Shanghai China 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Bund and Yu Garden

  • Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty Chinese breakfast at Jia Jia Tang Bao (嘉佳汤包), famous for its soup dumplings.
    • Head to The Bund (外滩) to enjoy the magnificent skyline of Shanghai and take some great photos.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit Yu Garden (裕园) in the Old Town, explore its traditional Chinese architecture and beautiful gardens. Don’t forget to visit the nearby bazaar for some souvenirs!
    • Have lunch at Xianyu Cun (鲜鱼村), a seafood restaurant with a variety of fresh and delicious dishes.

  • Evening:

    • Take a stroll along the Tianzifang (田子坟) alley, a unique arts and crafts enclave that offers a distinct alternate take on traditional Shanghai courtyards.
    • For dinner, visit Ultraviolet by Pinky Promise (彩虹Promise-色彩之歌), a one-of-a-kind, immersive dining experience that will leave you in awe.

Day 2: Discover Modern Shanghai and Relax in the French Concession

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆) to appreciate its vast collection of Chinese art.
    • Head to People’s Square (人民墅) and take a short walk to the nearby Park of the First Five-Year Plan (第一五年计划公园).
    • Have lunch at Huanghe Huiyuan (黄河汇源), a popular spot for Sichuan cuisine.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the vibrant French Concession (法租地) area, where you can find trendy boutiques, art galleries, and vintage shops.
    • Visit the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen (孙中山故居) and the Tongren Road Underground City (通仁路地下城).
    • Have dinner at Le Comptoir de L’Ouest (俯视西方), a French restaurant serving classic dishes in a cozy atmosphere.

  • Evening:

    • Take a stroll along the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, enjoy some drinks at a rooftop bar like The Camel (骆驼峰) and soak in the atmosphere.

Day 3: Experience Modern Architecture and Local Life

  • Morning:

    • Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔) for a panoramic view of Shanghai.
    • Head to the Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦) and explore the Shanghai Skytree Observatory (上海空天柱) for another stunning view of the city.
    • Have lunch at Food Street in Xintiandi (新天地食堂街), a bustling dining area with various food stalls and restaurants.

  • Afternoon:

    • Visit the Tianzifang (田子坟) in the Svoboda Area (苏波达区), where you can experience local arts and crafts, and enjoy some unique shops and cafes.
    • Take a stroll along the Huangpu River (黄浦江) at the Riverside Promenade (上海长滩) and admire the contrast between modern and traditional Shanghai.
    • Have dinner at Xiaolongbao Jianlin (小笼包建林), a famous steamed bun restaurant.

  • Evening:

    • End your trip with a traditional Chinese Acrobatics Show (上海中国传统戏剧) or an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to see the city’s skyline lit up at night.

Accommodation: You can find various hotels in Shanghai that cater to different budgets, from luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton, Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, and Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund to more affordable options like the Jinjiang Inn, Citadines Shanghai and HI Shanghai Hostel.

Transportation: Shanghai has an extensive public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and taxis. You can also use bike-sharing services like Ofo or Mobike. To travel around the city more efficiently, consider purchasing a Jiaotong Card (交通卡) for unlimited rides on the metro and buses.

Culture & customs: Respect local customs is essential when traveling to Shanghai. Greetings should be formal, using titles such as “Mr.” or “Ms.” when addressing people. It’s also customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home. When dining, it’s polite to wait for the host to begin eating before starting your meal.

Language: Mandarin is the primary language spoken in Shanghai, but many people also understand English, especially in tourist areas. Learning some basic phrases can help you connect with locals and make your trip more enjoyable.

Safety: Shanghai is generally safe for travelers, but it’s essential to take precautions, such as avoiding dark or secluded areas at night, keeping valuables secure, and being aware of your surroundings. If you encounter any problems, don’t hesitate to ask for help from locals or hotel staff.