There is no doubt that you will have a great time in Shanghai. The city is absolutely beautiful, fun, elegant, traditional, ultra-modern, super Chinese, and international.
In fact, the problem in Shanghai is that there’s way too much to see and do. You can spend months in the city discovering new things.
That’s why we prepared this 5-day itinerary with the best of Shanghai. You will have to run a bit, but you will be fascinated. We are sure you will come back!
Day 1
The Bund
We will never forget the first time we saw The Bund many years ago. We couldn’t believe our eyes and walked for hours admiring it.
Shanghai’s central river bank is spectacular. You will see historic architecture of many different styles, from Neoclassicism to Art Deco. No building is the same, but they are all impressive.
The views from the Bund to Pudong are also amazing. We strongly recommend visiting it at night too. The place looks magical illuminated in all of its glory.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is Shanghai most popular and fun pedestrian street. It begins in the Bund, where the fabulous and historic Fairmont Hotel is.
Everybody, from all over China and the world, walks along Nanjing Road. Buildings from different periods and styles line the street. There are all types of restaurants, shops, and bars.
All you have to do is walk. If you get tired, take the metro or a little train along the street. Note that we refer to East Nanjing Road, which ends in People’s Square.
People’s Square
Shanghai’s epicenter is the People’s Square. It’s big, full of trees, and very lively. You will see people of all ages and walks of life hanging by the square.
The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and the Shanghai Museum are both here. Go inside and take a quick look. The 1934 Park Hotel too.
The metro station beneath the square connects you to the entire city. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, matchmakers meet in the square to find partners for their children!
Shanghai Natural History Museum
The massive yet delicate Shanghai Natural History Museum presides over Jing’an Sculpture Park, north west of the square. There are 10 amazing art installations scattered around the park.
There are also trees, flowers, and people exercising and socializing. We always sit down on the grass and people watch. A walk around the park is mandatory.
The museum is a contemporary masterpiece. The collection inside will blow your mind. Our favorite was the 140-million-year-old skeleton of a dinosaur!
Day 2
Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Lujiazui (Pudong)
Begin your second day in the future: Pudong. Shanghai’s most recognizable icon is here: the Oriental Pearl TV Tover. Go up for epic views.
The tower is in the center of a lovely square. Notice the buildings around. In particular the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
Walk to the riverfront for the best views of The Bund. Then walk along the skywalk to the Lujiazui Central Green Space. The urban park offers breath taking views and art.
Yu Garden
Now, travel in time to the past. The Yu Garden’s history begins in 1559! Destroyed and rebuilt many times, it’s the city most important Chinese Garden.
It’s fairly big, 5 acres (2 hectares) and splendid. You will see ponds, bridges, pavilions, trees, plants, and rocks. Our favorite is the giant bolder in its center.
You can shop at the Yuyuan Mart and the bazaar. We always have tea at the city’s oldest teahouse: Huxinting, next to the garden.
City God Temple and the Old Town
The City God Temple is in the heart of the Old Town. The area is full of 16th Century traditional architecture. As you walk, you can feel the city’s glorious past.
You will see lots of timber and delicate roofs. Look out for the remains of the Ming Dynasty City Wall. Enter the City God Temple and prepare to be dazzled.
The 1424 temple is dedicated to three gods. Destroyed and rebuilt many times, it is a testament of the resilience of Shanghai.
China Art Museum and World Expo Cultural Park
We love the China Art Museum. To us, it represents the best of traditional and contemporary Chinese architecture. Due to its elegance and beauty, locals call it the Oriental Crown.
It was the largest and most expensive pavilion of the Shanghai Expo 2010. It is now an immense art museum with over 14000 works of art.
The museum is near the World Expo Cultural Park. Its huge and features an artificial hill, lakes, waterfalls, a greenhouse, and the soon to open Opera house.
Day 3
1933 Old Millfun
We are architects, so we are always looking for unique buildings. The 1933 Old Millfun is one of China’s grandest brutalist buildings.
It opened in 1933 as the city’s biggest slaughterhouse. As you will see, it combines Chinese and western elements. Notice the pillars that look like umbrellas and the massive bridges.
The place fell into oblivion for years and reopened in 2006 as an avantgarde fashion, art, and design center.
1000 Trees
Shanghai never stops surprising us. There is nothing in the world like the 1000 Trees compound. It’s next to Suzhou Creek and resembles Huangshan Mountain.
We are talking about a complex that combines shops, apartments, parks, art, and lots of trees. Go inside and up the different terraces to enjoy memorable views.
It’s full of restaurants, shops, and coffee houses. Notice the perfectly preserved old Fou Foong Flour Mill and Packaging Warehouse. You can also walk along the creek.
M50 Art Zone
The hip and cool gather at M50 Art Zone, an entire area dedicated to art, design, and culture. The zone is also an architect’s paradise.
We are talking about a textile factory opened in the 1930s. You can still see the industrial buildings. Its transformation into an art hub begun in the 2000s.
Today, it homes some 120 art galleries and studios! Artists from all over the country work here. There are also super cool coffee houses and restaurants.
Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple looks straight out of a movie set! The original temple dates back to 1882. The one we can see today is from 1928.
However, it still holds the original jade buddhas. There is also a marble reclining buddha and lots of other sculptures.
Note that the temple is alive. Monks live and pray within. It’s all very atmospheric. The temple is the perfect place to collect your thoughts and chill in the heart of buzzling Shanghai.
Day 4
Xintiandi
The best place to have a bite, coffee, or cocktails is Xintiandi. To be honest, we always have western food here. It’s even better than in Europe.
The former mid-19th Century shikumen houses are now fabulous shops, restaurants, bakeries, and bars. Xintiandi is a big pedestrian area full of trees and beautiful people.
For some nature go to Taipingqiao Park. The first National Congress of the Communist Party of China is in Xintiandi.
Tianzifang
Granted, Tianzifang can be a bit touristy, but the place is fantastic. It’s in the heart of the French Concession and though refurbished, it doesn’t look gentrified.
It’s a maze of small lanes and revamped 1930s shikumen houses. Today, it’s full of trendy cafes, small shops, and eateries.
Tianzifang is our favorite place in the city to people watch and shop for presents. You will see people from all over the world walking about.
Shanghai Exhibition Center
The Shanghai Exhibition Center looks totally Russian. Locals call it the Sino-Soviet Friendship Building. Designed by Russian and Chinese architects, its huge but delicate.
The Chinese Communist Party wanted to celebrate its alliance with the Soviets so they built this masterpiece in the 1955. It served different purposes until it became an exhibition center.
Notice the relief work that decorates the building and walk about the garden. Though in the heart of the city, it’s very quiet.
Jing’an Temple
You will recognize Jing’an Temple from its huge golden roof. The Buddhist temple stands in the middle of a fancy neighborhood in central Shanghai.
Built in 1216 it’s been revamped many times, including a reconstruction in the 1980s. The temple has many golden buildings and levels. You can enter many rooms.
Look out for the giant Ming dynasty copper bell and the 20 feet (6 m) wooden statue of a goddess. There are several stone buddhas dating back to the 5th Century.
Day 5
Day Trip
We suggest a day trip to Zhujiajio Water Town, Suzhou or Hangzhou. Zhujiajiao is known as Shanghai’s Venice. It’s picture perfect: stone bridges, Ming and Qing architecture and canals.
Suzhou is famous in China for its lovely gardens. You can walk about its 9 UNESCO listed gardens, admiring the 9th to 19th Centuries architecture.
Hangzhou is one of China’s ancient capitals, and UNESCO listed. The city has an old section next to the gorgeous West Lake and an ultra-modern one.
Here you can book an organized trip to Zhujiajiao, Suzhou or Hangzhou.
Where to Stay
The best place to stay in Shanghai is near The Bund or Nanjing Road. we’ve stayed at the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World. The iconic hotel towers about People’s Square. We loved dipping in the pool and resting in the spa after walking around the city. The views are to die for!
We’ve also stayed at the wonderful Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden. Again, super comfy rooms with awesome views, a pool, spa, and impeccable service.
Now, for a futuristic experience stay at the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. It’s a super luxurious hotel on the top floors of the Shanghai World Financial Tower. You can see the entire city!
