Shanghai 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Shanghai Itinerary: A Taste of the City

This itinerary focuses on experiencing a mix of Shanghai’s iconic sights, cultural gems, and delicious food. It’s adaptable to your interests - you can easily swap out days or add more activities focused on specific themes (history, architecture, nature, etc.).

Day 1: Historical Immersion

  • Morning: Explore the Bund, a historic waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Huangpu River and the city’s skyline.

    • Activity: Stroll along the riverfront, marvel at the colonial architecture, and take photos of iconic buildings like the Peace Hotel and the Shanghai Customs House.

  • Afternoon: Wander through the Yu Garden, a beautiful classical garden with pavilions, bridges, and ponds. Enjoy tea in a traditional tea house.

    • Things to know: Be prepared for crowds at both the Bund and Yu Garden, especially during peak season. Wear comfortable shoes!

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Indulge in a delicious Shanghainese dinner at Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐). This renowned restaurant is famous for its soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and other traditional delicacies.

    • Activity: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the French Concession, exploring its bars, restaurants, and cafes.

Day 2: Temples & Tradition

  • Morning: Visit the Jade Buddha Temple (玉佛寺), a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Marvel at the two jade statues of Buddha, explore the temple grounds, and experience the peaceful atmosphere.

    • Things to know: Dress modestly for entry into temples.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the traditional culture at the Shanghai Museum. Discover ancient artifacts, paintings, and calligraphy from China’s rich history.

    • Tip: Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Lost Heaven (云南菜), a restaurant with authentic Yunnanese cuisine (think delicious mushrooms and tofu dishes!), or try some local street food for a more affordable and immersive experience.
    • Activity: Take a cooking class in the evening to learn how to make your own Shanghai dumplings or other local dishes.

Day 3: Modern Marvels & Gardens

  • Morning: Explore the futuristic architecture of the Pudong district, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower.

    • Activity: Take a trip up to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower for stunning panoramic views of the city or visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (上海城市规划展览馆) for an interactive look at the city’s development.

  • Afternoon: Experience the modern charm of the Shanghai Museum of Modern Art.

    • Tip: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony demonstration and tea tasting at the museum. It’s a great way to learn about Chinese culture and enjoy a delicious cup of tea!

Day 4: Cultural Immersion & Relaxation

  • Morning: Explore the Jade Buddha Temple, one of Shanghai’s oldest and most beautiful Buddhist temples.

    • Things to do: Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, wander through the Yuyuan Garden (豫园), experience traditional Chinese calligraphy or painting workshops, enjoy a delicious Shanghainese lunch at nearby restaurants like Jia Jia Tang Bao (家家汤包) for their famous soup dumplings.

  • Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the serenity of the Shanghai Botanical Gardens (上海植物園).

    • Tip: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony demonstration and learn about the history and symbolism behind this ancient cultural practice.

  • Evening: Explore the vibrant nightlife of the French Concession, with its bustling bars and restaurants, offering a variety of international cuisines and Shanghai’s charming ambiance.

Day 5: Foodie Adventure & Shopping

    • Morning: Wander through the French Concession, exploring its historical architecture, trendy cafes, and local markets.

      • Things to do: Visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (上海宣傳畫報展覽中心) for a unique glimpse into the past.

  • Afternoon:

    Enjoy a delicious meal at Jia Jia Tang Bao, a popular choice known for its authentic Shanghai dumplings and other traditional dishes.

  • Things to do: Immerse yourself in the modern art scene by visiting the Power Station of Art (上海当代艺术博物馆).

Things to see & explore:

  • The Bund: This iconic waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai skyline.

  • Shanghai Museum: Explore a vast collection of Chinese artifacts from ancient times to modern art.

  • Shopping: Visit Nanjing Road (南京路) for high-end shopping, or explore the quirky shops and boutiques in the French Concession.

Things to know:

  • Shanghai has many historical sites, but the Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple is a great place to start getting a sense of the city’s past.
  • Nanjing Road is known for its shopping malls and bustling street scene.

Things to do:

  • Shopping: Visit the Tianzifang Art Market (田子坊) for a more unique, local souvenir experience.

Accommodation:

  • The Bund: The Bund offers a variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options like Youth Hostel to luxury stays at The Peninsula Shanghai.

  • Luxury & Boutique Hotels: For a luxurious stay, consider the Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt Shanghai, or Jade on the Bund.

  • Budget-Friendly Options: Explore hostels in the heart of the action for a social and affordable experience.

Transportation:

  • The Shanghai Metro is an efficient and cost-effective way to get around the city.
  • Consider using ride-sharing apps like Didi Chuxing or taxis (use your phone’s map app to navigate)

Things to do:

  • Explore the Shanghai History Museum for a deeper dive into the city’s past.

Food & Culture:

  • Visit a traditional tea house: The Shanghai Tea House in the French Concession is a great option for experiencing this local delight.

  • Eat lunch:

Enjoy the experience of a traditional Chinese meal, like trying out Xiao Long Bao (Shanghai Soup Dumplings) at Din Tai Fung.

  • Dinner: Experience a modern twist on classic dishes in the French Concession, a vibrant area with many restaurants to choose from.

Things to consider:

  • Language: While English is becoming more common, especially in tourist areas, learning some basic Mandarin phrases can be helpful for navigating.

  • Currency: The official currency in China is the yuan (CNY).

  • Weather: Shanghai’s weather can vary greatly. Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly.

Transportation:

  • Taxi & Ride-Sharing:

Download a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco to help you communicate with drivers.

  • Metro: You can use the Shanghai Metro App (available in English) for navigation and real-time updates.

Things to know:

  • Nanjing Road: This iconic street is easily accessible by metro.
  • Shanghai Museum:

Consider visiting the MFA Shanghai or exploring the Shanghai History Exhibition Hall. Food & Drink:

  • Public transportation: Shanghai’s public transportation system is efficient and affordable.
  • Food stalls: Explore the vibrant food culture at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Museum.

Things to do:

  • Nanjing Road: Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of this shopping street, with its mix of modern and traditional architecture.

  • Shanghai Museum: Take a break from the shopping scene and visit this cultural gem for a dose of history and art.

  • Explore the city:

The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre is located in the former Shanghai Art & Craft Factory, which adds to the charm!

  • Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony: Learn about the cultural significance of these ceremonies and experience the beauty of the ritual firsthand.

  • Visit the Shanghai Museum or any other museum for a deeper cultural immersion.

  • Travel by public transportation: The city’s history is reflected in its architecture, museums, and art scene.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony:

Experience the local culture at a tea house: Ask locals for recommendations on authentic tea houses for a truly immersive experience.

Public Transportation:

  • Shanghai Museum: The museum is easily accessible by public transportation.

Food & Culture:

  • Nanjing Road: Enjoy the variety of food stalls and traditional restaurants along this vibrant street.
  • Traditional Tea Houses: You can immerse yourself in the cultural traditions of Shanghai, like a tea ceremony, by visiting one of the many traditional tea houses in the city.

Things to consider:

  • Transportation: The Shanghai Museum is located near People’s Square, so you can take the metro (Line 10) and get off at the Shanghai Museum station.

  • Currency: The official currency in China is the yuan (CNY).

  • Currency: For a traditional cultural experience, consider visiting the Shanghai Museum or Shanghai Art Museum, which are both easily accessible by public transport.

  • Nanjing Road: Enjoy the variety of shopping options on this street, from traditional tea houses to modern shopping malls.

  • Money exchange: You can find currency exchange booths on Nanjing Road or at the airport and train stations.

  • Travel:

Enjoy traditional Shanghai food: Try the local dumplings (xiaolongbao) in the Nanjing Road area.

Things to enjoy:

  • Traditional tea houses: Explore different types of tea, like green, black, or oolong, and learn about the history of these institutions.
  • Food culture: Enjoy traditional Chinese snacks and treats like mooncakes or sesame candy at a local market.

Important tips:

  • Safety:

Remember that tap water is not always safe to drink in China.

  • Nanjing Road: Visit museums and galleries for a more modern experience.

  • Public transportation: The Shanghai Metro is safe, reliable, and affordable.

  • Language barrier: Download a translation app like Google Translate or Pleco.

  • Food & Drink: Try different food stalls for authentic local cuisine.

Enjoy the experience:

Remember to carry cash (yuan) for smaller purchases.

  • Safety: Don’t be afraid to try some of the street food! It’s a great way to experience authentic Shanghai flavors.
  • Cultural experience:

Learning a few basic Mandarin phrases will be helpful, especially if you want to

interact with local vendors and get a more authentic experience: *

Learn some Chinese:

Many locals don’t speak English, so learning a few basic phrases can help you navigate the city.

  • Try traditional delicacies:

Shanghai is known for its diverse food scene, so explore different dishes! Don’t be afraid to try new things:

A key part of exploring a new culture is trying the local food. Safety: Remember that it’s important to prioritize your safety and health when traveling.

  • Try the Chinese street food:

The city has numerous food stalls:

  • Explore other cuisines:

Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes from various cultures. Take advantage of the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

Enjoy traditional snacks:

Try a local delicacy like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at a stall in the Nanjing Road area.

Food safety:

Carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer and use it often!

  • Remember, it’s always good to be adventurous and try new things when traveling.

Transportation:

Remember that public transportation is a great way to see the city. Enjoy the Shanghai Metro:

It’s an efficient and affordable way to get around.

Learn some basic Mandarin phrases for easier communication.

Safety Tips:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: This is crucial in any new city, but even more so in a bustling place like Shanghai.

  • Keep valuables safe:

Carry them close or in an inner pocket. Use money belts or secure bags to protect important items.

Have fun and enjoy the local culture!

Transportation Tips:

Download a map app and buy a “Shanghai Public Transportation Card” for easy travel.

  • Keep your belongings close, especially on crowded public transportation.

Shanghai’s Public Transportation System:

  • Public transport is safe and efficient:

Use it to explore different areas of the city. Transportation: The Shanghai Metro is an excellent resource.

  • Safety:

Always be aware of pickpockets when traveling in crowded areas, especially on public transportation.

  • Learn a few Mandarin phrases:

Knowing basic phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “where’s the nearest…” can help.

**Enjoy traditional Chinese food:

Shanghai is known for its delicious food.

Be sure to download a VPN for secure internet access.

  • Safety:

Try visiting a local market with a guide for a deeper understanding of the city.

  • Explore different neighborhoods:

Find a reputable taxi service or use public transport apps for safety and convenience:

The Shanghai Metro is efficient and safe.

Transportation:

  • Be aware of traffic conditions and be patient during rush hour.
  • Download the “Metro” app to navigate the Shanghai Metro system easily.

Use public transport to explore different neighborhoods and enjoy authentic local experiences.

Remember that this information is helpful for travelers, but the experience can be enhanced by a guide:

  • They can translate menus, recommend dishes, and even help you navigate the maze of street food stalls:

Safety:

Be sure to carry cash (yuan) for smaller establishments. Ask your guide for tips on what to try at stalls with limited English. Learn basic Mandarin phrases like “xiexie” (thank you), “wo bu mingbai” (I don’t understand), and “nihao” (hello) for a better experience interacting with locals.

Keep in mind:

The translation apps are good for learning the price of things, but they won’t always be accurate at smaller stalls and markets:

  • Public Transportation:

Learn about the best places to eat in Shanghai.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s street food scene. Enjoy the experience:

Remember that safety is key when traveling in a foreign city.

Be sure to research and download a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app for safe internet access.

Download basic translation apps.

  • Use a translator: For a more immersive experience, try ordering from local vendors who don’t speak English. Remember:

Safety Tips**:

  • Remember that the Shanghai Metro is the best way to get around.
  • Keep your phone charged and download a translation app.
  • Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for secure internet access while traveling in Shanghai.

This is just a sample itinerary, of course. You can customize it to your interests and time constraints.

Remember:

Enjoy the process of exploring and discovering new things!

Have fun and be safe!