Shanghai Travel Guide: Top Things to do in 3 days

In this guide, you’ll find my personal suggestions for exploring Shanghai on your first visit and getting to know its most interesting spots.

Shanghai is one of my favorite cities in China, together with Chongqing. I’ve visited many times and have finally created this travel guide to help you organize your first trip to this amazing city. I’ll take you through some of Shanghai’s must-see spots and help you discover the most interesting places.

Here are some quick Facts About Shanghai:

• Location: Eastern China, on the coast.
• Established: Modern Shanghai began to develop in the 19th century, though its history dates back thousands of years.
• Population: Over 24 million people, making it one of China’s largest cities.
• Main Attractions: The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Xintiandi, and the French Concession.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Shanghai is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is nice during these months, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, making it a great time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This suggestion is valid pretty much for all of China as I explained in my China Travel Guide. Remember to avoid the first week of May, the first week of October, and, of course, the Chinese New Year. Those weeks can be incredibly busy and expensive. It will also be a challenge to find and book a train ticket.

Arrival and Transportation

If you arrive at Pudong Airport, you can take the Maglev train, one of the world’s fastest trains. It covers the 30 kilometers between the airport and the city center in just over 7 minutes and can reach speeds of up to 431 km/h. The Maglev ticket office is located on the second floor between Terminals 1 and 2 and accepts Western credit cards.

Trains depart every 20 minutes from 6:51 a.m. to 9:51 p.m. For detailed information about tickets, visit the Maglev website.

Alternatively, you can take the subway, which connects the whole city and is quite cheap. The 72-hour pass costs ¥45 and covers all metro trips, including transfers to the high-speed train station on the fourth day. The pass can be purchased at service centers.

Since Google Maps doesn’t work in China, you can use this app instead to find out which subway line to use during your stay. Also, please remember to get a VPN before you arrive in China and/or an eSim. I recommend this one.

Where to stay

As a rule of thumb, stay near a subway station and use Trip.com for your booking. The other platforms offer fewer, and often more expensive, options. I recommend staying somewhere between the Bund and the Yuyuan Garden. This is, for example, a very popular option, and this is a good alternative. As you can see, Shanghai is quite an expensive city, especially compared to the rest of China.

Top Attractions

This itinerary is divided by day, and I tried to add a theme to each day. You can always swap or skip attractions. If you want to combine these places with a more unique experience, such as a photoshoot wearing a traditional Chinese outfit (similar to what you can do in Seoul with hanboks) with a professional photographer, send me a DM on Instagram, and I’ll give you the contact of an agency that can help. They can also arrange an English-speaking guide to take you around the city if you like.

Day 1: Cultural Heritage and Landmarks

The Bund (外滩)

If you are a morning person, I recommend heading to The Bund (外滩) around sunrise. At this time of day, the promenade is less crowded, and you’ll see locals practicing tai chi, jogging, or flying traditional dragon kites against the rising sun. The Bund is famous for its long row of colonial-era buildings, many dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Shanghai was divided into foreign concessions after the First Opium War and the Treaty of Nanking (1842).

These neoclassical, baroque, and art deco structures once housed foreign banks, trading houses, and consulates, earning the Bund the nickname ‘Museum of International Architecture.’ Looking across the Huangpu River, the contrast is striking: on one side, the historic façade of old Shanghai, and on the other, the futuristic skyline of Pudong, dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. This juxtaposition makes the Bund one of the best places to appreciate both the city’s colonial past and its rapid modern transformation.

It’s a short walk from East Nanjing Road Station (南京东路站) on Line 2.

Yuyuan Garden (豫园)

After a quick breakfast, head to Yuyuan Garden (豫园), a classical Ming Dynasty garden located in the old city of Shanghai. Built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan, a government official of the Ming court, it was originally designed as a private retreat for his parents. The garden covers about five acres and is laid out in the traditional Chinese style, with pavilions, rockeries, ponds, zigzag bridges, and carefully landscaped greenery that create a sense of harmony and balance.

Yuyuan has undergone cycles of destruction and restoration over the centuries, particularly during the Opium Wars and the Taiping Rebellion, yet it remains one of the best-preserved examples of southern Chinese garden design. You can either arrive early in the morning or visit it at night when all the lights are on, and it’s quite spectacular. The garden is located near Yuyuan Garden Station (豫园站) on Line 10.

Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆)

In the afternoon, I suggest visiting the Shanghai Natural History Museum (上海自然博物馆), one of the largest and most interesting science museums in China. The museum originally opened in 1956 and moved to its current location in Jing’an Sculpture Park in 2015.

The collection focuses on biodiversity, evolution, geology, and the natural history of China and the wider world. You will find dinosaur skeletons, rare animal specimens, fossils, and interactive exhibits that clearly explain ecosystems and climate. The museum is well organized and easy to explore, even if you are not usually into science museums. Don’t forget to check the ugly lion statue that went viral a few years ago.

The museum is located near Jing’an Sculpture Park and can be easily reached by metro. Take Line 13 and get off at Natural History Museum Station (自然博物馆站). From there, it is only a short walk through Jing’an Sculpture Park to the museum entrance.

People’s Park (人民公园)

After the museum, take a relaxing walk through People’s Park (人民公园), located right next to People’s Square Station. The park was once part of the Shanghai Racecourse during the colonial era and was converted into a public park after 1949. Today, it’s a popular green space in the city center, where locals gather. One of its most curious attractions is the ‘marriage market,’ where parents post ads seeking suitable partners for their children. With its mix of history, local traditions, and everyday life, People’s Park offers a striking contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers of People’s Square.

Take the subway to People’s Square Station (人民广场站), which is served by Line 1, Line 2, and Line 8. The park is directly accessible from the station’s exits.

East Nanjing Road (南京东路)

You can end your day at East Nanjing Road (南京东路), one of Shanghai’s most famous pedestrian streets, lined with shops, restaurants, and bright neon signs. The street has been a commercial hub since the early 20th century and remains one of the busiest shopping areas in China. It is best explored in the evening, when the lights and crowds give it a lively atmosphere. The easiest way to get there is via East Nanjing Road Station (南京东路站) on Line 2. From here, you can walk all the way down to the Bund, and by arriving at night, you’ll see a completely different view compared to the calm of the early morning.

Day 2: Skyscrapers and Modern Shanghai

You can start the day at the Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心), one of the tallest skyscrapers in the city and often nicknamed the ‘bottle opener’ because of its distinctive shape. The highlight is the 100th-floor observation deck at 474 meters, which offers panoramic views of the Huangpu River and both sides of Shanghai. It’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy clearer visibility. The tower is easily reached via Lujiazui Station (陆家嘴站) on Line 2.

The tallest skyscraper is called the Shanghai Tower, and you can go up to the 52nd floor, where there is a bookstore. From there, after buying a coffee, you can access the panoramic terrace and enjoy a nice view over the city.

Afterwards, head to the nearby Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠电视塔), one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks since its completion in 1994. Standing at 468 meters, it features multiple observation decks at different heights, a revolving restaurant with skyline views, and even a small history museum at its base. Both towers are within walking distance of Lujiazui Station, making it convenient to explore two of Shanghai’s most iconic modern attractions in the same morning.

In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (上海科技馆), one of the city’s most popular museums and a favorite among families. Opened in 2001, it covers a wide range of topics, from space exploration and robotics to ecosystems and the natural world. The museum is known for its interactive exhibits, including hands-on experiments, life-size models, and multimedia installations that make science accessible and engaging. The museum is directly connected to Science and Technology Museum Station (上海科技馆站) on Line 2, making it very easy to reach.

If you want to try something different, you can spend half a day in one of the many 24-hour spas, which offer a unique experience. I went to the one called 漾·SPACE 汤泉生活 (陆家嘴店). You can reach it by taxi.

You can then end the day at Xintiandi (新天地), a stylish district that blends traditional shikumen architecture with modern shops, bars, and restaurants. Once a residential neighborhood of stone-gate houses from the early 20th century, it was redeveloped into one of Shanghai’s most fashionable areas while preserving the historic facades. The area is especially nice at night, making it a great place to end the day. You can reach it easily by taking Line 10 to Xintiandi Station (新天地站).

If you are not interested in modern architecture, you can spend your second day exploring some of the nearby water towns.

These traditional towns, often called the ‘Venice of the East,’ are built along canals with stone bridges, narrow alleys, and houses that open directly onto the waterways.

They give a vivid picture of life in southern China during the Ming and Qing dynasties, when rivers and canals were central to transport and trade. Some of the most famous ones near Shanghai include Zhujiajiao, Tongli, and Zhouzhuang. I wrote a comprehensive article here comparing all the main water towns near Shanghai.

Day 3: History and Art

Jing’an Temple (静安寺)

You can start your third day at Jing’an Temple (静安寺), a Buddhist temple located in the heart of Shanghai’s busy Jing’an district. Originally built in 247 AD during the Three Kingdoms period, it was moved to its current location in 1216 under the Song dynasty and has since been rebuilt several times, most recently in the late 20th century after a major fire.

The temple is known for its golden roofs, large halls, and statues, including a giant jade Buddha that weighs more than 15 tons. I recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds (there can be an incredible number of tourists in this area). The temple is located next to Jing’an Temple Station (静安寺站) on Line 7 of the Metro.

Longhua Temple (龙华寺)

Next, visit Longhua Temple (龙华寺), the oldest and largest temple in Shanghai. Originally built in 242 AD during the Three Kingdoms period, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, with most of the current structures dating back to the Song dynasty. The temple is laid out in the traditional Buddhist style, with its main halls arranged along a central axis. Its most distinctive feature is the seven-story Longhua Pagoda, a wooden-and-brick structure that has stood for centuries, though it is not open to climbing. The temple is easily accessible via Longhua Temple Station (龙华站) on Line 3.

Tianzifang (田子坊)

In the afternoon, explore Tianzifang (田子坊), one of Shanghai’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Located in the former French Concession, Tianzifang is a maze of narrow alleys lined with shikumen houses, a traditional Shanghai architectural style that combines Western and Chinese elements. The area was originally a residential district dating back to the 1930s, but in the early 2000s it was transformed into a hub for artists and designers who set up studios, galleries, and workshops in the old buildings.

Today, Tianzifang is filled with boutique shops, art studios, handicraft stalls, and cozy cafés. Despite its popularity with visitors, Tianzifang has managed to preserve much of its charm, with laundry still hanging from windows and locals going about their daily lives.

This area was also part of the French Concession (法租界), established in 1849 as a French settlement. It remained under French administration until 1946 and has since become a symbol of the city’s cosmopolitan past. The easiest way to get there is by taking Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station (打浦桥站), from which it’s just a short walk to the entrance.

M50

Another interesting place is the area known as M50, along with the nearby 1000 Trees. It is a former industrial district that has been turned into a creative hub, with contemporary art galleries, studios, cafés, and small design shops. The nearby 1000 Trees complex is known for its unusual architecture, where concrete terraces are combined with greenery, and it is worth visiting even just to walk around and take photos.

Don’t forget to walk along the Suzhou Creek, one of the most underrated and beautiful areas in Shanghai, in my opinion.

You can finish your day with a performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre (上海大剧院), famous for its ballet, opera, and theatre shows. It’s located near People’s Square Station (人民广场站) on Line 1.

How to live and study in Shanghai?

Shanghai is one of the most interesting cities in the world to live in: dynamic, international and extremely modern, yet full of contrasts that make it truly unique. It’s a city that continues to attract more and more people dreaming of moving to China, often starting right here.

What I always recommend before making such an important decision is to try living there for a short period first, for example, through a study-abroad program. China is by no means an easy country to live in, especially because of the cultural differences, and spending a few weeks or months studying the language helps you understand whether it is truly the right life choice for you or not.

If you’re interested in a similar experience, I recommend the same school I chose when I decided to move to Yunnan. They also have a campus in Shanghai and are very good. You can contact them by email, and if you mention my name (FABIO), they will offer you a small discount. This is the email address: [email protected].

Final thoughts

Although I would never live in Shanghai (too expensive and stressful), it is still one of my favorite cities. It’s a city of contrasts that perfectly represents China and its rapid development over the last few decades. where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers, and traditional markets coexist with luxury shopping streets.

Its efficient public transportation system, particularly the subway, makes exploring the city easy. Some people skip in favor of Beijing (here is my guide), and I get it. If you are passionate about ancient Chinese history, Shanghai is not comparable to Beijing, but in my opinion, it never disappoints. It has something to offer everyone and is the most open-minded and international city in China, making it easier to explore than other cities.

Shanghai is also the perfect gateway to explore nearby historic places, such as Jiangsu Province, the beautiful Huangshan, or even the Huangling Village. Here’s my guide to another beautiful city: Chengdu, and here you can find many ideas to plan your itinerary in China.