Are you visiting Shanghai? With so much to see and do in China’s most populous city (25 million residents), you’ll no doubt want to visit as many of its legendary sights and landmarks as possible.
To help you make the most of your visit I ’ve put together a 3-day Shanghai itinerary taking in the most popular visitor attractions of the city.
Whether your interests are photography, ancient architecture, historic civilisations, modern Chinese culture or futuristic skyscrapers, you’ll find something to suit all tastes in this 3 days in Shanghai itinerary.
Read also: Where to stay in Shanghai
Shanghai in 3 days: Day 1
TIP: Take this FREE WALKING TOUR and discover the highlights of Shanghai and immerse yourself in its history, culture, attractions, and mouth-watering food!
People’s Square
Located in the Huangpu District, and considered the city centre
Up to 1949, when the Chinese Communist Government came to power, it was a world-famous racecourse, before being shut down in the early 1950s and reopened as the People’s Square.
Today, after major upgrades in the 1990s, People’s Square is a popular early morning destination for local seniors to perform their exercise routines. And for visitors to enjoy an early morning stroll before visiting a few of the excellent attractions on the Square, such as:
- The Shanghai Museum of Art and historical antiquities.
- The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre
- The Shanghai Grand Theatre and cultural venue
- And The Shanghai Municipal Government building
You will also find a pretty musical fountain on the Square, green spaces, and two massive underground shopping centres selling everything from general household goods to Designer Stores offering the latest fashions and accessories.
Finally, you will find the metro station in the north-east of the Square, making it super easy to get to your next destination.
People’s Park
Over 24 acres in area, People’s Park was also a part of the Shanghai racecourse pre-1949.
When the authorities constructed the Square, they decided the hard-working residents of Shanghai would enjoy a relaxing open space where they could spend their downtime exercising, relaxing and meditating.
The People’s Park is split roughly into three sections: the east area, the centre and the west area. It has eight entrances around the perimeter, with the main entrance being on West Nanjing Road.
Attractions in the park include the 1925 May Thirtieth Movement Memorial, the Antarctic Stone, an outdoor theatre, a teahouse and a dancehall.
You will also find residents and visitors playing chess and mahjong, or enjoying a picnic at one of the many stone tables around the park.
Nanjing Road
Just south of People’s Square lies Shanghai’s answer to London’s Bond Street or New York’s Fifth Avenue. Nanjing Road stretches over five kilometres, from the Bund in the east to West Yan’an Street in the west.
Iconic Chinese fluorescent signage stretches the length of the road, and the sprawling metropolis contains international, high-end hotels, the best of restaurants and street food, shopping malls and over 600 retail establishments from High Street brands to Designer Outlets such as Omega, Dunhill, Tiffany and Mont Blanc.
It also includes over 100 specialist stores selling everything from the finest silk to jade, ceramics and porcelain, and is the destination of choice for serious shoppers from across Asia and beyond.
For those whose pockets aren’t quite so deep, a great way to enjoy the atmosphere is to ride the length of Nanjing Road on the old Dangdang tram.
The tram operates from 8:30 to 22:00 every day, and its slow speed gives visitors plenty of time to soak up the atmosphere and take plenty of photographs. The journey time is around 10 minutes, and tickets cost 5 Chinese Yuan.
The Bund
If you follow this itinerary, you will already be on Nanjing Road. To get to the Bund, look for the Nanjing Road (East) subway station and continue walking for five to ten minutes. This will bring you to the river promenade and the Bund.
Also known as Waitan and one of Shanghai’s most popular visitor attractions, the Bund lies on the west side of the River Huangpu. Famous for its combination of old colonial-era properties alongside modern Chinese architecture, it is a mix of old colonialist wealth and China’s new money.
The Bund stretches 1500 metres along the river promenade from the Waibaidu Bridge to East Jinling Road.
You will find floating cafes and shops along the riverfront. Behind the promenade are businesses, leisure activities, apartment blocks, shopping malls, green areas, and old colonial properties repurposed into hotels and good-quality restaurants.
If you’re a morning person and like to keep up your fitness levels, take a brisk stroll or jog along the Bund. You will find many locals out doing the same thing or practising Tai Chi, a popular fitness activity in China.
Looking across the east bank of the River Huangpu, you can see the increasing numbers of high-rise, futuristic skyscrapers in Pudong, Shanghai’s new ultra-modern area. They also make an excellent backdrop for those holiday snaps.
If you like to go up in the world, many of the hotels on the Bund have rooftop bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the panoramic views of the river and the Pudong skyline.
It is also a popular, affluent nightlife area, with hotels bringing over European DJs to entertain their guests.
At least one evening should be set aside for discovering Shanghai by night. Make an evening of it by touring Nanjing Road on the tram after the sun goes down.
Follow that with a meal and river cruise from the Bund to take in the light spectacular generated by the businesses along the Bund and the skyscrapers of Pudong.
Waibaidu Bridge
As you stroll the Bund, heading to the north end, you come across Waibaidu Bridge—or Garden Bridge in English. One hundred metres in length and spanning Suzhou Creek, the original bridge was a wooden structure built in 1856 to relieve the pressure on the local ferry service.
In 1908, the old bridge was demolished and replaced with the steel bridge you see today. The bridge is a popular visitor attraction with its stunning views of the Pudong skyline.
If the walk sounds a little too much, depending on where you are, you can use the metro, grab a taxi, jump on one of the many public buses that cover the area, or use the sightseeing buses to get to Waibaidu Bridge.
Old Shanghai Town
Many of the big European cities have their own distinctive ‘old town’ areas, where tarmac streets give way to cobbled roads and modern buildings give way to historic structures – but not so in Shanghai.
Shanghai’s old town is generally accepted as the area within the old city walls, now long gone, and includes much of the Huangpu District. It is bordered by Renmin Road and Zhonghua Road and includes The City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden within its borders.
Large areas of old Shanghai have been demolished in recent years to make way for new builds, but there is still plenty left for visitors to explore.
Spend a couple of hours or a whole day exploring the myriad narrow streets and alleys with their old architecture, cultural activities, homes, small businesses, bazaars, tea houses, restaurants and numerous attractions and souvenir shops.
If you’re heading into the old town from the Bund area, Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple are well-signposted and just a ten-minute stroll along the promenade.
Yu Garden
Although already briefly mentioned, when choosing the attractions you want to visit during your 3 days in Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden should be on your itinerary. Especially if ponds and gardens are your forte.
This private Chinese garden, located on Anren Street in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, covers an area of five acres and is one of the most famous gardens in China. It was built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) and is over 400 years old.
Things to see when you tour the garden include:
- The Great Rockery: Over 50 feet tall and said to be the oldest rock garden in the southern area of the Yangtze River.
- Cuixiu Hall: A small indoor market close to the rockery and shaded by trees and flowers, you can barter with the stallholders for the Chinese curios or souvenirs that catch your eye.
- Sansui Hall: Originally used for official ceremonial meetings, the five halls are full of traditional Chinese furnishings and furniture.
- Wanhua Chamber: A typically Chinese structure surrounded by cloisters and with a 70ft high ginkgo tree in front of the chamber. The tree is said to have been planted when the garden was originally constructed, making it over 400 years old.
You can also view a massive piece of jade rock that stands over 10ft high and the large pond with its collection of ornamental goldfish.
The garden’s opening hours are 9:00 to 16:30, closed on Mondays.
- Entrance fees are: 19-60 years CNY40.
- 60 years plus CNY20.
- 6-18 years CNY20.
- Under six years free.
Old City God Temple
Sitting alongside the southern end of the Yuang Garden on Middle Fangbang Road, the City God Temple was built during the Yongle Reign of the Ming Dynasty.
Taoism is a significant religion across China, and the three gods of the City God Temple are considered patron saints of the faith.
Over 2,000 sqm in size, the temple houses nine palaces and a number of other attractions.
With major construction works having been undertaken in the area over the years, the Old City God Temple is now considered to be not just a single entity but the whole area that stretches from Fuyou Road in the north to Anren Street in the east and Old Xiaochang Road in the west.
Around the district, you can take in cockfighting, or enjoy folk performances, acrobatics, an art arena and a gift shop.
You can also sample delicious local cuisine, including the famous buns-with-almost-anything in high-quality restaurants or from the many excellent street food stalls around the area. Most stalls close around nine pm, so don’t leave it too late to eat.
While in the City God Temple complex, you are close to Old Street, a narrow, winding road that will take you back through the centuries to how Shanghai used to be. It is worth a mention (and a visit) in its own right.
Old Street
Previously known as the ‘small east gate’, Old Street stretches over 800 metres from Henan South Road to Renmin Road. It is a street full of traditional architecture and businesses that hark back to the Ming and Qing dynasties through to the colonial period.
Buildings have been refurbished in traditional Chinese style, with upturned eaves, antique doors, old lattice windows, characteristic railings and plenty of conventional red poles, pink walls, and black roofs. All blending with the nearby Yuan Garden.
The street is home to over 200 businesses and retail shops, highlighting the trading options of the time. For a real taste of ancient Shanghai, you can explore historic shops such as the Tong Han Chun Pharmacy or the Lao Tong Sheng Food Store.
You can browse traditional handicraft stores, art galleries, hand-made jewellery, calligraphy and embroidery workshops, and explore antique and artefact shops.
So ends Day 1 of our tour of Shanghai in 3 days. Why not complete it in style, with a meal and drinks in one of the many rooftop restaurants, while you peruse Day 2’s itinerary?
3 days in Shanghai: Day 2
Getting to Pudong via the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
No doubt, you looked across the water during your time at the Bund and contemplated a visit to modern Pudong. This morning it’s what we’re going to do, crossing the water using the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.
Certainly, you can get across to Pudong a lot cheaper using the standard Shanghai metro. But for a totally unique and exciting experience (it’s the only one of its kind in the world), the Bund sightseeing tunnel is the way to go.
Opened in October 2000 and 646 metres in length, the tunnel is one of Shanghai’s top five visitor attractions. It comprises a tunnel under the Huangpu River served by two driverless carriages that take less than five minutes to complete their journey.
However, it’s what happens during those five minutes that makes this journey so memorable. The tunnel is chock full of high-tech special effects that will mesmerise the whole family as they journey under the river.
The tunnel runs from the north side of Chen Yi Square on the Bund and terminates at the Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower in Pudong.
The tunnel is open from 9:30 to 22:30, April 15th to Nov 31st, and 9:30 to 21:30, from Dec 1st to April 14th.
Ticket prices are CNY 50 for a one-way trip or CYN 70 for a return ticket.
Pudong – Riverside Walk
When you emerge from the tunnel, you’ll be in Pudong, Shanghai’s financial centre and trendiest area. It is famous for its shopping malls, skyscrapers, and luxury accommodation.
Stroll along the Pudong Riverside Promenade and Park, a promenade (or riverside promenade in this case) that overlooks the Bund on the other side of the river.
If you choose to visit Pudong during the afternoon, before rushing back to your hotel, consider slowing the pace with a relaxing Pudong riverside walk.
Beginning at the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, Pudong’s riverside walk ambles along the opposite bank to the Bund and is a popular walk for visitors wanting a quiet area to enjoy Shanghai as dusk falls and the lights come on.
Along the path you will find numerous cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a drink or meal while watching the river activity as night falls.
Shanghai Financial Centre
A must-visit district for all visitors interested in China’s rise to international prominence and futuristic buildings.
In 1990, Pudong New Area was established from reclaimed farmland and transformed into an economic powerhouse, with Western-style skyscrapers mushrooming across the Shanghai skyline.
Although less than 0.01% of China’s landmass, it is one of China’s most significant financial districts and today accounts for 1% of the country’s GDP and 6% of the country’s import/export value.
Pudong is also home to some of the world’s tallest buildings, including:
- Shanghai Tower at 632 metres
- Shanghai World Financial Centre at 492 metres
- Oriental Pearl at 468 metres (also has a revolving restaurant)
- Jin Mao Tower at 375 metres
- Le Royal Meridien at 333 metres
- SK Group Tower at 275 metres
There are also numerous other skyscrapers over 250 metres in height.
You absolutely must visit one or two skyscrapers and make sure to climb their observation decks. In my opinion, the most worthwhile observatories are Shanghai Tower and SWFC.
Longhua Temple and Pagoda
Located on Longhua Road in the Xuhui District, Longhua Temple is Shanghai’s oldest and largest temple.
Built in the year 242 AD, the temple is over 20,000 square metres in area. The interior includes six halls: the Maitreya Hall, Devajara Hall, Mahavira Hall, Three Sages Hall, Abbot’s Hall and the Sutras Keeping Hall. There are also accessory halls on either side, named the Bell Tower Hall and the Drum Tower Hall.
The courtyard and structure were strictly built along traditional Buddhist lines to maintain the Chinese concept of beauty.
The pagoda, which stands in front of the temple, is seven stories high, with each level smaller than the level below and all levels surrounded by bannisters and balconies.
Although major refurbishment has been undertaken over the years, the buildings remain faithful to the Song Dynasty’s architectural style.
Jade Buddha Temple
Located on Anyuan Road in the Putuo District of west Shanghai, the original Jade Buddha Temple was built in 1882. It was constructed specifically to house two jade figures bought over from Burma by one of the monks.
Although the temple was destroyed during an uprising that ended the Qing Dynasty, the statues were saved, and in 1928, a new temple was constructed on the site, and the two Buddha statues were re-installed.
Both Buddhas, one sitting and one reclining, are carved from sparkling white jade and encrusted with precious gemstones.
You can also view a recumbent Buddha bought from Singapore and installed in the temple in 1989, as well as various Buddhist paintings, scriptures, and relics on display.
Jing´an Temple
Sitting on West Nanjing Road in the centre of Shanghai, Jing’an Temple was initially built over 750 years ago on the banks of the Wusong River, (Suzhou Creek) and named the Hudu Chongyuan Temple. It was moved to its present location in 1216.
The temple was given its current name, Jing’an, in 1945. Unfortunately, it was totally devastated by fire in 1972, and it took 12 years for the temple’s reconstruction to begin.
Remaining faithful to the original design, the temple was finally reopened to the public in 1990. One of Shanghai’s most famous and revered temples, it has in recent years been put on China’s list of protected buildings.
The temple has three main halls. The Mahavira Hall, which houses a giant Buddha weighing over 15 tons, The Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Three Sage Hall. You will also find a large bronze bell that was cast during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
The temple opens at 07:30 and closes at 17:00.
The French Concession
If you have a love of Chinese history, particularly the colonial period, then the former French Concession is the place to head for it.
Sprawling around the west, south and centre of metropolitan Shanghai, the French Concession is a delightfully quiet district of rambling streets, tree-lined roads and quaint cul-de-sacs lined by grand European-style townhouses, villas and mansions.
The beginnings of the colonialist period can be traced back to the end of the main opium wars circa 1849. The French were the first colonists in the area, although they were soon followed by the English, Portuguese and Russians, amongst others.
You’d have a hard job covering this sprawling labyrinth of streets and alleyways in a single day, so I have included a few roads and areas to look out for.
- Sinan Road: A fresh, clean one-way street circa the early 20th century, with around 20 French-style townhouses and tastefully decorated gardens.
- Tianzifang: A one-time industrial area now one of the social hubs of the French Concession with cafes, restaurants, trendy boutiques and old colonial properties.
- Moller Villa: A Scandinavian villa built by an Englishman in Shanghai. You can tour this villa with its colourful decorations, spires, dormer windows, glazed tiles and numerous statues of Buddha.
- Shopping in the French Concession: If you fancy a little shopping while visiting the French Concession, head for Middle Huaihai Road. It is a bustling road full of retail establishments from independent boutiques to high-street shops to high-end designer outlets. You will also find plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can take the weight off and enjoy some light refreshments to end Day 2 of our 3 Days in Shanghai.
3 Days in Shanghai itinerary: Day 3
The Water Towns
To complete our tour of Shanghai in 3 days we’re going to ride one of China’s fast trains to the city of Suzhou, one of the famous water towns.
Situated in the Jiangsu Province of east China, Suzhou is some 84 km from Shanghai. Travelling time by train is less than 30 minutes and costs between 36 and 75 Chinese yuan one way.
Established in 514 B.C., the city has a history that dates back over 2,500 years.
Located in the southern area of the Jiangsu province on the southern Yangtze Delta, Suzhou is often referred to as Asia’s answer to Italy’s Venice, due to the number of canals and bridges.
During the Song Dynasty, Suzhou became a significant silk producer. This industry remains to this day alongside more modern, high-tech enterprises that make the city a major contributor to the Chinese economy.
In addition to classical gardens dating back thousands of years, you will find meandering canals, ancient stone bridges, pagodas, traditional homes, and interesting relics of times gone by.
Numerous organised tours are available to visit the water towns, but if you intend to enjoy your own self-guided tour, I have included a few of the other most popular water towns to visit.
- Zhouzhuang Water Town: Dating back over 1,000 years, Zhouzhuang is said to be the most popular water town in Jiangsu Province. The town has numerous canals, 14 old curved stone bridges, gardens and over 60% of the existing buildings and homes are said to have been built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
- Tongli Town: Tongli, dating back to the Song Dynasty, comprises seven islands sitting on five lakes and joined by canals and 49 bridges. Old temples and traditional dwellings abound, and the gardens are a joy to visit.
- Luzhi Town: As old as Suzhou itself, Luzhi is criss-crossed by several small rivers and joined by its many bridges. It’s an ideal venue for those who like to explore shops and businesses on old, narrow streets and alleyways. The town is also known as a ‘Chinese Folk Culture Art Village’ due to its level of traditional arts and crafts. Around town you will also come across seven ginkgo trees, the most ancient of which is said to be 1,300 years old.
- Mudu Ancient Town: Mudu is one of the oldest water towns with a history as old as Suzhou itself and is mainly populated by the Han Chinese ethnic group. You can visit over thirty traditional gardens as you wander the paths and narrow bridges, exploring the shops and businesses of this ancient town. You will also find traditional sculptures and embroidery from the Han culture.
- Guangfu Ancient Town:Jutting into Lake Taihu, Guangfu is known for its handicraft embroidery and Buddha sculpting workshops using jade, nut and redwood. Besides its streams, bridges, and gardens, it is also a much-visited religious town for all faiths, where you will find Buddhist and Taoist temples, Islamic mosques, and Christian churches.
There are over 200 water towns in the Suzhou district, of which 15 have been designated special towns of Historical Chinese Culture.
So ends our 3 days in Shanghai. Whatever your interests, Shanghai can feed them. Pick what you fancy from this itinerary and maybe a few of your own, and make up your personal list of the best things to visit in Shanghai.