Three days in Shanghai. The Shanghai Municipal Tourism Bureau reports over 8 million international overnight visitors annually. You do not need more for a first visit. The Bund, the French Concession, one good meal of xiaolongbao, one day trip to Hangzhou. That is the right version of this city. For more depth: Shanghai Travel Guide.
3-Day Shanghai Itinerary
| Day | Morning | Afternoon / Evening |
| Day 1 | Walk The Bund (1.5h). Ferry or metro to Pudong for skyline view. | Yu Garden and Old Town (2h). Dinner in Xintiandi area. |
| Day 2 | Xiaolongbao breakfast at Jia Jia Tang Bao. | Former French Concession walk. Tianzifang. Jing’an Temple. Evening night market. |
| Day 3 | G-train to Hangzhou (45 min). West Lake morning. | Cycle the lake. Longjing tea village. G-train back by 7pm. Final Shanghai dinner. |
Day 1: The Bund and the Skyline
Start at the northern end of The Bund (near the Waibaidu Bridge) and walk south for 1.5 km. The colonial-era buildings on the west side face the Pudong towers across the river. It is the most photographed view in China for a reason. Walk it in the morning when it is less crowded. Cross to Pudong via metro Line 2 (Lujiazui station) for the view back toward The Bund. The Shanghai Tower observation deck (632m) is worth it on a clear day.
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) is in the Old Town, 15 minutes south of The Bund by metro or on foot. Entry ¥40. A classical Chinese garden built in 1559. The surrounding commercial street sells tourist goods and local snacks. Walk both.
Day 2: French Concession and Jing’an
The Former French Concession (Xuhui district) is the most walkable neighborhood in Shanghai. Take metro Line 1 to Shaanxi South Road. Walk south along Maoming Road, west along Fuxing Road, north on Sinan Road. This loop takes 2 to 3 hours and passes independent coffee shops, boutiques, and tree-lined residential lanes. Tianzifang is a network of traditional lane-houses converted into cafes and art shops. Touristy but atmospheric.
Jing’an Temple (metro Line 2 or 7 to Jing’an Temple station) is a functioning Buddhist temple in the middle of a busy commercial block. The contrast between the gold-roofed temple and the surrounding towers is uniquely Shanghai. Free to enter the courtyard. ¥50 to enter the temple halls.
Day 3: Hangzhou Day Trip
The G-train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Hangzhou East takes 45 minutes. ¥73. Trains every 15 to 20 minutes from early morning. No need to book in advance for most departures. At Hangzhou East, metro Line 1 to Longxiangqiao station (20 minutes). West Lake is immediately in front of you. Walk the Su Causeway, hire a bicycle, or take a boat. The Longjing tea village is 30 minutes by DiDi from the lake. Evening train back to Shanghai. Full day trip guide: Hangzhou Travel Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more Shanghai depth: Shanghai Travel Guide. For the transit visa-free option: 240-Hour Transit Visa-Free.