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Shanghai · 上海

Shanghai Itinerary: Example Day Routes & Trip Planning

Content reviewed 2026-06-30

Stay3–4 days
Best seasonMar–May / Oct–Nov
BudgetMid–high
WalkingHigh

✓ You’re happy to walk about 15,000 steps a day, want to explore classical gardens and historic architecture, see skyscrapers, and enjoy an authentic Shanghai-style meal.

! You prefer scenic mountains and rivers and historic sites, dislike crowded popular neighborhoods, and don’t want to frequently switch between subway and walking.

Classic One-Day Tour of the Bund, Yu Garden, and Lujiazui · 1 day

  1. 上午 · 09:00 The Bund 外滩

    Visit the Bund early to avoid crowds and admire the historic banks and customs buildings, then stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street toward Yu Garden.

    → {"en"=>"Walk via East Nanjing Road · about 20 minutes", "zh-Hans"=>"步行经南京东路 · 约 20 分钟"}
  2. 中午 · 12:00 Yu Garden & City God Temple 豫园·城隍庙

    Visit the Ming-dynasty Yu Garden and the Old City Area, and enjoy local snacks such as xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) and shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) around Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple).

    → {"en"=>"Metro Line 14 from Yuyuan Garden (豫园) to Lujiazui (陆家嘴) · about 15 minutes", "zh-Hans"=>"地铁 14 号线「豫园」→「陆家嘴」· 约 15 分钟"}
  3. 傍晚 · 16:30 Lujiazui 陆家嘴

    Get up close to the Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center, then return to the Bund for its iconic night view; taking the 2-yuan ferry across the Huangpu River is a classic experience.

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