
Discover the perfect blend of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation in Chinas most dynamic metropolis
Duration of 5 Days
Best Time to Visit
Spring March-May or Autumn September-November
Currency
Chinese Yuan RMB
Language
Mandarin Shanghainese dialect
Transportation
Metro taxi Didi app
Must Try Food
Xiaolongbao soup dumplings Shengjianbao panfried buns
Emergency Number
110 Police 120 Ambulance
Highlights
This 5-day Shanghai journey takes you through the citys rich history at the Bund and Yu Garden to its cutting-edge modern marvels like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower Experience the vibrant local culture through traditional markets authentic cuisine and artistic performances while exploring both the old French Concession and the futuristic Pudong district
Itinerary
1Day 1 Historic Shanghai The Bund and Old City
Distance:5 km
Take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road Station, then walk 10 minutes to The Bund
Duration: 20 minutes
Direct taxi ride to The Bund, convenient but may encounter traffic
Duration: 15-20 minutes

The Bund Waterfront Walk
Walk along the iconic Bund promenade admiring the colonial era buildings on one side and modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River
Distance:1.5 km
Enjoyable walk along the riverfront to reach local dining area
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Quick taxi ride to restaurant area
Duration: 5-10 minutes

Lunch at Old Shanghai Restaurant
Enjoy traditional Shanghainese cuisine including xiaolongbao soup dumplings and braised pork belly
Distance:2 km
Take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station
Duration: 15 minutes
Scenic walk through old Shanghai streets
Duration: 25 minutes

Yu Garden Exploration
Visit the classical Chinese garden built during Ming Dynasty featuring beautiful pavilions rockeries and ponds
Distance:Within Yu Garden
Located within Yu Garden complex, easy walk across the bridge
Duration: 5 minutes

Huxinting Teahouse Experience
Experience traditional Chinese tea culture at the famous Huxinting Teahouse located in the middle of a pond
Distance:3 km
Take Metro Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station
Duration: 10 minutes
Pleasant walk through commercial districts
Duration: 30 minutes

Evening at Nanjing Road
Explore Chinas premier shopping street with department stores boutiques and vibrant neon lights
2Day 2 Modern Marvels Pudong Skyline
Distance:4 km
Short walk within Lujiazui financial district
Duration: 10-15 minutes
One stop on Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station
Duration: 5 minutes

Shanghai Tower Experience
Visit the worlds second tallest building and experience the fastest elevator to the observation deck
Distance:Within Lujiazui
Shanghai Tower is located in Lujiazui area
Duration: 5 minutes

Lunch in Lujiazui Financial District
Enjoy lunch with a view in Pudongs financial hub featuring international and local cuisine options
Distance:0.5 km
Easy walk between skyscrapers in Lujiazui
Duration: 8 minutes

Shanghai World Financial Center
Visit the bottle opener shaped skyscraper with its unique trapezoid opening at the top
Distance:8 km
Take Metro Line 2 to Century Park Station
Duration: 25 minutes
Direct route to the park
Duration: 20-25 minutes

Century Park Stroll
Relax in Shanghais largest park featuring lakes gardens and recreational facilities
Distance:10 km
Take Metro Line 2 back to Lujiazui area for river views
Duration: 30 minutes
Return to Huangpu River area
Duration: 25-30 minutes

Huangpu River Cruise
Take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to see both the Bund and Pudong illuminated at night
3Day 3 Cultural Immersion and French Concession
Distance:3 km
Take Metro Line 1 to South Shaanxi Road Station
Duration: 15 minutes
Long but scenic walk through different neighborhoods
Duration: 35 minutes

French Concession Walking Tour
Stroll through the charming tree-lined streets of the former French Concession with European architecture
Distance:2 km
Pleasant walk through historic lanes and art streets
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Quick ride to Tianzifang arts district
Duration: 10 minutes

Lunch at Tianzifang
Enjoy lunch in this artsy lane area with converted shikumen houses now housing cafes boutiques and galleries
Distance:1.5 km
Take Metro Line 9 to Xintiandi Station
Duration: 10 minutes
Walk through modern shopping and dining areas
Duration: 20 minutes

Xintiandi Exploration
Visit this upscale pedestrian street with restored shikumen houses now home to restaurants bars and shops
Distance:4 km
Take Metro Line 1 to Jing'an Temple Station
Duration: 15 minutes
Direct route to the temple
Duration: 15 minutes

Jing'an Temple Visit
Explore this ancient Buddhist temple surrounded by modern skyscrapers in downtown Shanghai
Distance:2 km
Take Metro Line 2 to People's Square Station
Duration: 10 minutes
Walk through downtown area
Duration: 25 minutes

Acrobatics Show
Watch a spectacular Chinese acrobatics performance showcasing incredible feats of balance and skill
4Day 4 Water Town Excursion Zhujiajiao
Distance:50 km
Canals are the central feature of Zhujiajiao water town
Duration: 5 minutes

Canal Boat Ride
Experience a traditional gondola ride through the ancient canals passing under stone bridges
Distance:0.3 km
Short walk along the ancient streets
Duration: 5 minutes

Ancient Street Exploration
Walk along North Street one of the best preserved ancient streets in Shanghai with traditional shops
Distance:0.2 km
Many restaurants located along the water town streets
Duration: 3 minutes

Lunch with Local Specialties
Enjoy authentic water town cuisine including freshwater fish rice dumplings and local snacks
Distance:0.5 km
Walk through traditional gardens and courtyards
Duration: 8 minutes

KeZhi Garden Visit
Explore this beautiful classical garden with pavilions rockeries and traditional architecture
Distance:50 km
Take local bus to metro station, then Metro Line 17 back to city center
Duration: 90 minutes
Direct taxi back to hotel
Duration: 60-70 minutes

Return to Shanghai and Evening Free
Return to Shanghai with free evening to explore local neighborhoods or relax
5Day 5 Shopping and Departure
Distance:2 km
Walk to nearby shopping areas like Nanjing Road
Duration: 20 minutes
One stop on Metro Line 1 or 2
Duration: 5 minutes

Last Minute Shopping
Visit local markets or malls for souvenirs tea silk products and other Chinese specialties
Distance:1 km
Many restaurants located within shopping districts
Duration: 10-15 minutes
Quick ride to preferred restaurant
Duration: 5 minutes

Farewell Shanghainese Lunch
Enjoy one last authentic Shanghainese meal featuring local favorites and delicacies
Distance:30 km
Fastest option from Longyang Road Station to Pudong Airport
Duration: 8 minutes
Direct route but may encounter traffic
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Direct metro connection to Pudong Airport
Duration: 60 minutes

Hotel Checkout and Transfer
Check out from hotel and transfer to airport for departure with unforgettable Shanghai memories
Things to Do
- Explore the historic Bund waterfront with colonial architecture
- Visit the classical Yu Garden and Huxinting Teahouse
- Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views
- Experience traditional Chinese tea culture
- Shop at Nanjing Road and Xintiandi
- Discover French Concession architecture
- Visit Shanghai Museum for ancient Chinese art
- Explore Zhujiajiao Water Town
- Enjoy authentic Shanghainese cuisine
- Experience the cities nightlife at The Bund
Related Guides

Shanghai's Green Escape A 5-Day Nature Tour Through Urban Oases
Discover the green side of Shanghai with this 5-day nature-focused itinerary that combines urban parks, wetlands, botanical gardens, and scenic waterfronts

6-Day Shanghai Itinerary Exploring Iconic Landmarks from Historic Bund to Futuristic Skyscrapers
Discover the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels in China's most dynamic metropolis
Tourism Guide


