Are you planning your first trip to Shanghai and feeling a bit overwhelmed? Then you’re in the right place! This Shanghai Travel Guide will help you find the right balance between exploring the old charm and the modernity this fantastic city offers!
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I’ve been to Shanghai a few times now, and it’s one of my favorite cities in China. Every time I visit, it feels like I’m stepping into a different version of the future while somehow still holding onto its ancient traditions.
In this guide, I’ll share my perfect 3-day Shanghai itinerary and give you plenty of practical tips for planning your trip. Are you excited? Keep reading to discover what Shanghai is about!
Quick Tips for First-Timers
Planning Before Departure
Visa Requirements
Okay, deep breaths! I know the China visa process can seem daunting, but it’s totally manageable.
First things first, you’ll need a valid passport (make sure it’s good for at least six months after your trip). Most tourists need a Tourist Visa (L Visa), which allows you to explore China for up to 60 days. When you land, airport authorities will require you to show proof of your return flight and accommodation details, so have those handy.
Some amazing news: Many countries now qualify for a 30-day visa-free entry till the end of 2025! This is a game-changer for shorter trips and that backpacking adventure you’ve dreamed of.
If you need the L Visa (if you’re staying longer than 30 days or your country isn’t on the lucky list), don’t worry! You can apply at the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country or through an official visa application center. Here, you’ll find the information you need to start your visa application.
You’ll need your passport, photos, proof of accommodation, and flight details. The official visa website has the most up-to-date information, as things can change. My advice is to apply at least two months in advance to be on the safe side.
Best Time to Visit
Shanghai is definitely one of the pricier cities in China. Nothing crazy expensive, but compared to other Chinese cities, it’s up there.
Shoulder season is the best option for your wallet and the weather. September is amazing—imagine strolling along the Bund with a cool breeze instead of melting under the summer sun. Springtime (March to May) is also ideal. The gardens are in full bloom, the city comes alive after winter, and the evenings are perfect for exploring Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife.
Transportation: From The Airport to Downtown Shanghai
Getting from the airport to Shanghai is pretty straightforward. Whether you arrive at Pudong or Hongqiao airport, here are the quickest options:
Taxi
The fastest and cheapest way to get downtown is by taxi. A ride to the city center takes about 40-60 minutes and costs around 200¥ (about $27). Just follow the taxi signs after you grab your luggage. Make sure you have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver. They’ll use the meter so you can see the fare. If you have a digital payment option, you can pay digitally; however, make sure to have some cash with you in case something is not working.
Book a DIDI
Didi, the Chinese version of Uber, is the best option for saving money while avoiding the language barrier issue. Download the Alipay app and link your credit card. You’ll see the Didi option right on the main screen. Type in your destination; if a driver’s available, you’re all set. I’ve always just grabbed a taxi from the airport, so I’m not entirely sure about Didi pick-up situations work, but it’s worth looking into if you want to save a few yuan.
Private Driver
If you prefer a smoother arrival (and don’t mind spending more), book a private car. It’ll cost you around $40 to get to downtown Shanghai, but it’s worth it to skip the potential language barrier hassle when you first arrive. Plus, you can pay online beforehand.
How To Get Around in Shanghai
Subway
While buses and bikes are options in many Chinese cities, the subway is definitely the best way to navigate Shanghai. It goes practically everywhere and helps you avoid the insane traffic (great idea if you’re short on time). Here’s the ticketing option you can consider:
- Download the Daduhui App: It’s in English, links to your Alipay account, and generates QR codes you scan directly at the gate. Rides within the city center are super cheap, usually around ¥2-3.
- 3-Day Travel Pass: If you plan on using the subway a lot, the 3-day pass is a great deal at ¥45. You can grab one at any subway booth.
- Single Tickets: You can also buy single tickets each time you ride. The machines have an English interface and are usually empty (since most locals use the app).
Taxi
Taxis in China can be super handy, especially when getting to your hotel from airports or train stations. They’re not always ideal for everyday travel (thanks to China’s crazy traffic!), but they can be a lifesaver when the subway isn’t an option. Plus, they’re a surprisingly affordable way to reach those more remote locations.
How to Avoid Taxi Scams
Where To Stay in Shanghai
As a first-time visitor in Shanghai, you want to feel safe, centrally located, and close to all the action. I’ve got two favorite areas that tick all these boxes.
Jing’an
I love this area! It’s considered the heart of Old Shanghai, located near major attractions like Yuyuan Garden, Jing’an Temple, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the Bund. Plus, it really comes alive at night. You can easily find amazing food, explore lively streets, and feel part of the city’s vibrant energy. Jing’an is full of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment, attracting young locals and expats. It’s a great place to connect with other travelers and experience the authentic Shanghai vibe.
Huang Pu
Another great option is Huangpu, where modern Shanghai meets its charming past. Here, you’ll find sights like Laoximen, the French Concession, and People’s Square. Here, you can literally feel the city’s pulse from your hotel window! Just one tip: avoid staying right on Nanjing Lu. It’s so lively that the traffic and noise can be a bit much, especially if you’re trying to sleep!
Hotels in Shanghai
How Many Days Should I Stay in Shanghai
While Shanghai is huge, the number of landmarks to visit is not that high. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a beautiful city! You could spend some time there just soaking in its energy and still have the best time!
Three days in Shanghai is enough to explore the best in town! However, if you have less time or want to take advantage of your 24-hour layover, you can still grasp its essence and visit the main sights.
Helpful Chinese Sentences You Can Learn
Trust me, learning a few basic Mandarin phrases will make your China trip so much better. It shows locals you respect their culture and country and is a fantastic icebreaker.
Even trying to speak one of the world’s most challenging languages can lead to unexpected invitations and unforgettable experiences. Opening yourself up to the language opens up a whole new side of China. Of course, no one expects you to be fluent, but a little effort goes a long way! If you’re ready to take on the challenge, I’ve already shared my top tips for navigating the language barrier in China.
| Chinese Characters | Phonetic Transcription | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 你好 | nǐ hǎo | Hello |
| 谢谢 | xièxie | Thank you! |
| 多少钱 | duō shǎo qián? | How much does it cost? |
| 我听不懂 | wǒ tīng bù dǒng | I don’t understand |
| 厕所在哪里 | cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ? | Where is the bathroom? |
| 不要，谢谢 | bù yào, xièxie | No, thank you |
| 对不起 | duìbuqǐ | Excuse me/sorry |
| 我要这个 | wǒ yào zhège | I want this one (perfect for choosing at Restaurants) |
Shanghai Itinerary Day 1: Discover Old & New Shanghai
Stroll from Laoximen to Xintiandi
Ⓜ️ Take subway line 10 from Yuyuan Garden Subway Station to Laoximen Subway Station from Huangpu District. You can also take a 24-minute walk.
Two districts that couldn’t be more different are yet so close, just a block apart. A stroll from one of Shanghai’s oldest districts, Laoximen, and ending in one of the most modern ones, Xintiandi, allows you to grasp how life has transformed in Shanghai.
Laoximen is a raw and authentic slice of old Shanghai that is, unfortunately, undergoing modernization. Many residents were relocated in 2017 to make way for new developments.
For now, you can still wander its lanes, dotted with Shikumen-style stone buildings, and soak in the history and life experiences that have unfolded here. However, we don’t know how long this will last, so seize the moment.
On the side, Xintiandi is one of Shanghai’s most modern and shopping-dedicated areas. The shikumen-style buildings here have been restored to host commercial activities like bars, restaurants, and upscale boutiques.
This stroll will make you aware of how the city is transforming. You can decide which side of Shanghai you prefer.
Yuyuan Old Street & Bazar
Ⓜ️ Take subway line 10 from Xintiandi Subway Station to Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Old Street is one of my favorite places in Shanghai. It’s located close to the Yuyuan Garden, and it’s just what you would expect from China: sloped-roof buildings painted in deep red, a classic Chinese-style garden with a waterway, and the smell of the best food street market in town. No wonder it is one of the tourists’ favorites.
I love visiting it at night, around 8-9 p.m. The tourist crowds have already left, and you can enjoy the area without elbowing anyone.
Many restaurants are already closed, but you can still find some gems among the surrounding street food stalls. Here, you can try delicious baozi (steamed buns), jiaozi (dumplings), and sweet candied fruit.
You will also be around this area during the day when visiting the Yuyuan Garden. That is the perfect moment to sample one of the many restaurants selling Dumplings and Xiaolongbao.
Shanghai Itinerary Day 2: Yu Yuan Garden, Temples, and The Bund
Yu Garden
Ⓜ️ From Huangpu District, it’s just a 14-minute walk to Yuyuan Garden
🏷️ Ticket Entry Price: around 40 RMB (book in advance here)
Yuyuan Garden is one of the crowd’s favorites. It’s located in the Huangpu District, right in the heart of old Shanghai.
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of a Ming-style garden, like those found in Suzhou, you’ll like this one.
Try to visit on a weekday and early in the morning, as the crowds can really take away from the garden’s peaceful and calming energy, which will, in turn, create your impression of it.
I’ve been there twice, and despite being in the same location, it felt like a completely different experience each time.
The garden includes all the elements of a classic Chinese garden. Among the typical features like the enchanting lotus pond, stone bridges, red-painted walls, and sloped roofs, the rockeries stand out for their impressive landscape design. In particular, the Jade Rock is considered one of the most important in southern China.
Jade Buddha Temple
Ⓜ️ Take Line 10 to Xintiandi Station from Yuyuan Garden Subway Station. Change to line 13 and get off at Jiangning Road. It’s a 30-minute journey.
🏷️ Ticket Entry Price: 20 RMB
The Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 mainly to house two jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar by sea: a 1.95-meter-tall sitting Buddha and a smaller reclining Buddha symbolizing the Buddha’s death.
I love visiting Temples. Time seems to stop within the grounds, and the atmosphere is calm—a stark contrast to the life that never stops outside. Here, it feels like you have the time to stop and process all you’ve explored and discovered outside.
If this is the first Chinese temple you have visited, the architecture perfectly represents the typical Temple design and layout.
The Chamber of Four Heavenly Kings, located at the southern edge of the temple, contains statues of Maitreya, Skanda, and the Four Heavenly Kings, representing favorable circumstances.
The Grand Hall, also known as the Great Hall, contains an array of statues, including the Three Golden Buddhas.
The Jade Buddha Chamber is in the northern section of the temple on the second floor and requires an additional fee to visit.
Longhua Temple
Ⓜ️ From Jiangning Road Station, take Line 13 to Longde Road. Change to line 11 and get off at Longhua. It’s a 30-minute journey.
🏷️ Ticket Entry Price: 15 RMB
Longhua Temple, dedicated to Maitreya Buddha, is a spiritual site that embodies the architectural essence of the Song Dynasty.
As the oldest and largest temple in Shanghai, it originally featured 13 pagodas, one of which is still standing today.
Although the temple is a bit farther out than the Jade Buddha Temple, it’s worth visiting if you’re staying in Shanghai.
In addition to the internal courtyard, which closely resembles the Jade Buddha Temple, the stunning golden Buddha statues in the main hall are sure to impress.
The atmosphere here is peaceful, partly because its location is less frequently visited than the temple in the city center. You might encounter a few locals in prayer, adding to the ambiance.
Tianzifang
Ⓜ️ Take line 12 to Jiashan Road from Longhua Station. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the Tianzifang area.
On my recent trip to China, I had the chance to explore Tianzifang for the first time.
With its bohemian vibe, this artistic neighborhood is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates unique and charming narrow-alleys districts.
The best time to visit is in the morning, as the streets can become quite crowded later in the day, which might detract from the experience.
Despite its growing popularity among tourists, Tianzifang retains a strong sense of community, with families who have lived there for generations.
The local spirit is palpable as shop owners and residents chat cheerfully in front of their doorways, enjoying their morning coffee.
The district features three main north-south lanes intersected by east-west alleys, making it easy to get lost without a map. It would be a shame to miss even one of these delightful streets.
Sunset River Cruise on The Huangpu River
Ⓜ️ From Huangpu district, it’s a 12-minute walk to the Bund
Another fantastic way to experience the atmosphere of the Bund and its breathtaking skyline is to book a river cruise.
The ideal time to embark is at sunset when the city’s dazzling lights begin to illuminate the view. The cruise lasts about 45 minutes and offers unobstructed views of both riverbanks.
After a long day of exploring, it’s the perfect way to wrap up your day before having dinner.
I experienced this for the first time in 2024, and it was indeed one of the most unforgettable moments I had in Shanghai.
The cruise allows you to fully appreciate the scenery without the crowds of the Bund. It’s one of those rare moments when you can pause, take in your surroundings, and realize how vibrant and alive Shanghai is—and you’re right in the heart of it all.
Shanghai Travel Itinerary Day 3: ZhuJiaJiao, the Venice of Shanghai
Ⓜ️ Take Line 10 to Shanghai Hongqiao Train Station from Yuyuan Garden Station. Change to line 17 and get off at Zhujiajiao. It will take 1 hour and 15 minutes.
🏷️ Free entry ticket for the majority of the site. To visit the entire site, you will need to pay for a ticket.
After two days in Shanghai, you’ll likely be ready for a break from its towering skyscrapers and constant energy. It’s time for a day trip to a nearby water town: Zhujiajiao. If you’ve never been to Suzhou, this will feel like a completely different side of China.
Located about 50 km from downtown Shanghai, Zhujiajiao shows you a completely different side of the city. Here, life moves slowly, much like the waterways that wind through its narrow alleys.
In Zhujiajiao, you’ll find people sitting outside in the sun, with windows and doors open, inviting you to observe the simplicity of their daily lives.
Although the town is accustomed to tourists, it retains its authentic charm. You can explore the nine main streets, including Beidajie, the most preserved and popular with visitors due to its various restaurants.
I highly recommend navigating with a map, as getting lost and missing key sights is easy. Zhujiajiao is the perfect day trip from Shanghai. Discover how to plan your escape to the water town here.
People’s Park & Marriage Market
Ⓜ️ Take line 17 to Hongqiao Train Station from Zhujiajiao. Change to Line 2 and get off at People’s Square. It will take 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The marriage market held in People’s Park is one of the most intriguing experiences in Shanghai. Although it might seem like an old-fashioned practice from a Western perspective, it remains highly valued in China.
Here, parents and grandparents “advertise” their children and grandchildren with posters that display personal information and highlights to attract potential partners.
The interesting part is that the children themselves aren’t present—only their parents are there, engaging in discussions and negotiations with each other.
These relatives typically highlight details like age, zodiac sign, and financial status, while hobbies or lifestyle preferences are rarely mentioned. The park is busiest on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 16 a.m.
Climb to the Top of the Shanghai Tower
Another way to experience Shanghai is by visiting the top of one of its iconic skyscrapers.
While there are several options, the spiral-shaped Shanghai Tower is the best choice. At 632 meters, it is the tallest building in Shanghai and the third in the world.
It features the world’s highest sky deck, accessible via the fastest elevator. From the top, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Jinmao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the iconic Pearl Tower.
The ticket price is relatively high by Chinese standards, so if you decide to go up, ensure the weather is nice so you can get a clear view of Shanghai below you.
And After Shanghai?
Shanghai is amazing, but don’t miss the chance to explore the surrounding region! Suzhou is an easy day trip and one of my favorite water towns. With its beautiful West Lake, Hangzhou is another fantastic day trip option.
If you have a week, I’ve got the perfect itinerary for exploring different facets of China within easy reach of Shanghai. And if you’re lucky enough to have two weeks, check out the itinerary I followed this summer – it’s ideal for first-timers!
And there you have it! I hope this guide and itinerary help you plan your trip to Shanghai and many other incredible destinations in China. Where will your adventure take you next?
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