Start your first morning in Shanghai with a peaceful walk through Fuxing Park, watching locals practice tai chi and enjoying French Concession tree-lined streets, then stop for a classic Shanghai breakfast of soy milk and youtiao at Wujie Breakfast (无界早餐). Afterward, explore the leafy lanes to discover boutique shops and street art around Tianzifang, where narrow alleys open into craft studios and cafés — a gentle introduction before the afternoon bustle at The Bund and Nanjing Road.
After a relaxed morning in the French Concession, head to The Bund for an iconic riverside stroll, snapping photos of the colonial facades and the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Walk east along Nanjing Road (East) to experience lively street performers and department stores, then pause for tea and snacks at Huxinting Teahouse tucked into the old lanes near the river before an evening river cruise or rooftop skyline view.
As twilight falls, take an atmospheric Huangpu River ferry to Lujiazui Riverside Promenade for glittering views of Pudong, then head to Xintiandi for a lively dinner scene in restored shikumen courtyards—choose a modern Shanghainese restaurant or trendy fusion spot. After dinner, finish with a craft cocktail or tea at the rooftop bar of BFC Shanghai (Bund Finance Center) to soak in the illuminated skyline before a leisurely walk back toward your hotel.
Begin your morning wandering the historic lanes around Yu Garden, taking in the classical Chinese garden pavilions and koi ponds before enjoying a steamed dumpling breakfast at the famous Nanxiang Mantou Dian. Continue exploring the atmospheric stalls of Yuyuan Bazaar for tea tastings and local snacks, then walk to the nearby City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) to observe traditional worship and shop for silk fans and calligraphy supplies.
From Yuyuan Bazaar, cross to the nearby Old City God Temple Market lanes to sample street eats like stinky tofu and sugar-coated hawthorn while hunting for vintage trinkets and tea leaves; pause at Fengze Tea House for a guided oolong tasting to learn brewing rituals. Later, stroll west to the elegant plazas around People's Square, visit the modern temporary exhibitions at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, then relax with an early evening coffee at the leafy courtyard café inside Kerry Parkside before your museum visit.
As dusk settles, wander into the atmospheric lanes of Shouning Road to sample small-plate Shanghainese street snacks at casual stalls, then slip into the intimate tea salon of Fangfang Tea House for a relaxed tasting of aged oolong and jasmine blends. After tea, head to Shanghai Concert Hall or the nearby Grand Theatre Square for an evening performance or simply enjoy people-watching and late-night dessert at the cozy patisserie Luneurs before a short riverside walk to digest the day.
Start your morning with panoramic city views from the observation deck of Shanghai Tower, then descend to explore the futuristic public spaces and art installations in Lujiazui Central Green for a relaxing stroll beside sculptural fountains. Afterward, visit Shanghai Science and Technology Museum for interactive exhibits—pause at the museum café for a light brunch before crossing to Century Park to enjoy lakeside paths and the seasonal gardens, a calm contrast to the skyscraper skyline.
After your morning at Shanghai Tower and Century Park, take a riverside taxi to explore the cutting-edge art hub at Power Station of Art, where contemporary exhibitions and multimedia installations offer a contrast to skyline views. Follow this with a leisurely stroll and café stop at Binjiang Avenue—pop into the design-focused shops at IFC Mall for boutique finds, then enjoy a sunset drink on the terrace of The Nest or a riverside tea at M on the Bund (riverside sibling locations available in Pudong) to watch the city lights come alive across the Huangpu.
As night falls, wander the illuminated promenades of Lujiazui Riverside Park and pause at the sculptural lights beside the river for skyline photos; then stroll to the nearby waterside terrace of Armani/Ristorante or Din Tai Fung (Pudong IFC branch) for a relaxed dinner with river views. Afterward, soak up Pudong’s nocturnal energy with craft cocktails at Bar Rouge (Pudong sister location) or a tea flight at the intimate Seesaw Coffee (IFC branch), finishing with a gentle riverside walk under the glowing towers to connect tonight’s view with the morning’s Shanghai Tower panorama.
After your flight to Chengdu, ease into the city with a leisurely breakfast at Zhengxing Teahouse, sampling local jasmine tea and Chengdu-style breakfast snacks, then stroll through the leafy lanes of People’s Park to watch locals play mahjong and sip tea at the historic ponds. Continue to Wenshu Monastery to wander its tranquil courtyards and try freshly made vegetarian dim sum at the temple tea house, finishing with a visit to the nearby Kuanzhai Courtyards Visitor Center to get oriented for the evening’s explorations.
After settling into your hotel, wander through the historic lanes of People’s South Road toward the atmospheric Wuhou Shrine Garden, where three-way stories of the Three Kingdoms are told among shaded courtyards and sculpted pavilions, then enjoy a late lunch of Sichuan small plates at the nearby classic eatery Chen Mapo Tofu (陈麻婆豆腐). Spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the cultural boutiques and tea houses along Jinli Ancient Street’s quieter sidestreets—sample local candied fruit at a shop stall and stop for a calming cup at Shu Fang Tea House, preparing you for an evening of lantern-lit promenades in Kuanzhai Alley.
As lanterns come alive, wander the lively lanes of Jinli Ancient Street Night Market sampling sweet haw flakes and spicy rabbit head from stall vendors, then settle at Zhuo Zhengyuan Teahouse for a Sichuan tea ceremony paired with local pastries. Afterward, drift into the atmospheric courtyards of Kuanzhai Alley Night Quarter to catch a Sichuan opera face-changing mini-show and finish the night with late-night hotpot at the beloved local spot Huangcheng Laoma, soaking up the warm, communal vibe before returning to your hotel.
Rise early and catch the most active hours at Bifengxia Panda Valley's quieter enclosures or the nearby Dujiangyan Panda Base for close-up viewing of playful cubs and keeper talks that explain conservation work, then enjoy a relaxed bamboo-themed breakfast at the base café. After the panda visit, stroll through the serene ponds and teahouses of Yulin Park where you can join locals sipping jasmine tea and watch traditional Sichuan folk music performances before heading toward People’s Park for an afternoon of tea-house culture.
After a morning with the pandas, take a leisurely taxi to Kuanzhai Alley’s quieter courtyards to explore restored shikumen architecture, pop into a local teahouse for chrysanthemum tea at Shu Shi Tea House, and browse boutique shops selling Sichuan handicrafts. Later, meander to Kuan Alley Food Street to sample Chengdu snacks like dan dan noodles and danbing pancakes, then relax with people-watching and a mahjong lesson at the serene lakeside pavilion in Huanhuaxi Park, connecting the day’s wildlife wonder to Chengdu’s everyday social rhythms.
As dusk falls, enjoy a relaxed Sichuan-style dinner at Yu’s Family Kitchen (Yu’s Cuisine) sampling refined homestyle dishes, then stroll to Anren Ancient Town’s riverside lanes for lantern-lit cafes and artisan shops—a quieter alternative to the bustle that links your panda morning to Chengdu’s historic neighborhoods. Finish with a nightcap at the cozy craft-tea bar The Teahouse at Narrow Alley Annex, where you can savor aged oolong while listening to local storytellers and reflecting on the day’s wildlife encounters.
Set out early for a scenic drive to Mount Emei Scenic Area and board the short river cruise below Leshan Giant Buddha to admire the colossal statue from the water while hearing stories from a local guide about its 8th-century carving; afterward, climb the shaded stone steps toward the temple complex at Lingyun Temple to take in panoramic river views. If you choose the mountain option, begin with a gentle hike through fragrant bamboo groves to Qingyin Pavilion on Mount Qingcheng, pausing at the traditional Taoist Laojun Temple for incense and a tea break with locally made herb-infused snacks before continuing higher into misty trails.
After the morning water viewpoint or mountain temples, wander the peaceful terraces of Emeishan Tea Plantation Visitor Area to learn about local tea cultivars and enjoy a hands-on tea picking demo followed by a tasting of freshly brewed Mengding green tea; pause for a countryside lunch at A’jia Guesthouse to sample homestyle Sichuan vegetable dishes and smoked tofu. Later, explore the nearby riverside village of Mingshan Old Street with its stone bridges and ceramic shops, stopping at Shu Folk Crafts Workshop to try a short pottery or woodcarving experience that connects the day’s monumental sights to regional craft traditions.
After a day of monumental sights or mountain trails, return toward Chengdu and unwind with a riverside dinner at Hejiangting Riverside Restaurant, sampling Sichuan fish in a mellow atmosphere while watching locals stroll the quay. Continue the evening with a leisurely visit to Jinsha Site Museum Park's lit pathways for a quiet stroll and end with craft cocktails or tea at the nearby boutique bar The Temple House Courtyard Bar, reflecting on the day's landscapes and cultural discoveries.
Begin your morning with a hands-on Sichuan cooking class at A Bite of Chengdu Cooking School, where a local chef guides you through selecting fresh ingredients at Wenshu Monastery Market and teaches signature dishes like mapo tofu and kung pao using regional techniques. After the class, linger over your creations with a relaxed tea pairing at Huanhuaxi Teahouse, then take a gentle stroll through the nearby Matchmaker’s Bridge Park to digest and watch locals practice morning exercises, connecting yesterday’s cultural explorations to today’s culinary immersion.
After your cooking class morning, wander over to the leafy lanes near Jinli Ancient Street and settle for a late lunch of regional snacks at Long Chao Shou to compare chef-taught techniques with street versions. In the late afternoon, enjoy a calming tea ritual and dessert tasting at the artisan Taikoo Li Tea Loft, then recline with a traditional Sichuan foot massage at the highly regarded Happy Foot Spa (Kuanzhai Branch) before an easy early evening of people-watching in the nearby plazas.
As night falls, take a short taxi to the atmospheric quay and enjoy a riverside meal at Zaojun Riverside Restaurant, sampling mellow Sichuan fish and seasonal vegetable dishes while watching local evening life. After dinner, stroll to Jinli East Lane for artisan snack stalls and a quieter teahouse vibe, then end the night with a live-folk set and specialty jasmine tea at the intimate music bar Blue Papaya Livehouse, a relaxed way to savor Chengdu’s culinary and cultural rhythms before returning to your hotel.
Arrive mid-morning and ease back into Shanghai with a leisurely brunch at Café del Volcán in the leafy Anfu Road neighborhood, followed by wandering the boutique-filled lanes to discover local designers at Anfu Lu Shops and vintage finds at Book & Bed Shanghai. Continue with a tranquil visit to the hidden garden oasis of Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen (South Xizang Road branch gardens) for photo-friendly colonial architecture and stop at Seesaw Coffee (Anfu Road) to sip a single-origin pour while planning your afternoon French Concession ramble.
After arriving and dropping your bags, head to Fuxing Park (southern lawns) to join locals playing chess and watch elegant tai chi groups before grabbing a late-afternoon specialty tea at the nearby Fruitage Tea House. From there, wander the leafy lanes toward Sinan Mansions to explore restored Art Deco courtyards and boutique galleries, finishing with an aperitif and small plates on the terrace of Le Botanist (Sinan Mansions) as twilight settles and sets you up perfectly for an evening back on the Bund.
As night falls, head to Xintiandi South for dinner at a stylish shikumen restaurant—try contemporary Shanghainese tasting plates paired with local craft beer at The Chopsticks House—then wander the lantern-lit lanes toward Huaihai Road Pedestrian Street for window shopping and people-watching. Finish with a rooftop nightcap at The Puli Hotel Rooftop Bar or an intimate jazz set at JZ Club (Xintiandi branch), letting the mellow music and city lights knit this return-to-Shanghai evening to your earlier French Concession stroll.
Catch an early suburban metro or taxi to the atmospheric canals of Zhujiajiao Water Town, where you can wander stone bridges and narrow lanes before boarding a wooden gondola for a guided canal cruise that reveals hidden courtyards and local life; pause at Kezhi Garden to admire classical Ming-Qing landscaping and tea rooms. Alternatively, stay in the city and begin with a calm morning at Long Museum West Bund for modern Chinese art, followed by a riverside walk to Yuz Museum to see large-scale installations and a relaxed brunch at the museum café, linking your earlier Shanghai highlights with a quieter, art-focused morning.
If you stayed in Zhujiajiao, linger into the afternoon exploring the quieter canals beyond the main bridge: pop into Fangsheng Bridge Antique Market for handmade crafts, then enjoy a riverside lunch of freshwater river shrimp and steamed buns at Zhengsheng Lou before taking a guided paddle-boat through the town’s back alleys to spot hidden courtyards. If you remained in the city, spend the afternoon gallery-hopping at M50 Creative Park to discover local contemporary artists, pause for matcha and pastries at Seesaw Coffee (West Bund studio), then browse design-forward homewares at Muli Studio—a calm, creative bridge between your museum morning and evening shopping plans.
Return to the city and settle into a relaxed evening at Tianzifang Night Market for artisanal snacks and handmade souvenirs, then wander toward Sinan Mansions Courtyard to sip cocktails on a quiet terrace and enjoy people-watching in an atmospheric historic setting. Finish with a late visit to The Bund’s Peace Hotel Jazz Bar for live music or, for a contemporary finish, rooftop views and modern small plates at Flair Rooftop (Raffles City), tying tonight gently back to your earlier Bund and French Concession evenings.
Spend a relaxed final morning wandering the boutique-lined lanes of Huaihai Road for last-minute fashion finds, then pop into the designer concept store Fang Suo Commune to pick up curated books and local design gifts. Finish with a leisurely dim sum brunch at the classic Shanghainese teahouse Lao Zhengxing before returning to your hotel to collect bags and head to the airport, stitching this easygoing finale to your earlier Bund and French Concession explorations.
After your Huaihai Road morning, spend the afternoon exploring the galleries and independent boutiques around Xintiandi Style—pop into the curated design shop Three on the Bund Gallery for last-minute art buys and visit Hess Collection for contemporary Chinese works. Stop for a late lunch and people-watching on the terrace at M on the Bund (Xintiandi branch), then stroll through the nearby leafy lanes to pick up gourmet souvenirs at City Shop Gourmet (Xintiandi deli) before returning to your hotel to collect bags and head to the airport.
For a relaxed final evening, head to the elegant riverside promenades of Waitan Riverside Promenade to enjoy one last view of the Huangpu under night lights, then cross into the historic former trading floors at The Bund 18 for a leisurely dinner featuring refined Shanghainese specialties. Afterward, pick up gourmet souvenirs and tea at Dongtai Road Antiques Market (evening stalls) and finish with a calming late-night tea flight at Seventh Son Tea House, letting the city’s lights and flavors close out your trip before you collect bags for departure.