Shanghai Travel Itinerary, Plan a 2 to 10 Days Trip to Shanghai

As one of China’s four municipalities (alongside Beijing, Tianjin, and Chongqing), Shanghai was one of the first cities in the country to embrace modernization. This international metropolis, where East meets West, captivates visitors from around the globe with its unique charm.

Shanghai is not only a city of cultural contrasts, where historical landmarks meet Western influences, but also a vibrant hub of finance, trade, and cutting-edge technology. It is this dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation that has earned Shanghai its nickname: “The Magic City.”

From the classical elegance of Yu Garden to the grand colonial architecture along the Bund, the iconic Shikumen residences that embody the essence of old Shanghai, and the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, every corner of the city invites exploration.

While all itineraries are flexible, we've provided a recommended itinerary to help you. If you need a customized Shanghia itinerary, please contact us.

2-Day Shanghai Itinerary

It is recommended to plan a two-day itinerary centered around Shanghai’s iconic cityscape, exploring highlights such as the Bund, Yu Garden, and nearby destinations like Zhujiajiao Ancient Town.

Day 1: Visit the Shanghai Museum, which houses a large collection of ancient Chinese artifacts and works of art in the morning, explore the Shanghai World Financial Center, which offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck in the afternoon, check out the acrobatic show at the Shanghai Circus World.

Day 2: Take a tour of the Old Town and visit the Confucius Temple in the morning, explore the futuristic neighborhoods of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower in the afternoon and go on a cruise down the Huangpu River to see the city's skyline at night.

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3-Day Shanghai Itinerary

As an internet-famous city, Shanghai boasts incredibly rich tourism resources—three days there would only scratch the surface. To truly experience the city without regrets, highlights such as the Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and the vibrant alleys of Tianzifang offer a perfect blend of history, style, and local life.

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4-Day Shanghai Itinerary

If you have four days, you can choose to spend two days in Shanghai’s main urban area, and use the remaining day to visit surrounding attractions such as the Zhujiajiao Water Town, Qibao Ancient Town, or Disneyland.

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5-Day Shanghai Itinerary

If you have ample time, you'll have more opportunities to fully immerse yourself in Shanghai’s diverse urban charm and cultural richness. In addition to visiting the Bund and Yuyuan Garden, typically, most travelers choose to spend at least a full day discovering the beauty of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. This route can also be extended to include nearby attractions such as the classical gardens of Suzhou or the romantic West Lake in Hangzhou, offering a perfect blend of heritage, scenery, and relaxation.

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7-Day Shanghai Itinerary

With a full week, even the most discerning traveler can be fully satisfied when visiting Shanghai. You can venture farther to Suzhou and Hangzhou to admire classical gardens and poetic lakeside scenery, or head to nearby ancient towns like Tongli and Zhujiajiao to experience the timeless charm of Jiangnan culture. Of course, the wonders of Shanghai's urban core are equally captivating, whether it's strolling through Xintiandi and West Bund; Exploring futuristic architecture in Lujiazui; Taking a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River, on the Huangpu River; Enjoying immersive exhibitions and performances, or savoring global cuisines in Michelin-starred restaurants.

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10-Day Shanghai Itinerary

A Shanghai itinerary is not limited to just Shanghai and its surrounding water towns—it can also extend to nearby cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou. As two shining jewels of the Yangtze River Delta, Suzhou enchants with its classical gardens and silk culture, while Hangzhou captivates with the poetic beauty of West Lake and rich tea heritage. Additionally, thanks to Shanghai’s excellent high-speed rail network, it's easy to include Mount Huangshan in your travel plans, making for a diverse and enriching journey.

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Customize Your Unique Shanghai Tour

If you are interested in one of the Shanghai itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Shanghai Tour, please visit our Shanghai Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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