Shanghai China 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Shanghai’s Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, which offers stunning views of the city. Take the high-speed elevator to the top for panoramic views.
  • 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Head to the nearby Bund (Wai Tan) and take a stroll along the Huangpu River. Admire the beautiful colonial architecture, including the famous Peace Hotel, now a luxurious hotel with a museum and shopping center.
  • 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit the Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the heart of Shanghai’s Old City. This peaceful oasis is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
  • Lunch: Grab some delicious Shanghainese cuisine at Jia Jia Tang Bao, a popular restaurant serving traditional dishes like soup dumplings, noodles, and stir-fries.
  • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore the Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s most famous shopping streets. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to local street vendors selling souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Shanghainese dinner at Din Tai Fung, a world-renowned restaurant with many branches across the city.

Accommodation:

Consider staying in the following areas:

  • The Bund: Stay in this area for easy access to popular attractions like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund.
  • Xintiandi: This trendy neighborhood offers upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife options.
  • Jing’an: A convenient location with easy access to public transportation.

Transportation:

Shanghai has an efficient metro system. You can buy a Shanghai Metro Card for convenience. Taxis are also widely available.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many Shanghainese speak English.
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB) is the local currency.
  • Weather: Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Shanghai is generally a safe city for tourists.

Day 2: Discover Shanghai’s Cultural and Historical Sights

  • Morning: Visit the Shanghai Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Chinese art and artifacts.
  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore the Old City (Nanshi) and its surrounding alleys. You’ll find ancient temples, shrines, and traditional architecture.
  • Lunch: Enjoy some delicious Shanghainese street food at Xin Tian Di, a popular shopping district with many restaurants and cafes.
  • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Longhua Temple, one of Shanghai’s oldest Buddhist temples. This stunning complex features intricate carvings, sculptures, and traditional architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing river cruise along the Huangpu River to admire the city’s skyline.

Day 3: Experience Modern Shanghai

  • Morning: Visit the Science and Technology Museum, which showcases cutting-edge technology and innovative exhibits.
  • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Explore the French Concession, a charming area with beautiful colonial architecture, boutique shopping, and upscale dining options.
  • Lunch: Enjoy some delicious French cuisine at Bistrot Pierre, a popular restaurant in the French Concession.
  • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Visit the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building. Take in panoramic views from the observation deck on the 124th floor.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese dinner at Longjin, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Remember to always follow local customs and respect cultural differences when visiting Shanghai. Have a wonderful trip!