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3 Days in Shanghai

Three days is enough to see the Shanghai that shows up on postcards and the one that doesn't. This plan opens on the Bund and the old city, spends day two on the modern Pudong side and the art districts, and saves the quiet lanes of the former French Concession for the morning before departure.

Length
3 days
Cities
Shanghai
Best for
First-time visitors with a long weekend, and anyone connecting through Pudong.

Day 1 — Classic Shanghai & Night Walk

  1. 09:00

    The Bund Promenade

    Iconic waterfront walk with stunning Pudong skyline views

    Instead of this

    • Lujiazui Skyline WalkWalk among the Pudong supertalls from ground level
    • Shanghai MuseumBronze, jade and calligraphy in a striking building
  2. 11:00

    Yu Garden & Bazaar

    Classical Chinese garden and vibrant market streets

    Instead of this

    • People's ParkCentral park with lotus pond and the famous marriage market
    • M50 Art DistrictConverted textile factories housing contemporary galleries
  3. 12:30

    Nanxiang Steamed Buns

    Famous xiaolongbao at the original 1900s shop

    Instead of this

    • Yang's Fried DumplingsCrispy-bottomed shengjianbao — Shanghai's other dumpling star
    • Huxinting TeahouseIconic zigzag-bridge teahouse in the heart of Old City
  4. 15:00

    Jade Buddha Temple

    One of Shanghai's most active Buddhist temples, featuring exquisite jade statues

    Instead of this

    • French Concession WalkTree-lined avenues with cafes, boutiques and art deco architecture
    • Longhua TempleShanghai's oldest and largest ancient temple, famous for its towering pagoda
  5. 19:30

    Bund Night Walk

    A local guide walks you along the Bund after dark — the lit-up Pudong skyline, the historic waterfront façades, and the stories behind them. English-led, max 8 guests.

    Tue · Thu · Sun · 19:30–20:30

    Instead of this

    • Huangpu River Night CruiseA separate option: a boat cruise along the Huangpu River, with the lit skylines of the Bund and Pudong on both banks.
    • Jazz at the Peace HotelLive jazz in the legendary 1920s Art Deco ballroom on the Bund
    • Hengshan Road NightlifeClassic bar street lined with plane trees and historical villas

Day 2 — Modern Shanghai & Culture

  1. 09:30

    Power Station of Art

    Contemporary art museum in a converted power station

    Instead of this

    • Long Museum West BundPrivate art museum with one of China's best contemporary collections
    • M50 Art DistrictConverted textile factories housing contemporary galleries
  2. 12:00

    Shanghai Tower & Lunch

    World's second tallest building — observation deck at 561m, followed by lunch in Lujiazui

    Instead of this

    • Oriental Pearl TowerIconic TV tower with a glass-bottomed sightseeing floor
    • Century AvenueModern shopping and dining hub surrounded by Pudong's skyscrapers
  3. 15:30

    Jiashan Market & Tianzifang Area

    Artsy alleyway neighborhood with craft coffee and local studios

    Instead of this

    • Nanjing Road Pedestrian StreetChina's most famous shopping street — neon, crowds, and department stores
    • Fuxing ParkFrench-style garden with afternoon leisure and plane-tree shade
  4. 18:00

    Xintiandi Evening

    Dining and nightlife in restored Shikumen lane houses

    Instead of this

    • Jazz at the Peace HotelLive jazz in the legendary 1920s Art Deco ballroom on the Bund
    • Lujiazui Night LightsWatch the Pudong towers light up from a riverside terrace

Day 3 — Hidden Gems & Departure

  1. 08:30

    Wukang Road Citywalk

    Morning stroll along Shanghai's most photogenic street, starting at the iconic Wukang Mansion

    Instead of this

    • Fuxing Park MorningFrench-style garden with morning tai chi and local lifestyle
    • Shanghai Grand TheatreStunning glass-and-steel venue — catch a morning rehearsal
  2. 10:30

    Jing'an Temple

    Ancient Buddhist temple gleaming with gold, surrounded by modern skyscrapers

    Instead of this

    • M50 Art DistrictConverted textile factories housing contemporary galleries
    • China Art MuseumStriking red pavilion from the 2010 Expo, housing modern Chinese art
  3. 12:30

    Local Dumpling Feast

    Curated tasting of Shanghai's best regional dumplings before departure

    Instead of this

    • Nanjing Road Pedestrian StreetGrab a quick bite while walking down China's premier shopping street
    • Huxinting TeahouseIconic zigzag-bridge teahouse in the heart of Old City
  4. 15:00

    Airport Transfer

    Seamless transfer via Maglev (7 min to Pudong Airport)

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