Written by Natalia |
Shanghai is oneĀ of the most popular destinations for people traveling to China. It is famous around the world for its economic status and local culture. Usually, a trip that covers the highlights of Shanghai takes at least 2 days. With 3-5 day, you can explore the city in more depth and gain a deeper understanding of its people and their way of life. ThisĀ article will help you come up with the best Shanghai itinerary.
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- How Many Days to Stay in Shanghaiļ¼
- How to Spend Half a Day in Shanghai
- How to Spend 1 Day in Shanghai
- How to Spend 2 Days in Shanghai
- How to Spend 3 Days in Shanghai
- How to Spend 4-5 Days in Shanghai
- Itineraries for Every Interest: Thematic Trip Ideas
- Travel Beyond Shanghai
- Essential Tips for Planning a Shanghai Tour
- FAQs about Shanghai Tours
- Plan Your Shanghai Tour with China Xian Tour
How Many Days to Stay in Shanghaiļ¼
To cover the most famous landmarks in Shanghai, 3 days is enough, but the travel pace may be fast. So it is suitable for first comers and tourists with a limited time. For an in-depth tour, leave another 2 – 4 days according to the scenic spots you like.
How to Spend Half a Day in Shanghai
If youāre on a layoverĀ in ShanghaiĀ or only have half a day in the city, choose a theme or an aspect you want to explore about the city.
- If youāre interested in the cultural heritage of Shanghai, you should visit Yuyuan Garden, an iconic Shanghai attractionĀ to see traditional architecture and walk through the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar.
- If you want to experience authentic Jiangnan life, you can head to Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of the best ancient water towns in China and just on the outskirts of Shanghai. The water town is within 1.5 hours drive from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and about 45 minutes drive from Hongqiao Airport.
- If you arrive in Shanghai in the evening, make sure you experience Huangpu River Cruise and see the iconic Shanghai skyline.
Recommended Half-Day Shanghai Itineraries:
- Half Day Private Shanghai Tour to Yuyuan Garden
- Half Day Shanghai Tour for Local Food and Zhujiajiao Water Town
How to Spend 1 Day in Shanghai
Although one day is relatively short for covering all the top things to do in Shanghai, you can still make the best of your time. Hereās a recommended full-day itinerary:
Day 1: Yuyuan Garden ā Yuyuan Market ā Shanghai Old Street ā Jade Buddha Temple ā The Bund ā Huangpu River Cruise
What to do in Shanghai in 1 day
On the morning of your visit, try some traditional Shanghai breakfast foods like Shengjianbao and Xiaolongbao. You will find them at small family-owned stalls, fresh made in front of you.
After breakfast, head to Yuyuan Garden, an iconic landmark of the city. You will see traditional Chinese architecture from Ming Dynasty. Surrounding the garden is Yuyuan Market, where youāll find all kinds of stalls selling handicrafts and local foods.Ā Spend about 1-2 hours in this area.
Then you can go deeper into Shanghaiās past on Shanghai Old Street. It used to be the trade center of the city, and you can still visit many important historical sites like early banks and jewelry stores. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant; the area has many options.
In the afternoon, visit Jade Buddha Temple. The most impressive thing to see there is the two Buddha statues made of jade. They are exquisite in expression and details. You can also walk about the temple and see other Buddhist artifacts. Afterwards, you can explore the nearby area, take a leisurely walk for a coffee or a drink.
Around the time of sunset, head to the Bund, the most iconic sightseeing spot in Shanghai. You will have an excellent view of the Shanghai skyline. Then to conclude your Shanghai day tour, take a Huangpu River Cruise to appreciate the night views of the city.
Related reading: 12 Hour Layover in Shanghai 2025-2026
Recommended One-Day Shanghai Itineraries:
How to Spend 2 Days in Shanghai
2 days is a proper duration to cover most Shanghaiās highlights in the city area. If you have 2 days to travel to Shanghai, youāll have one more day for the following activities:
Day 2: Shanghai Museum ā Nanjing Road ā Lujiazui ā Shanghai Circus World
What to do in Shanghai in 2 days
On the morning of your second day in Shanghai, visit Shanghai Museum to learn about Chinese history. You can spend as much there as you wish because thereās a vast collection of ancient artifacts from bronze, furniture, to artworks. After lunch, head to Nanjing Road, the busiest commercial area of Shanghai. You will find all kinds of shops there from clothing to souvenirs.
Lujiazui district is where all the skyscrapers are located. The most famous skyscrapers are Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower. You can look over the city from one of the viewing platforms. The views from above are guaranteed to be impressive. There are many high-end restaurants in the area. Lujiazui is a great place for a romantic dinner.
At night, you can enjoy an acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World. Itās one of the best places to visit for Shanghai tours. Enjoy the amazing show put on by skillful actors and end the day with a lot of fun.
Recommended Two-Day Shanghai Itineraries:
How to Spend 3 Days in Shanghai
Hereās a recommended Shanghai travel itinerary for you if you have 3 days there.Ā Include the follow activities to extend your 2-day itinerary.
Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town ā Xintiandi ā City God Temple
What to Do in Shanghai in 3 days
Start off your third day in Shanghai with a trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town. It is one of the best ancient water towns in China and the closest to Shanghai. Built on riverbanks, traditional residences have white walls and roofs made with black tiles. They look particularly elegant with history. You will find many stalls run by locals, selling hand-made crafts and snacks.
In the late afternoon, head to Xintiandi, orĀ the New World. Itās a historic district turned into a modern commercial hub. Inside the traditional architectures, you will find coffee shops, bars, and all kinds of stores. Itās the best place to enjoy the modern Shanghai lifestyle under the sunĀ as well as the exciting Shanghai nightlife. You can have dinner there because thereās a variety of restaurants to choose from.
After dinner, take a walk around City God Temple. The area becomes very busy at night as the lights come on and light up the traditional architecture. People take evening walks, buy street snacks, and simply enjoy the vibes.
Recommended Three-Day Shanghai Itineraries:
How to Spend 4-5 Days in Shanghai
Day 4: Shanghai Disneyland Resort
Day 5: Former French Concession ā an authentic Shanghai meal
What to do in Shanghai in 4-5 daysĀ – More in-depth Experiences
If you have 4-5 days, you have a lot more flexibility in your Shanghai trip itinerary. You can take a day trip to Shanghai Disneyland Resort. Itās the best place to go on a Shanghai family tour. You will find rich cultural heritage in the Former French Concession. Itās a historic district that is now vibrant with modern life. Before you leave Shanghai, itās important to have some authentic Shanghai food on your trip.
Itineraries for Every Interest: Thematic Trip Ideas
Theme |
Recommended tours |
Architecture and Modern Shanghai |
Lujiazui Skyline:Ā Visit the āShanghaiās Topā observation deck at the Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Ā The Bund and Its Historic Buildings: Explore the historic architecture along the Bund, including iconic buildings like the Shanghai Customs House and the Pudong Development Bank building. Ā Modern Cultural Landmarks:Ā Visit the Pudong Art Museum to enjoy art exhibitions while also taking in the scenic view of the Bund across the river. |
History and Culture |
Classical Jiangnan Gardens:Ā Tour Yuyuan Garden, which has over 400 years of history, and experience the exquisite art of garden design.
Ā Cultural and Art Museums:Ā Visit the Shanghai Museum (including its East Wing) and the China Art Palace (former China Pavilion at Expo 2010, where you can also view a multimedia version of Along the River During the Qingming Festival). Ā Historic District Walks:Ā Take a stroll through Wukang Road (with stops at landmarks like Wukang Building), and explore streets like Yuyuan Road to experience the old foreign-style houses and the lush, tree-lined streets that define Shanghaiās āShanghaineseā style. |
Family Fun |
Theme Park: Spend an entire day at Shanghai Disneyland Resort for a magical experience.
Ā Wildlife and Ocean Adventures:Ā Visit the Shanghai Wild Animal Park or Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park to get up close to wildlife and marine life. Ā Science Exploration: Explore the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum or the Shanghai Natural History Museum to uncover the wonders of the natural world. |
Culinary Experience |
Shanghainese Cuisine: Try traditional dishes like Red Braised Pork and Oil-Braised Shrimp at restaurants like Lubolang(within Yuyuan Garden).
Ā Local Snacks: Visit the City God Temple area to sample famous local snacks like Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and Shen Dachengās rice cakes. Ā Diverse Flavors:Ā For a taste of other regional cuisines, head to places like Jialiang Yiyuan (for Hui cuisine) near Hechuan Road or Sande Korean Restaurant for authentic Korean dishes. |
Travel Beyond Shanghai
With over 3 days, you can also consider extend your Shanghai tour to more nearby cities. Shanghai is a popular gateway city into China as it is so well connected with the rest of the world. It is close to many beautiful places that you should also consider visiting on your China tour.
Sample Itinerary to Shanghai, Suzhou & Hangzhou
Hangzhou is the most well-known city near Shanghai. It is most famous for its natural and cultural landscapes. The West Lake is the top attraction with gorgeous sceneries and rich history behind it. You will discover Chinese tea culture at Longjing Tea Plantations, Buddhist past at Lingyin Temple, and silk art at China National Silk Museum.
Suzhou is known to be the city of classical Jiangnan gardens. There are many famous classical gardens like Humble Administratorās Garden and Lingering Garden where you can admire traditional architecture and landscaping. Suzhou is also surrounded by many of the best water towns in China. With about a week or less, you can plan a Hangzhou-Suzhou-Shanghai tour.
You can refer to the following itinerary to plan your own trip.
Day 1: Shanghai arrival – The Bund and Nanjing Road
Day 2: Shanghai Museum – Lujiazui Financial Zone – Huangpu River Night Cruise
Day 3: Transfer to Suzhou – The Humble Administrator’s Garden – Pinjiang Road
Day 4: Suzhou Museum – Lingering Garden – Qilishantang Street
Day 5: Head to Hangzhou – West Lake – Lakeside Pedestrian Street
Day 6: West Lake boat tour and Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon – Leifeng Pagoda – Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond – Hefang Street
Day 7: Lingyin Temple – Longjin Village – Return
Huangshan
Huangshan is most famous for being home to the Yellow Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains in China. Its stunning sceneries attract lots of visitors and hikers. At the foot of the mountain are many ancient Hui villages that have preserved their traditional way of life.
Itinerary from Shanghai to Huangshan
The itinerary in Shanghai is the same as we have mentioned above. Below is the tour in Huangshan from day 3.
Day 3: Transfer to Huangshan – Hongcun Village – Live in the special homestay in Hongcun
Day 4: Take a taxi to Mt. Huangshan Scenic Area – Take the Yungu Temple Cableway uphill to back hill and visit the scenic spots on the peak – West Sea Scenic Area – Live in the hotel at summit
Day 5: Watch the sunrise – West Sea Grand Canyon – Explore the scenic spots in the front hill – Return
Tour from Shanghai to Jingdezhen
The distance from Shanghai to Jindezhen is about 550 km and a bullet train ride takes only 3 – 5 hours. Jingdezhen is the world-famous porcelain capital with a history of over 1,000 years. Here, you can read this touchable textbook on the history and culture of ceramics through a visit to the ancient kilns, ruins and museums. Or buy some ceramic products in the market. During the tour, you will find the kinds of ceramic products are incredibly large and the price is also cheap.
The first two daysāĀ tour in Shanghai is also the same as above and the itinerary in Jingdezhen is as follows.
Day 3: Transfer to Jingdezhen – Ancient Kiln Folk Custom Expo Area – Taoxichuan Cultural and Creative Street
Day 4: Imperial Kiln Museum – China National Ceramic Museum – Taoyangli Tourist Area
Day 5: Yaoli Scenic Area/Sanbao International Pottery Village – return
Recommended Best Shanghai Side Tours:
- 5 Days Shanghai and Nanjing Essence Tour by High-speed Train
- 6 Days Classic Shanghai and Huangshan Tour Package
- 8 Days Shanghai Suzhou Nanjing Hangzhou Tour
- 6 Days Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou Tour with Tongli Water Town
- 9 Days Shanghai-Suzhou-Hangzhou-Huangshan Private Tour
Essential Tips for Planning a Shanghai Tour
Best time to visit
The best time to visit ShanghaiĀ is during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is ideal for getting outdoors. In the spring, Shanghai has mild temperatures with occasional rain. Greeneries and flowers come back to life. The fall has similar temperatures but tends to be less humid. The air is crisp with clear skies. And the leaves slowly change in color.
Summer can get very hot in Shanghai with the temperature frequently going above 35Ā°C (95Ā°F). Also accompanied by showers and sometimes typhoons, it is not the best time for outdoor activities. It is also the busiest tourist season. Winter may not be too cold but is still not too pleasant. However, traveling expenses tend to be lower at this time.
Getting to and around Shanghai
As Chinaās biggest international metropolis, Shanghai is very easy to reach for foreign travelers. The major international airport is Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which has flights connecting most major cities in the world. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport operates more domestic services with some international flights to and from other Asian cities.
If youāre traveling to Shanghai from another city in China, you can either fly to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport or take a bullet train. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station have lots of services across China. Itās the most convenient way to travel between nearby cities.
Although Shanghai is a huge city, it is very easy to navigate with the metro system. There are 20 lines in operation right now connecting all districts and most popular attractions. If youāre destination is a bit away from a metro station, you can choose to walk to bike. In cases that you donāt wish to use the metro, taxis are readily available as well.
Best foods to try in Shanghai
Traditional Shanghai foods are generally characterized by mild and slightly sweet flavors. Some of the best Shanghai dishesĀ to try include:
- Xiaolongbao ā steamed soup dumplings for breakfast
- Shengjianbao ā pan-fried soup dumplings
- Braised Pork Belly ā pork cooked with soy sauce with a rich flavor
- The Hairy Crab ā a seasonal and regional special to try
Recommended Shanghai Food Tours:
- Shanghai Night Food Tour with Huangpu River Cruise
- Half Day Shanghai Tour for Local Food and Zhujiajiao Water Town
What to pack for a Shanghai tour
The essentials include:
- Passport and travel documents
- Local SIM card or international cellular plan
- Money in CNY
- Chargers and adaptor
- Your own prescription medications
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Clothes suitable for the season
How to pay for things in Shanghai?
The most convenient options are electronic payment through Alipay and WeChat Pay. Bank cards of UnionPay, Visa, or Mastercard are also accepted at some high-end restaurants and hotels.
To enhance international touristsā payment convenience on transportation, attractions, and shopping, Shanghai City has officially launched the Shanghai PassĀ product. It is a one-stop solution, allowing visitors to pay for all public transportation in the city and 330 other cities, major attractions in Shanghai, and shopping at certain stores and malls. The card is a prepaid card and doesn’t need real-name registration. The card cost is CNY 20, and you can top up no more than CNY 1000 on the card.
There are also one-day Shanghai Pass and three-day Shanghai Pass with exclusive benefits. You can get the ultimate guide for Shanghai Pass for more detailed information about these cards.
Do I need a visa to visit Shanghai
Currently, there are a few visa-free transit policies for traveling to Shanghai. Visitors from 43Ā countries can travel to China without a visa for as long as 30 days. And visitors from 54 countries can transit through China visa-free for up to 10 daysĀ if meeting certain requirements. If you donāt meet the requirements for these policies, you will have to apply for a Chinese visa.
FAQs about Shanghai Tours
Which Shanghai itinerary is best for first-time visitors?
The 3-day tour listed above is the best.
Do I need a visa for the short-term itineraries, or does the transit visa-free policy apply?
It mainly depends on your nationality, read Shanghai Visa PoliciesĀ for details. In fact, tourists from most countries do not need a visa.
What are the typical costs/budgets for accommodation, food and transport in Shanghai?
For most people, a daily cost for accommodation, food and transport is about CNY 200 – 400, 100 – 200 and 30, respectively.
What differences should I expect between a āclassic highlightsā itinerary and a slower-paced / deep-exploration itinerary?
A āclassic highlightsā itinerary is usually in a fast pace, but you can also cover the must-visit landscapes. A slower-paced / deep-exploration itinerary is more leisurely and include more nearby scenic spots and experiential activities.
Plan Your Shanghai Tour with China Xian Tour
Travel with us and have the best Shanghai tour experience. China Xian Tour can help you create your itinerary, take care of all the logistical work like transportation and accommodation, and will offer you excellent services with experienced guides who will help you with translation and navigation.
Depending on your needs and preferences, we can help you customize your own Shanghai tour itinerary.Ā For your convenience, our travel consultant can also introduce the main scenic spots or experiences to you briefly. So do not worry. After you have a rough impression, you can choose the ones you prefer. Then we will include them in the tour, so that you can enjoy a satisfying trip. Just contact us.
