Shanghai-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower (¥50). Take in the stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the nearby Shanghai Old Street, a reconstructed traditional Chinese street that showcases the city’s rich history and culture.

Lunch

  • Head over to Jianguo Garden Restaurant for some delicious Shanghai cuisine, including their famous Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the impressive Shanghai Museum (free admission), which houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
  • 3:30 PM: Take a stroll through the beautiful People’s Square, a popular public space that offers great people-watching opportunities.

Dinner

  • Dine at Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned restaurant famous for its xiaolongbao. Be prepared for a possible wait, but it’s worth it!

Evening

  • End the day with a visit to the vibrant Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets.

Day 2: Saturday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Yu Garden (¥20), a beautiful classical Chinese garden that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Ancestor Hall, a traditional Chinese temple that showcases Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage.

Lunch

  • Grab some street food at Xintiandi, a trendy area known for its delicious snacks and drinks.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the iconic Shanghai Tower (¥150), which offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck on the 124th floor.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the trendy Tianzifang, a unique shopping street that’s home to many independent boutiques and art galleries.

Dinner

  • Dine at M on the Bund, a luxurious restaurant located on the 31st floor of the M Hotel. Enjoy stunning views of the Huangpu River while savoring their exquisite cuisine.

Evening

  • End the day with a visit to the famous The Bund, a scenic waterfront area that’s perfect for taking in the city’s breathtaking skyline.

Day 3: Sunday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Longhua Temple (free admission), one of Shanghai’s oldest and most revered temples.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Longhua Park, a beautiful green space that offers a peaceful escape from the city.

Lunch

  • Grab some street food at Tongren Lu, a bustling street filled with delicious snacks and drinks.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the impressive Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (free admission), which showcases some of China’s most innovative technological achievements.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the trendy Xuhui District, a popular area known for its upscale shopping centers and restaurants.

Dinner

  • Dine at Jia Jia Tang Bao, a renowned restaurant famous for its xiaolongbao. Be prepared for a possible wait, but it’s worth it!

Evening

  • End the day with a visit to the vibrant Xuhui Riverside Promenade, a scenic waterfront area that’s perfect for taking in the city’s breathtaking skyline.

Day 4: Monday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Shanghai Botanical Garden (free admission), one of China’s largest and most impressive botanical gardens.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby Zhongshan Park, a beautiful green space that offers a peaceful escape from the city.

Lunch

  • Grab some street food at Qipu Lu, a bustling street filled with delicious snacks and drinks.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the iconic Shanghai Grand Theatre (free admission), one of China’s most impressive theaters.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the trendy Jing’an District, a popular area known for its upscale shopping centers and restaurants.

Dinner

  • Dine at Crystal Jade, a renowned restaurant famous for its Cantonese cuisine. Be prepared for a possible wait, but it’s worth it!

Evening

  • End the day with a visit to the vibrant Jing’an Temple, one of Shanghai’s most revered temples.

Day 5: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the stunning Shanghai Museum of Natural History (free admission), which showcases some of China’s most impressive natural wonders.
  • 11:30 AM: Explore the nearby People’s Square, a popular public space that offers great people-watching opportunities.

Lunch

  • Grab some street food at Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 PM: Visit the iconic Shanghai Tower (¥150), which offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck on the 124th floor.
  • 3:30 PM: Explore the trendy Xintiandi, a unique shopping street that’s home to many independent boutiques and art galleries.

Dinner

  • Dine at Majestic Mira, a luxurious restaurant located in the Park Hotel. Enjoy stunning views of the Huangpu River while savoring their exquisite cuisine.

Evening

  • End the day with a visit to the famous The Bund, a scenic waterfront area that’s perfect for taking in the city’s breathtaking skyline.

Accommodation

  • Recommended hotel: The Peninsula Shanghai (starts at ¥2,000 per night)
  • Budget-friendly option: Ibis Shanghai Pudong Century Park Hotel (starts at ¥500 per night)

Getting Around

  • Metro: Convenient and efficient, with many lines running throughout the city.
  • Taxi: Easy to find, but be prepared for potential traffic congestion.

Tips and Reminders

  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines during peak travel seasons.
  • Try some of Shanghai’s famous street food, but also be mindful of cleanliness and hygiene.
  • Don’t forget to try some of the city’s iconic xiaolongbao!
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites.

Language

  • Mandarin Chinese: The official language of China, with many locals speaking English as a secondary language.
  • English: Widely spoken throughout the city, especially among younger generations and service industry workers.

Currency

  • Renminbi (RMB): The official currency of China, widely accepted throughout the city.

Weather

  • Spring (March-May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make for a perfect time to visit.
  • Summer (June-August): Hot and humid, with occasional rain showers.
  • Autumn (September-November): Comfortable temperatures and vibrant fall foliage make for a great time to visit.
  • Winter (December-February): Cool temperatures and potential snowfall.

Enjoy your trip to Shanghai!