Shanghai-7-day-itinerary

Shanghai 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the French Concession

  • Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to your hotel in the French Concession area.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the iconic Shanghai French Concession, a historic neighborhood with charming streets, boutique shops, and European-style architecture.
    • Stop by Xintiandi, a trendy pedestrian street lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Jia Jia Tang Bao, a popular spot for Shanghai’s signature soup dumplings. Try the famous Xiaolongbao!
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund or similar, located in the heart of the French Concession.

Day 2: The Bund and Huangpu River

  • Morning:
    • Walk along The Bund, a scenic waterfront promenade with stunning views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline.
    • Visit the Shanghai Museum, which features a collection of Chinese art and cultural artifacts.
  • Afternoon: Take a Huangpu River Cruise to see the city’s iconic landmarks from a different perspective.
  • Evening: Savor dinner at Lost Heaven, a restaurant serving Yunnan-inspired cuisine in a beautiful courtyard setting.
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions.
    • Try to avoid visiting during peak hours (10am-4pm) if possible.

Day 3: Shanghai’s Iconic Landmarks

  • Morning: Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, a iconic TV tower with panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Shanghai World Financial Center, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and enjoy stunning views from its observation deck on the 94th floor.
    • Stop by Lujiazui, a popular spot for taking in the sights and sounds of Pudong’s futuristic skyline.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Din Tai Fung, a Michelin-starred Taiwanese restaurant with a Shanghai twist.

Day 4: Ancient Water Towns

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town, a charming water town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture. (~1 hour by taxi or bus)
  • Afternoon: Explore the town’s many shops, cafes, and restaurants, and enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the canals.
  • Evening: Return to Shanghai and enjoy dinner at Bao Luo Chun, a popular spot for Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 5: Cultural Experiences

  • Morning: Visit the Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with beautiful architecture, pavilions, and tranquil surroundings.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, a unique museum showcasing Chinese propaganda art from the 1940s to 1990s.
    • Attend a traditional tea ceremony at a local teahouse, such as the Huxinting Teahouse.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Fu He Hui, a vegetarian restaurant with a peaceful atmosphere.

Day 6: Shopping and Entertainment

  • Morning: Visit Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, lined with department stores, boutiques, and street food stalls.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Shanghai IAPM Mall, a luxury shopping mall with international brands and restaurants.
    • Catch a performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre, a stunning venue hosting various cultural and entertainment events.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund, a trendy restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market, such as the Tongchuan Road Market.
  • Afternoon: Depart for Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and head home.

Transportation:

  • Metro: Efficient and convenient, with English signs and announcements. Buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for easy travel.
  • Taxi: Widely available, but not all drivers speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver.
  • Didi Chuxing (Chinese Uber): A popular ride-hailing app with an English interface.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many Shanghainese speak some English. Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook.
  • Currency: Chinese yuan (RMB). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
  • Weather: Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and chilly winters. Pack accordingly.
  • Safety: Shanghai is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Respect local customs: Remove your shoes when entering temples or homes, and avoid finishing a meal completely (it implies the host didn’t provide enough food).

Other Recommendations:

  • Take a cooking class to learn about Shanghainese cuisine and ingredients.
  • Visit the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of the city from its observation deck on the 118th floor.
  • Explore the trendy Jing’an neighborhood, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and hip restaurants.

Enjoy your trip to Shanghai!