6-Day Shanghai Itinerary  Exploring Iconic Landmarks from Historic Bund to Futuristic Skyscrapers
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

Duration of 6 Days

Cultural Heritage
Modern Architecture
Shopping
Food Experience
Historical Sites
River Cruise
Gardens
Museums

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Language

Mandarin Chinese

Transportation

Metro Taxi Bus

Visa Requirements

Most visitors need visa

Time Zone

China Standard Time (UTC+8)

Highlights

This 6-day Shanghai itinerary takes you through the city's most iconic landmarks from the historic Bund waterfront to futuristic skyscrapers Experience traditional Chinese gardens modern art scenes and authentic local cuisine while exploring Shanghais rich cultural heritage

Itinerary

1Day 1 Historic Bund and Modern Skyscrapers

Distance:2 km
Metro Line 2

Take Metro Line 2 from East Nanjing Road Station to Lujiazui Station, the most convenient way to cross the Huangpu River

Duration: 10 minutes

directionTaxi

Direct taxi ride across the Yan'an East Road Tunnel

Duration: 15 minutes

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

Unique tourist attraction connecting the Bund to Pudong

Duration: 5 minutes

Shanghai Tower Observatory

Shanghai Tower Observatory

time11:30-13:30
addressNo 501 Yincheng Middle Road Pudong New Area Shanghai

Cross the river to Pudong district and ascend the Shanghai Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the entire city from the worlds second tallest building

Distance:1.5 km
Walking

Enjoyable walk through the modern skyscraper district

Duration: 20 minutes

Metro Line 2

One stop from Lujiazui to Dongchang Road Station

Duration: 5 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick ride through the financial center

Duration: 8 minutes

Pudong Skyscraper Tour

Pudong Skyscraper Tour

time14:00-16:00
addressLujiazui Financial District Pudong Shanghai China

Visit the nearby Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center to compare architectural styles and enjoy different perspectives of the city skyline

Distance:3 km
Walking

Scenic walk along the riverfront with great views

Duration: 35 minutes

Metro Line 2

From Dongchang Road to Lujiazui Station

Duration: 10 minutes

Huangpu River Cruise

Enjoy the river scenery while traveling

Duration: 30 minutes

Huangpu River Night Cruise

Huangpu River Night Cruise

time19:00-21:00
addressHuangpu River Shanghai China

Experience the magical transformation of Shanghai at night with a Huangpu River cruise watching the city lights illuminate both historic and modern landmarks

2Day 2 Old Town Charm and Traditional Gardens

3Day 3 Cultural Heritage and Museum Day

Distance:8 km
Metro Line 8

Transfer from People's Square to Changshou Road Station

Duration: 20 minutes

directionTaxi

Direct route through downtown Shanghai

Duration: 25 minutes

Bus 64

Scenic bus route through the city

Duration: 35 minutes

Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple

time13:00-15:00
address170 Anyuan Road Putuo District Shanghai

Visit the serene Jade Buddha Temple home to two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma in the 19th century

Distance:6 km
Metro Line 7

From Changshou Road to Changping Road Station

Duration: 15 minutes

directionTaxi

Through the historic French concession area

Duration: 20 minutes

Walking

Long but scenic walk through different neighborhoods

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

French Concession Walk

French Concession Walk

time15:30-17:30
addressFrench Concession Area, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Explore the former French Concession area admiring the European-style architecture tree-lined avenues and charming boutiques

Distance:1.2 km
Walking

Pleasant walk through tree-lined streets

Duration: 15 minutes

Metro Line 10

From South Shaanxi Road to Xintiandi Station

Duration: 5 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick ride through the fashionable district

Duration: 8 minutes

Xintiandi Evening

Xintiandi Evening

time18:30-20:30
addressXintiandi, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Enjoy dinner at Xintiandi a fashionable pedestrian street combining traditional Shikumen architecture with modern dining and entertainment

4Day 4 Shopping and Entertainment

Distance:1.8 km
Walking

Walk along the famous shopping street

Duration: 20 minutes

Metro Line 2

One stop from East Nanjing Road to People's Square

Duration: 3 minutes

Tourist Train

Special tourist transportation along Nanjing Road

Duration: 10 minutes

Peoples Square Cultural Hub

Peoples Square Cultural Hub

time14:00-16:00
addressPeoples Square Huangpu District Shanghai China

Visit Peoples Square and explore the surrounding cultural institutions including Shanghai Grand Theatre and Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Distance:4 km
Metro Line 1

From People's Square to South Huangpi Road Station

Duration: 15 minutes

directionTaxi

Direct route to the artsy lane area

Duration: 18 minutes

Bus 911

Scenic bus route through the French Concession

Duration: 25 minutes

Tianzifang Arts District

Tianzifang Arts District

time16:30-18:30
address210 Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Discover Tianzifang a creative arts and crafts enclave in the French Concession featuring galleries studios and unique boutiques

Distance:3.5 km
Metro Line 9

From Dapuqiao to Madang Road Station

Duration: 12 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick ride to the acrobatic show venue

Duration: 15 minutes

Walking + Metro

Combination for the most efficient route

Duration: 20 minutes

Shanghai Acrobatics Show

Shanghai Acrobatics Show

time19:30-21:30
address2266 Gonghexin Road, Jingan District, Shanghai

Experience Shanghais vibrant nightlife with an acrobatics show featuring incredible feats of balance flexibility and coordination

5Day 5 Modern Art and Architecture

Distance:2 km
Walking

Scenic riverside walk along the Huangpu River

Duration: 25 minutes

Bike Sharing

Convenient bike ride along dedicated bike lanes

Duration: 10 minutes

directionTaxi

Quick ride along the waterfront

Duration: 8 minutes

West Bund Cultural District

West Bund Cultural District

time13:30-16:00
addressWest Bund, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Explore the West Bund cultural corridor featuring numerous art museums galleries and public art installations along the riverside

Distance:1.5 km
Walking

Continue along the art district riverside

Duration: 18 minutes

Bike Sharing

Easy bike ride between art venues

Duration: 8 minutes

West Bund Shuttle

Free shuttle service between art institutions

Duration: 5 minutes

Long Museum Visit

Long Museum Visit

time16:30-18:00
address3398 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Visit the Long Museum another major contemporary art institution showcasing both Chinese and international artists in a stunning architectural space

Distance:0.8 km
Walking

Short walk to the dining area

Duration: 10 minutes

Bike Sharing

Quick ride to restaurant cluster

Duration: 5 minutes

Walking along River

Scenic route with river views

Duration: 12 minutes

Riverside Dining Experience

Riverside Dining Experience

time19:00-21:00
addressWest Bund, Xuhui District, Shanghai

Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant in the West Bund area with beautiful views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline

6Day 6 Final Exploration and Departure

Distance:6 km
Metro Line 2

From People's Square to Tilanqiao Station

Duration: 18 minutes

directionTaxi

Direct route to the historic Jewish area

Duration: 20 minutes

Bus 123

Scenic route through different districts

Duration: 30 minutes

Jewish Refugees Museum

Jewish Refugees Museum

time12:00-14:00
address62 Changyang Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai

Explore the former Jewish Ghetto in Hongkou district learning about Shanghais role as a refuge during World War II

Distance:Varies
directionMetro

Depending on chosen destination - use Metro Line 4 or 12

Duration: 15-25 minutes

directionTaxi

Flexible transportation to personal interest spots

Duration: 20-30 minutes

Walking + Public Transport

Combination based on specific locations chosen

Duration: 25-40 minutes

Final Shopping and Exploration

Final Shopping and Exploration

time14:30-16:30
addressZhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Enjoy final souvenir shopping and last-minute exploration of any favorite areas from your Shanghai adventure

Distance:Varies
directionMetro

To Hongqiao Airport or Pudong Airport stations

Duration: 20-35 minutes

Maglev Train

From Longyang Road to Pudong Airport (if applicable)

Duration: 8 minutes

Airport Bus

Direct bus service to airports

Duration: 45-60 minutes

directionTaxi

Direct ride depending on traffic conditions

Duration: 30-60 minutes

Departure Preparation

Departure Preparation

time17:00-19:00
addressDalian Transportation Hub Area, Zhongshan District, Dalian, Liaoning Province

Transfer to airport or train station for departure reflecting on your comprehensive Shanghai experience

Things to Do

  • Walk along the historic Bund waterfront
  • Visit the Shanghai Museum to see ancient Chinese artifacts
  • Explore Yu Garden and traditional Chinese architecture
  • Ascend Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views
  • Experience traditional tea ceremony in Old Town
  • Shop at Nanjing Road pedestrian street
  • Discover French Concession architecture
  • Visit Jade Buddha Temple
  • Explore Xintiandi entertainment district
  • Enjoy Huangpu River cruise