Shanghai is mainland China’s most modern city, economic capital, and a city of lights, fun, and fantastic food. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple looking to explore, or a family, Shanghai has something for everyone. With a population of over 25 million, three days in Shanghai means you may only scratch the surface, but it’s a great place to get a sense of the city! This Shanghai travel guide is here to help you make the most of your time in China’s best metropolis!
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Arriving in Shanghai
While our guides wouldn’t usually include this, getting into the city from Pudong Airport means an opportunity to ride the Maglev. The Shanghai Maglev is the fastest maglev train available for commercial and public use. It travels the approximate 30 km distance from Pudong Airport to the city in just over 7 minutes. Check out this YouTube video showing the entire trip from the airport into the city.
Day 1 – Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai, being as massive as it is, can seem incredibly overwhelming, but there’s plenty to do and see in the time you’re given.
Lujiazui
For your first day, we recommend heading to Lujiazui. Located in Pudong (literally ‘east of the river’), Lujiazui is Shanghai and China’s financial and economic heart. Thirty years ago, it was not much more than low buildings and farmland. Still, today, it boasts an impressive skyline and some of the tallest buildings in the world: #3 – Shanghai Tower and #12 – Shanghai World Financial Center (more colloquially known as the ‘Bottle Opener’).
We recommend going up one or the other at night to get some terrific views (which we’ll return to at the end of day 1) of Lujiazui, greater Pudong, and the Bund (which we’ll touch on soon!).
For great view of the city, you can also check out the Shanghai Pearl Tower (you can go up for about $43 a person). Or you can head over to the Shanghai World Financial Center or, as it’s more commonly known, the Bottle Opener. Here you can go up a whopping 423 meters to the 94th floor to get a wonderful view of the city!
Shanghai Tower, the 3rd tallest building in the world, stands at a staggering 632 meters (2,037 feet). Its observation deck is located on the 118th floor, tied for the highest in the world at 562 meters (just ahead of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai – the actual tallest building)! From its observation deck, you can see Lujiazui, the Huangpu River, and the Bund in Puxi. Tickets to the observation deck will cost you around US$36, and you can find them for purchase here via Viator. While ‘trekking’ up to a high building might be synonymous with basic touristic activities, this one is well worth it.
In Lujiazui, you can stroll the skyscrapers, hit up one of Shanghai’s most prominent malls (Super Brand Mall), or head to the and grab plenty to eat before heading underground over to Puxi (literally ‘west of the river’), where you can see the colonial European side of Shanghai.
The Bund
After crossing the river from Pudong to Puxi, you end up in another world. The Bund is part of what was once Shanghai’s International Settlement. Around the turn of the 19th Century, different countries, mainly European, controlled Shanghai (and much of China). In this district, and especially along the Bund, you’ll find buildings that were once banks or trading houses of those European nations and a few others like the US and Japan. Stroll along the waterfront and take in the views of the Pudong skyline on one side and Europe on the other. As you head south along the Bund, you’ll make your way toward Yuyuan Gardens.
Yuyuan Gardens
The Yu (or Yuyuan) Gardens is a reconstructed ancient Chinese city. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty in the 16th century, these gardens are stunningly curated and beautiful to walk around. If you are a fan of Japanese gardens, you will undoubtedly love these as well. Within the Garden grounds, you can find several buildings that represent what was once government halls. Koi ponds abound, as do plenty of places to see (and even buy some) art. You should also sit and contemplate the beauty that lies in front of you.
Next to the Gardens, and in the same architectural style, is the Yu Market. You can roam around different shops, some hawking tourist items, others selling art or clothing, or random items.
Like everywhere in Shanghai (and greater China), Yu Market and Gardens can become exceptionally crowded. Prepare to fight against the crowds and be mindful of pickpockets or tea scams. *For those unaware, the tea scam is being asked into a shop (often tea) to try an item to then find large people surrounding you saying you owe an exorbitant sum of money.*
You can get tickets to both Yuyuan Gardens and
After strolling the gardens, doing some shopping, and perhaps packing up a small snack at one of the many street vendors, you should head back to Pudong to the “Fake Market.”
Shanghai’s Fake Markets
China is synonymous with manufacturing many of the world’s goods. However, it also manufactures many of its own goods, many of which are ‘knock-offs’. Take Shanghai’s metro to the Science and Technology Museum, where you will climb the escalator to find an underground market. This market (and others like it in the city) are sprawling underground stores of fake goods.
At the fake market, as it is colloquially known amongst those living there, you can find nearly anything your heart desires. You can find knock-off iPhones, luggage, designer clothes, shoes, or watches. Prescription glasses can be made for a fraction of the price. There are toys, laptops, headphones, cameras, and everything else you might imagine. There is also an extensive area for tailored clothing.
Everything at the fake market is negotiable. You can haggle your way down to just about any price that suits you. The hawkers may not seem happy about it, but they are almost certainly still making a killing off of the Lao-wai (foreigners or, more specifically, white foreigners. Lao-ren is for people of different skin color, as my wife and I learned when she was called that).
These stores will take cash or WeChat (a catch-all application, ubiquitous in China, that acts as social media, banking, travel, everything!). For the traveler, however, cash will be king. Shop until your heart is content, but also remember that upon returning to your home country, technically, these items constitute bringing in illegal goods as they are not real.
Lujiazui at Night!
When you’re done shopping, hop on the metro and head back to Lujiazui to see it lit up at night. We recommend heading up to the observation deck at Shanghai Tower, where the entire city is lit up. It’s a beautiful site and one worth exploring.
Day 2 – Shanghai Travel Guide
People’s Park
You saw a bit of what Shanghai offers on Day 1 and what makes it such a fascinating dichotomy of old and new. On day 2, you’ll spend your day in Puxi, the more extensive and interesting side of Shanghai.
To start day 2, head out early to People’s Park in Puxi (there are plenty of metro stations there). Get there early to find a jian bing street cart. Jian bing is a traditional breakfast food that originally hails from Taiwan. It consists of a flour and water wrap with an egg, chives, pickled onion, cilantro, and fried wonton inside, mixed with spicy chili paste and hoisin sauce. These Chinese breakfast ‘burritos’ are typical breakfast food for Shanghainese on the move and are both incredibly cheap and delicious!
After breakfast, if it’s a Saturday or Sunday, head over to the People’s Park proper. Here is where you will find the Shanghai Marriage Market. This market is primarily grandparents sitting with information about their grandchildren, looking to match them with others’ grandchildren. It is, as the name suggests, a marriage market. You can stroll around looking for any possible matches for yourself (we kid!), but it is an interesting cultural difference to see.
When you are finished looking for potential partners, make your way to Jing’an Temple!
Jing’an Temple
Jing’an Temple was originally built in 270 AD but suffered a fair bit of destruction over the years and was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. It was rebuilt in the 1980s and restored to its original purpose – a temple. Inside, you can make an offering, view monks praying (and pray yourself), and see an exceptional Jade Buddha. It’s also striking to see such a temple in the heart of a city like Shanghai.
Tickets to the Jing’an Temple are around $7-8. We recommend taking an hour or so to stroll along and enjoy, as with the Yuyuan Gardens, a bit of peace inside such a chaotic city.
When you’ve made your offerings and chatted with the monks, make your way to Sichuan Citizen. You can enjoy some truly delectable custom cocktails and exceptionally flavorful Szechuan food. Their Basil Drop Martini is well-known amongst frequenters of this speak-easy-style restaurant and bar. Szechuan Citizen is popular amongst expats and locals. However, if that doesn’t whet your appetite, however, you can walk down the street to hit up Shanghai Brewery. Here, you can pick up the more western-style fare as well as unique in-house beers.
After filling up on food and drink, walk it off by wandering around the French Concession (the area you’ve just eaten in!). This area was a foreign concession until near the end of World War II, but today, it is defined by its leafy, tree-lined avenues and distinct architecture.
After your walk, make your way down towards Taikang Lu or Taikang Road.
Taikang Lu
In Taikang Lu, you’ll find Tianzifang (still often called Taikang Lu locally). Tianzifang is a series of alleys full of restaurants, tea, and coffee shops, and stores selling artisan crafts goods. It is beautifully constructed and represents the Shanghai architectural style of Shikumen.
Tianzifang is a popular tourist area as well. While you will find many goods for sale, they are not your traditional tourist items. Instead, you’ll find neat shops selling quirky art and knick-knacks you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a great chance to see authentic architecture and perfect for those looking to take beautiful photos.
East Nanjing & Dumplings
End your 2nd day by heading to East Nanjing, a walking street full of lights and stores. It’s often likened to New York City’s Times Square. The lights and sights are well worth the trek, though beware, it has all the makings of a tourist trap from your standard clothing stores (H&M, Uniqlo, etc.), but your stores like M&Ms & Hershey’s. Like Times Square, the real pull of East Nanjing is the people watching and sights.
However, even better is that nearby you’ll find Yang’s Fried Dumplings. This chain is extremely popular in Shanghai. Yang’s Fried Dumplings are hearty soup dumplings with very thick dough fried very thoroughly. While being amazingly delicious, Yang’s is also exceedingly affordable. Be careful, though, as they can be messy to eat! As with the jian bing, the simple meals in Shanghai can be the best. With a stomach full of dumplings, we recommend calling it a day and readying yourself for day 3!
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Day 3 – Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai is far too large a city to truly see everything in three days, but for day three, we recommend an ancient water town!
Zhujiajao Water Town
Zhujiajao is Shanghai’s biggest and most well-known ancient water town. These water towns are built around canals and feature an architectural style reminiscent of ancient China (hence the name). Like much of what can be done in Shanghai, a lot of what you will do in Zhujiajao revolves around eating and shopping.
Much like Tiakang Lu, you’ll find shops that sell art here, though more traditional artwork and less eclectic items. You’ll also find more traditional Chinese restaurants and tea shops. An everyday staple amongst these areas (and other places in Shanghai) is cotton candy, and if you are feeling particularly adventurous, go ahead and try some “stinky tofu.” However, it is quite stinky and certainly not something everyone will enjoy!
Zhujiajao, and water towns in general, offer visitors the opportunity to get an idea of what life was like before China modernized. Zhujiajao can be crowded, so we recommend getting there early. Half a day in Zhujiajao will probably be sufficient; however, note that getting to and from can take some time.
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
After arriving back in Shanghai proper, make your back to People’s Park. Here you can find the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. This hall highlights the building of Shanghai throughout its history, but the highlight is the scale model of the entire city. Entry is pretty cheap, and you can easily wander around for an hour or so.
End of Day 3
For dinner, we recommend finding a Dongbei restaurant. Dongbei stands for Northeastern China and, unlike Southern China, is a potato-based diet. While we enjoy the Dongbei Four Seasons Dumpling King, ask your hotel for recommendations. Dongbei food deviates from what you might expect from your usual Chinese fare. You’ll also find these restaurants to be highly affordable.
Final Thoughts – Shanghai Travel Guide
Three days in the largest city in the world are never going to be enough. There is too much to see and too much to do. We have highlighted some big-ticket items to see and participate in while visiting Shanghai.
For other options, however, there are a few ideas.
Other Possible Ideas
- Shanghai Disney: Shanghai Disney is the world’s newest Disneyland (finished in 2016). It boasts some fantastic rides such as a very cool and updated Pirates of the Caribbean, an incredible Tron roller coaster, and, if you’ve been to California Adventure – a Soaring Over the World. This is an excellent option for families, but it can get very crowded! Tickets can be bought directly via the site or via Viator,
- Afternoon Tea: Like other cities, Shanghai boasts a beautiful Peninsula Hotel. And much like other Peninsula Hotels, they offer an excellent afternoon tea. Head to the lobby and grab some delicious tea and scones.
- Shanghai Museum: The Shanghai Museum, located near People’s Square, offers an in-depth look at Shanghainese and Chinese culture. You can find historical works and artifacts from China’s history.
We hope you find this guide helpful, but remember it’s just that – a guide, nothing set in stone!
Let us know what you think!