Recommended Days
4-5 days
Sufficient for The Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and Shanghai Tower.
East-Meets-West Metropolis
Shanghai
Plan Shanghai in minutes. Attractions, food, transport, and practical tips for first-time visitors.
30-Second Scan
Best Time to Visit
Budget (Daily)
$80 - $200 USD
Hotels vary greatly. Dining is affordable.
Top 5 Highlights
The Bund (Waitan) (外滩)
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦)
Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔)
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) (豫园)
Curated Itineraries
The 5-Day Balanced Shanghai Route
5 days • Food Lovers
Welcome to Shanghai!
Moderate Pace Food Focus
Open Itinerary Explore Shanghai
Filters:
The Bund (Waitan) (外滩)
FreeThe most famous waterfront promenade featuring historic colonial architecture facing the modern skyline
Hours: Open all day
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
FreeChina's premier shopping street, bustling with neon lights, malls, and old-time brands
Hours: Shops 10:00 – 22:00
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Xiao Long Bao
Delicate dumpling skin filled with pork and hot savory soup. Try Nanxiang or Jia Jia Tang Bao
Shengjian Mantou
Crispy bottom, fluffy top, and juicy meat filling. Try Xiaoyang Dumpling
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Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角古镇)
FreeThe 'Venice of Shanghai,' an ancient town with stone bridges and canals just an hour away by metro
Hours: Open all day
Shanghai Disneyland (上海迪士尼乐园)
NatureThe largest Disney park in Asia with the massive Enchanted Storybook Castle
Hours: 8:30 – 21:30
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Where to Stay
The Bund / Nanjing East Rd
First Timer's Choice- + Close to sights
- - Can be crowded
Jing'an / French Concession
Vibe Choice- + Trendy cafes, bars, relaxed atmosphere
Lujiazui
Luxury Choice- + Skyscrapers and epic views
Xintiandi
Culture & Vibes- + Upscale dining and historic architecture
Transportation
Arrival by Air
- Air: Use Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA). Metro Line 2, airport buses, and taxis all connect to central districts.
Arrival by Train
- Train: Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Railway Station are the main arrivals. Hongqiao is best for high-speed rail.
City Transport
- Metro: Massive and efficient. Use Alipay or Metro Daduhui app.
- Ferry: Scenic ride from The Bund to Lujiazui (2 CNY).
- Ride Hailing: Use DiDi via Alipay/WeChat.
Critical Tips
Apps
Install Alipay and WeChat. Link your card. Essential for everything.
Maglev
Stops running around 21:30. Check schedule.
Reservations
Shanghai Museum & Astronomy Museum need booking days in advance.
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