When you arrive in Shanghai, you will be amazed by the cosmopolitan atmosphere that seamlessly blends with the historic architecture. Initially, you might feel overwhelmed by the major attractions in Shanghai and feel like 3 days isn’t enough to explore this jewel of a city. But with the right planning, each day you will discover the exciting elements of Shanghai, from its top attractions to cultural highlights plus a great day trip opportunity.
In this article, we provide a thrilling itinerary that is perfect for 3 days in Shanghai. We also include some tips for visiting Shanghai in 3 days such as when to visit and using public transport, which will be incredibly helpful for anyone thinking about heading to this metropolitan masterpiece.
If you are planning a visit to the city, do not miss our guide about where to stay in Shanghai, with best neighbourhoods
For your first day in Shanghai, our itinerary will take you to the top attractions the city has to offer. From seeing the skyline at the Oriental Pearl Tower to exploring the shopping paradise of Nanjing Road, your first day will get you comfortably familiar with Shanghai.
Starting off with one of the most stunning areas in Shanghai, we invite you to explore the historic waterfront called The Bund. The buildings in The Bund are a beautiful blend of colonial, neoclassical and Gothic architecture. These buildings were erected in the 19th and 20th centuries by English settlers, which explains their Western style.
As you walk along The Bund you can observe the historic buildings and take note of their intricate designs and details. You will also notice a variety of high-end restaurants and cafes along the promenade, which are perfect for an early breakfast with views of the river.
The Bund also features a handful of museums where you can learn more about the history of Shanghai. Most notably, The Bund Historical Museum, where visitors can learn more about the extensive history of The Bund, is situated beneath the Monument to the People’s Heroes at the top of the promenade.
One of the best things to do in Shanghai is to take a cruise along the Huangpu River. The Bund is one of the main starting points for cruises on the water and you will find a variety of tours and trips available. Taking in the striking Shanghai skyline from the deck of a ship will give you a new appreciation for the grandiose city.
After a morning of exploring the historic waterfront, cross the river and head to the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower. This skyscraper stands out against the other buildings on Shanghai’s skyline and is a major feature of the Pudong District. The tower stands at 468 metres, making it one of the largest structures in Asia and the best place for panoramic views of Shanghai.
The tower has a unique design incorporating multiple spheres into its layout. The upper and lower spheres serve as observation decks where you can look out upon the whole of Shanghai. If you’re eager to get the best views or an incredible photo, we suggest heading to the upper sphere as its height of 350 metres gives much more visibility.
The decks also feature glass floors which gives the impression that you are floating above the bustling streets. While immensely fun, this might not be the best activity for travellers who are afraid of heights. Thankfully, the Oriental Pearl features a range of other attractions like a revolving restaurant and a space-themed exhibition centre, so there is plenty to see in the modern marvel.
If you want to experience the economic development of Shanghai, then Nanjing Road is the best place to go. This is Shanghai’s premier shopping district, stretching over 5.5km and featuring over 600 different businesses. It’s a central hub of the city where you will find locals and tourists exploring the diverse shops and boutiques.
The offering at Nanjing Road is truly diverse, so you’ll find everything from designer brands to international chains and even more traditional Chinese establishments. It’s the best place to go shopping in Shanghai and is perfect for the evening as the streets become illuminated by neon lights.
There are a variety of food shops here that have been in business for over a century. It’s one of the best places in Shanghai to pick up local snacks and treats – just make sure you save some for your loved ones back home!
There is a range of dining options on Nanjing Road, so it’s the perfect evening stop for dinner. You can opt for an upscale restaurant serving international cuisine or get something to go from one of the many street food stalls. This is a great opportunity to try local Shanghai cuisine, like xiao long bao which are delicious steamed dumplings with a soupy centre.
For the second day of this Shanghai itinerary, we’re taking you to the top attractions in the city where you can get a taste of Chinese culture. We start with a trip to the lush Yuyuan Gardens before exploring the serene Jing’an Temple and finishing the day with a visit to the historic French Concession.
After spending your first day getting acquainted with the must-visit places in Shanghai, we start your second day with a relaxing trip to Yuyuan Gardens. This extensive garden complex is a verdant oasis right in the heart of the city, just north of Shanghai Old Street. It dates back all the way to the Ming Dynasty and is a great place to start the day and explore the tranquil setting.
Yuyuan Gardens perfectly demonstrates traditional Chinese garden design, featuring pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and gorgeous floral displays. The layout of the garden reflects Taoist principles of balance and harmony, which makes it a great place to take a break from the bustling streets of Shanghai.
Next to the garden, you will find Yuyuan Bazaar, a busy marketplace filled with souvenirs, handicrafts and antiques. The stalls are filled with a range of items, from tea sets to silk scarves, so you are certain to find something special. There are also eateries and tea houses within the bazaar where you can savour the decadent flavours of Shanghai’s culinary traditions.
After a tranquil morning exploring the gardens, we recommend visiting one of the many Shanghai temples. You can visit popular sites like Longhua and The Jade Buddha Temple, but the temple that everyone visiting Shanghai should see is Jing’an Temple.
Located in the heart of Shanghai, on West Nanjing Road, Jing’an is one of Shanghai’s most iconic temples and an absolute must-see. It is over 1700 years old and a striking example of classic Chinese architecture. You will enter through the ornate entrance gate decorated with intricate wooden carvings and can marvel at a giant Buddha statue in the temple’s main hall.
The visitor experience at Jing’an is immensely spiritual. The temple is an active place of worship so you will see devotees making prayers and lighting incense offerings. The serene atmosphere is perfect for reflection and contrasts with the urban setting outside the temple walls.
We end the day with a visit to the French Concession, one of the city’s most historic areas and a great place to visit in Shanghai for any traveller. The charming district is characterised by tree-lined streets, hip cafes and bars, stylish boutiques and art galleries. Having been ceded to the British after the First Opium War, the buildings here are a blend of architectural styles like Art Deco and Renaissance Revival.
These historic buildings retain their decorative facades, but now function as cultural and culinary hotspots. You will find a range of gastronomic delights in The French Concession, from high-end restaurants to quaint cafes. The culinary offering is also diverse, featuring both traditional Shanghai cuisine as well as Italian, French and other international options which can be experienced on an evening food tour.
The French Concession is a beautiful blend of the old and new and is one of the best places to go in Shanghai at night due to its exquisite selection of bars. It’s the perfect place to end the day and absorb the spirited ambience.
After spending your first 2 days discovering the highlights of Shanghai, we suggest using your final day to explore the outskirts of this bustling metropolis. A major feature of Shanghai is the water towns that surround the city and showcase a slower, more relaxed way of life. There are a few to choose from, but the most popular day trip from Shanghai is certainly Zhujiajiao.
Often regarded as the ‘Venice of Shanghai’, Zhujiajiao is a quaint Watertown in the Qingpu district that has existed for nearly 1700 years. It is made up of a network of canals and waterways that visitors can explore via boat rides. There are a wealth of ancient buildings and temples in the Zhujiajiao which makes it perfect for a day trip as there is so much to see.
Zhujiajiao is famous for its rice wine, known as ‘nuerhong,’ a speciality that visitors can sample in the town’s shops. Additionally, you can find traditional handicrafts such as handwoven silk and unique souvenirs in the local markets. The town’s culinary scene offers a delightful array of regional dishes, allowing visitors to savour authentic Chinese cuisine in riverside restaurants and quaint teahouses.
The best way to reach Zhujiajiao is via a guided tour, which will take you to the town on a short boat ride. Once in the town, your expert guide will take you to all the top attractions like the Kezhi Garden and the Baoguo Temple.
It’s a great way to finish up your Shanghai trip and provides an authentic look into the daily lives of residents in this ancient town.
To make sure you have the best 3 days in Shanghai, we’ve included some tips that will help you plan your visit. Alongside some general advice, we discuss when to visit Shanghai, what to pack and how to get around the city.
The best time to visit Shanghai is from March to May. The weather in Shanghai during this period is idyllic, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The parks and gardens of Shanghai burst into bloom in a gorgeous palette of colour which adds so much charm to the experience. You also avoid the worst of the typhoon season and the exhausting humidity that is present in summer.
You will want to avoid visiting Shanghai in October and late January as this is when national holidays like Golden Week and Chinese New Year take place. While they can be very exciting and offer visitors the chance to take part in Chinese culture, many businesses will be closed and Shanghai will be crowded with tourists.
Packing for Shanghai will largely depend on what time you are visiting. In the winter be sure to pack plenty of layers and in the summer, opt for lightweight fabrics.
We advise that you keep a card with your hotel name in Mandarin to hand, as this will help you when getting taxis or asking for directions. You will also want to keep some identification on you at all times as it may be checked when entering certain attractions in Shanghai.
Pudong International Airport receives most flights from abroad and Hongqiao handles domestic flights.
Both airports are on metro line 2 which connects them to the city centre, which is a cost-effective way to get to your accommodation. You can also get to Shanghai from Beijing via bullet train in around 5 hours, but this can be quite expensive.
The metro is extensive and one of the best ways to get around Shanghai. All of the major attractions in Shanghai are a short walk away from a station, so it’s a really convenient way to explore the city. Likewise, the bus system serves every corner of the city, but there is limited English signage which can make it quite confusing if you can’t read Mandarin.
Overall, 3 days is the perfect amount of time to explore Shanghai and its tourist attractions. Whether you crave the ancient temples or modern marvels, you are sure to find something exhilarating when you visit Shanghai. It’s a perfect stop for a city break for any traveller looking to enjoy a stylish long weekend.
When you visit Shanghai, you also have the opportunity to explore the city’s surroundings and visit the quaint water towns that have kept local traditions alive for centuries.
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