Morning: Board a budget‑friendly flight from Brest Bretagne Airport to Paris Charles‑de‑Gaulle, then connect on a low‑cost carrier to Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Enjoy a simple in‑flight meal and stretch during the 12‑hour journey.
Afternoon: Arrive in Shanghai, clear customs, and take the Shanghai Maglev to Longyang Road Station, the fastest way to the city center. Transfer to a centrally located budget hostel in the Huangpu district.
Evening: Settle in, freshen up, and stroll along the illuminated Bund promenade, taking in the iconic skyline of the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
Find HotelsMorning: Grab a cheap breakfast of soy milk and youtiao from a local stall, then explore the historic Yu Garden and its surrounding Old City streets, where traditional tea houses await.
Afternoon: Walk to People's Square and visit the free-entry Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center for a panoramic city model. Continue to Nanjing Road for window shopping and street snacks.
Evening: Dine on budget-friendly dumplings at a nearby noodle shop, then enjoy a river cruise on the Huangpu for night views of the neon‑lit skyline.
Find HotelsMorning: Take the metro to the French Concession for a leisurely walk among tree‑lined avenues and boutique cafés, soaking up the colonial ambiance.
Afternoon: Visit the free Shanghai Museum in People's Park, marveling at ancient bronzes and calligraphy. Afterwards, relax in Fuxing Park, where locals practice tai chi.
Evening: Sample affordable street food at Wukang Road Night Market and watch a spontaneous performance by local musicians.
Find HotelsMorning: Ride the metro to Lujiazui and ascend the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower (discounted ticket for students/early birds). Capture sweeping views of the Huangpu River.
Afternoon: Walk to the nearby Jin Mao Tower and explore its sky garden, then relax at the free Shanghai World Financial Center plaza.
Evening: Enjoy a budget dinner at a food court in the Super Brand Mall, followed by a night stroll across the iconic Nanpu Bridge for a different perspective of the skyline.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a cheap regional train to Zhujiajiao, a picturesque water town 55 km from Shanghai. Board a small boat to glide past historic canals and stone bridges.
Afternoon: Explore the charming Kezhi Garden and the ancient Fangsheng Bridge, then enjoy a simple lunch of fresh river fish at a local eatery.
Evening: Return to Shanghai and unwind at the hostel, perhaps joining fellow travelers for a shared cooking night.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the vibrant M50 Creative Park, a former factory turned contemporary art hub with free gallery entrances.
Afternoon: Head to the Tianzifang labyrinth of narrow alleys, browsing boutique shops and affordable cafés. Stop by the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (small entry fee).
Evening: Dine at a budget-friendly hotpot spot in the Huangpu district, then catch a free outdoor music performance in People's Park.
Find HotelsMorning: Wander through the bustling Hongkou Football Stadium Market, sampling fresh fruit, baozi, and local pastries.
Afternoon: Take a cooking class at a community center (often offered for under $15) to learn how to make classic Shanghainese dishes.
Evening: Feast on your own creations, then stroll to the nearby East Nanjing Road for a late‑night shopping stroll.
Find HotelsMorning: Board an early high‑speed train (approx. 30 min, discounted with advance booking) to Suzhou, famed for its classical gardens.
Afternoon: Tour the UNESCO‑listed Humble Administrator's Garden and the historic Pingjiang Road canal district, enjoying inexpensive local snacks.
Evening: Return to Shanghai, relax at the hostel, and perhaps join a group for a low‑cost karaoke session.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit Century Park, Shanghai’s largest urban park, perfect for a leisurely bike ride or picnic.
Afternoon: Explore the adjacent Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (free on certain weekdays) and its interactive exhibits.
Evening: Grab a cheap dinner at a nearby university canteen, then enjoy a free outdoor movie screening at the park (seasonal).
Find HotelsMorning: Discover the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, a moving tribute to WWII history (small donation suggested).
Afternoon: Walk to the historic Shanghai Railway Station to see the restored 1908 building and nearby Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (if missed earlier).
Evening: Enjoy a simple noodle dinner at Jia Jia Tang Bao, famous for its affordable xiaolongbao, then wander the lively Xin Tian Di area (window‑shopping only).
Find HotelsMorning: Return to Nanjing Road for last‑minute souvenir hunting; look for budget-friendly shops and street vendors.
Afternoon: Pack belongings, relax at the hostel lounge, and take a final walk along the Bund to soak up the views.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner of affordable street‑style grilled seafood near Huangpu River, then head to the airport early for the return flight.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly from Shanghai Pudong to Paris CDG on the same low‑cost carrier, then connect to the regional flight back to Brest Bretagne Airport.
Afternoon: Arrive in Brest, clear customs, and take a local bus home.
Evening: Rest after a budget‑friendly adventure, reflecting on memories of Shanghai’s blend of old and new.
Find HotelsTo extend the trip, add an extra day in Hangzhou to see the West Lake and a tea plantation, or spend a full day at Disneyland Shanghai for family fun. If you need to shorten the stay, skip the Suzhou day and combine Day 9’s park visit with Day 10’s historical sites, reducing travel time while still experiencing Shanghai’s key attractions.