Shanghai, China 4 Day Itinerary

Shanghai 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore the Bund and Yu Garden

• Morning: Check-in at the Hyatt On The Bund or similar, a luxurious hotel with stunning views of the iconic Bund.

• Afternoon: Visit The Bund, stroll along this famous waterfront promenade and take in the impressive skyline. Don’t miss the Oriental Pearl Tower!

• Evening: Head to the Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), a classic Chinese garden within the old city of Shanghai. Nearby, explore the bustling Bazaar.

• Dinner: Try Xian’s Home for authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 2: Visit the Modern Shanghai

• Morning: Travel to Pudong district, visit the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. For a bird’s eye view of the city, ascend one of these iconic skyscrapers.

• Lunch: Din Tai Fung for their famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings).

• Afternoon: Explore the Lujiazui Financial City Park and Shanghai New International Expo Center if any exhibitions are on.

• Evening: Walk along the Zhongshan Park Pedestrian Street for shopping and dining.

Day 3: Discover Ancient Shanghai

• Morning: Visit the Tianzifang, a quaint neighborhood known for its unique shops, art studios, and narrow alleyways.

• Lunch: Apapancheng for local snacks.

• Afternoon: Head to the Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

• Evening: Stroll along the French Concession, enjoy a coffee at one of its many cafes, or try some French cuisine at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Day Trip to Suzhou

• Morning: Take a high-speed train (about 30 minutes) from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Suzhou.

• Full Day: Explore the famous Classic Gardens of Suzhou, such as Humble Administrator’s Garden and Lingering Garden.

• Evening: Return to Shanghai, have dinner at a local restaurant, and prepare for your departure the next day.

Things to Know

1. Transportation: Shanghai’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient. Taxis are also widely available. Consider getting a travel card (Yikatong) for easy travel on the metro.

2. Currency: The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.

3. Language: Mandarin is the main language spoken in Shanghai, but many people understand basic English in tourist areas. It can be helpful to learn a few phrases before your trip.

4. Dress Code: Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city, and while casual wear is common, it’s respectful to dress modestly when visiting temples or traditional neighborhoods.

5. Internet: Free public Wi-Fi is widely available in Shanghai, particularly in shopping malls and restaurants. However, it can be unreliable, so consider having a portable Wi-Fi device or a local SIM card for your phone.

Tips

1. Bargain when shopping at markets and small shops.
2. Download maps and offline translations on your phone before you arrive.
3. Respect local customs and traditions to ensure an enjoyable experience for both you and the locals.
4. Enjoy your trip to Shanghai! It’s a vibrant city with a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity.