Shanghai Itinerary | How to Spend 1,2,3,4,5 Days in Shanghai

How to Spend 1 Day in Shanghai? Short and Wonderful

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 >>

Take a leisurely walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund

Embark on a high-altitude adventure on Shanghai Tower

How to Spend 2 Days in Shanghai? Explore Shanghai's Day and Night

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.

Highlighted Attractions Included:

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.

Immerse yourself in the classical Yu Garden

Enjoy yourself in the old but fashionable Xintiandi

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.

Highlighted Attractions Included:

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)

Yu Garden (豫园)

Lujiazui (陆家嘴)

Nanjing Road (南京路)

The Bund (外滩)

Xintiandi (新天地)

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.

Explore the long history in the Shanghai Museum

Shopping in the bustling Nanjing Road

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 night on the Bund is particularly charming.

Enjoy the wonderful night view from the top of the skyscrapers

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.

Stroll along the Tianzifang to explore the amazing traditional street

Take a leisurely walk along the Bund

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.

Admire the most important Dakeding

Be shocked by the model 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.

Have a ride on the Binjiang Greenway along the east bank of the Huangpu River

Cycling on the Taikang Road to explore the French Concession

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.

Visit the traditional water town Zhujiajiao

Take a boat in the water town will be cosy and easy

Explore the Yangtze River Delta with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of China's economic and cultural powerhouse with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT). The Yangtze River Delta offers a compelling blend of rapid modernization and rich cultural heritage, and AOT is your perfect partner to tailor a tour that reflects your unique travel interests.

Useful Yangtze River Delta Travel Guide:

Hangzhou: West Lake, Things to Do in Hangzhou
Suzhou: Things to Do in Suzhou, Suzhou Gardens
Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Itineraries, Things to Do in Shanghai,
Best Time to Visit Shanghai, How to Plan a Shanghai Tour
Yangtze Delta:
China Water Town, How to Plan a Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Tour