4 Days Shanghai, China Itinerary
This 4-day itinerary explores the best of Shanghai, balancing iconic landmarks with local experiences. It's designed for a moderate budget, focusing on public transport and affordable eats while still allowing for memorable activities.
Duration
4 days
Budget
$400-800 (excluding flights)
Best Time
The best times to visit Shanghai are during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Activities
19
Daily Avg
$150/day
Pace
Moderate
Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern innovation. From stunning skylines to ancient temples and bustling markets, Shanghai offers a diverse and unforgettable travel experience.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 11 must-have experiences
Iconic Skyline Viewpoint
Day 1: Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Historic Bund Stroll
Day 1: Bund Sightseeing
Traditional Garden Escape
Day 2: Yuyuan Garden
Local Food Market Immersion
e.g., Wanshou Market (万寿菜市场), Tianshan Wet Market (天山菜市场)
Classic Shanghai Street Food
Day 1: Bund Sightseeing
Art Deco & French Concession Charm
Day 2: French Concession Stroll
High-End Rooftop Bar Experience
e.g., Bar Rouge, Flair Bar (Ritz-Carlton Pudong)
Ancient Buddhist Temple Visit
Day 3: Jing'an Temple
Museum & Art Gallery Hopping
Day 3: Shanghai Museum
Huangpu River Night Cruise
Day 1: Bund Sightseeing
Cultural Performance & Acrobatic Show
e.g., ERA Intersection of Time (Shanghai Circus World), Shanghai Grand Theatre
Shanghai's cuisine is a delightful blend of delicate flavors and rich textures, influenced by its coastal location and diverse cultural history. From savory dumplings to sweet soups, the city offers a culinary adventure for every palate. Be prepared to experience a mix of traditional and modern interpretations of classic dishes.
Must-Try Dishes
Delicate steamed dumplings filled with flavorful broth and meat (usually pork). They are best enjoyed by carefully biting a small hole to sip the soup before eating the dumpling. A true Shanghai icon!
📍 Din Tai Fung (high-end), Jia Jia Tang Bao (popular local spot), street food stalls
Similar to Xiao Long Bao but pan-fried until crispy on the bottom. Filled with pork and broth, these are a delicious and satisfying street food. Be careful, the broth is hot!
📍 Yang's Fry-Dumpling (小杨生煎), street food stalls
Simple yet flavorful noodles tossed in a fragrant scallion oil sauce. A comforting and popular dish.
📍 Local noodle shops, street food stalls
Pork belly braised in a sweet and savory sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The meat is incredibly tender and melts in your mouth.
📍 Traditional Shanghainese restaurants
Food Neighborhoods
Known for a wide variety of restaurants and street food stalls, catering to tourists.
Known for traditional Shanghai snacks and restaurants in a historic setting.
Known for a mix of international cuisines and trendy cafes.
Known for its street food market with diverse local snacks
Vegetarian options are available, but may require some searching. Tofu dishes and vegetable stir-fries are common. For halal options, look for restaurants with halal certifications. Allergies should be communicated clearly, but language barriers may be a challenge; using a translation app or card is recommended.
It's customary to share dishes with your table. Using chopsticks is the norm. Slurping noodles is generally acceptable. Tipping is not customary in most restaurants, but increasingly accepted in tourist-oriented places. Avoid sticking your chopsticks upright in your rice bowl, as it resembles incense offerings for the dead.
Chinese New Year
ChunjieMost important Chinese holiday with fireworks, dragon dances, and family reunions.
Note: Book flights/hotels 2 months ahead
Mid-Autumn Festival
Zhongqiu JieHarvest festival with mooncakes, lanterns, and moon viewing.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in The Bund/People's Square, take a short walk to The Bund.FREE
9:00 AM - Bund Sightseeing
Start your day with a stroll along the Bund, admiring the colonial-era architecture and enjoying the views of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Take photos and soak in the atmosphere.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk along The Bund to reach the Shanghai Tower. It's visible in the Pudong skyline.$30
11:00 AM - Shanghai Tower Observation Deck
Head to the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world, and ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Book tickets in advance online to avoid queues.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take the metro Line 2 from Lujiazui Station (near Shanghai Tower) to Lujiazui Station (IFC Mall). Din Tai Fung is located inside the IFC Mall.$20
1:00 PM - Lunch at Din Tai Fung (Shanghai IFC Mall)
Enjoy world-famous soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) at Din Tai Fung. The IFC Mall location offers stunning views. Expect a wait during peak hours.
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- 🚶Walk from IFC Mall to the Oriental Pearl Tower, it is a short walk.$25
3:00 PM - Oriental Pearl Tower
Visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. While the Shanghai Tower offers better views, the Pearl Tower is a Shanghai landmark and offers a unique perspective. Choose based on your preference.
Book on Klook
The Bund or People's Square
Central locations with easy access to major attractions and transportation hubs.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Shanghai are during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild, pleasant, and less humid, making it ideal for sightseeing. Summer (June to August) is hot, very humid, and prone to typhoons, while Winter (December to February) is cold and damp. Avoid major national holidays like Chinese New Year (usually Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (early October) due to extreme crowds, higher prices, and transport congestion.
The weather is generally mild and comfortable with moderate humidity. Expect sunny days with occasional showers. Temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Spring and Autumn are considered the best times to visit Shanghai, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to peak summer and winter seasons.
Avoid traveling during Chinese New Year (usually Jan/Feb) and Golden Week (early October) due to extreme crowds and higher prices.
Getting Around
Extensive high-speed rail and metro systems in major cities
City-specific transit cards or Alipay QR codes
Download DiDi for ride-hailing. Book train tickets in advance on 12306 or Trip.com.
Travel
$600-1200 (roundtrip flight)Accommodation
$200-400 (4 nights)Food
$100-200Activities
$100-200Eat at local eateries (xiaochi shops, noodle stalls) and food courts for delicious, authentic, and inexpensive meals. Avoid tourist traps for food.
Utilize Shanghai's extensive and affordable metro system for transport. It's much cheaper than taxis, especially for longer distances.
Explore free attractions like The Bund, People's Square, Fuxing Park, and stroll through various historical neighborhoods like the French Concession.
Enjoy a luxurious dinner cruise on the Huangpu River for breathtaking views of the Bund and Pudong skyline, particularly at night.
Indulge in cocktails at one of Shanghai's high-end rooftop bars (e.g., Flair at Ritz-Carlton, Bar Rouge) for unparalleled city vistas.
Use local group-buying apps like 'Dianping' (similar to Yelp with deals) for discounts on food, activities, and services, often available only in Chinese.
- A VPN is essential: Download and set up a reliable VPN service on your devices *before* arriving to access international websites and apps.
- Embrace cashless payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are dominant. Link your international card to these apps or carry some cash for smaller vendors.
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases: While some English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing simple phrases like 'Ni hao' (hello) and 'Xie Xie' (thank you) is helpful and appreciated.
- Master the Metro: Shanghai's metro system is extensive, efficient, affordable, and the best way to navigate the city. Download a metro map app.
- Be prepared for crowds: Shanghai is a bustling metropolis. Expect large crowds at popular attractions, especially during peak hours.
- Tap water is not drinkable: Always drink bottled or filtered water to stay safe.
- Carry tissues and hand sanitizer: Public toilets can sometimes be basic and may not provide toilet paper or soap.
- Bargaining is common in markets: If you're shopping at local markets (e.g., the Fabric Market or fake markets), haggling over prices is expected.
- 1VPN-enabled smartphone/laptop: Crucial for accessing international internet services.
- 2Universal Power Adapter (Type A, C, and I): China uses multiple socket types, so a universal adapter is recommended.
- 3Portable Power Bank: Essential for keeping your phone charged for navigation, translation, and payments.
- 4Comfortable Walking Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking exploring the city's sights.
- 5Layers of Clothing: Shanghai's weather can change quickly, especially in spring and autumn. Dress in layers.
- 6Lightweight Umbrella or Rain Jacket: Sudden showers are common, particularly in spring and summer.
- 7Facial Masks: For potential air quality concerns or during colder seasons for warmth/health protection.
- 8Hand Sanitizer and Tissues: For use in public facilities and on the go.
- 9Basic Medications: A small personal first-aid kit for common ailments (headaches, stomach upset, etc.).
- 10Copies of Important Documents: Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and hotel bookings separate from the originals.
Visa for China
Most nationalities require a visa. Apply at least 1-2 months in advance at your nearest Chinese embassy/consulate.
Flights and Accommodation
Book well in advance, especially if traveling during peak seasons or major Chinese holidays, to secure better prices and availability.
VPN Subscription
Purchase and set up a reliable VPN service *before* departure to ensure access to blocked international services.
Airport Transfer
Consider booking an airport express ticket or private transfer in advance, especially if arriving late or with heavy luggage, for a smooth arrival.
International eSIM / Physical SIM
Pre-order an eSIM or plan to buy a local physical SIM upon arrival at the airport for immediate connectivity.
Popular Attraction Tickets
For high-demand attractions like Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, or major museums, consider booking timed entry tickets online in advance to avoid long queues.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website/app
📍 China Unicom stores at the airport or in the city
📍 Online booking and airport pickup
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. Public WiFi is also accessible in some areas, but may require registration with a local phone number. Connection speeds can vary.
Useful Apps
Download a VPN before arriving in China to access blocked websites and apps (e.g., Google, Facebook, Instagram). Register for a local SIM card or eSIM for reliable internet access. Be aware that some websites and apps may require a local phone number for verification. Consider setting up mobile payment options like Alipay or WeChat Pay for convenience.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two flat parallel pins
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two angled flat pins + ground
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected — may be refused
Not expected; round up fare if desired
Not expected in most hotels
Tipping is not part of Chinese culture. High-end international hotels may accept tips.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Shanghai is generally a safe city for tourists. Be aware of petty theft in crowded areas and scams targeting tourists.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
110
120
119
Limited English support — have your hotel address written in Chinese
Payments
China is nearly cashless — mobile payment dominates
International cards rarely accepted outside luxury hotels
WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential; some now allow foreign card linking
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival. Carry some cash for rural areas.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best times to visit Shanghai are during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. Avoid the summer heat and winter cold, as well as major holidays like Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
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