Must-see! 3 Days and 2 Nights in Shanghai: A Comprehensive Guide
A detailed guide to exploring Shanghai in 3 days and 2 nights
I. Preparation
1. Documents: ID card, student ID (if applicable, for discounts at some attractions), passport (for international travelers).
2. Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing according to the season. Bring sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, and a hat in summer. In winter, dress warmly with down jackets, scarves, and gloves.
3. Items: Power bank, phone charger, selfie stick, umbrella or raincoat (Shanghai's weather is changeable), common medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.).
4. Accommodation: Choose hotels or homestays near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, People's Square, or the Bund for convenient transportation and travel. Compare prices and reviews on major booking platforms before booking.
II. Transportation Guide
1. Airport: Shanghai has two international airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA).
- Pudong International Airport (PVG): Take the Maglev train (fast and exciting), Metro Line 2 (economical and direct access to many city attractions), or the airport bus (multiple routes to different areas).
- Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Connected to Hongqiao Railway Station, a convenient transportation hub. Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10, or the airport bus.
2. City Transportation:
- Metro: Shanghai's metro network is well-developed, covering almost all attractions. Purchase tickets at vending machines or download the "Metro Metropolis" app to scan and ride.
- Bus: Many routes, but traffic jams are possible. Check real-time bus information before traveling.
- Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient, but traffic jams are possible during peak hours. Choose travel times wisely.
III. Itinerary
Day 1: Blend of History and Modernity
- Morning: After arriving in Shanghai, head to Yu Garden. Yu Garden is a classic Jiangnan garden, built during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing and Wanli periods. Explore the exquisite and elegant classical garden, featuring the Sansui Hall, the Grand Rockery, and the Iron Lion. Approx. 2–3 hrs.
- Lunch: Dine at Lvbolang Restaurant near Yu Garden and savor authentic Shanghainese cuisine, such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, eel in brown sauce, and crab roe soup dumplings.
- Afternoon: Walk from Yu Garden to the Bund. The Bund boasts 52 classical revival buildings of various styles, known as the "International Architecture Exhibition Group of the Bund." It's an important historical site and representative architecture of modern China and a Shanghai landmark. Stroll along the Bund, admire the scenery on both sides of the Huangpu River, and ascend the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel for a panoramic view of the Huangpu River and the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong. Approx. 2–3 hrs.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the Bund. Xinbai Lu Restaurant is recommended for its value. Afterward, admire the dazzling night view of the Bund. You can also take the sightseeing tunnel to Lujiazui in Pudong for a different perspective of Shanghai's nightscape.
Day 2: Art and Fashion Tour
- Morning: Visit Tianzifang. Tianzifang is a trendy landmark and creative industry cluster, transformed from Shanghai's unique Shikumen architecture. It's also a creative hub for many artists. Wander through the alleys, experience the old Shanghai lifestyle, explore unique shops and creative studios, and savor local snacks like crab shell cakes, plum blossom cakes, and ear-light wontons. Approx. 2–3 hrs.
- Lunch: Dine at a restaurant in or near Tianzifang. Many international and local restaurants are available, offering Vietnamese, Japanese, and other cuisines.
- Afternoon: Head to Xintiandi. Xintiandi is divided into two parts: South Block and North Block. South Block features modern architecture, while North Block preserves the Shikumen architectural style. Enjoy shopping, entertainment, and dining. Visit Xintiandi No. 1 (a typical Shikumen building showcasing old Shanghai life). Approx. 2–3 hrs.
- Evening: Have dinner at Xintiandi, where numerous high-end restaurants and bars await. Afterward, explore the surrounding area and experience Shanghai's nightlife.
Day 3: Urban and Natural Encounters
- Morning: Visit Shanghai Disneyland (purchase tickets in advance on the official app or travel platforms, and download the Shanghai Disney Resort app for maps, wait times, etc.). Upon entering, get a park map and show schedule. Choose attractions based on wait times and preferences. Recommended attractions include Soaring Over the Horizon (5D experience showcasing world scenery), Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (thrilling and fun), and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (immersive sea battle experience).
- Lunch: Dine inside Disneyland. Various themed restaurants and snack stalls offer options like Barbossa's Pig Rib Platter, turkey legs, and Mickey Mouse ice cream.
- Afternoon: Continue exploring Disneyland, watch the parade (at a fixed time in the afternoon; find a spot early), interact with Disney characters, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Visit themed areas like Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventure Isle for various rides and shows.
- Evening: After dinner at Disneyland, watch the castle fireworks show (spectacular; arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot). The dazzling fireworks and lighting effects bring Disney's romantic atmosphere to a climax. After the show, depart according to your arrangements, concluding your delightful Shanghai trip.
IV. Food Recommendations
1. Shengjian Mantou (Pan-fried Buns): Crispy skin, juicy filling, golden-brown bottom, and flavorful soup. Recommended restaurants: Dahuchun, Xiaoyang Shengjian.
2. Spare Ribs Rice Cakes: Combines the rich flavor of spare ribs with the soft and crispy texture of rice cakes. Recommended restaurant: Xiandulai.
3. Qingtuan (Green Rice Balls): A traditional Jiangnan snack made with glutinous rice flour and mugwort or other green vegetable juice, filled with sweet bean paste or other fillings. Soft, chewy, and fragrant. Recommended restaurant: Shenda Cheng.
4. Double Stuffed Rice Balls: Filled with sweet bean paste and sesame, soft, and not too sweet. Recommended restaurant: Wangjiasha.
5. Youdunzi (Fried Radish Balls): A traditional Shanghai street snack made with flour, shredded radish, and deep-fried. Crispy outside, soft inside. Available at street food stalls.
V. Shopping Recommendations
1. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: One of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets, featuring famous brands and department stores like New World City, Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, and Wing On Department Store. Traditional shops like Zhang Xiaoquan and Wangxingji offer souvenirs and handicrafts.
2. Huaihai Road: A hub for fashion and trends, with international luxury brands and trendy shops like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gentle Monster. Unique boutiques and buyer's shops cater to fashion-forward shoppers.
3. Yu Garden Mall: Besides food and Yu Garden, shop for local products like Shanghai pastries, silk products, and gold and silver jewelry. A great place for souvenirs.
VI. Precautions
1. Book attraction tickets and restaurants in advance, especially for popular ones, to avoid delays.
2. Safeguard your belongings at Disneyland.
3. Take precautions against heat in summer and cold in winter.
4. Be aware of pickpockets on public transport and protect your valuables.
The above is the square, and then add the park park, because after the summer, there is a canteen and some lotus above it, which is very suitable for taking pictures, or for a quiet tour together. Of course, there are also such as art galleries, and then there are various kinds of underground shopping malls. For example, Chen Jing Theatre, or pet shop, etc. The square can also feed pigeons! !
People's Square is the transportation hub of Shanghai. Metro Line 1, Line 2, and Line 8 intersect here. There are also dozens of bus routes stopping at Xizang Middle Road in the east and Wusheng Road in the south. Urban Activities As an important place for citizens' activities, the square often hosts large-scale activities such as the New Year countdown and the National Day Flower Fair.
Shanghai People's Square, as the location of Shanghai's "zero kilometers", is known as "Shanghai Zero", carrying a rich historical and cultural connotation and diverse urban functions. People's Square is surrounded by Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai City Planning Exhibition Hall and other buildings. The square is the main skeleton of the axis formed by the municipal building, the central square and the museum. The central square is mainly the hard-ground fountain square, and most of the rest are large green areas.
It is in the center of Shanghai, with tall buildings and many shopping malls. Next to it is Nanjing Road. There are free city planning museums and sports museums to visit, where you can learn a lot. There are several movie theaters nearby, and you can check in at the Lego flagship store and the mmdou flagship store. You can buy stationery and books on Fuzhou Road, which has a good cultural atmosphere. The exhibition at the History Museum is worth seeing! It is a place suitable for all ages, and it is not far from the Bund by the way, about ten minutes by taxi. Nanjing Road is beautiful when it is lit up at night!
Shanghai People's Square is located on the west side of Xizang Middle Road in the center of Shanghai, covering an area of about 140,000 square meters. It was once the venue for large-scale gatherings in Shanghai. The square has a green area of 80,000 square meters. The Municipal People's Government is on the north side, the Shanghai Museum is on the south side, the Shanghai Grand Theater is on the west side, and the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall is on the east side. People's Avenue runs through the east and west.
The heart of the city: People's Square In Shanghai, a vibrant and charming international metropolis, People's Square is undoubtedly one of the most dazzling urban landmarks. It is not only the geographical center of Shanghai, but also the charm of carrying the deep historical and cultural heritage and gathering the elements of modern life, attracting local residents and tourists from all directions. From the perspective of history, People's Square has witnessed the vicissitudes of Shanghai. Its predecessor was the old Shanghai horse racing hall, once a recreational place for Western colonialists. After the founding of New China, the horse racing hall turned gorgeously and became a leisure square for the people, opening a new chapter. Walking the square, you can feel the heavy history and the progress of the times, and the imprints of the past and the prosperity of the present are against each other. The architectural landscape of People's Square is unique. To the north is the grand and solemn Shanghai People's Government Building, showing the majesty and solemnity of the government. Shanghai Museum on the south side, with the unique shape of "Tianyuan place", contains the ancient oriental wisdom, the museum treasures a large number of cultural relics, so that people can travel through time and space, enjoy the brilliant glory of Chinese civilization; The Shanghai City Planning Exhibition Hall in the west, through rich and diverse display means, will clearly present Shanghai's past, present and future in front of tourists, so that people have a deeper understanding of the development of the city; The Shanghai Grand Theatre on the east side has become a hall for art lovers with its modern architectural appearance and top performance standards. Various wonderful performances are staged here, injecting a strong artistic atmosphere into the city. People's Square is also a great place for leisure and entertainment. The open lawn is full of greenery, and people sit here on holidays, enjoy the sun and breeze, or fly kites, play and play, and laugh and laugh echoing over the square. The music fountain in the square is also unique, with the rhythm of the music, the water column dances, changing all kinds of wonderful shapes, in the light of the reflection, like a dream, attracted tourists to stop to watch, take pictures. In addition, the underground commercial street is a paradise for shoppers, a wide variety of goods, and a variety of special restaurants, to meet people's consumer needs. The convenience of transportation also adds a unique advantage to People's Square. There are many subway lines here, which are closely connected to all corners of the city. It is very convenient to go to the Bund to enjoy the magnificent night view of the Huangpu River or to experience the bustling commercial atmosphere of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. People's Square, like a bright pearl, is inlaid in the center of Shanghai. It retains historical memory and displays modern vitality; it is both a platform for cultural and artistic exchanges and a warm home for citizens to relax and entertain. Whether you are a first-time visitor to Shanghai or a local who has lived here for a long time, People's Square is worth stopping and savoring its unique charm. I believe that here, you will definitely have an unforgettable city experience.
Shanghai People's Square, located on Renmin Avenue in Huangpu District in the city center, is the seat of the municipal government, the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theater, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, the Shanghai History Museum, and the People's Park. It is not far from the Shanghai Concert Hall, the Great World Amusement Center, and the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. It is also a transfer hub for many subway lines. It can be said to be the political, cultural, and transportation center of Shanghai. It has a beautiful environment, many tall and distinctive large buildings, and a reasonable and beautiful green layout. It is a window for foreign tourists to visit Shanghai.
People's Square is the city center of Shanghai. In addition to the scenery on the ground, there is also an underground scenery, that is, the People's Square subway station. This is the largest subway hub in the center of Shanghai and a transfer center. It has a large flow of people and a large area. The design is beautiful, especially the central hall that introduces sunlight, which becomes a bright spot in the subway station! This station hall is fully functional, with many restaurants and cafes. You can sit down and have a drink or a meal at any time. At first glance, you might think it is a high-speed rail station hall!