city’s many  “fake markets ”
  • Visit  Longhua Temple
  • Have an evening drink on the terrace of Bar Rouge , with a view of the Pudong district. It is one of the most famous bars in Shanghai.
  • Attend the superb show  “ERA Intersection of Time”.

4-5 Days Shanghai Itinerary

If you are in  Shanghai for 4 or 5 days , I recommend that you visit the surrounding area by taking a trip to the  “water towns   ” that I tell you about in the article.

I’ll give you the link to the guided tour that I told you about a little above:  Visit to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang in 1 day .

You also have the opportunity to visit  Hangzhou  and the famous West Lake, the city being less than 1 hour from Shanghai by express train.

Shanghai Tourist Map

Here is a  tourist map of Shanghai , which will help you locate the main places to visit in the city!

Shanghai Tourist Map

Accommodation in Shanghai

The best areas to stay in Shanghai include:

✔ Best area to stay in Shanghai for sightseeing & first-time travellers

Recommended hotels near The Bund

Thanks to its central location and 24/7 popularity with tourists, hotels in & around The Bund area, unsurprisingly, come at a premium. Most of the selection here sits in the mid-range to luxury categories including some of the sleekest 5-star hotels in Shanghai and even in all of China.

  • Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road : The best budget pick in the district, this boutique hotel offers clean newly-renovated room on a quiet side street just minutes from the action of The Bund and Nanjing Road.
  • Metropolo Classiq Shanghai Off Bund : An elegant mid-range hotel featuring spacious rooms with extras like soaker tubs built for your relaxation. The higher-end offerings include private balconies with spectacular views towards the Pudong skyline.
  • Hotel Indigo Shanghai On The Bund : A stunning boutique hotel with ultra-stylish rooms affixed with unique artwork and modern furnishings and decor with a Chinese twist. The hotel’s chic rooftop bar is one of the finest places in the city to enjoy a cocktail to dramatic skyline views.
  • Fairmont Peace Hotel On the Bund : A Shanghai accommodations classic, this illustrious Bund hotel has a history dating back over 80 years and has played host to most celebrities than any other hotel in the city. Besides the elegant rooms, guests will be charmed by the hotel’s world-class amenities from its famous Jazz Bar to the soothing treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

Nanjing Road & People’s Square

✔ Top neighbourhood to stay in Shanghai for shopping & eating to your heart’s content

Recommended hotels near Nanjing Road & People’s Square

It shouldn’t be surprisingly that with such a central location, hotels here don’t necessarily come cheap. Most of the selection around East Nanjing Road is in the mid-range with true budget and higher-end luxury picks a little more difficult to find.

  • The Phoenix Hostel Shanghai LaoShan : One of the few recommended budget choices around here, this property features both dorms and private rooms with private bathrooms to its guests. The location, within five-minute walking distance from People’s Square Station, is extra convenient.
  • The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai : A lovely hotel featuring a supremely elegant style that blends Art Deco sophistication with Chinese sensibilities. Guests will love the three on-site restaurants—serving everything from Cantonese to modern Italian—as well as enjoying at nightcap at the classy on-site cocktail lounge, The Bar.
  • Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World : Although its rooms are a little less flashy than other hotels in the area, this delightful mid-range Shanghai hotel is still a charmer with a host of superb amenities including five on-site restaurants to try, a palatial indoor pool, mini-golf facilities, and a day spa. The location one-minute away from the People’s Square metro station doesn’t hurt either.
  • Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre : Offering spacious rooms with dramatic skyline views, this superb luxury hotel checks all the boxes for the perfect place to stay in the centre of Shanghai. Both Nanjing East Road and People’s Square are just five minutes away.
  • JW Marriott Shanghai at Tomorrow Square : One of the finest luxury picks in the district, this lofty 5-star hotel delights with soaring views and a glut of amenities that’ll have you singing its praises. Don’t miss out on its stunning outdoor pool and its insane vistas over the city centre.

✔ Best area to stay for uncovering Shanghai’s ancient roots

While it’s admittedly a little kitschy at times, Old City offers a fleeting glimpse at Shanghai’s historical character outside of its colonial quarters.

Hidden within its disorganized warren of narrow alleyways and along historic merchant roads lined with traditional Chinese architecture, the spirit of ancient Shanghai lives on—even if it’s just a tiny taste.

Recommended hotels in Old City

  • Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel : A simple modern Shanghai hotel just a few blocks from the ancient city wall that’s by far the best budget place to stay in the area. Rooms are spotless and feature upgraded facilities & contemporary furnishings. Both Yuyuan Garden and The Bund are fifteen minutes away by foot.
  • SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund : A lovely mid-range boutique hotel perched on the edge of the Old City just steps from one of the few remaining sections of ancient city wall. The rooms here are elegant and larger than most in China, impressing with superb skyline views.
  • Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel : The best hotel in the area, this fantastic luxury property draws travellers in with expansive guestrooms that defy Shanghai’s usually tight standards. Relax to the lights of the ancient quarter or Pudong in the hotel’s restaurant, bar, indoor pool or ever your own private soaker tub in your room to get the full Renaissance experience.

Former French Concession

✔ Top-rated area to stay in Shanghai for discovering leafy boulevards, elegant bars & cafés, and hip restaurants

By far the most surprising neighbourhood in Shanghai, the Former French Concession is not just one of the city’s best districts to explore, but one of the most recommended areas to stay.

Recommended hotels in the French Concession

  • Hotel Equatorial Shanghai : With a shortage of good budget hotels, this low-mid-range hotel offers one of the best balances between budget-friendliness and quality in the French Concession. Rooms are fairly standard stock, but extras like an indoor pool & well-equipped gym tip the scales in this property’s favour.
  • Shanghai Donghu Hotel : A classy mid-range luxury hotel in the historic heart of the Former French Concession. The rooms exude a traditional oriental elegance and are more spacious than average.
  • InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin : A candidate for the absolute best hotel in the OFC, this luxurious property is hidden away on a leafy avenue that feels more like an exclusive French villa than a hotel in the middle of one of the world’s largest cities. From the elegant old world decor to the lush park-like grounds, there’s no experience quite like this in China’s largest city.
  • The Puli Hotel And Spa : An elegant property nestled into the northern fringes of the French Concession near Jing’an. Rooms are outfitted with sleek modern furnishings and peer out onto the Shanghai cityscape with gusto through floor-to-ceiling windows. Slip into the steam room, hot spring tub or infinity pool for the ultimate in relaxation.

✔ Best district to stay in Shanghai for great shopping, eating & more affordable luxury

Located just west of the Nanjing East Road & People’s Square, Jing’an is among the most popular neighbourhoods in Shanghai for expats thanks to its excellent transportation connections, wide array of housing options as well as deluge of shopping malls, cafés and restaurants.

Recommended hotels in Jing’an

As one of the most popular options for where to stay in Shanghai, there’s plenty of choice for travellers in Jing’an. Most accommodations here fall into the mid-range.

There’s also a fairly large concentration of 5-star hotels in Jing’an, making it, along with Lujiazui and The Bund, a first-class district for luxury travellers, although at more affordable prices than either.

  • Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum Hotel : The best hotel in Jing’an for budget travellers, this property surprises with clean modern rooms that don’t suffer the same cramped quarters or low quality of most offerings in the price range.
  • URBN Boutique Shanghai : A hip & trendy mid-range boutique hotel boasting a unique design aesthetic that fuses modern urban elements with Asian motifs. The entire property is designed to be eco-friendly from the mysterious bamboo garden to the locally-sourced seafood at the on-site bistro.
  • InterContinental Shanghai Jing’an : A excellent value luxury hotel with all the amenities you’d come to expect from IHG. Enjoy a range of Asian cuisines to try from Cantonese & Shanghainese to Sichuan & Japanese in one of the hotel’s seven on-site restaurants. Skyline views from the expansive guestrooms are simply breathtaking.
  • Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai : A stunner among Shanghai hotels, this luxurious hotel lives up to its parent’s brand with a gentle mix of pure sophistication and modernity. Everything from the charming rooms to the soothing on-site spa spells out a dream-like choice for where to stay in Shanghai.

✔ Best area to stay for basking in the ultimate in Shanghai luxury experience

Recommended hotels in Lujiazui

With much of Shanghai’s wheelin’ and dealin’ taking place in the lofty skyscrapers of Lujiazui, the district focuses extensively on the high-end of the market.

Not surprisingly, Lujiazui and Pudong are home to many of the best luxury hotels in Shanghai at prices that fit their unmatched swankiness.

  • Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai : One of the most affordable 5-stars in Lujiazui, this grand luxury hotel charms guests with its art-deco-inspired rooms that sport floor-to-ceiling windows peering onto Shanghai & the river. Seven dining options as well as a fully-equipped health club—with everything from an indoor pool to a spa—await.
  • Grand Hyatt Shanghai : Located in the upper echelons of Jin Mao Tower, this lofty luxury Shanghai hotel unleashes mega-sized rooms with interiors inspired by art-deco. If the skyline views through the large panoramic windows in your room aren’t quite enough, retire to the Sky Pool or the popular rooftop Cloud 9 Patio & Piano Bar for some of Shanghai’s most incredible vistas.
  • Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai : A classy & elegant property leaning more towards the traditional than the modern with its cultured decor & furnishings. The deluxe rooms are a superb value for Lujiazui, but the hotel’s Horizon rooms will truly take your breath away.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong : Perhaps the best luxury hotel in Shanghai, this exquisite property boasts one of the premier locations in the city with the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower staring it down at every angle. There’s a whole slew of superb amenities here from a indoor infinity pool to a spa, but none is more unique than Flair, a rooftop restaurant & bar that soars as the highest, not just in Shanghai, but in China.

And you, what do you plan to visit in Shanghai?

Are you going to Shanghai? Read also

  • Where to stay in Shanghai
  • 2 Days in Shanghai: Ultimate 2-Day Itinerary
  • 3 days itinerary in Shanghai – What to do and see in 3 days in Shanghai?
  • What language spoken in Shanghai?
  • The 12 things to do in Shanghai
  • The Best Local Guide To Shanghai Disneyland

Photo of Steve Batides

Steve Batides

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Shanghai Itinerary: How to Spend 5 INCREDIBLE Days in the City

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Mountains as old as time, food sizzling in a busy market, more dumplings than you could ever eat, and history older than many countries. This is China.

Whether you’re a foodie, an artist, a historian, or an Instagrammer, Shanghai, and China in general, are incredible places to explore.

The Shanghai itinerary in 5 days is part one of a two week in China itinerary which also stops at Beijing and Xi’an .

If you’re ready to experience China, keep reading!

Table of contents

Tips for shanghai, china travel, where to stay in shanghai, where to eat in shanghai, get custom clothing made, invest in new glasses, tour of shanghai, nanjing road and people’s square, shanghai itinerary day 3 – day trip, afternoon tea tasting and dessert tour in shanghai, shanghai world financial center tower, shanghai itinerary day 5, keep exploring china, pin “shanghai itinerary 5 days | explore china”.

shanghai itinerary 5 days unsplash stock photo china landscape horizontal

Currency:  Goes by two names. The Yuan (CNY) and renminbi (RMB). Cash is common but you should be able to pay with card in many locations.

Language : Mandarin is the most commonly spoken dialect. In Shanghai many people will speak English but it’s best to have Mandarin downloaded on Google Translate for offline use.

Price Range: $ when converting from a Western currency

Bartering : Barter everywhere except restaurants and hotels where prices are set. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price is too much. If you look like a Westerner, it’s very likely that someone will try and upcharge you

Best Way to Get Around : Train between cities and cab or public transport within cities

Timeline : Aim to spend at least two weeks in China to hit the major cities, but if you want a more in depth experience you should really try and run out your tourist visa

Visa Requirements: Most countries will need a visa to enter China. Click here to check and see if you need a visa.

It’s easy to be vegan in China! Because a good portion of the population is Buddhist, and Buddhists are vegetarian, it’s very easy to find vegetarian and vegan options in China. Search out Buddhist restaurants and just inform the staff that you don’t eat eggs or dairy. Often, the vegetarian dishes are vegan anyway, so if you’re ok with hedging your best, odds are most of the main dishes are vegan-friendly.

Read More : Vegan Guide to China

Visit in the cooler months. In August, temperatures are usually over 100 F/ 37 C and any time spent outside will mean being very sweaty and thirsty (water prices tend to be quite high $5/bottle) when seeing natural sights with not much drinking water around. It’s worth investing in the Lifestraw or Grayl for access to clean water.

Don’t drink from the taps . Using water from the taps for anything but showering is not recommended. In any hotel or Airbnb that you stay in you should have access to a water cooler or bottled water which you should use for drinking, cooking (unless you’re boiling it), and brushing your teeth. If you have a Lifestraw or Grayl (which is what we use and love) you can drink tap water or even water from a stream or pond.

shanghai china landscape horizontal shanghai itinerary 5 days

Be prepared to use squat toilets . There will be some western-style toilets available but you’ll likely have to wait in line with the other westerners to use them. Instead, embrace the squat toilet! It’s just a hole in the ground but I actually found them to be a bit cleaner because you don’t have to sit on a shared bowl. Ew! In Shanghai, you’re likely going to have more frequent access to western toilets because there are more expats who live here.

Bring your own toilet paper . Always keep a little tucked away or you might find yourself up the creek without a paddle! Bathrooms don’t provide it (unless you’re in a nice hotel) so have your own on hand.

Be prepared for looks and comments if you don’t look Asian. This doesn’t happen as much in Shanghai because there are so many expats that live there, but if you venture outside of Shanghai you will get some looks and people asking to take photos with you, especially if you’re blonde. I was given a bowl as a gift at a restaurant randomly.

Purchase some durian fruit snacks. I highly encourage you to buy and try anything that is durian fruit-flavored. Congratulations if you can actually eat it. Durian fruit smells absolutely atrocious, and if you’re looking for some fun souvenirs, here you go. Buy something packaged (like durian wafer cookies) that you can bring back and your suitcase and pass out to people. It’s quite a kick to see who tries to be polite and who of your friends is more honest!

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You can find some absolutely incredible deals on or you could opt for a centrally located hotel. Staying in the central city is definitely a plus because you likely won’t have to worry about transportation as much, although taxis are very cheap.

If you’re only in Shanghai for a few nights, I would recommend staying centrally to make the most of your time in the city. However, it’s worth staying a night or two at a more posh and central hotel and then moving further out.

I was lucky enough to stay at the One Executive Suites Shanghai (my ex-pat parents were staying there for their work) and it is a fantastic location.

Other great options include for places to stay in Shanghai include the Langham , which is centrally located and offers airport shuttles. It has a lovely kids’ play area, lounge, gym. While not all of the rooms offer a full kitchen, there are so many affordable places to eat in Shanghai , that it’s almost cheaper just to eat out!

For something a little more affordable, the Ladoll Service Apartments offer clean and comfortable rooms with kitchens, washing machines, and a great location.

It’s surprisingly easy to be vegan in Shanghai, both because of the large number of expats that live there and the Buddhist population. A simple search will yield many vegetarian restaurants and when you visit them many will have vegan options because eggs and dairy aren’t as commonly used.

A few typically safe bets for vegan options:

  • Vegetarian dumplings
  • Veggie stir fry type dishes (anything with lotus root is amazing)

One thing that can be a little off-putting at first is that the vegan/vegetarian meat alternatives in China look very similar to their animal counterparts. We once purchased a soup that had very lifelike prawns in it. Don’t be put off!

As far as I understand it, there’s not really a word for “vegan” in China so if you’re using Google translate ask if there are any eggs, milk, or fish, and you should be good to go.

unsplash stock photo dumplings china shanghai itinerary 5 days

Order in . Sherpa’s is the UberEats/Deliveroo app for Shanghai. It’s cheap and you get some absolutely incredible deals. Whatever you do, try the braised wheat gluten from Vegetarian Life Style. While it sounds like something you would eat on a diet, I promise you it’s the best soup I’ve ever had.

Vegetarian Life Style . Completely vegetarian and I got the impression that nearly everything was vegan. I would avoid anything that appears to have cheese though because I don’t think it’s vegan. Be sure to try their dumplings and ask for it with chili oil and vinegar. You may have to use your Google Translate app but they were incredibly kind and even gave me a free bowl as a souvenir. Their menu also has a ton of pictures so it’s easy to just point to what you want. Location/Address – No.77 Songshan Road, Shanghai 200021 C hina

Wujie the Bund – Located in the Shanghai Financial Center, this vegetarian restaurant is featured in the Michelin Guide and while not the cheapest of vegetarian restaurants, it certainly is an event. Expect to pull out your camera because the presentation is immaculate. I highly recommend anything with truffles, but that’s just my foodie side talking. Be sure to make a reservation. If you can’t call in country or they don’t take reservations by phone, simply stop by the restaurant earlier in the day and ask a waiter for a reservation. We made one about two hours before lunch and then went to the lookout tower next door. Location/Ad dress – 4/F, No.22 Zhongshan East Er Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai China

Godly Bakery – This is a lovely bakery with some typical Chinese baked goods. My American sweet tooth was prepared for sugary delights but alas it was disappointed to find that not every country piles in the cane sugar. Still, the bakery is a great place to try some traditional foods. There’s also a fruit store right next door with the most amazing peaches, definitely check it out. We went back twice in one day just to get more peaches.

Read More : Check out the full guide to vegan restaurants in Shanghai and China

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Shanghai Itinerary 5 Days

Shanghai is a great place to start off your adventure in China. Even if you can only spend 48 hours in Shanghai , it’s well worth the trip! There are quite a few ex-pats living here so you’re likely to find it slightly more westernized and for that reason it’s a great way to slowly immerse yourself in a new culture.

china shanghai itinerary 5 days markets

Shanghai Itinerary Day 1

Welcome to day 1 of your Shanghai itinerary. It’s likely that you’ll be very jetlagged so you’ll be ready to roll at around 5am which is the perfect time to hit the markets. You’ll have access to the best wares before the crowds are awake enough to successfully barter.

If you’ve ever had the desire for a unique item of clothing or something perfectly tailored to your measurements, Shanghai is the place to do it.

Depending on the vendor you use, it could take up to two weeks to create. Make sure that you negotiate a deadline. If you’re doing the full China itinerary, you should make plans to fly out of Shanghai at the end of your trip in order to collect your new clothes.

I got my favorite pair of pants ever made in China, although sadly my waistline has since expanded but someday, they will fit again!

You can find endless fabric markets that will custom tailor clothes. It’s great to come with some printed-off pictures of clothes you like so that you can leave the image with the tailor.

Remember to barter before you buy and be sure to arrive first thing in the morning or the markets will be very, very crowded.

Here are the top markets to get tailor-made clothing:

  • South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market
  • South Bund Fabric Market

For more shopping for knockoffs (although many will tell you that they’re real), head to:

  • Qipu Road Clothing Wholesale Market
  • A.P. Plaza Yinyang Market
  • Hongqiao New World Pearl Market

If you need new glasses, Shanghai can solve that problem for you too!

If you’re good at bartering, you can get some really great deals on glasses, especially if you have poor vision and glasses are normally expensive. Make sure to bring a printed-off copy of your glasses prescription to leave with you to leave after your purchase.

Shanghai International Glasses Mall is where you want to head to. The entrance is about as sketchy as it can be. You’ll approach the building and see a gigantic sign pointing down to a lone elevator on the outside of a building. Take the elevator up to the third floor (the nicest level) and step into a mall with enough glasses to give vision to an entire nation.

Be prepared to pick them up at the end of your trip.

Tip : If you love an item and simply must have it, don’t express your interest. If the vendors know that you will pay just about anything, they charge you an arm and a leg. Instead, act nonchalantly and be prepared to pretend to walk away.

You can easily spend all day exploring these markets, but since it’s your first day in China, take it easy and go home to rest and order in.

china shanghai itinerary 5 days

Shanghai Itinerary Day 2

On your second day in Shanghai, get out and explore the city. You can always do this on day one if the weather is better then.

It’s best to do this tour at the start of your 5 days in Shanghai so that you have a deeper knowledge of the area for the rest of your time.

Here are recommended tours:

Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour : You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel and be driven about an hour to discover the incredible ancient water town located outside of Shanghai. You’ll make stops at Yu Garden, The Bund, and Shanghai Tour on your private tour. Check prices here.

Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience : Discover famous Shanghai landmarks such as the Shanghai Financial Center, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and more, all from an air conditioned boat. After, your guide will take you to a local resetaurant in the Pudong New Area which offers evening entertainment. Be sure to check with the guide before booking to make sure they can accommodate any dietary requirements. Check prices here.

Best of Shanghai Day Tour, including Jade Buddha Temple & Bund & Yuyuan Garden: If you’re looking for a full day event (8 hours) on a budget, this tour is the ultimate way to see Shanghai. You’ll visit major sites (admission not included) including The Bund, the Former French Concession, the Jade Buddha Temple, the People’s Square, and more! Check prices here.

Private Full-Day Tour: Shanghai Old and New Highlights : Here’s another fantastic full day tour of Shanghai with a five star rating and over 400 reviews. The private tour can stop at all of the traditional sites in Shanghai, but you can also customize it to your group’s needs. Check prices here.

If you’re doing the third tour, you probably will be quite happy to sit down and call it a day, but if you’ve still got a bit of energy left or you opted for a shorter tour, head for Nanjing Road. It stretches over 5km and is filled with food and shopping that can easily occupy you for hours.

Off of Nanjing Road, you’ll find People’s Square, the central hub of modern-day Shanghai. Stop to marvel at Muscial Fountain. You can also spend your afternoon exploring east Nanjing if you’re up for a wander.

While Shanghai is an incredible city, if you’ve got five whole days here spend them wisely by taking a daytrip! Be sure to set off as early as your jetlagged brain can manage or else you face all day standing in lines that would give Disney World a run for their money.

An hour cab ride doesn’t usually cost more than $20 USD but set a price beforehand. You can also take public transportation or a train for minimal cost. Ask your Airbnb host or the hotel concierge for recommendations.

Here are some of the top places to take for a daytrip from Shanghai:

  • Hangzhou : The showstopper is the West Lake, one of China’s most well known natural attractions. Spend time in nature and enjoy tea at one of the tea houses.
  • Moganshan : Escape to the highlands for a bit of fresh air and a luxury villa experience
  • Suzhou : Known as the “Venice of the East” due to the canals that cover the city. This ancient water town makes for a fantastic day out. Head there for a night to see this old city light up like something out of a film.

You can choose to spend the night in the town, or head back to Shanghai to be fresh for day four of the Shanghai itinerary (5 days).

unsplash stock photo dumpling making class china shanghai itinerary 5 days

Shanghai Itinerary Day 4

Another day with another Shanghai itinerary (in 5 days)! The time really does fly.

Today, get ready for the most delicious food tour in Shanghai.

 We all know and love China for its incredible food (I told you that my pants didn’t fit anymore!), so day 4 is all about discovering the secret of Chinese afternoon tea and trying traditional local desserts. Get off the tourist trail with this tour in Shanghai and visit local patisseries serving the most authentic frozen desserts from the shops on Huaihai Road!

Once you have finished your tour, head to the city center for a panoramic view of Shanghai, if you haven’t already been during your walking tour.

At the time of writing, the Shanghai World Financial Center Tower (part of The Bund, one of many incredible landmarks in China ) is the tallest skyscraper in the city and it gives a phenomenal view of Shanghai. You don’t just go straight up to the top though, you wind through several interesting exhibits that show models of the entire city during the day and night. Make a reservation at Wujie the Bund before you head up to the tower if you’re looking for a meal after.

It’s your last day in Shanghai! Today is the day to see any sights that you missed, finish any shopping, or eat till you have to unbutton your pants at one of Shanghai’s amazing vegetarian restaurants.

If you’re feeling uninspired, here are a few places to give a try:

  • Oriental Pearl Tower
  • Former French Concession
  • Jade Buddha Temple
  • Urban Planning Exhibition Center
  • Huangpu River Cruise
  • Shanghai History Museum

And just like that your Shanghai itinerary (5 days) is complete.

shanghai itinerary 5 days day trip to Suzhou

You’ve made the most of your time in Shanghai with this Shanghai itinerary in 5 days and now it’s time to head to Beijing!

Find part two (Beijing) of this itinerary here. If you want more sustainable and vegan travel tips, be sure to check out the posts below.

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How to Plan a Beijing and Shanghai Trip (Itinerary, Cost, Transportation)

How to Plan a Beijing and Shanghai Trip (Itinerary, Cost, Transportation)

Beijing and Shanghai are two important cities in China that serve as international gateways and showcase the country's rich history, culture, and modernity. Here are some useful tips on how to plan your itinerary for a Beijing and Shanghai trip.

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  • How Long to Stay For
  • A Classic Itinerary
  • Transportation Choice
  • Accommodation Choice
  • Best Times to Travel
  • Visa Requirements

How Long to Spend in Beijing and Shanghai

Typically, a classic Beijing and Shanghai itinerary takes about 1 week , with 4-5 days spent in Beijing and 2-3 days in Shanghai.

Beijing has richer tourist resources than Shanghai, with more attractions to explore. There are also more opportunities to immerse yourself in the Chinese culture, such as taking a tai chi class or learning to write Chinese calligraphy. Therefore, we recommend spending more time in Beijing.

How Long to Spend in Beijing

Beijing has many historical and cultural sites to explore. You could spend 2 to 3 days exploring the essence of Beijing, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.

If you want a more authentic experience of local life and Chinese culture, such as watching Peking opera, you can add one or two more days to your itinerary. See our 1-Day Beijing Hutong Tour (walk into a family's house in a hutong and watch a classical drum performance) and our Beijing Food Tour .

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

How Long to Spend in Shanghai

Shanghai's main attractions are the Bund and Yu Garden. One day is enough to explore the highlights.

If you want to learn about Shanghai's colonial history or even lesser-known stories, such as about the Jews and Shanghai, take half a day or one day to explore the French Concession or a Jewish ghetto.

Water towns are also a feature of the area around Shanghai. If you have the time, you could spend half a day visiting Zhujiajiao Water Town.

A Classic Beijing and Shanghai Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival in Beijing with free time to explore
  • Day 2: Visit the Forbidden City and enjoy a hutong tour, where you can visit a local family and learn about Beijing from their perspective.
  • Day 3: Go to the Temple of Heaven, where you can join in with the local elderly people's morning activities and then visit the Great Wall.
  • Day 4: Visit the Summer Palace, a former royal retreat, and then depart to Shanghai.
  • Day 5: Explore Shanghai (a walking tour in the Bund, a Huangpu River ferry tour, and a visit to Yu Garden, etc.).
  • Day 6: Departure (or add a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town).

If you have an extra 2 or 3 days, you could extend your trip to nearby Hangzhou and Suzhou where you can see more exquisite garden scenery and experience the traditional water village life. You can also learn about the Chinese tea culture by visiting a tea plantation in Hangzhou to see the process of making tea. See our 5-Day Yangtze River Delta Bullet Train Tour

All our tours can be adjusted or customized based on your needs . Just contact us.

Choices of Transportation

Flying and taking high-speed trains are the two most popular ways to travel between Beijing and Shanghai. We recommend taking the bullet train which takes about 4½ to 6 hours . Taking the train is also a more convenient and flexible option.

The flight time takes about 2½ hours. However, the road to the airport could be crowded. Considering the time spent in traffic jams and the waiting time at the airport, the whole process is similar to taking a high-speed train, although it could take even longer.

Beijing to Shanghai or Shanghai to Beijing

Both Beijing and Shanghai are the most convenient and major ports of entry and exit, with abundant international and domestic flights. It doesn't make much difference whether you go from Shanghai to Beijing or from Beijing to Shanghai. Choose your preferred route according to the most convenient departure/arrival times, ticket prices, and travel dates.

Costs for a Trip to Beijing and Shanghai

Beijing and Shanghai are first-tier cities in China in terms of consumption and economic level. For a private tour, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person , including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.

In the peak season, the prices of hotels and airfares can go up by 50 to 100%. When you book with us, you'll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to 3 weeks before departure ( more details here⇒ ).

Accommodation Choices in Beijing and Shanghai

In Beijing, if you prefer a more central location for entertainment and shopping, then you can choose a hotel in the Wangfujing area. If you want a more unique accommodation experience, we recommend a hutong-style hotel.

In Shanghai, hotels around the Bund and Nanjing Road are popular choices if you prefer a bustling vibe and a great nighttime view. If you want a relatively quiet surrounding with an old colonial vibe, we recommend you choose to stay near the French Concession.

Best Times to Visit Beijing and Shanghai

Weather-wise, the best time to visit Beijing and Shanghai is in autumn, especially in September and October. These months have the most comfortable weather, which is warm, sunny, and dry.

The rainy season usually lasts from May to August, but it doesn't rain much in Beijing. Shanghai, located in the south, experiences more rain. However, the rain doesn't last continuously for long periods of time. In case of rainy weather, we will adjust the itinerary to make sure your travel experience is not affected.

Moreover, the main attractions in Beijing and Shanghai are mostly cultural sights. So they are not affected much by the weather.

No matter what season you are visiting in, we will plan the itinerary with suitable activities according to your preferences or your family's preferences.

Insider tips : The first weeks of May and October are peak times, followed by the summer holidays. If you plan to travel during these periods, please book at least 6 months to 1 year in advance.

Visa Policy

You need to apply for a China visa to visit both Beijing and Shanghai.

Although you can enjoy a 144-day visa-free trip in Beijing or Shanghai, the policy is not available when traveling from Beijing to Shanghai and vice versa. You cannot apply for your China visa in Beijing or Shanghai if you are going to visit both cities so you should apply for it in your country.

Tour China with Us

All our tours can be tailor-made based on your needs. See our popular China tours including Beijing and Shanghai for inspiration:

  • 8-Day Beijing - Xi'an-Shanghai Tour
  • 11-Day Beijing - Xi'an - Guilin/Yangshuo - Shanghai Tour
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11-Day Tour: Beijing – Xi'an – Guilin/Yangshuo – Shanghai

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  • 12-day Panda Keeper and Classic Wonders
  • 13-Day A Broad Taste of China
  • 13-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Dunhuang–Urumqi–Shanghai Tour
  • 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
  • 14-Day Classic China Photo Tour
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Shanghai Itinerary for 10 Days : Ultimate Shanghai Travel Guide

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by Trip.com

December 16, 2022

  • Shanghai 10-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights to Shanghai

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Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Shanghai Disney Resort

Opening Hours: Open from 11/25-11/25,Thu,9:00am-8:30pm;Open from 11/26-11/26,Fri,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 11/27-11/27,Sat,9:00am-8:30pm;Open from 11/28-11/28,Sun,9:00am-8:30pm;Open from 11/29-11/29,Mon,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 11/30-12/5,Tue-Sun,9:00am-8:30pm

Ticket Price: 399 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

As the first Disney resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort is a world-class family entertainment destination. It features Shanghai Disneyland Park, an entertainment district, two themed hotels, recreational facilities, a lake, and associated transportation hubs. One unique aspect about Shanghai Disney is the way the park incorporates Chinese tastes into its design. With plenty to do and fun for people of all ages, the Shanghai Disney Resort is certainly one of the city’s premiere attractions.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Expatexplorer: Before visiting Shanghai Disneyland i didn’t really understand the hype surrounding Disney theme parks. I have now returned 3 times and it has completely blown my expectations out of the water. - Before you go, download the app. This will help you understand show times, queue times and where the restaurants are located - Stay til the fireworks and light display at the end. I usually hate fireworks but again this was truly an incredible show and i loved it - Visit Disneytown, this is actually just outside the theme park itself, but there are some great restaurants (Cheesecake factory) and shops here to explore - Enjoy everything the park has to offer! If you enjoy fast rides, go on Tron. Admire the work of Imagineers on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. Enjoy the musical performances at the parade and shows. Embrace the magic and you won’t be disappointed!

Daniel: You can drink alcohol here. I, like many others, have forever wondered at various parks if i can. so you will be pleased to know that there is a food hall to the east a short walk from the main pavillion you can. As for the park...it is one of the better ones. Prices are acceptable. The ride wait time is low and most of the rides are very enjoyable. The Tron cycles so much that we did them three times. The mountain line walk is the right mix of concerning and exciting. With an unbeatable view of the park. Food is a typical Disney fare. Nothing to write home about. Definitely come for the end of the day light show. One of the best I have seen at any park. Florida, France, Hong Kong... they just dont compare. Just remember to beat the foot traffic and power walk out od there when its done.

Day 1 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, Hyakumangoku Onsen Hotel is the best places.

Hyakumangoku Onsen Hotel

The Hyakumangoku Onsen Hotel is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Shanghai , having been recently opened in 2021.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located approximately 18km away and Shanghai Railway Station around 35km away. Transportation around the city is also convenient, with Disney Resort Metro Station within walking distance. There's plenty to do nearby, with Aoxing Park, 浦東國際影視產業園共享空間 and JEGOPLAY TOO Family Park all within a short distance.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. Guests of this Shanghai hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

Germaphobes can rest easy - the level of cleanliness is highly rated at this hotel. This hotel is a popular accommodation for guests traveling with families.

Airport pickup service

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Day 2 | Morning

Oriental pearl radio & television tower.

Opening Hours: Open from 1/1-9/30,9:00am-9:00pm;Open from 10/1-10/7,8:00am-10:00pm;Open from 10/8-12/31,9:00am-9:00pm

Ticket Price: 35 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujia zu i, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower is arguably the most recognizable feature on Shanghai’s skyline. Completed in 1994, it has come to symbolize China’s modernization and emergence on the global scene. Visitors travel up and down the Oriental Pearl Tower in double-decker elevators that can hold up to fifty people. Located on the tower’s lower levels is the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Given its iconic status, this is certainly a can’t-miss attraction.

Trip.com User: Amazing views across shanghai from a 360 degree perspective! Even though I went when the weather was terrible, cloudy, foggy and raining, I still couldn’t fault the view! Multiple observation areas which were quite busy but not too bad! My only comment was that it was quite difficult as an English speaker (no written Chinese understanding) to work out what was actually included in each of the tickets at different price points! But overall a great experience, it took about an hour and a half to go all the way up and back down including getting tickets and queuing, but I was in no rush, however I also feel like I could have taken even more time easily. I imagine sunset would be a great time to go (if it is better weather than my visit) as it is lovey to see all the lights x

Yoghurtfighter: Shanghai Overseas Beach Photo Raiders Oriental Pearl Tower Photo Excellent location The Bund is probably the place where everyone who goes to the Mordor must punch in. Although I have been to Shanghai countless times, I will come here to share a few photos of the Bund and punch in. Very good location, such as: Dianchi Road Nanjing East Road Jiujiang Road and other sections of these roads have a high rate of filming. It is very casual to take pictures of the Oriental Pearl Tower. No tourists are required to locate others. Also know where you are ~

Day 2 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, you can head to Shanghai Wild Animal Park, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Opening Hours: Open from 3/1-6/30,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 7/1-8/31,9:00am-8:00pm;Open from 9/1-11/30,9:00am-5:00pm;Open from 12/1-2/28,9:00am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: 130 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days

Location: No.178, Nanliu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Opened in 1995, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park was one of the first AAAAA (highest-rated) tourist attractions in China. Visitors can see more than 10,000 exotic animals, most of which are rare wildlife, including giant pandas, snub-nosed monkeys, takins, crested ibis, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, white rhinos, and cheetahs. The park is divided into drive-through and pedestrian areas. The drive-through portions are modeled on safari parks where animals roam through natural habitats. Another popular attraction is the park’s tiger feeding pen where you can witness up close giant tigers. With lots to see and do, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park is fun for people of all ages.

Ohime_gozasoro: The Shanghai Wildlife Zoo was relatively close to Shanghai Airport and the taxi fare was quite cheap. You can go by train from the center of Shanghai, but it takes a little time. There is a locker to leave your luggage and it seems that you need a smartphone app to use it. I felt that the hurdle was high for foreigners. The number of animals, the size of the site, the comfort was quite good and the satisfaction was high. There were many pandas and I thought it was a rare creature, but it was all over. You can pay an additional fee to the safari, but this is really recommended. I experienced the highest fee, but it was a powerful point such as a large group of white tigers and bears, and feeding raw meat. You can take a bus to go around the course, but if you sit near the entrance of the feeding, you can see where you eat the feed in front of you. All the explanations were Chinese. There are several places to eat in the garden. There were many people in fast food everywhere.

Trip.com User: thats the best animal park ive been to. super clean, animals are easy to reach and look happy. stuff is very friendly. Its a luttle far, but you still can easily go with the metro, you’ll soend the whole day there. Better weekdays to avoid the crowd. The territory is really big and beautiful. rent a bicucle, otherwise could be to tiresom to walk around. enjoed it very much. want to go again

Day 2 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Shanghai Wild Animal Park, Heyitang Hotel Shanghai International Tourism Resort nearby is the best place to stay.

Heyitang Hotel Shanghai International Tourism Resort

The Heyitang Hotel Shanghai International Tourism Resort was recently opened in 2022, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Shanghai.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai South Railway Station are located 25km and 50km away respectively. The closest major public transportation, Huinan Metro Station, is only 300m away. Keeping busy is easy, with Fuquan Naos, Old Bell Park and Taoyuan Folk Culture Village all nearby.

This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. This Shanghai hotel provides parking on site.

Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service. This hotel is the usual choice for a large number of business travelers.

Day 3 | Morning

Shanghai science and technology museum.

Opening Hours: Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-5:00pm;Closed on Mon;Open from 8:30am-5:30pm during Chinese public holidays

Ticket Price: 45 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 4-8 Hours

Location: 2000 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Located near Century Park, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM) is the city’s premiere museum dedicated to enhancing public awareness of and engagement with science and technology. The museum’s large collection covers everything from geology and plate tectonics to space exploration and human health. With many interactive features, SSTM is a great destination for families with young children. No matter who you are, there is something to spark your curiosity. You won’t regret spending a few hours exploring this vast museum.

Trip.com User: Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is located in the Century Avenue of Pudong New District, covering an area of 6.8 sq. m. and building area of 9.8 sq. m., with the theme of "Natural, Humanities, Science and Technology", so that every visitor can enjoy the influence of modern science and technology. Crustal Search, Intelligent Light, BioVientiane, Audiovisual Paradise, Children's Science Park, BioVientiane, Natural Museum, and four different styles of cinemas, including IMAX three-dimensional giant cinema, IWERKS four-dimensional cinema, IMAX ball-screen cinema, The high-tech movie theater in the space theater, but the movie is more expensive than the money.

TaztoesInChina: We initially thought this museum was for kids but it turned out we were wrong. There’s so much to explore and learn in this museum. It sports various sections and themes. It takes alot of walking but you’re able to cover the museum in an afternoon. As there are kids sections, be prepared to see groups of children on school excursions. This also means that its a great day trip for families. The shop has some really cool goodies but mostly overpriced! There’s a vending machine where you can purchase some drinks and many restaurants in the area making it easy to get some food along the way.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Opening Hours: Open from 9/1-6/30,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 7/1-8/31,9:00am-9:00pm;Open from 9:00am-9:00pm during China's national day

Ticket Price: 160 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: 1388 Lujiazu i Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai1388 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is located in the bustling Lujiazui section of Pudong, Shanghai. Located near the Oriental Pearl Tower, the aquarium exhibits a wide variety of marine life. The Aquarium's 168 m underwater tunnel is a central attraction and provides visitors the chance to explore several, distinct aquatic environments. The many animal species on display include spotted seals, Antarctic penguins, giant salamanders, and Chinese alligators, not to mention such aquarium treasures as weedy seadragons and zebra sharks.

Trip.com User: On the major travel information networks, I agree with you that Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the must-visit attractions. I use Didi to call the car in the morning, call the car in the busy time, and take about 45 minutes to sit in the car. Arrived at the aquarium about 9:30, the flow is OK, the adult fare 160, the elderly $90, 1 meter - 1.4 meter $110, the museum is wonderful everywhere, especially the four underwater tunnels, it is a great call.

My Shanghai Life: Amazing place! we just walked by and decided to take a look (160 rmb - Adult; 110 rmb - child). it is surprisingly big: 3 floors (note: you can only go one way). I liked that the information about the sea life is both in English and Chinese. we had a great afternoon!

Day 3 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium? JOYA Shanghai Lujiazui Hotel is one of your top choices.

JOYA Shanghai Lujiazui Hotel

Opened in 2020, the JOYA Shanghai Lujiazui Hotel offers travelers a pleasant stay in Shanghai, whether for business or leisure purposes.

Boasting a convenient location, the hotel is just 10km from Shanghai Railway Station and 24km from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Just a short walk from Shangcheng Road Metro Station, traveling to most city destinations is a breeze. Famous local attractions Halcyon Gallery, Laobaidu Riverside Greenland Chimney Plaza and 卓睿號遊艇俱樂部, can all be reached with a short walk.

When guests have some time on their hands they can make use of the onsite facilities. This Shanghai hotel offers parking on site.

According to our guests, this hotel provides a very high level of service. For guests traveling with families, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

Day 4 | Morning

Madame tussauds shanghai.

Opening Hours: Open from 8/11-12/31,10:00am-9:00pm

Ticket Price: 190 RMB

Location: 10th Floor, New World Commercial Building, People's Square, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Madame Tussauds Shanghai has become famous throughout the world for its lifelike wax figures. As only the second Madame Tussauds located in Asia, the museum features uncannily lifelike reproductions of nearly 80 celebrities, including Yao Ming, Jackie Chan, David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, and Bill Clinton. Each figurine is elaborately made in a London studio with more than 200 years of wax making experience. By incorporating new technologies into the figurines, Madame Tussauds Shanghai is able to offer visitors a more immersive experience. Certainly this particular museum lives up to the reputation Madame Tussauds has garnered throughout the world.

Isa in 中国: Quite an interesting visit! The tour will only take you about an hour. Make sure to stay around for the ice age movie it’s quite fun! 😁

Trip.com User: a bit expensive at ¥190 for an adult ticket, but the laughs and pictures and fun made it worth it.

Day 4 | Afternoon

After finishing the tour at Madame Tussauds Shanghai, you can head to Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, the most worth visiting place around the corner.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

Opening Hours: Open from 11/1-11/30,Mon-Fri,9:30am-5:30pm;Open from 11/1-11/30,Sat-Sun,9:30am-6:00pm;Open from 12/1-12/31,Mon-Fri,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 12/1-12/31,Sat-Sun,9:30am-5:30pm;Open from 12/24-12/26,Fri-Sun,9:30am-8:00pm

Ticket Price: 330 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1.0 Days

Location: No.166 Yinfei Road, Nanhui New Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park has been rated as a national 4A-level tourist attraction. With the theme of marine culture, it has created five regions and a resort hotel. It has 16 major stars such as "Killer Whale Science Lecture Hall", "Walrus Travel Notes" and "Dolphin Love Song". Repertoire: There are six animal exhibition venues including Antarctic Penguin Pavilion and Sea Beast Quest Pavilion, providing more than ten amusement facilities such as volcano rafting, dolphin roller coaster, etc., bringing together more than 30,000 marine creatures, showing the ocean dream float parade and 100 performances! The first deep-sea mermaid restaurant in the magic capital was officially opened. Located in the mermaid restaurant in the Volcano Shark Museum in Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, the mermaid princess danced gracefully under the colorful ocean. Diners can enjoy the high-end French restaurant while sharing with the mermaid princesses. Go to a deep-sea appointment and start the magic city tide experience. Savor exquisite French cuisine and feel the magic of the sea. At the moment of entering the door, the light and shadow of the blue water curtain attracts everyone's attention. When a school of golden fish rushes towards you through the blue waves, it seems that you can embrace the sea with open arms. Panoramic floor-to-ceiling glass, nearly ten meters of water depth, fully wraps the dining table, interacts with the small fish swimming beside you, and makes friends with these leisurely underwater world residents. The fish swam over their heads in groups, and every frame and photo they took was sent to the circle of friends to the point where they received more than 100 likes! The specific open area of the park: Amusement equipment: Dolphin roller coaster, volcanic rafting, space-time cable car, deep sea voyage, fast penguin, happy little flying fish, flying boulder, ocean Trojan, pelican adventure; performing arts and venues: Orca Science Lecture Hall, Walrus Hee Travels, Sea Beast Detective Hall/Sea Beast Science Feeding Show, Dolphin Love Song, Ocean Dream Float Parade, Town Party, Tribal Carnival, Rainforest Style, Water Trapeze.

dirra: One of our last Shanghai parks was the brand new Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park! Home to many exhibits, killer whales, and the signature Steel Dolphin Intamin Blitz coaster, we were very much looking forward to visiting. Upon arrival we slowly started figuring out that this park is *just* shy of being a hit, but somehow charges prices comparable to Shanghai Disneyland. Let’s go explore.

Farz: it was wonderful experience. we went there on one Saturday. it was not that crowded. Every performance is worth watching. Weekend tickets are more expensive. Kids and parents can enjoy together. Rain coat is only needed if you sit in the first front rows of killer whale shark.

Day 4 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Artyzen Lingang Shanghai is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Artyzen Lingang Shanghai

The Artyzen Lingang Shanghai was recently opened in 2022, making it a fantastic choice for those staying in Shanghai.

From the hotel, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is approximately 33km away. Traveling to and from the airport is easy with Shanghai Pudong International Airport located approximately 33km away. The closest major public transportation, Dishui Lake Metro Station, is only 600m away. Keeping busy is easy, with 星際大冒險, Shanghai Planetarium and China Maritime Museum all nearby.

After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. This Shanghai hotel provides parking on site.

If cleanliness is important to you, this hotel makes an excellent choice, as our guests consider this to be one of the cleanest hotels in the city.

Swimming pool

Day 5 | Morning

China maritime museum.

Opening Hours: Open from 9:30am-4:00pm during Chinese public holidays;Open on Tue-Sun,9:30am-4:00pm;Closed from 1/1-7/4,Mon;Open from 7/5-7/5,9:30am-4:00pm;Closed from 7/6-12/31,Mon

Ticket Price: 50 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: No. 197, Shengang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (near Drip Lake)

The China Maritime Museum is located next to Dishui Lake in the southeast corner of Shanghai. It is a nautical-themed museum with rich domestic exhibitions. In the nautical museum, you can learn about the evolution of Chinese shipbuilding history and navigation technology through various models and graphic introductions. There is also a sizable display of marine equipment. Test your navigation skills via the museum's simulation, or board a recreated Ming Dynasty boat to learn about ancient shipbuilding processes. Suitable for young and old, the China Maritime Museum is a pleasant experience for those venturing out to the Dishui Lake area.

Day 5 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming China Maritime Museum, Shanghai Happy Valley next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Shanghai Happy Valley

Opening Hours: Open from 11/15-12/23,9:30am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 230 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Days

Location: No.888, Linhu Road, Songshan Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai

Shanghai Happy Valley is a large-scale theme park located in the Songjiang district of Shanghai, about 40 km west of the city center. It includes seven themed areas: Sunshine Harbour, Happy Times, Hurricane Bay, Gold Mine, Happy Ocean, Shanghai Beach, and Shangri-La. Happy Valley features many thrilling rides, circus shows and parades, and even a Mayan Carnival. The park is great for kids and makes for an enjoyable outing. With plenty of thrilling rides, adults also have much to enjoy from a day spent at Happy Valley.

Trip.com User: Forget Disney! If you're actually looking for crazy, blood-blanching rollercoasters happy valley is the obvious choice. Rides are insane and really get your adrenaline going. it's a bit far out but makes for an awesome day trip. nice balance between the adult rides and more relaxed attractions. Food wasn't amazing but that's not the reason to go to a theme park haha. really enjoyed the day spent there - caught about 12 rides and stayed inside until 6pm.

Santiago Guitar: it’s far.... yes! but it’s awesome! if you go in summer be prepared! the heat will be hard! attractions are fun and more! food is not that great tho.... which they got better options to eat! If you’re in Shanghai and one day one to explore something different have a car there or get on subway! try to arrive early you will have ton of fun! only a few attraction where closed when we went!

Day 5 | Evening

For convenient access to more popular attractions, The Yuluxe Sheshan, Shanghai, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is the best places.

The Yuluxe Sheshan, Shanghai, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Hotel is surrounded by breathtaking natural lakes and forests, as well as tourist attractions such as the Shanghai Moon Lake Sculpture Park, Playa Maya Water Park and Happy Valley. 325 guest rooms and suites offers breathtaking views of Sheshan mount or the Moon Lake, subtly reflecting the independent spirit of Shanghai through dynamic design and thoughtful amenities. The Yu Palace serves innovative and creative Cantonese, Hang and local cuisines with 11 private rooms where diners overlooking the Sheshan National Forest Park and the Moon Lake. Le Café offers a wide range of Continental and Asian fare, while the Skyline Lobby Lounge provides a more casual, relaxed atmosphere. The Shandy features a unique circular bar for guests seeking a lively nightcap. Guests can enjoy a full suite of upgraded hotel facilities including a state-of-the-art gym; indoor and outdoor pools; a new 700-sqm kids’ playground, as well as a KTV room and a billiards room.

Day 6 | Morning

Shanghai chenshan botanical garden.

Opening Hours: Open on Mon-Thu,Sun,10:00am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 60 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 4-5 Hours

Location: No. 3888 Chenhua Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai

Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden is a botanical garden with strong scientific content and beautiful garden landscapes. It integrates scientific research, landscaping, and leisure into a harmonious design. Visitors can enjoy plants all year round. Even in winter, the park's greenhouses showcase a vibrant and lush scene. Sites worth noting include the Quarry Garden, park's two lakes, and several small islands. Through ecological restoration, the Quarry Garden's deep pool, pits, platforms, and walls were transformed into the beautiful garden one sees today. Finally, don't forget to visit the cascading waterfall and special area for visually impaired guests.

Yulia Hasto: The mine pit and three enormous greenhouse-shaped botanical gardens are the most worthy stops to appreciate the two main stations. The planting and management of vegetation and flowers and trees in botanical gardens is excellent. Characteristics of various blocks in the garden are created. This is also pretty good. Staff service at the museum is also up to standard. It is suitable for a full day trip. You can bring simple food. It's a bright little lunch party ^^

Trip.com User: i went to Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden in April with my colleagues when all the pear blossoms were in full bloom. It was one of the most amazing sites I've ever seen. The staff were so helpful to us and tried to communicate to us in English. I took loads of pics and posted on wechat. My friends and students were so jealous that the next day they also went there!;)

Day 6 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, don’t forget pay a visit to Shanghai Zoo.

Shanghai Zoo

Opening Hours: Open from 03/01-10/31,8:00am-5:00pm;Open from 11/01-02/28,8:00am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: 40 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Hours

Location: 2381 Hongqiao Road, Changning District

Located near Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Zoo is a modern metropolitan zoological garden featuring more than 6,000 animals in additional to various plant life. Species native to China include giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, lions, South China tigers, hoopoe, black bulbuls, scimitar-horned oryx, great hornbills, and Bactrian camels. With its convenient location and visitor-friendly design, the Shanghai Zoo provides a fun outing for the entire family.

hannahbananah: We went there after lunch by Didi and it was only 50rmb but you can get there by Metro through Line 10 and get off at Shanghai Zoo station. We paid 40 rmb for 2 adults and our daught got it for free because she is less than 1.3 M tall. We went through the fish, reptile and amphibians area and they had most of the popular animals that would be great to extend learning for children and enjoy as adults too. After that we were led to a shuttle that costs 15/person and again free for children. The trip toom us to the Panda enclosure and basically all the other areas. The largest area is the primates area where we found hundreds of types of monkeys, lemur and apes. If you haven't visited Shanghai Zoo, you must! Btw, snacks are just everywhere so don't worry about getting hungry. #summervacation

Ben charaf: Shanghai zoo is home to animals, this zoo contains hundreds of species. It was my first time to see a Panda, which made me spend more time enjoying watching it. The Shanghai zoo is a site of natural history museum. It’s well organized. Inside, you can take a zoo golf car or just walk. For me, I walked because when you walk, you will be able to observe more. Anyway, it’s a great zoo, very pleasant moment. I highly recommend!

Day 6 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Shanghai Zoo? Joya Hotel Shanghai Gubei is one of your top choices.

Joya Hotel Shanghai Gubei

Opened in 2020, the Joya Hotel Shanghai Gubei is a great accommodation choice in Shanghai.

The hotel is conveniently located just 8km from Shanghai South Railway Station and 11km from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The closest major public transportation, Yili Road Metro Station, is only 200m away. There's plenty to do nearby, with HuangJinCheng Dao BuXingJie, 古北SOHO and 天空·書苑 all within a short distance.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Shanghai hotel offers parking on site.

Our guests rate this hotel as one of the best hotels for cleanliness. This hotel is the usual choice for a large number of business travelers.

Day 7 | Morning

Opening Hours: Open on Tue-Sun,9:00am-4:30pm;Closed on Mon;Open from 9:00am-4:30pm during Chinese public holidays

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Shanghai Yuyuan Tourism Business District (the main entrance of Yuyuan Garden on the north side of Huxin Pavilion Jiuqu Bridge)

Yu Garden is located in central Shanghai’s Huangpu District, on a spot within the boundaries of former Old City. It is the only classic Chinese garden in the downtown area and was once a private garden for Ming Dynasty officials. The garden covers roughly two hectares and contains various rambling pathways, hidden pavilions, and classic flora. It is a good place to escape the bustling modern city outside. Take note of the hundreds of plaques and inscriptions written by well-known individuals, as well as the park’s collection of stone carvings. Yuyuan Bazaar, located nearby, is good to browse for antiques and souvenirs.

Trip.com User: Nice cultural site, on metro line 10 and not far from the Bund. I visited at the beginning of Spring Festival, it was busy. They were set up for the Lantern Festival display on the bridge near the entrance, so it would be nice to go back and see the shopping area lit up at night too.

C Travels: Yu Garden in Shanghai was a truly beautiful experience. The garden is easy to get to and home to a wide range of water features, plants, pagodas and temples. After you have walked around the garden, you can exit through a lively street that offers food and shopping opportunities.

Day 7 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Yu Garden, don’t forget pay a visit to Shanghai ObservatoryTop of Shanghai Observatory.

Shanghai ObservatoryTop of Shanghai Observatory

Opening Hours: Open from 1/1-4/2,8:30am-9:00pm;Open from 4/3-12/31,8:30am-10:00pm

Ticket Price: 180 RMB

Location: No. 501, Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai (near Dongtai Road)

The Top of Shanghai Observatory is the observation desk in the Shanghai Tower, the world's second tallest building. Located in the Lujiazui section of Pudong, the Top of Shanghai Observatory is currently the world's tallest observation desk. Visitors can rocket up the 118 floors in elevators that travel 74 km/h! You will then enjoy stunning views of Shanghai from the 360-degree observation deck. On clear days it's nothing short of breathtaking. Access to the observation desk includes entry to the Top of Shanghai Exhibition Hall featuring information about the planning and construction of Shanghai Tower. Shutter bugs won't want to miss the chance to snap some truly memorable photos.

Trip.com User: an astonishing view of shanghai in this point. dont miss it. its really worth the money paid. climb and know the beauty of shanghai city. we were running the whole floor here and there to get various angle of pictures. really worth visiting and spending so much of time in here. especially during the evening when the buildings get lightened up one after the other.

Ivan Yurpolskij: It's was really breathtaking experience. Beautiful view. You even can't understand how high is it before you go there. It's very important to go there in clear weather because in other ways the top of the tower will be hiding in clouds and you will see nothing.

Day 7 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Atour S Hotel Expo Center Lujiazui Shanghai in advance, because all the tourists head to Shanghai ObservatoryTop of Shanghai Observatory love staying at it.

Atour S Hotel Expo Center Lujiazui Shanghai

Opened in 2021, the Atour S Hotel Expo Center Lujiazui Shanghai offers travelers a pleasant stay in Shanghai, whether for business or leisure purposes.

With Shanghai Railway Station just 10km away and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport only 25km away, transportation is very convenient. Being just minutes away from West Gaoke Road Metro Station allows guests to explore the city with ease. Guests will find GACNA, 上海當代藝術博物館-M/M上海製造 and Fengjianzhong Qikan Chuangkan Hao Museum just a short distance from the hotel.

This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. Guests of this Shanghai hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

According to our trusted guests, the facilities at this hotel are first-rate. This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling on business.

Day 8 | Morning

Shanghai film park.

Opening Hours: Open from 1/1-9/12,8:30am-4:30pm;Closed from 9/13-9/14;Open from 9/15-9/22,8:30am-4:30pm;Closed from 9/23-9/24;Open from 9/25-12/31,8:30am-4:30pm

Ticket Price: 80 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 5-5 Hours

Location: No. 4915, Beisong Road, Chedun Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai

Located in Shanghai's Songjiang District, Shanghai Film Park is an active movie set designed to recreate the classic Art Deco look from 1930s Shanghai. The park features a Nanjing Road set, Shanghai Shikumen houses, and the iconic Waibaidu bridge. There are also Catholic churches, medieval wineries, and European buildings in various styles. Many films such as "Romance in the Rain" and "Lust, Caution" were shot here. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of your favorite stars. Offering tram and rickshaw rides, Shanghai Film Park will make you think you've traveled back in time to a golden era in Shanghai's history.

Trip.com User: Because watching TV dramas to chase the scene, although the road is a little distance from the city, but if it is cost-effective to play with three or four friends, it is really super good to shoot, a few sisters can shoot all day if it is not too hot!

Tarp’s journeys: เป็นที่ที่มีคนมาถ่ายรูปเยอะมาก และมีคนมาเยี่ยมชมเยอะมาก แนะนำให้มาที่นี่กันน่ะ ถ้าได้มาเซี่ยงไฮ้

Day 8 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Shanghai Film Park, Gucun Park next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Opening Hours: Open from 6:00am-6:00pm

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Location: No. 1 Huandao Road, No. 4788, Hutai Road, Gucun Town, Baoshan District (near Hutai Road)

Gucun Park is a large urban park located in Shanghai’s Baoshan District. Situated north of the city center, the park is popular with locals who come for the many paths, lakes, and green spaces. Visitors on the weekend will see families enjoying a day out by flying kites or picnicking. The park is rich in flora, containing something for every season. No matter when you go, chances are something will be in bloom.

Dacy: A large botanical park with amusement facilities and a bird area. Great for picnics, photoshoots and having a fun, relaxing day. Wear comfortable shoes to walk around until you find your spot. The best time for Cherry Blossoms 🌸 is between the 2nd-3rd week of March until the 2nd week of April. The blossoms blow away quickly and the tree changes colour but it's still pretty.

Dawei 007: A beautiful park to visit, especially late March/ early April when you'll get to see the stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Day 8 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Gucun Park? Shanghai Jiusi Hotel is one of your top choices.

Shanghai Jiusi Hotel

The Shanghai Jiusi Hotel is one of the newest hotels in Shanghai, having opened in 2021.

Boasting a convenient location, the hotel is just 6km from Nanxiang North Railway Station and 21km from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. There is no shortage of things to see in the area, with the Gendiao Yishu Bolan Center, 豐翔綠地 and 外環林帶普陀區新楊養護段 all nearby.

At the end of a busy day, travelers can unwind and relax in the hotel or go out and enjoy the city. Guests of this Shanghai hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

According to our trusted guests, the facilities at this hotel are first-rate. For guests traveling on business, this hotel is consistently one of the most popular choices.

Day 9 | Morning

Jinjiang action park.

Opening Hours: Open from 11/1-3/31,9:15am-5:00pm

Location: Jinjiang Park, 201 Hongmei Road, Minhang District

Located near Shanghai South Railway Station, Jinjiang Action Park opened as Shanghai’s first large-scale amusement park. There are exciting roller coasters, a spinning coaster, a nostalgic bicycle monorail, and a flume ride. Jinjiang Action Park is also home to the Shanghai Ferris Wheel, a giant 108 m Ferris wheel that offers riders great views of the surrounding area. The park has numerous rides for children, which make Jinjiang Action Park a fun outing for the whole family.

Day 9 | Afternoon

Dongping National Forest Park nearby is the top choice before you leave Jinjiang Action Park and hit the road.

Dongping National Forest Park

Opening Hours: Open from 7/3-12/31,9:00am-5:30pm

Location: Chongming Island, Chongming County 202150, ChinaNo. 2188, North Road, Chongming County

Dongping National Forest Park is a forest located on the north side of Chongming Island in Shanghai, China. Since it was formally opened to the public in 1989, it has attracted thousands of tourists every year. Visitors can use the barbecue and camping areas, or rent a bicycle and cycle around the park. It's a great destination in the summer and can provide the feeling of a mini-vacation from Shanghai. There are also plenty of leisure activities such as paintball, go-karting, grass skiing, pedal boats, and water walking balls. Taking a visit out to Chongming Island is a fun way to spend a day.

Trip.com User: it was simply awesome trip , it’s a beauty of nature , I spend awesome time there & will be back again .

Tarek-Shanghai: very good place

Day 9 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Yiqinyuan Resort in advance, because all the tourists head to Dongping National Forest Park love staying at it.

Yiqinyuan Resort

The Shanghai Yiqinyuan Resort (Shanghai Yiqinyuan Dujiacun) is situated in Shanghai's Chongming Island, south of Dongping Forest Park. This hotel immerses guests in the stunning natural beauty of a green forest, a sparkling lake and pretty birds.The on-site restaurant surrounded by the lake provides quality Chinese delicacies for hungry guests. A large column-free functional banquet hall can accommodate 200 people at a time.Large, medium and small meeting rooms complete with up-to-date facilities can cater to guests' various business needs.A wide range of recreational options are available in this Shanghai hotel. Guests with leisure time on their hands can go fishing, play golf or swim in the indoor pool. Those eager to sing can belt their hearts out in one of the KTV rooms.

Oriental Land

Opening Hours: Open from 4/1-10/31,8:30am-4:30pm;Open from 11/1-3/31,8:30am-4:00pm

Location: Oriental Land, No. 6888 Huqingping Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai

Oriental Land is a large park near Dianshan Lake in the extreme western part of Shanghai. The massive park is a popular location for corporate team-building sessions as well as general scenic enjoyment. Visitors can enjoy flying kites, barbecuing, rock climbing, or just relaxing on the lawn. There are numerous family-oriented activities like sports or tandem bicycle riding. The park also provides extensive facilities for young children and features a section dedicated to showcasing various military hardware, including a full-scale replica aircraft carrier.

  • Shanghai 10-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights from Shanghai

Juneyao Airlines

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

  • Day 1: Shanghai Disney Resort
  • Day 2: Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower, Shanghai Wild Animal Park
  • Day 3: Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
  • Day 4: Madame Tussauds Shanghai, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
  • Day 5: China Maritime Museum, Shanghai Happy Valley
  • Day 6: Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, Shanghai Zoo
  • Day 7: Yu Garden, Shanghai ObservatoryTop of Shanghai Observatory
  • Day 8: Shanghai Film Park, Gucun Park
  • Day 9: Jinjiang Action Park, Dongping National Forest Park
  • Day 10: Oriental Land

Shanghai Weather

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Find What to Do in Shanghai in 10 Days Tour

Very popular shanghai horse game city “era time and space journey” acrobatic electronic ticket <acrobatic viewing/1 person departure>.

  • Powerful performances with state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology are sure to impress! Easy admission procedure! If you are in trouble, we have Japanese options available!

Shanghai Huangpu River Tour Internet Celebrity Cruise Buffet Dinner (Dragon Boat/Crystal Princess) Huangpu River Night Cruise Large Ship Cruise Ticket + Oriental Pearl Tower on the Bund Night View Lighting + Customizable Private Box Chinese Table Dinner Private Banquet/Private Level Annual Meeting Team Building Business Banquet Meeting Dinner/Chartered Boat Catering Special Flight Yacht Essence Tour [Laozhou Magic City High-end Fun and Food Experience]

  • The package includes a 120-minute sailing tour on the Internet celebrity ship + special buffet/private banquet in a private room, etc. In addition, the cladding can be used to arrange business receptions, wedding dinners, annual meetings, large-scale conference dinners, etc. Travel consultant [micro tour guide + on-site hotline] dual service response, guaranteed by formal travel agency qualifications.

Helicopter flight experience in Wufangcun, Fengxian, Shanghai [overlooking the fish in Shanghai + free cabin video + optional self-driving experience]

  • Aerial view of Shanghai Fish Professional captains will escort you during your flight Complimentary flight experience in-cabin video

Shanghai ERA Theatre Acrobatics Ticket

Shanghai's 3-hour culinary journey: local delights await.

  • Experience Shanghai's culinary wonders from morning to late-night, with all tastings included for a satisfying meal. Immerse in the city's changing culture, learning its history and traditions during a guided tour with tastings. Discover local favorites and taste Shanghainese classics like scallion oil noodles and soup dumplings.

Private Round Trip Transfer to Suzhou & Zhouzhuang from Shanghai

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IMAGES

  1. The ULTIMATE SHANGHAI Itinerary (2024 Guide)

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  2. Shanghai Itinerary 5 days for first time visitors

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  3. 3 Days In Shanghai: The Perfect Itinerary

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  4. The ULTIMATE SHANGHAI Itinerary (2023 Guide)

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  6. Shanghai Itinerary

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COMMENTS

  1. The ULTIMATE SHANGHAI Itinerary (2024 Guide)

    Welcome to our EPIC Shanghai itinerary. Individual tickets cost upwards of USD $0.45 and never exceed USD $2.00, but there are more cost-effective options! The 1-day and 3-day passes cost USD $3.00 and USD $7.00, respectively. If you'd like an even more convenient way of getting around Shanghai, then call a taxi, or Uber.

  2. Shanghai Trip Planner

    How to Plan the Best Shanghai Itinerary for 1 to 4 Days. You can plan a Shanghai tour in 1 to 4 days depending on your holiday time and personal interests. Usually, travelers spend 2 days on discovering the top landmarks and must-visits of Shanghai. A day tour with main highlights is doable for transit travelers with limited time.

  3. Best Shanghai Itineraries from 1 to 5 Days with Side Trips

    Here is a classic 3-day itinerary to experience various aspects of Shanghai, including historical buildings, skyscrapers, Disneyland, and a pleasant water town: Day 1: One-day city highlights tour (the Bund, Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, food experience, etc). Day 2: Have fun in Disneyland. Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town (bridges, gardens, and a ...

  4. The Best Shanghai Tour Itinerary

    This 3-day best Shanghai tour itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of the city's historical depth, cultural richness, and modern vibrancy. It's designed for first-time foreign tourists to fully experience. Shanghai's unique charm, culinary delights, and lively entertainment scene. Following this guide ensures a well-rounded and ...

  5. Shanghai Itinerary

    Yu Garden built in 1577 is a must see of this 3 day Shanghai itinerary. This breathtaking garden also known as the Garden of Happiness consists of an inner and outer garden covering more than 20,000 square meters. It's one of my favourite spots to catch a glimpse of traditional China, but also for great food.

  6. 48 Hours in Shanghai: The Ultimate Itinerary

    Dynamic, glamorous, a meeting point of the east and west, Shanghai is known for many things. After the British opened its port in the 1840s, Shanghai grew into a mega-city, over 24 million people strong. Now, past and future meet here too: swirls of history are found throughout the former concessions, and a look across the Huangpu River at Pudong's skyscrapers makes one feel they as if they ...

  7. The Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

    ADDRESS: 718 Ningxia Road, Putuo District Shanghai. Night: Street Food + River Cruise Tour. Round out your day 1 Shanghai itinerary with an epic 4-hour night tour. You start by sampling a selection of delicacies at Huanghe Road (this is a favourite street for locals to eat and where I tried some of the best food in Shanghai!).

  8. 3 Days In Shanghai: The Perfect Itinerary

    Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar. Located in the very heart of Puxi district, Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar are my favorite spots to get a glimpse of medieval China. When it comes to things do in Shanghai in 3 days both attractions are near the top of the list. Yuyuan is the most famous garden in the city.

  9. 4-Day Shanghai Itinerary

    Lillian Ng (Lilinymun) — Google review. Make the most out of your 4 days in Shanghai by exploring these top visited places: Oriental Pearl TV Tower, M on the Bund, Yu Garden, Di Shui Dong, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Din Tai Fung, and Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tourist Zone.

  10. Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary (The Best of Shanghai)

    Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary: Day 1. Day 1 of your Shanghai 5-day itinerary should be spent exploring the heart of the city! Use this time to get your bearings in this vast city and it'll make your next 4 days in Shanghai much easier. Consider taking a walking tour for a guided view of the city, but you can do it all yourself.

  11. The ULTIMATE SHANGHAI Itinerary

    On Day 2 of your Shanghai itinerary, dive deeper into the city's rich history and culture. Start your day by visiting the iconic Yu Garden. This serene oasis in the heart of bustling Shanghai is a traditional Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, intricate rock formations, and serene ponds.

  12. Shanghai Travel Guide

    Shanghai 2024 . We had an amazing to China. Our tour guide Martin in Shanghai was super knowledgeable, caring and very flexible with our itinerary. When my wife got sick in the Shanghai, he was able to arrange an English-speaking doctor on the spot and took us to the clinic.

  13. How to Plan a Shanghai Tour

    Evening: Experience Shanghai's vibrant food scene by trying local dishes at a night market or dining in one of the city's authentic restaurants. Tour Recommendation: 3-day Shanghai and Tongli Water Town Tour. Shanghai Water Town. Shanghai 4-Day Itinerary: Follow the 4-day itinerary and add the following additional activity: Day 4

  14. One Day in Shanghai, China: Itinerary & Where to Go in 24 Hours

    Get a taste of Shanghai's past in Old City. From Lujiazui, it's about a 20-minute ride on the metro to Yuyuan Garden Station, where the beautiful Old City of Shanghai starts to unfold. When you're crafting your first China itinerary, the ageless graces of Shanghai's Old City stimulate exactly as expected.

  15. 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour

    Century Glory. from $491-$537. Victoria Sabrina. from $504-$593. Victoria Jenna. from $385-$474. Zhangjiajie Tours. 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour (Most Time-Efficient) Explore the Best Essence of the Oriental Paris.

  16. Shanghai Itineraries

    Option 1: Shanghai Night Tour along the Huangpu River. The Shanghai night tour revolves mainly around , as it offers the most beautiful night views in the city. You can choose to take a cruise along the Huangpu River, enjoying the romantic night scenery on both sides, especially the iconic skyline of Shanghai .

  17. 5 Days in Shanghai: Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary

    Ultimate Shanghai 5 Days Itinerary. Shanghai, the second most populous city in the world, doesn't really look like the rest of China.. Cosmopolitan, avant-garde and multi-faceted, it embodies the symbol of a new China, a mixture of East and West. The economic capital of the country is for many, synonymous with change, complexity and above all the future.

  18. Shanghai Trip Planner

    Plan your fully custom Shanghai travel itinerary of any complexity and duration with Triptile™, a free online trip planner. Europe. Americas. Asia. Rest of the World. Tours. About. My trip ... Shanghai is a city that has been exposed to many years of Western influences, an icon of China's phenomenal economic success, a sought-after tourist ...

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    Shanghai Itinerary 5 Days. Shanghai Itinerary Day 1. Get Custom Clothing Made. Invest In New Glasses. Shanghai Itinerary Day 2. Tour of Shanghai. Nanjing Road and People's Square. Shanghai Itinerary Day 3 - Day Trip. Shanghai Itinerary Day 4.

  20. A Complete Itinerary for Shanghai

    Hyakumangoku Onsen Hotel. The Hyakumangoku Onsen Hotel is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Shanghai, having been recently opened in 2021. Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located approximately 18km away and Shanghai Railway Station around 35km away. Transportation around the city is also convenient, with Disney ...

  21. How to Spend 5 Days in SHANGHAI China

    Looking for a quick and easy way to explore Shanghai? Check out our 5-day itinerary! In this itinerary, you'll be able to see the best of Shanghai, from the ...

  22. Top Shanghai Itineraries

    See expert recommended itineraries for Shanghai - Get all the highlights at the perfect pace. Know the key sights and can't-miss experiences. Make the most of your trip to Shanghai! ... Shanghai Tours Reviews & Ratings. 4.8 Excellent . 100+ Reviews Ratings details . Value. 4.8. Guide. 4.8. Activities. 4.8. Lodging. 4.8. Transportation. 4.8 ...

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    A Classic Beijing and Shanghai Itinerary. Day 1: Arrival in Beijing with free time to explore. Day 2: Visit the Forbidden City and enjoy a hutong tour, where you can visit a local family and learn about Beijing from their perspective. Day 3: Go to the Temple of Heaven, where you can join in with the local elderly people's morning activities and ...

  24. Shanghai Itinerary for 10 Days : Ultimate Shanghai Travel Guide

    Location: No. 3888 Chenhua Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai. Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden is a botanical garden with strong scientific content and beautiful garden landscapes. It integrates scientific research, landscaping, and leisure into a harmonious design. Visitors can enjoy plants all year round.