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Shanghai Itineraries | How to Spend half Day, 1 Day, 2/3/4 Days in Shanghai

Written by Senior Expert Felicia|Updated: 2024-04-30

How many days to spend in Shanghai? Shanghai, often referred to as the "Paris of the East," is a melting pot of cultures, architectural marvels, and culinary delights. From its iconic skyline dominated by skyscrapers to its historic neighborhoods and tranquil gardens, Shanghai offers a captivating blend of old and new. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with our Shanghai itineraries.

You'll need at least 1-2 days to discover the romance and fashion of this city. Moreover, don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby water towns such as Zhujiajiao, Xitang, and Wuzhen. Exploring these towns may require 3-4 days, and you can also take the chance to visit Hangzhou and Suzhou to experience the gentle and enchanting beauty of the Jiangnan region.

Check out our ultimate Shanghai Itineraries, designed to help you plan the perfect 1, 2, 3, or 5-day trip to this enchanting city. Whether you are a foodie or adventurer, our itineraries offer a range of activities and sights tailored to your interests, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience in Shanghai .

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  • triangleHow to Spend 1 Day in Shanghai?
  • triangleHow to Spend 2 Days in Shanghai?
  • triangleHow to Spend 3 Days in Shanghai?
  • triangleShanghai Half-day Itinerary: Theme Tour for Special Desires
  • triangleHow to Spend More Days Around Shanghai?
  • triangleExplore Shanghai with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel

How to Spend 1 Day in Shanghai?

If you only have one day in Shanghai, maximize your time by visiting the city's top attractions. Start at the Shanghai Museum to delve into art and history. Then, head to Yu Garden and Shanghai City God Temple, followed by lunch at Yuyuan Bazaar.

Afterward, take a leisurely walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund , enjoying the bustling atmosphere. From there, hop on a ferry to Lujiazui and marvel at the renowned skyscrapers.

As the "City That Never Sleeps," Shanghai offers a vibrant nightlife. Experience traditional life in Xintiandi or catch a captivating Shanghai Acrobatic Show.

Highlighted Attractions Included:

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆) - Discover ancient Chinese art and artifacts, taking a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and history of China.

Yu Garden (豫园) - Immerse yourself in the historical Chinese garden and indulge in delicious traditional snacks.

Nanjing Road (南京路) - Dive into a shopping paradise along this lively pedestrian street, embracing the charm of modern Shanghai.

the Bund (外滩) - Blend yourself in the bustling Bund promenade and experience the picturesque scenery of the Bund , where vintage architecture harmoniously coexists with modern skyscrapers.

Lujiazui (陆家嘴) - Enter the towering skyscrapers of Shanghai and embark on a high-altitude adventure, challenging your limits while attempting to keep your excitement contained.

Xintiandi (新天地) - Take a leisurely stroll through the alleyways of old Shanghai, visiting century-old Western-style houses and indulging in modern dining and entertainment options.

Shanghai Acrobatic Show (上海杂技表演) - Enjoy a high-level and skillful performance of traditional Chinese acrobatics, showcasing the beauty and artistry of this ancient form of entertainment.

If you are looking for more one-day ideas in Shanghai, please check out our Shanghai Day Tours >>

the Bund
Take a leisurely walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund
Shanghai Tower
Embark on a high-altitude adventure on Shanghai Tower

How to Spend 2 Days in Shanghai?

On day one: Begin your day at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. Then have an immersive tour of Yu Garden . Next, take a public ferry across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui and explore the towering skyscrapers for an exhilarating experience. Conclude your day with a city walk along the Bund .

On day two: Begin your day with a coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Xintiandi area and explore the Shikumen architecture. Enjoy a unique lunch experience at a fully automated and unmanned retail supermarket. In the afternoon, visit the M50 Art District to immerse yourself in the local art scene. If time permits, consider experiencing the Shanghai Maglev Train.

Highlighted Attractions Included:

Yu Garden (豫园)

Lujiazui (陆家嘴)

Nanjing Road (南京路)

The Bund (外滩)

Xintiandi (新天地)

Starbucks Reserve Roastery (星巴克烘焙工坊) - It provides a fascinating up-close look at the entire coffee-making process, from roasting the beans to the final cup.

M50 Art District (M50创意园) - Explore cutting-edge exhibitions, interact with artists, and witness the dynamic creativity of the local art scene in the hub.

Shanghai Maglev Train (上海磁悬浮列车) - Obtain a thrilling and futuristic experience as it reaches incredible speeds, and enjoy a rapid and smooth journey.

Yu Garden
Immerse yourself in the classical Yu Garden
Xintiandi
Enjoy yourself in the old but fashionable Xintiandi

How to Spend 3 Days in Shanghai?

On day one: Upon arrival in Shanghai, freely explore the charming local culture and restaurants around your hotel. Have a good rest after a long-haul flight.

On day two: Start your journey at the Shanghai Museum. Then, have an immersive tour of Yu Garden . Afterward, take a leisurely walk from Nanjing Road to The Bund , enjoying the bustling atmosphere. From there, hop on a ferry to Lujiazui and marvel at the renowned skyscrapers. Catch a captivating Shanghai Acrobatic Show in the evening.

On day three: On your third day, start in the French Concession, where you can immerse yourself in its captivating history and charm. Don't miss exploring Wukang Road, the most worthwhile street in this area. Afterward, make your way to the vibrant neighborhoods of Xintiandi, known for their unique blend of modern and traditional elements. If time allows, take a leisurely stroll through Tianzifang to complete your day.

Highlighted Attractions Included:

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)

Yu Garden (豫园)

Lujiazui (陆家嘴)

Nanjing Road (南京路)

The Bund (外滩)

Xintiandi (新天地)

Shanghai Acrobatic Show (上海杂技表演)

Tianzifang (田子坊) - Step into maze-like alleyways filled with unique shops, boutiques, cafes, and galleries, which offer a delightful mix of creativity and culture.

French Concession (法租界) - Enter the French Concession, where plane trees and Western-style houses are scattered, and explore the former residences of many renowned figures in this area.

Shanghai Museum
Explore the long history in the Shanghai Museum
Nanjing Road
Shopping in the bustling Nanjing Road

Shanghai Half-day Itinerary: Theme Tour for Special Desires

Option 1: Shanghai Night Tour along the Huangpu River

The Shanghai night tour revolves mainly around , as it offers the most beautiful night views in the city. You can choose to take a cruise along the Huangpu River, enjoying the romantic night scenery on both sides, especially the iconic skyline of Shanghai . Alternatively, you can ascend to the observation deck on the top floor of a skyscraper for an exhilarating and thrilling adventure, experiencing the city's night views from several hundred meters above ground level, providing a completely different perspective and unforgettable experience.

the Bund
The night on the Bund is particularly charming.
Shanghai Tower
Enjoy the wonderful night view from the top of the skyscrapers

Option 2: City Walk Tour to French Concessions & the Bund

Shanghai is a city that offers excellent opportunities for city walks, especially in neighborhoods filled with vintage architecture and artistic ambiance, such as the French Concession's Wukang Road. Other areas like Xintiandi and Tianzifang provide shopping and leisure options. Additionally, the classic city walk route from the Bund to Nanjing Road pedestrian street allows visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Shanghai's history and culture. These city walks enable travelers to immerse themselves in the charm of Shanghai while exploring its rich heritage.

Tianzifang
Stroll along the Tianzifang to explore the amazing traditional street
the Bund
Take a leisurely walk along the Bund

Option 3: Museum Tour to Know Different History

Shanghai boasts a plethora of museums, each offering a rich and diverse collection. The Shanghai Museum showcases thousands of years of history through its exquisite artworks, including bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center utilizes advanced technology to present the city's development history and future plans. The distinctive Propaganda Poster Art Centre is filled with unique posters and artwork from various regions of China during the 20th century. The Shikumen Open House Museum presents the daily life scenes of a typical Shanghai family. Each museum is a unique treasure, providing visitors with a vivid and comprehensive understanding of Shanghai's past and future.

Shanghai Museum
Admire the most important Dakeding
Shanghai Tower
Be shocked by the model of Shanghai

Option 4: Cycling Tour along the Pudong Area for Skylines

Exploring Shanghai through cycling is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the city. There are two distinctive routes that are ideal for tourists. One is the Binjiang Greenway along the east bank of the Huangpu River, offering panoramic views of Shanghai's iconic landmarks, the Lujiazui skyscrapers, and the scenic Bund on the opposite side. Day and night rides provide different experiences, and you can choose the most exciting sections from the 23-kilometer route based on your fitness level.

The second route overlaps with the mentioned city walk, starting from Xintiandi to Taikang Road in the French Concession, covering approximately 10 kilometers. This route allows you to experience the fusion of old Shanghai's Western-style houses and alleyways with the modern art and commercial scene, showcasing the charm of the new Shanghai . Both cycling routes offer unique travel experiences to visitors.

Cycling
Have a ride on the Binjiang Greenway along the east bank of the Huangpu River
Cycling
Cycling on the Taikang Road to explore the French Concession

How to Spend More Days Around Shanghai?

Extend your Shanghai tour to the neighboring cities of Suzhou and Hangzhou, both conveniently located within a 1.5-hour drive. Suzhou is renowned for its exquisite classical gardens, while Hangzhou captivates visitors with its serene West Lake. Immerse yourself in China's cultural heritage and natural beauty by exploring these enchanting destinations.

In addition, make sure to carve out time to visit the famous water towns surrounding Shanghai, including Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Wuzhen, Qibao, and Tongli. These towns are like scenes from an ancient Chinese painting, with their charming canals, traditional houses, and picturesque bridges. Allow yourself 4 to 5 days to fully appreciate the allure of these captivating destinations.

Zhujiajiao
Visit the traditional water town Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao
Take a boat in the water town will be cosy and easy

Explore Shanghai with Local-based Asia Odyssey Travel

Headquartered in China with a local team based in Shanghai, Asia Odyssey Travel is dedicated to providing the best service and ensuring an authentic and unforgettable experience for those looking to explore Shanghai. Our local team offers a range of carefully designed tours, including classic Shanghai tours, Shanghai Day Trips, Shanghai Layover Tours, Museum Tour, Biking Tour, Walking Tour, Disneyland Tour, Water Town Tours, Shanghai Suzhou Tours, and Shanghai Hangzhou Tours to meet your needs and desires, ensuring a pleasant holiday during your Shanghai tour.

Furthermore, as Shanghai serves as an important gateway on China's eastern coast, Asia Odyssey Travel also presents a variety of inspiring ideas through our China tour packages from Shanghai. Our professional travel consultants are always ready to help you customize your Shanghai tour at the most favorable local prices. Contact us now to start planning your dream Shanghai trip!

If you have any questions about this article, please contact us by submitting the following form and we'll immediately get back to you.

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