Spending 1 Day in Shanghai [Quick Itinerary]
Day 1: Shanghai Top Attractions You Need to Visit in One Day
Start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum, which houses fantastic art and historical collections. In the afternoon, tour Yu Garden and the Shanghai City God Temple, and enjoy lunch at Yuyuan Bazaar.
Cost: Free
Time to Visit: The Bund
After lunch, take a nice stroll from Nanjing Road to the Bund. End your day with a ferry ride to Lujiazui for that iconic Shanghai skyline view. As one of the non-stop cities, Shanghai also offers an active nightlife. You can live among the ancient in Xintiandi, or attend a thrilling Shanghai Acrobat Show.
Key Attractions
- Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆): Explore ancient Chinese art and artifacts, showcasing China’s rich cultural heritage.
- Yu Garden (豫园): Visit this historic garden and feast on delicious traditional snacks.
- Nan Jing Lu (南京路): This pedestrian thoroughfare is a shopper’s paradise.
- The Bund (外滩): Stroll with views of vintage architecture beside a skyline of skyscrapers.
- Lujiazui (陆家嘴): Dive into Shanghai’s skyline with top views of this fine city.
- Xintiandi (新天地): Explore narrow alleyways filled with century-old Western-style houses and contemporary eateries.
- Shanghai Acrobatic Show (上海杂技表演): Experience the spectacular daily sessions of traditional Chinese acrobatics.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for one-day itineraries in Shanghai, take a look at our suggestions for:
- Classic Shanghai Day Tour
- Shanghai Layover Tour
- Shanghai International Port City Tour
- Shanghai Museum Tour
- Puxi Bund or Pudong Skyline 3-Hour Night Tour Along Huangpu River
2 Days in Shanghai: Day and Night Itinerary
Day One
Begin at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and then visit Yu Garden. Afterward, cross the Huangpu River on a public ferry to see Lujiazui’s skyline of skyscrapers. End your day with a stroll along the Bund.
Day Two
Start your day sipping coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, then take a leisurely walk around Xintiandi — an area famous for its Shikumen-style architecture. Enjoy lunch at a futuristic unmanned retail supermarket.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in local art at the M50 Art District, and if there’s time left, take a ride on the Shanghai Maglev Train.
Key Attractions
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery (星巴克烘焙工坊): See how the beans make it to your cup.
- M50 Art District (M50创意园): Explore modern art exhibitions and local artists.
- Shanghai Maglev Train (上海磁悬浮列车): Experience high-speed travel with this new-gen train.
3 Days in Shanghai: An Itinerary for Shanghai
Day One
Once checked in, explore the local culture and enjoy some dining options near your hotel before resting after your trip.
Day Two
Start off at the Shanghai Museum, then visit Yu Garden. Afterward, stroll along Nanjing Road all the way to The Bund, and finish with a ferry ride across to Lujiazui to enjoy its skyline. After dark, you can appreciate an impressive Shanghai Acrobatic Show.
Day Three
Visit Wukang Road in the French Concession and stroll through one of Shanghai’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Later, shop and relax in the lively neighborhoods of Xintiandi and Tianzifang.
Key Attractions
- Tianzifang (田子坊): Explore the narrow alleyways lined with shops, cafes, and galleries.
- French Concession (法租界): Enjoy house museums under the shady roads.
