Shanghai, China-7-day-itinerary
Shanghai 7-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Exploration
- Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and take a taxi or metro (Line 2) to your hotel
- Afternoon: Visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower (368m, 1,214ft) for panoramic views of the city ( tickets: ¥150-200)
- Evening: Explore the vibrant Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers
- Dinner: Try traditional Shanghainese cuisine at Jia Jia Tang Bao (), a popular spot for soup dumplings (average price: ¥50-100 per person)
- Accommodation: Stay at the Grand Central Hotel Shanghai or similar (average price: ¥800-1,200 per night)
Day 2: History and Culture
- Morning: Visit the Shanghai Museum (), featuring a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts (free admission)
- Afternoon: Explore the French Concession, a charming neighborhood with European-style architecture and trendy cafes
- Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre (), hosting various cultural events and concerts (tickets: ¥50-200)
- Dinner: Savor modern Chinese cuisine at Ultraviolet (), a Michelin-starred restaurant (average price: ¥500-800 per person)
Day 3: Waterfront and Views
- Morning: Stroll along the Huangpu River waterfront, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline
- Afternoon: Take a ferry to Pu Dong New Area, home to the futuristic Lujiazui Financial District
- Evening: Dine at The Roof (), located on the 32nd floor of the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong (average price: ¥300-500 per person)
- Tips: Try to avoid visiting during peak hours or weekends when possible
Day 4: Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Morning: Take a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town (), a picturesque ancient town about an hour away from Shanghai ( tickets: ¥150-200, including transportation and entrance fees)
- Afternoon: Explore the town’s canals, bridges, and traditional architecture
- Evening: Return to Shanghai and enjoy dinner at Xia Yang Sheng Jian (), serving traditional Shanghainese street food (average price: ¥20-50 per person)
Day 5: Modern Shanghai
- Morning: Visit the Shanghai Tower (), currently the world’s second-tallest building (tickets: ¥150-200)
- Afternoon: Explore the trendy Xintiandi () area, featuring upscale boutiques and restaurants
- Evening: Enjoy cocktails at The Commune Social (), a stylish bar with live music (average price: ¥100-200 per person)
Day 6: Gardens and Temples
- Morning: Visit the peaceful Yu Garden (), a classical Chinese garden (tickets: ¥40-50)
- Afternoon: Explore the Jade Buddha Temple (), a tranquil Buddhist temple housing two famous jade Buddha statues (tickets: ¥20-30)
- Evening: Dine at Din Tai Fung (), a popular Taiwanese-Chinese restaurant chain (average price: ¥100-200 per person)
Day 7: Last Day in Shanghai
- Morning: Visit the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (), featuring a stunning array of marine life (tickets: ¥120-180)
- Afternoon: Spend time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market, such as the AP Plaza ()
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Fu He Hui (), serving modern vegetarian cuisine (average price: ¥200-300 per person)
Transportation
- Shanghai Metro: efficient and convenient way to travel around the city (¥3-10 per ride)
- Taxi: available, but may not speak English (average fare: ¥20-50)
- Bus: a budget-friendly option, but less frequent and more crowded (¥1-5 per ride)
Things to Know
- Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but many locals speak some English
- Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB), with credit cards widely accepted
- Weather: Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and chilly winters
- Safety: Shanghai is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
Tips
- Try to learn basic Mandarin phrases to show respect and appreciation for the culture
- Download ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing or taxi apps like Shanghai Taxi to navigate the city
- Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions
- Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or gardens