How many days do you need in shanghai?

This itinerary covers 7 days in shanghai, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for shanghai?

Plan your perfect 7 days trip to shanghai. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

Discovering Shanghai in 7 Days

Day 1: City Exploration

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

The Bund

Start your day with a leisurely stroll along The Bund, admiring the historic buildings and impressive skyline views.

Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Yu Garden

Step into the tranquility of Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries.

CNY 30, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Din Tai Fung

Indulge in a delightful meal of soup dumplings and other Taiwanese dishes at the famous Din Tai Fung restaurant near Yu Garden.

CNY 100, 1 hour

2:00PM

French Concession

Explore the tree-lined streets, boutiques, and cafes of the charming French Concession area.

Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Jing'an Temple

Visit the Jing'an Temple, a peaceful oasis in the bustling city known for its golden Buddha statue.

CNY 50, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven

Savor a blend of Yunnan and Tibetan flavors at Lost Heaven, a restaurant offering a unique dining experience.

CNY 200, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 2: Modern Marvels

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai Tower

Ascend the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the world.

CNY 150, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet

Experience a multi-sensory dining journey at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering a unique culinary experience.

CNY 2000, 3 hours

3:00PM

Tianzifang

Stroll through the narrow lanes of Tianzifang, an arts and crafts enclave filled with galleries, boutiques, and cafes.

Free, 2 hours

5:30PM

Happy Hour at Speak Low

Unwind with a cocktail at Speak Low, a speakeasy bar hidden behind a secret door in the French Concession.

CNY 100, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Fu 1088

Enjoy a modern twist on traditional Shanghainese cuisine at Fu 1088, a restaurant known for its innovative dishes.

CNY 300, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 3: Historical Charm

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai History Museum

Delve into the history of Shanghai at the Shanghai History Museum, located in the Oriental Pearl Tower.

CNY 80, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Yang's Dumplings

Satisfy your cravings with a plate of piping hot soup dumplings at Yang's Dumplings, a local favorite.

CNY 50, 1 hour

1:00PM

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Immerse yourself in a collection of vintage propaganda posters at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre.

CNY 50, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Longhua Temple

Visit the ancient Longhua Temple, one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Shanghai.

CNY 20, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Shopping at Nanjing Road

Indulge in some retail therapy at Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets with a mix of luxury boutiques and local shops.

Depends on shopping, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road

Treat your taste buds to a culinary journey along the Silk Road at Lost Heaven Silk Road, known for its diverse menu inspired by the ancient trade route.

CNY 250, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai Museum

Explore the impressive collection of Chinese art and artifacts at the Shanghai Museum, showcasing over 120,000 pieces of art.

CNY 60, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Lost Heaven on the Bund

Dine with a view of the Huangpu River at Lost Heaven on the Bund, a restaurant offering a fusion of Yunnan and Tibetan cuisine.

CNY 200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shanghai Circus World

Be mesmerized by a world-class acrobatic performance at Shanghai Circus World, showcasing incredible feats of agility and skill.

CNY 300, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shanghai Film Park

Step into the world of Chinese cinema at the Shanghai Film Park, a studio lot where you can see film sets and learn about the history of Chinese film.

CNY 80, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Lost Heaven Gaoyuan

Experience the flavors of the Yunnan highlands at Lost Heaven Gaoyuan, a restaurant offering a taste of ethnic minority cuisine.

CNY 250, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 5: Nature Retreat

Shanghai, China

8:00AM

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Embark on a day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient water town with picturesque canals, traditional architecture, and charming bridges.

CNY 80 (round-trip taxi fare), Full day

12:00PM

Lunch at Old Street Restaurant

Enjoy a meal at Old Street Restaurant, offering authentic local dishes in a traditional setting overlooking the waterways.

CNY 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Ride in the Canals

Experience the charm of Zhujiajiao from the water with a scenic boat ride along the canals, passing under ancient stone bridges.

CNY 50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Explore Handicraft Shops

Browse through the local handicraft shops in Zhujiajiao, known for its traditional arts and crafts including silk products and calligraphy.

Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Yuan Sheng Tai Dairy Farm

Dine at Yuan Sheng Tai Dairy Farm for a farm-to-table experience, enjoying fresh produce and dairy products in a rustic setting.

CNY 150, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 6: Art and Culture

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Power Station of Art

Visit the Power Station of Art, a contemporary art museum housed in a former power plant showcasing Chinese and international art exhibitions.

CNY 50, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at M on the Bund

Enjoy a meal at M on the Bund, a stylish restaurant offering European cuisine with views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline.

CNY 300, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art

Explore the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, housed in a converted slaughterhouse and featuring cutting-edge contemporary artworks.

CNY 30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Shanghai World Financial Center

Marvel at the cityscape from the observation deck of the Shanghai World Financial Center, one of the tallest buildings in the world.

CNY 150, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Mercato

Indulge in Italian cuisine at Mercato, a restaurant by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten overlooking the Bund.

CNY 400, 2 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Day 7: Final Exploration

Shanghai, China

9:00AM

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Discover the natural wonders of China at the Shanghai Natural History Museum, home to a diverse collection of fossils and exhibits.

CNY 30, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Lost Heaven

Enjoy a final lunch at Lost Heaven, savoring the flavors of the ancient Tea Horse Road in a vibrant setting.

CNY 200, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Shanghai Disneyland

End your trip with a visit to the magical world of Shanghai Disneyland, where fairy tales come to life in enchanting themed lands.

CNY 399, Half day

6:00PM

Dinner at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao

Feast on delectable handmade noodles and soup dumplings at Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao, a popular spot for authentic Chinese cuisine.

CNY 100, 1.5 hours

Find Hotels in Shanghai

Step 1 Outline Preview:

Discovering Shanghai in 7 Days

Day 1: City Exploration

8:00AM

10:30AM

12:30PM

2:00PM

4:30PM

6:00PM

Day 2: Modern Marvels

9:00AM

11:30AM

3:00PM

5:30PM

7:00PM

Day 3: Historical Charm

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:00PM

3:00PM

5:00PM

7:30PM

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 5: Nature Retreat

8:00AM

12:00PM

2:00PM

4:00PM

6:00PM

Day 6: Art and Culture

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

4:00PM

6:30PM

Day 7: Final Exploration

9:00AM

11:30AM

1:30PM

6:00PM

More About shanghai

Plan Your shanghai Trip