Shanghai
The Paris of the East
Welcome to Shanghai! A dazzling blend of East and West, tradition and hyper-modernity. This guide covers the essential 5-day itinerary, local cuisine, transportation, and accommodation tips. Adjust according to your needs.
1. Attractions
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of attraction name and paste in map app to see the location.
Note: Some major attractions require reservations even with tickets. Be sure to use Trip.com to purchase and reserve simultaneously
Day 1: The Iconic Skyline
The Bund (Waitan) (外滩)
The most famous waterfront promenade featuring historic colonial architecture facing the modern skyline.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
China's premier shopping street, bustling with neon lights, malls, and old-time brands.
Day 2: Modern Lujiazui
Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦)
The tallest building in China; the observation deck on the 118th floor offers a bird's-eye view.
Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔)
The retro-futuristic symbol of Shanghai featuring a transparent glass floor observatory.
Day 3: Old Shanghai Tradition
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) (豫园)
A classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty with exquisite rockeries and ponds.
City God Temple & Old Street (城隍庙 & 老街)
A vibrant commercial area surrounding the garden, famous for traditional architecture and gold shops.
Day 4: Art & The French Concession
Former French Concession (法租界)
Tree-lined avenues, European villas, and hipster cafes; perfect for a walking tour (Wukang Road).
Jing’an Temple (静安寺)
A stunning golden temple located right in the middle of modern skyscrapers and malls.
Day 5: Water Towns or Disney
Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角古镇)
The 'Venice of Shanghai,' an ancient town with stone bridges and canals just an hour away by metro.
Shanghai Disneyland (上海迪士尼乐园)
The largest Disney park in Asia with the massive Enchanted Storybook Castle.
2. Food
Tap copy & paste icon at the right side of food name and paste in Dianping app to find restaurants.
Note: Food items may contain allergens. Please confirm with restaurant staff directly
Shanghai Staples (Benbang Cuisine)
Xiao Long Bao
小笼包
Delicate dumpling skin filled with pork and hot savory soup. Try Nanxiang or Jia Jia Tang Bao.
Shengjian Mantou
生煎馒头
Crispy bottom, fluffy top, and juicy meat filling. Try Xiaoyang Dumpling.
Hardcore Feasts
Red Braised Pork
红烧肉
Sweet and savory pork belly braised in soy sauce and sugar.
Hairy Crab
大闸蟹
Prized for its golden roe. Best in Autumn/Winter.
Snacks & Breakfast
Scallion Oil Noodles
葱油拌面
Simple noodles tossed in aromatic scallion-infused oil and soy sauce.
Ci Fan Tuan
粢饭团
Sticky rice rolls filled with fried dough (youtiao) and pickles.
3. Transportation
Arrival
- Air: Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA). Take the Maglev from PVG for speed!Check flights via
- Train: Shanghai Hongqiao Station is the main hub.Check trains via
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.
4. Where to Stay
The Bund / Nanjing East Rd
First Timer's Choice. Close to sights, but crowded.
Jing'an / French Concession
Vibe Choice. Trendy cafes, bars, relaxed atmosphere.
Lujiazui
Luxury Choice. Skyscrapers and epic views.
Xintiandi
Upscale dining and historic architecture.
5. Essential Tips
💡 Top 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.
- Weather: Humid. Plum Rain Season in June/July. Best time is Oct-Nov.