
Check out the 3-5 day Shanghai itinerary to help you explore the best of Shanghai! Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with your family, we've got you covered. ✨Discover top attractions, hotels, restaurants in Shanghai, and find everything you need to know for a perfect Shanghai trip!
Shanghai Itinerary: 3-5 Days
| Days | Suitable For | Highlights | Itinerary | Cost/Person |
| 3 Days | Solo | Explore the must-see attractions of Shanghai | Day 1: The Bund, Yu Garden & Nanjing Road Day 2: Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Museum & Xintiandi Day 3: Tianzifang & Zhujiajiao Water Town | $133-$265 |
| 4 Days | Couples | Romantic and stylish itinerary including Shanghai Disneyland & Tianzifang | Day 1: The Bund, Yu Garden & Nanjing Road Day 2: Shanghai Museum, People's Square & Xintiandi Day 3: Shanghai Disneyland Day 4: Jing'an Temple, French Concession & Tianzifang | $185-$337 |
| 5 Days | Family | Family-friendly journey with Shanghai Disneyland & Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park | Day 1: The Bund, Yu Garden & Nanjing Road Day 2: Shanghai Museum, People's Square & Xintiandi Day 3: Shanghai Disneyland Day 4: Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Day 5: Jing'an Temple, French Concession & Tianzifang | $230-$397 |
Trending Shanghai Deals
3 Days in Shanghai
| Itinerary | Attractions | Introduction | Cost/Person |
| Day 1 | The Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road | Enjoy the stunning views of bund, explore traditional Chinese garden, and have a citywalk in Nanjing Road. | $45-87 USD |
| Day 2 | Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Museum, and Xintiandi | Enjoy the stunning skyline view, explore ancient Chinese art, and enjoy the bustling nightlife | $48-113 USD |
| Day 3 | Tianzifang &nd Zhujiajiao Water Town | Explore the ancient water town, and a cozy time in Tianzifang | $40-65 USD |
✨Attraction Highlights✨

The Bund: Start your first day with a visit to The Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade. The Bund offers a spectacular view of the modern skyscrapers of Pudong across the Huangpu River
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
- 💰 Ticket Price: Free
- 📍 Location: Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Yu Garden: This classical Chinese garden is a peaceful retreat with traditional pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. The surrounding bazaar is a bustling area where you can shop for souvenirs and try local snacks.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Closed on Mondays)
- 💰 Ticket Price: From $3.93
- 📍 Location: Shanghai Yuyuan Tourism Business District (the main entrance of Yuyuan Garden on the north side of Huxin Pavilion Jiuqu Bridge)

Oriental Pearl Tower: Standing at 468 meters high, it is one of the tallest structures in the country and a significant landmark in Shanghai. The tower's unique and futuristic design makes it one of the most recognizable structures in China's skyline.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Latest entry time: 20:30)
- 💰 Ticket Price: From $26.32
- 📍 Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Water Town: Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town on the outskirts of Shanghai. With a history of over 1,700 years, this picturesque town features lovely waterways, arched stone bridges, and historic buildings.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30
- 💰 Ticket Price: From $7.56
- 📍 Location: No. 555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
4 Days in Shanghai
| Itinerary | Attractions | Introduction | Cost/Person |
| Day 1 | The Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road | Enjoy the stunning views of bund, explore traditional Chinese garden, and have a citywalk in Nanjing Road. | $45-87 USD |
| Day 2 | Shanghai Museum, People's Square, and Xintiandi | Explore ancient Chinese art, and enjoy the bustling nightlife | $20-50 USD |
| Day 3 | Shanghai Disneyland | Enjoy a magical day at Shanghai Disneyland with numerous attractions, stage shows and parades | $100-150 USD |
| Day 4 | Jing'an Temple, French Concession, and Tianzifang | Have a glimpse into the city's spiritual heritage | $20-50 USD |
✨Attraction Highlights✨

Shanghai Disneyland: Shanghai Disneyland opened its gates in 2016, becoming Disney's sixth resort worldwide and third in Asia. Nestled in the heart of China's most populous city, this new Disney park brings wonder and fantasy to life through beautifully themed lands and cutting-edge attractions.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-21:30
- 💰 Ticket Price: From $86.23
- 📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Nanjing Road: Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, packed with everything from upscale boutiques to traditional stores.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
- 💰 Ticket Price: Free
- 📍 Location: Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Tianzifang: Tianzifang has become a major tourist attraction featuring more than 200 diverse small businesses such as cafes, bars, restaurants, art galleries, craft stores, design houses, and studios.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
- 💰 Ticket Price: Free
- 📍 Location: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
5 Days in Shanghai
| Itinerary | Attractions | Introduction | Cost/Person |
| Day 1 | The Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road | Enjoy the stunning views of bund, explore traditional Chinese garden, and have a citywalk in Nanjing Road. | $45-87 USD |
| Day 2 | Shanghai Museum, People's Square, and Xintiandi | Explore ancient Chinese art, and enjoy the bustling nightlife | $20-50 USD |
| Day 3 | Shanghai Disneyland | Enjoy a magical day at Shanghai Disneyland with numerous attractions, stage shows and parades | $100-150 USD |
| Day 4 | Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park | Explore marine life exhibits, shows, and rides | $45-$60 USD |
| Day 5 | Jing'an Temple, French Concession, and Tianzifang | Have a glimpse into the city's spiritual heritage | $20-50 USD |
✨Attraction Highlights✨

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park: This ocean park features marine life exhibits, shows, and rides. It's a family-friendly attraction with a focus on ocean conservation which covers an area of approximately 297,000 square meters and is designed to offer visitors a blend of marine life exhibits, themed entertainment, and educational experiences.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00
- 💰 Ticket Price: From $21.25
- 📍 Location: No.166 Yinfei Road, Nanhui New Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai

Shanghai Museum: The Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art, with a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
- 💰 Ticket Price: Free
- 📍 Location: 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District,Shanghai

Xintiandi: Xintiandi is a stylish pedestrian street composed of traditional Shikumen houses and modern architecture hosting a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and bars.
- 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
- 💰 Ticket Price: Free
- 📍 Location: 6-7, Lane 123, Xingye Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Trip to Shanghai Cost

Shanghai Transportation Cost
Shanghai has an extensive public transportation network, including metro, buses, and taxis. Check the average cost of various transport options!
| Transport Options | Average Cost | Special Tips |
| Metro | $0.50-$1.50 (3-10 CNY) | During rush hours, the metro can be extremely crowded |
| Buses | $0.30-$0.50 (2-3 CNY) | Buses can be crowded and may not have English signs |
| Taxis | -Start at - $2.40 (16 CNY) for the first 3 km -Charge approx. $0.40 (2.5 CNY) per additional km | Ride-hailing apps like Didi are also widely used and can be more convenient for non-Chinese speakers. |
| Maglev Trains | -$8 (50 CNY) for one-way -$15 (90 CNY) for a round-trip | It's the fastest commercial high-speed train in the world, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h |
| Ferries | $0.30 (2 CNY) | Ferries offer a scenic view of the Shanghai skyline |
| Bicycles | $0.15 (1 CNY) for a 30-minute ride | You will need a Chinese mobile number to register for bike-sharing services |
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Shanghai Accommodation Cost
Shanghai, being one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in China, offers a wide range of accommodation options catering to different budgets and preferences.
| Hotel Types | Price/Night |
| Budget Hotels/Hostels | $10-$20 |
| Mid-Range Hotels | $60-$150 |
| Serviced Apartments | $100 |
| Business Hotels | $100-$250 |
| Boutique Hotels | $150-$300 |
| Luxury Hotels | $500+ |
Check out our recommended hotels with exclusive deals!👇
Where to Stay in Shanghai
5 star
Business travel
Family friendly
Hot spring
Gym
Swimming pool
Breakfast
Shanghai Dining Cost
Shanghai, as a bustling metropolis and a melting pot of cultures, offers a wide range of dining experiences that cater to various budgets and preferences.
| Food Types | Price/Person |
| Street Food | $1 to $3 USD |
| Casual Dining | $8 to $20 USD |
| Mid-Range Restaurants | $20 to $50 USD |
| High-End Dining | $50 to $150 USD |
| Luxury Restaurants | $150+ USD |
Recommended Shanghai Hotels
Discover discounted Shanghai hotels near popular Shanghai attraions like The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Disney Resort, etc.
| Popular Shanghai Hotels | Neaby Attractions | Highlights | Guest Reviews |
| Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai | Yu Garden, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, The Bund | -Easy to travel to iconic landmarks like Xintiandi, People’s Square, etc. -Fully equipped with gym, guest lounge, fridge, microwave | 4.5/5 Great ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| JW Marriott Marquis Shanghai Pudong | Lujiazui, Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, Huangpu River | - Located at the riverside of Huangpu River, beautiful river riew - Family rooms, extra entertainment for kids, shuttle bus to Disney | 4.8/5 Amazing ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Shanghai Disneyland Hotel | Shanghai Disney Resort, Momchilovtsi Herb Garden | -Easy access to Shanghai Disneyland -Equipped with bars, swimming pools, etc | 4.6/5 Great ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai

Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai is a high-end serviced apartment complex located in the heart of Shanghai, China, near the fashionable and historic Xintiandi district. This area is known for its blend of traditional Shikumen architecture with modern boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a popular destination for both locals and expatriates.
The Riverdale Residence offers luxurious accommodations that typically include a range of apartment sizes, from studios to multi-bedroom units, catering to singles, couples, and families. The interiors are designed with a contemporary aesthetic, featuring high-quality finishes and modern amenities to provide a comfortable and stylish living experience.

👉Real Guest Reviews:
Very nice place to stay ,clean and comfortable.everything is near by,stores,shopping malls,restaurants,cafes,the river is near by ,like 15 min walk from the hotel.
I like this apartment hotel. The service team is very friendly and speaks English very well. Moreover, the location close to beautiful Xintiandi is great and my apartment had a beautiful view on the Shanghai towers. I would definitely book it again.
No. 98 Shouning Road
JW Marriott Marquis Shanghai Pudong

The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong is a luxury hotel located in the heart of Pudong, Shanghai, China. It is part of the JW Marriott brand, which is known for its sophisticated accommodations, attentive service, and upscale amenities.
Facilities at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong typically include:
- 1. Guest Rooms and Suites: The hotel offers a variety of elegantly appointed rooms and suites with modern amenities, luxurious bedding, and panoramic views of the city or the Huangpu River.
- 2. Dining: Multiple dining options are available within the hotel, featuring a range of international cuisines. Guests can enjoy fine dining restaurants, casual eateries, and chic bars and lounges.
- 3. Wellness: The hotel usually features a fully equipped fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a spa offering a variety of treatments and services for relaxation and rejuvenation.

👉Real Guest Reviews:
Very good experience especially with my little one. I would recommend all my friends and family to stay in JW if they come to Shanghai
It is a nice hotel with easy access to many other places. They have many shops around and close to the airport.
No. 988 Puming Road
Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel is a luxurious, officially themed hotel located near the Shanghai Disney Resort in Pudong, Shanghai. It is designed to offer guests an enchanting experience that extends the magic of the nearby theme park. The hotel features elegant Art Nouveau-inspired architecture and decor, with Disney characters and motifs.
Facilities and highlights of the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel include:
- 1. Guest Rooms: The hotel offers a range of rooms and suites, many with views of Shanghai Disneyland Park. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed with modern amenities, and some feature special Disney-themed touches.
- 2. Dining: Guests can enjoy a variety of dining options, including Lumière's Kitchen, which offers character dining experiences with Disney characters, and the elegant Aurora restaurant, which serves fine dining with international cuisine.
- 3. Recreation: The hotel provides recreational facilities such as an indoor pool, themed around "The Little Mermaid," and an outdoor water play area. There's also a fitness center for guests who wish to stay active during their stay.
- 4. Magic Kingdom Club: This exclusive club offers personalized services, a private lounge, and additional amenities for guests who opt for a more luxurious experience.

👉Real Guest Reviews:
I stayed at club level in December 2023. The hospitality of the staff is excellent. The hotel staff is very friendly to the children, they gave me children's amenities and Zootopia merchandise as gifts. The food at the Disney hotel is very delicious and very satisfying. There are many staff who can speak English. Hotel room is clean and very comfortable. I will definitely stay at this hotel again!
The hotel itself is very good Very convenient if you are visiting disneyland
No. 1009, Shendi West Road
Things to Do in Shanghai

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with a wide array of activities beyond its famous attractions. Here are some things visitors can do to experience the city like a local:
1. Explore the Concession Areas
Wander around the French Concession to enjoy the tree-lined streets, quaint cafes, and boutique shops. The area is perfect for a leisurely stroll and offers a glimpse into Shanghai's colonial past.
2. Start the Culinary Adventure:
Shanghai's food scene is diverse and exciting. Try local street food like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and other regional delicacies.
3. Enjoy the Nightlife

Shanghai's nightlife is vibrant and diverse. From rooftop bars with stunning views to underground clubs with electronic music, there's something for everyone. The Bund area is particularly famous for its nightlife.
4. Visit Art Galleries and Museums
For contemporary art lovers, the M50 art district offers a collection of galleries showcasing the work of up-and-coming Chinese artists. Alternatively, visit the Power Station of Art, a contemporary art museum housed in a former power station.
5. Shopping

Go shopping in areas like Nanjing Road for mainstream brands or check out Tianzifang and Xintiandi for more unique and boutique shopping experiences.
6. Ride the Maglev

Experience one of the fastest trains in the world by taking a ride on the Shanghai Maglev, which connects Pudong International Airport with the city center.
7. Explore Local Markets
Visit local markets like the South Bund Fabric Market to get tailor-made clothes or the Yuyuan Bazaar for traditional Chinese goods and souvenirs.
8. Have a River Cruise

Take a Huangpu River cruise to see the city skyline from the water, especially beautiful at night when the buildings are lit up.
How to Get from Shanghai Airport to City Center

There are two major airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. Here are the ways to get from each airport to the city center:
From Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Downtown Area
There are multiple convenient transport methods to get from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to the downtown area. Here are some of the most common options:
| Transport Options | Route | Operation Time | Travel Time | Cost |
| Maglev Train | Directly connects Pudong Airport with Longyang Road Metro Station | 6:45-21:40 | About 8 minutes | One way:50 RMB Round trip:100 RMB 40 RMB for passengers with a same-day flight ticket |
| Metro | Take Line 2, which connects Pudong Airport with many downtown areas | 6:00-22:00 | About 60-90 minutes | from 3 to 10 RMB |
| Airport Shuttle | Several lines, Line 2 goes to Jing'an Temple | 7:00 to the last flight arrival | About 60-120 minutes | Around 20-30 RMB |
| Taxi | / | 24/7 | About 45-60 minutes | 150-200 RMB *50% night surcharge from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM. |
From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Downtown Area
There are also severak convenient transport methods to get from Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to the downtown area. Here are some of the most common options:
| Transport Options | Route | Operation Time | Travel Time | Cost |
| Metro | Take Line 2 and Line 10, which connects Hongqiao Airport with many downtown areas | 05:35 - 22:50 | About 30-60 minutes | 3 to 9 RMB |
| Airport Shuttle | Several lines | 06:25 - 22:30 | About 45-90 minutes | Around 20-30 RMB |
| Taxi | / | 24/7 | About 30-60 minutes | 50-150 RMB *50% night surcharge from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM. |
✨For more detail about how to get from Shanghai airport to downtown, check the following article!
Popular Shanghai Restaurants

Fu He Hui
Fu He Hui is a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is known for its elegant and artistic presentation of dishes, which are crafted using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu at Fu He Hui is inspired by traditional Chinese culinary principles but is executed with modern techniques and a focus on highlighting the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- Cuisine Style: Haute vegetarian
- Address: 1037 Yuyuan Road, Shanghai
- Phone: 021-39809188

Shanghai Dumpling House: Yang's Fried Dumplings
Yang's Fried Dumplings (also known as Yang's Dumpling or Xiao Yang Sheng Jian) is a popular chain in Shanghai known for its Sheng Jian Bao - pan-fried buns filled with pork and soup. The dumplings are known for their crispy bottoms, fluffy tops, and juicy filling, representing a beloved staple of Shanghainese cuisine.
- Cuisine Style: Shanghainese
- Address: Tianyaoqiao Road No. 93 1A
- Phone: 021-34240263

Fu 1039
Fu 1039 is a high-end restaurant located in Shanghai, China, known for its exquisite Shanghainese cuisine. The restaurant is set in a beautifully restored 1930s Shanghainese villa, which adds to the charm and authenticity of the dining experience.
- Cuisine Style: Shanghainese
- Address: No.1039 Yu Yuan Lu, Shanghai
- Phone: 021-52371878

Yong Fu (Huangpu)
Yong Fu, situated in the Huangpu district of Shanghai, is renowned for its Ningbo-style seafood dishes. The restaurant is known for its refined and delicate flavors, with an emphasis on the freshness and quality of the seafood. Yong Fu's ambiance often reflects a classic Chinese dining experience.
- Cuisine Style: Ningbo-style seafood
- Address: 12F, Cathay Building, Jin Jiang Hotel, 59 South Maoming Road
- Phone: 021-33566777

Shanghai Map
Shanghai District Map
Here is a detailed map showing major districts of Shanghai.

Source: from China Travel Guide
Shanghai Tourist Map
Here are the highlights of the top attractions in Shanghai.

Source: from China Travel Guide
Shanghai Metro Map
Here is a detailed map of the extensive Metro system of Shanghai.

Source: from Wikipedia
Shanghai Skyline
The Shanghai skyline is one of the most iconic and recognizable cityscapes in the world, renowned for its dazzling array of modern skyscrapers and historical buildings along the Huangpu River. The most prominent area of the skyline is the Lujiazui financial district, which features some of the tallest and most distinctive buildings in China.
1. Shanghai Tower

Standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet), it is the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world as of my knowledge cutoff in 2023. Its twisted, spiral shape is designed to reduce wind loads on the building.
2. Shanghai World Financial Center

Known for its trapezoid aperture at the top, this 492-meter (1,614-foot) skyscraper was the tallest building in China before the Shanghai Tower.
3. Oriental Pearl Tower

With its unique spheres and columns, this TV tower is one of the most recognizable symbols of Shanghai. It reaches a height of 468 meters (1,535 feet) and includes observation decks and a revolving restaurant.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Source: from China Travel Guide
The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer pleasant temperatures ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded in the off seasons like early June or late November.
It's suggested to avoid traveling during summer vactions, and Chinese National Holidays, such as the first week of May and October.
| Month | Average Temp(°C) | Average Rainy Days |
| January | 5 | 11 |
| February | 6 | 7 |
| March | 9 | 15 |
| April | 15 | 12 |
| May | 20 | 10 |
| June | 24 | 14 |
| July | 28 | 11 |
| August | 28 | 13 |
| September | 24 | 8 |
| October | 19 | 8 |
| November | 14 | 8 |
| December | 8 | 7 |
FAQs about Shanghai Itinerary
How many days should I spend in Shanghai?
Most travelers find that 3 to 5 days in Shanghai are sufficient to see the major attractions without feeling rushed.What are the must-see attractions in Shanghai?
The must-see attractions include The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Disneyland, Yu Garden, etc.What is the best time to visit Shanghai?
The best times to visit Shanghai are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai?
China requires most travelers to have a visa. However, Shanghai offers a 144-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from certain countries, allowing them to visit the city for up to six days without a visa, provided they meet certain conditions and are transiting to a third country.What is the best way to get around Shanghai?
Shanghai has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is often the fastest way to get around, and signs in English make it relatively easy to navigate.

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