3-Day Classic Shanghai Itinerary
Three days to see the best of Shanghai—the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower, and the French Concession. A comfortable pace.
Suitable for: First-time visitors to Shanghai looking to experience the city’s diverse facets over a three-day long weekend.
Day 1: Classic Puxi
The Bund → Yu Garden: Experience Old Shanghai.
The Bund’s International Architectural Ensemble
Start at the Waibaidu Bridge and walk south along the river to admire 52 century-old European-style buildings.
Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple
Head to the second floor of Nanxiang Steamed Bun Shop to try the crab roe xiaolongbao, then tour the Ming Dynasty Jiangnan-style garden.
The Bund at Night
Head back to the Bund in the evening to watch the sunset → enjoy the “Blue Note” show → and see the lights come on. Take the 2-yuan ferry to Lujiazui.
Don’t take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (a 50-yuan scam)
Day 2: Modern Pudong + French Concession
Visit the top of Shanghai Tower + take a Citywalk under the plane trees.
Shanghai Tower
632 meters—China’s tallest building. A 55-second elevator ride takes you straight to the 118th floor.
French Concession Citywalk
Wukang Building → Wukang Road → Anfu Road → Sinan Road. The quintessential Shanghai experience under the plane trees.
Dinner: Shanghai-style cuisine
Lao Jishi (Tianping Road), braised pork belly, stir-fried shrimp.
Reserve a table in advance
Day 3: Cultural Shanghai
Museum + Longhua Temple + Return Trip.
Shanghai Museum
The Bronze and Ceramics Galleries are world-class.