Shanghai China 6 Day Itinerary

Shanghai 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of The Bund

  • Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to your hotel in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Visit The Bund (), a iconic waterfront area with stunning views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and admire the colonial-era architecture.
  • Evening: Head to Nanjing Road (), one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, for dinner and exploration. Try some traditional Shanghainese cuisine at Jia Jia Tang Bao () or Din Tai Fung ().
  • Accommodation: Stay at a hotel in the Jing’an District, such as the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai or The Yangtze Boutique Hotel.
  • Tips: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions. Download a VPN to access Google Maps and other blocked websites.

Day 2: French Concession and Art Deco

  • Morning: Visit the French Concession (), a charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and art deco architecture. Explore the Shanghai French Concession Museum () to learn about the area’s history.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the Xintiandi () complex, a trendy area filled with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and bars. Grab lunch at Crystal Jade (), a popular spot for Cantonese cuisine.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Shanghainese performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre ().
  • Transportation: Use the metro (Lines 1, 10, or 12) to get around the city.

Day 3: Ancient Water Towns and Canals

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town (), a picturesque town with canals, bridges, and traditional architecture. Try some local street food for lunch.
  • Afternoon: Return to Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Museum () to learn about the city’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Explore the Wai Tan () area, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.
  • Tips: Be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting ancient towns.

Day 4: Futuristic Pudong and Lujiazui

  • Morning: Cross the Huangpu River to Pudong New Area (), a futuristic district with stunning skyscrapers. Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower () for panoramic views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Lujiazui Financial District (), a hub for finance and commerce. Stop by the Shanghai Stock Exchange ().
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Ultraviolet (), a Michelin-starred restaurant with a futuristic theme.
  • Transportation: Take the metro (Line 2) to get to Pudong.

Day 5: Gardens and Temples

  • Morning: Visit the Yu Garden (), a classical Chinese garden with beautiful architecture and landscaping.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Jade Buddha Temple (), a peaceful oasis with stunning Buddhist artifacts. Try some vegetarian cuisine at the temple’s restaurant.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Shanghainese dinner at Old Jesse Restaurant ().
  • Tips: Dress modestly when visiting temples and gardens.

Day 6: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market, such as the AP Plaza ().
  • Afternoon: Depart for Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and your return journey home.
  • Tips: Leave enough time to get to the airport and clear customs before your flight.

Additional Tips and Information

  • Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English. Consider downloading a translation app or carrying a phrasebook.
  • Currency: The Renminbi (RMB) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks, currency exchanges, or use ATMs.
  • Safety: Shanghai is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Weather: Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and chilly winters. Pack accordingly and stay hydrated.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, architecture, and entertainment, giving you a well-rounded experience of Shanghai. Enjoy your trip!