Shanghai, China 2 Day Itinerary

Title: 2-Day Shanghai Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Modern and Traditional Side of Shanghai

Morning: The Bund and Yu Garden

  • The Bund (Waitan): Start your day with a visit to the iconic waterfront area, where you can admire the beautiful skyline of modern Shanghai. Don’t forget to take a few photos!
  • Yu Garden (Yuyuan) and Old Town (Chenghuangmiao): A short taxi ride away, immerse yourself in the traditional Chinese architecture and culture at the Yu Garden, followed by a stroll around the bustling Old Town.

Lunch: Nanxiang Mantou Dong’er (南翔馒头东坎)

  • Located near Yu Garden, this famous dumpling restaurant offers delicious steamed soup dumplings and traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Afternoon: Tianzifang and Jing’an Temple

  • Tianzifang: Head to the trendy neighborhood of Tianzifang, where you can explore narrow lanes filled with shops, galleries, and cafes showcasing local art and handicrafts.
  • Jing’an Temple (景安寺): Visit this peaceful Buddhist temple in the heart of modern Shanghai for a moment of tranquility.

Dinner: Ultraviolet by Philippe Starck

  • Make reservations in advance for this unique dining experience, where a 20-course meal is served in an immersive, multi-sensory environment.

Nightlife: The Bund and Xintiandi

  • The Bund: Return to The Bund in the evening for a stunning night view of Shanghai’s skyline.
  • Xintiandi (新天地): This modern shopping, dining, and entertainment district is a great place to unwind and enjoy some local drinks.

Day 2: Modern Shanghai and Leisure Time

Morning: Shanghai Museum and People’s Square

  • Shanghai Museum: Spend the morning exploring this world-class museum dedicated to Chinese art and history.
  • People’s Square (人民廣場): Adjacent to the museum, this large urban park is an excellent spot for a leisurely walk or a quick break.

Lunch: Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐)

  • For your second lunch, head to Din Tai Fung’s Shanghai outlet, located near People’s Square, for some famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings).

Afternoon: Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui

  • Oriental Pearl Tower: Take an elevator ride up this iconic tower for panoramic views of Shanghai. There’s also a revolving restaurant at the top.
  • Lujiazui (鹿江圩): Explore the financial district and visit the nearby Shanghai Ocean Aquarium or Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck if you have time.

Evening: Leisure Time and Dinner

  • Spend your final evening strolling around the vibrant neighborhood of Tongchuan Lu, known for its street food, bars, and live music venues.
  • For dinner, try local favorites like fried rice noodles (炒面) or hot pot (火鍋) at a casual restaurant in this area.

Where to Stay

  • The Middle House: This stylish hotel by celebrated designer, Philippe Starck, offers luxurious accommodations and is conveniently located near Tianzifang and Xintiandi.
  • Pulitzer Shanghai: Situated near the Bund, this elegant hotel features a rooftop bar with fantastic city views.

Tips for Traveling in Shanghai

  • Download a reliable map app (e.g., Maps.me) to navigate the city’s streets efficiently.
  • Learn some basic Mandarin phrases, as English proficiency varies among locals.
  • Shanghai’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient; consider using the Metro to get around.
  • Cash is still widely used in Shanghai, but credit cards are accepted at most tourist attractions and hotels.
  • Don’t forget to try local snacks like steamed buns (包子), stuffed pancakes (饅頭), and sweet soups (湯食品).