Shanghai, China 5 Day Itinerary

Shanghai 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: The Bund and Yu Garden

  • Morning: Check-in at your hotel. (Recommended: Hyatt On The Bund or The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong)
  • Afternoon: Visit The Bund for a stunning skyline view of the city. Take a river cruise if you prefer.
  • Evening: Explore the Tianzifang area in the French Concession for unique shops and local food.
  • Dinner: Try Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) at Din Tai Fung or Nanxiang Mantou Dang Guan in the Yu Garden area.

Day 2: Shanghai Museum and Tianzhu Temple

  • Morning: Visit Shanghai Museum to immerse yourself in Chinese art, history, and culture.
  • Afternoon: Head to Tianzhu Temple for tranquility amidst bustling Shanghai. Explore People’s Square and the surrounding areas.
  • Evening: Stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street for shopping.
  • Dinner: Savor some authentic Sichuan cuisine at Spicy Sister or Lao Sheng Ji Sichuan Gourmet.

Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town

  • Full day trip: Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao, also known as “Shanghai’s Venice.” Rent a boat, explore bridges, and enjoy local snacks.
  • Return to Shanghai in the evening for dinner at a local restaurant like A Li Xiang (Street Corner) for traditional Chinese dishes.

Day 4: Oriental Pearl Tower and Jing’an Temple

  • Morning: Visit Jing’an Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Shanghai.
  • Afternoon: Ascend Oriental Pearl Tower for a panoramic city view. You can also visit the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum nearby.
  • Evening: Dine at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, an innovative and visually stunning dining experience. For a more casual option, try local snacks at Yongkang Road Snack Street.

Day 5: Shanghai Tower and Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Shanghai Tower (observation deck) for one last city view before departure.
  • Afternoon: Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs or exploring any remaining sights you may have missed.
  • Evening: Depart Shanghai with unforgettable memories of this vibrant and dynamic city!

Things to Know:

  • Shanghai’s metro system is extensive and efficient; it’s an ideal way to get around the city.
  • Mandarin Chinese (Putonghua) is the official language, but many people in Shanghai speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Tipping is not customary in China; service charges are usually included in the bill.
  • Cash is still widely used, but credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops.

Getting Around:

  • Metro: Shanghai’s metro system is safe, clean, and convenient for getting around the city. Purchase a rechargeable Yikatong card to save time on fares.
  • Taxis: Plentiful and affordable; use ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing for added convenience.