Shanghai, China-7-day-itinerary

Shanghai 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Morning

  • Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  • Take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to your hotel in the city center (e.g., Shanghai Marriott Hotel Parkview)
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up

Afternoon

  • Visit The Bund (Wai Tan), a famous waterfront area with stunning views of the city skyline
  • Take a stroll along the Huangpu River and enjoy the street performers and live music
  • Try some traditional Shanghai snacks, such as Xiaolongbao or Soup Dumplings, at a local eatery like Jin Jiang Cun (near The Bund)

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Xiao Mian Guan, a popular restaurant serving Sichuan cuisine in the French Concession
  • Explore the trendy Xintiandi area and its upscale boutiques and cafes

Day 2: Shanghai’s Iconic Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit Shanghai Tower ( Oriental Pearl Tower), the tallest building in China (1,952 feet)
  • Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck on the 119th floor
  • Explore the adjacent Lujiazui area and its shopping malls and restaurants

Afternoon

  • Visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, a symbol of Shanghai’s modernity and engineering prowess
  • Take a ride on the nearby Ferris wheel for more stunning views

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Din Tai Fung, a world-famous Taiwanese restaurant with a Shanghai branch, serving delicious xiaolongbao and other dishes
  • Explore the bustling streets of Xuhui District and its many restaurants and cafes

Day 3: Shanghai’s History and Culture

Morning

  • Visit the Shanghai Museum (near People’s Square), one of China’s premier museums showcasing art, history, and culture
  • Explore the adjacent People’s Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city

Afternoon

  • Visit the historic French Concession area, a charming neighborhood with beautiful architecture and trendy boutiques
  • Try some traditional Shanghai tea or coffee at a local cafe like Julie’s Coffee

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at M on the Bund, a luxurious restaurant with stunning views of the city skyline
  • Take a stroll along the Huangpu River and enjoy the street performers and live music

Day 4: Shopping and Markets

Morning

  • Visit the world-famous Nanjing Road, one of China’s premier shopping streets, lined with upscale boutiques and department stores
  • Explore the adjacent Shanghai Shopping Mall, a large shopping complex with many local brands and restaurants

Afternoon

  • Visit the bustling Yuyuan Garden (near Shanghai Museum), a historic Chinese garden with beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings
  • Try some traditional Shanghai snacks or street food at one of the many vendors in the area

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Shanghai House, a popular restaurant serving traditional Shanghainese cuisine in the heart of the city
  • Explore the trendy streets of Huangpu District and its many restaurants, bars, and clubs

Day 5: Day Trip to Hangzhou

Morning

  • Take a high-speed train (about 1 hour) or car ride (about 2 hours) to Hangzhou, famous for its beautiful West Lake (Xi Hu)
  • Visit the scenic West Lake, one of China’s most iconic and beautiful tourist destinations
  • Enjoy boat rides on the lake and explore its many temples and gardens

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Lingyin Temple, a historic Buddhist temple with stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings
  • Try some traditional Hangzhou snacks or street food at one of the many vendors in the area

Evening

  • Return to Shanghai by high-speed train or car, and enjoy dinner at Xiao Wang’s, a popular restaurant serving Sichuan cuisine in the heart of the city
  • Explore the trendy streets of Pudong District and its many restaurants, bars, and clubs

Day 6: Beaches and Water Parks

Morning

  • Visit the nearby Shanghai Ocean World Aquarium (in the Lujiazui area), featuring a stunning array of marine life from around the world
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the street performers and live music

Afternoon

  • Visit the beachside resort town of Changxing, famous for its beautiful beaches and scenic coastline (about 2 hours by car)
  • Enjoy water sports, such as surfing or kayaking, at one of the many beachside clubs and resorts

Evening

  • Return to Shanghai by car or taxi, and enjoy dinner at Xiao Fei’s, a popular restaurant serving Shanghainese cuisine in the heart of the city
  • Explore the trendy streets of Xuhui District and its many restaurants, bars, and clubs

Day 7: Last Day in Shanghai

Morning

  • Visit the famous Yu Garden (near People’s Square), one of China’s most beautiful and historic gardens
  • Take a stroll along the nearby Huangpu River and enjoy the street performers and live music

Afternoon

  • Spend some time shopping for last-minute souvenirs or gifts in one of the many local markets or shopping streets
  • Enjoy a farewell dinner at Din Tai Fung, a world-famous Taiwanese restaurant with a Shanghai branch, serving delicious xiaolongbao and other dishes

Transportation:

  • Taxi: widely available throughout the city, but can be expensive for long journeys (about ¥50-100 for short trips)
  • Metro: efficient and affordable public transportation system, covering most areas of the city (¥3-5 per ride)
  • Bus: a good option for shorter journeys or exploring local neighborhoods
  • High-speed train: convenient for day trips to nearby cities like Hangzhou

Tips:

  • Learn some basic Chinese phrases, such as “nǐ hǎo” (hello), “xiè xiè” (thank you), and “duì bù qǐ” (excuse me)
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist destinations
  • Try to avoid eating from street vendors or food stalls if you’re unsure about the quality of the food
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural attractions

Accommodation:

  • Hotel: a wide range of options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts (average price: ¥500-1,000 per night)
  • Hostel: a popular option for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget (average price: ¥100-200 per night)
  • Airbnb: a convenient and affordable way to stay in local neighborhoods or apartments (average price: ¥300-600 per night)

Safety:

  • Be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas or tourist hotspots
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in dimly lit areas or unfamiliar neighborhoods
  • Keep your valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings

Food:

  • Try some local specialties, such as xiaolongbao, soup dumplings, and Shanghainese cuisine (average price: ¥20-50 per dish)
  • Explore the many street food stalls and markets throughout the city
  • Be adventurous and try new flavors and dishes!