What to Do in Shanghai? Shanghai Itinerary Guide

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!

How Can You Explore Shanghai in 3-5 Days?

What to Do in Shanghai for 3 Days?

✨Attraction Highlights✨

Enjoy the breeze & river views from the Bund, Shanghai

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

Visit the classical Chinese garden, called Yu Garden, in 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)

See the excellent views from Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai

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

Enjoy the waterways views at Zhujiajiao Water Town

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

What to Do in Shanghai for 4 Days?

✨Attraction Highlights✨

Have fun at Shanghai Disneyland

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 in Shanghai is great for shopping

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

Grab a coffee near Tianzifang, 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

What to Do in Shanghai for 5 Days?

✨Attraction Highlights✨

See varieties of marine life at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

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

Learn about the ancient Chinese art at Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum: The Shanghai Museum is a leading museum of ancient Chinese art, located at People’s Square. According to the official Shanghai Museum, its collection includes over 1 million artifacts, featuring bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade, and sculptures, with many designated as national treasures.

• 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 (Closed on Mondays)
• 💰 Ticket Price: Free
• 📍 Location: 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District,Shanghai

Take a walk around Xintiandi and buy stuff

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

How Much Does a Trip to Shanghai Cost?

Pay a visit to lively Shanghai

How Much Will You Cost for Transportation in Shanghai?

Shanghai has an extensive public transportation network, including metro, buses, and taxis. Check the average cost of various transport options!

How Much Will You Pay for Hotels in Shanghai?

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.

Check out our recommended hotels with exclusive deals!👇

How Much Will You Cost for Dining in Shanghai?

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.

What Are the Best Hotels in Shanghai?

Discover discounted Shanghai hotels near popular Shanghai attraions like The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Disney Resort, etc.

Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai

Wonderful View | Accessible to Various Attractions | World-Class Service

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.

Room of Riverdale Residence Xintiandi Shanghai

👉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.

JW Marriott Marquis Shanghai Pudong

Easy Access to Various Attractions | Impeccable Service | Family Friendly

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.

Adorable room of JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong

👉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.

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

Easy Access to Shanghai Disney Resort | Impeccable Service | Wonderful View

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.

Delicate room of Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

👉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

What to Do in Shanghai?

Shanghai offers lots of fun & activities

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

Take a stroll at the Bund, Shanghai

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

Walk through the old valleys in Shanghai

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

Take a ride on the Maglev to Shanghai city center

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

Enjoy the night view from a Huangpu 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?

It's easy for you to transfer in Shanghai

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:

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:

✨For more detail about how to get from Shanghai airport to downtown, check the following article!

Whar Are the Popular Restaurants in Shanghai?

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

Taste the exquisite food at Fu He Hui

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

Try crispy Sheng Jian Bao at Yang's Fried Dumplings

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

Try local Shanghainese cuisine at FU 1039

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

Try Ningbo-style seafood at Yong Fu

What's the Layout of 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

What to See from 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

Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world

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

Shanghai World Financial Center, the tallest building in China

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

Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the most iconic symbols of Shanghai

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.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Shanghai?

Source: from China Travel Guide

According to the official Shanghai city tourism and weather overview, spring (March–May) is warm with flowers blooming and ideal for sightseeing, while summer (June–August) is hot and humid.

It's suggested to avoid traveling during summer vactions, and Chinese National Holidays, such as the first week of May and October.