Shanghai, China-5-day-itinerary
Shanghai 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
Morning
- Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- Take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to your hotel in the city center
- Check-in to your hotel, such as the JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai or The Yangtze Boutique Hotel
Afternoon
- Visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views of the city
- Take a stroll along the Bund, a famous waterfront promenade
Evening
- Enjoy traditional Shanghainese cuisine at Jia Jia Tang Bao, a popular restaurant serving xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
- Explore the vibrant nightlife of Xintiandi, a trendy neighborhood with bars, clubs, and live music venues
Day 2: Cultural Heritage
Morning
- Visit the Shanghai Museum to learn about Chinese art, history, and culture
- Explore the beautiful Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden
Afternoon
- Take a walk along Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in Shanghai
- Visit the Shanghai Grand Theatre for a performance or guided tour
Evening
- Enjoy a traditional Chinese acrobatic show at the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe
- Try some street food at the Wuhan Fangbang Road Night Market
Day 3: Modern Shanghai
Morning
- Visit the Shanghai Tower for stunning views of the city
- Explore the trendy Jing’an District, known for its boutique shops and art galleries
Afternoon
- Take a trip to the Shanghai Disney Resort for a fun-filled day of rides, shows, and Disney magic
- Visit the M50 Art District, a hub for contemporary art and design
Evening
- Enjoy a rooftop cocktail at the Bar Rouge in the Bund 18 building
- Try some modern Shanghainese cuisine at Ultraviolet, a Michelin-starred restaurant
Day 4: Day Trip to Hangzhou
Morning
- Take a high-speed train (approximately 1.5 hours) from Shanghai Hongqiao Station to Hangzhou East Station
- Visit the famous West Lake, a popular spot for boating and hiking
Afternoon
- Explore the beautiful Xixi National Wetland Park
- Visit the Longjing Tea Plantation to learn about green tea production
Evening
- Return to Shanghai by high-speed train
- Enjoy a farewell dinner at Lao Jiang Shandong Noodle, a popular restaurant serving northern Chinese cuisine
Day 5: Departure
Morning
- Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or visiting any attractions you missed earlier in the trip
- Check-out of your hotel and head to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for your departure flight
Transportation
- Metro: Shanghai has an extensive metro system with English signs and announcements. Buy a prepaid IC card (e.g., Shanghai Public Transportation Card) for convenient travel.
- Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but few drivers speak English. Have your destination written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
- Bus: Buses cover most areas of the city, but can be crowded and difficult to navigate for non-Chinese speakers.
Tips
- Learn some basic Chinese phrases (e.g., “hello” - nǐ hǎo, “thank you” - xiè xiè) to show respect and appreciation.
- Download a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access blocked websites and apps in China.
- Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
- Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am, 4-7 pm) when possible.
Things to Know
- Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Pack accordingly.
- The official currency is the Chinese yuan (RMB). Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or cultural sites.
- Be mindful of air quality indexes and take necessary precautions.
This itinerary provides a mix of cultural experiences, modern attractions, and delicious food, giving you a well-rounded taste of Shanghai. Enjoy your trip!