Shanghai itinerary — 2 days
Day 1 — Shanghai
5 stops · ≈ 6 h 28 minChina's premier shopping street and one of the busiest in the world. The pedestrian section, roughly 1.2 kilometres long, stretches from People's Square towards the Bund: neon signs of boutiques, historic department stores from the early 20th century, and a sightseeing 'train' for weary shoppers. The street has been trading since the 19th century, and in the evening the neon ignites and the crowds thin only late at night.
The Bund is Shanghai's signature waterfront: roughly 1.5 kilometres along the Huangpu River lined with early 20th-century banks and trading houses in art deco and neoclassical styles. Across the water rises the futuristic Pudong skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower. By day the walk feels like old Shanghai; after dark both banks light up. The stroll is free — arrive at sunset and stay until night, when the panorama reflects in the Huangpu.
The TV tower on the Pudong waterfront — the silhouette on every Shanghai postcard. Eleven rose-pink spheres stack up 468 metres, hiding observation decks at 263 and 351 metres and a glass-floored skywalk; the Shanghai History Museum sits at its base. Completed in 1994, the tower looks especially surreal in fog. Come at dusk, when the Bund's skyline lights up across the river.
China's tallest skyscraper: 632 metres and 128 floors in the Lujiazui financial district. The Top of Shanghai observatory on floors 118–119 sits 546 metres up, and express lifts whisk you there in under a minute. The twisting glass facade rotates 120 degrees, cutting wind loads significantly. Completed in 2015, the tower holds LEED Platinum certification as one of the world's greenest high-rises.
A masterwork of classical Chinese landscape design located in Shanghai's Old City, founded in 1559 during the Ming dynasty by Pan Yunduan. Spanning two hectares, the garden combines intricate pavilions, koi ponds, labyrinthine rockeries, and undulating white walls topped with sculpted dragons. Key highlights include the famous porous Jade Rock (Yulinglong) and the zigzag Bridge of Nine Turnings leading to the historic Huxinting Teahouse.
Reserve
8If you have time left — worth it too.
Opened in 2016 in Shanghai's Pudong district, this is Disney's first theme park in mainland China. At its heart rises the 60-metre Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest and tallest castle in Disney history. The park features seven immersive themed lands packed with groundbreaking rides, including the high-speed TRON Lightcycle Power Run coaster, the immersive Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and the world's first Zootopia land.
French colonial–era green space with a tranquil fountain & ponds, plus walking trails & gardens.
Shanghai Old Street, also known as Chenghuangmiao Old Street, is a bustling hub in the Huangpu District featuring ancient pagoda-style architecture and a variety of shops and attractions. It is easily accessible by metro or bus, making it a must-visit destination for experiencing the kingdom of snacks in Shanghai. Located near Yuyuan Garden, this area offers a glimpse into the city's past with its mix of authentic old buildings and reconstructed ones.
Set amid skyscrapers, this urban park offers landscaped lawns & wooded areas, plus a pond & cafe.
As you approach the Huangpu River, the towering spires of Pudong's futuristic skyline are perfectly framed between the buildings of East Nanjing Road. Flowing through the heart of Shanghai, the Huangpu River is a vital waterway that has played a central role in the city's development and history. Stretching approximately 113 kilometers, it serves as the natural boundary between Pudong and Puxi, two distinct districts of Shanghai. Lined with iconic landmarks such as the Bund, the river offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and serves as a bustling artery for river traffic and cruises.
This reconstructed 3rd-century Buddhist temple features towers, a library & a traditional garden.
88-story, spired skyscraper offering restaurants, offices, a Grand Hyatt hotel & observation deck.
A major science museum on Century Avenue in Pudong, opened in 2001. After more than two years of renovation it welcomed visitors again in February 2026 with ten renewed galleries, from robots and computing to biology and Earth sciences, plus a spherical IMAX dome theatre. Almost everything is hands-on, which makes the museum especially rewarding with kids.
- Download a translation app to help with language barriers.
- Use a VPN if you plan to access blocked websites.
- Carry cash as some small vendors may not accept credit cards.