Only have 3 days to spend in Shanghai? Make the most of your time with my ultimate 3-day itinerary for China’s most vibrant city!
Shanghai really is a city like no other. Not only is it fascinating blend of East meets West, the city also feels like stepping back in time and progressing into the future at the same time.
I know that planning 3 days in a city like Shanghai city can feel pretty overwhelming. But do not stress. I’ve condensed down all my top things to do, see and eat into this 3-Day Shanghai itinerary so you can make the most of every moment you have here!
Is Shanghai worth visiting for 3 days?
Yes, Shanghai is absolutely worth visiting for 3 days! I found that 3 days was a sufficient enough time to explore the city, hit the best attractions and try all the most delicious local food. I would recommend visiting for 48 hours at very minimum!
Best way to get around Shanghai?
The best way to get around Shanghai is by Didi, which is the local ride-hailing app. Most the rides I took around the city cost me less than $3. There is also a metro system you can use.
It is worth noting that due to internet restrictions Google Maps does not work in Shanghai. For navigation around the city, I’d recommend using Apple Maps instead.
How do tourists pay in Shanghai?
Before visiting Shanghai, I’d highly recommend setting up AliPay or WeChat. Although some places in Shanghai will accept cash and foreign cards, mobile payment is far more common.
I found it pretty straight forward to connect my bank card to AliPay and to use it for payment in Shanghai. For mobile payments, you just scan a QR code with the Mobile payment app and the money comes from your account.
Should I get a sim card when visiting Shanghai?
I would 100% recommend getting a sim card for your 3 days in Shanghai. It will make it so much easier to navigate the city and use apps like Didi and Alipay.
I’d suggest pre-purchasing an Airlo e-SIM before you arrive in Shanghai. Annoyingly, you can’t purchase an e-SIM once you are in China. Otherwise, you can buy a local SIM card once you arrive, but it’s a lot of paperwork and hassle (I learnt the hard way!)
Is the internet in Shanghai blocked?
Like the rest of China, the internet in Shanghai is heavily restricted, and you won’t be able to access platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. You can get around this by using a VPN.
Do you need a visa to visit Shanghai?
If you’re eligible for 144-Hour Visa-free transit, you will not require a visa for 3 days in Shanghai. Otherwise, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa through the nearest Chinese consulate at least 15 days prior to your trip.
Before you go to your Visa appointment, make sure you have all the necessary documents sorted. It is often required that you have hotel confirmation and an onward flight ticket for a visa.
day 1: Shanghai Itinerary
Morning: Explore Yu Gardens
Start your day bright and early with a visit to Yu Gardens. This peaceful oasis in the heart of the city is an exquisite example of traditional Chinese garden design. Wander through beautiful pavilions, koi ponds, and rockeries, and soak in the serene atmosphere before it gets too crowded.
Skip the queue by pre-booking Yu Garden Tickets
ADDRESS: 218 Anren St, Huangpu District
Lunch: Try the Original Xiao Long Bao
Head to lunch Nanxiang Mantou Dian, a Michelin-listed establishment conveniently located inside the Yu Gardens complex. This legendary spot is said to by the original home of the xiao long bao (soup dumplings). These delicate dumplings filled with rich, flavorful broth and perfectly seasoned pork are one of Shanghai’s greatest inventions.
ADDRESS: 85 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District
Afternoon: Shopping at Global Harbour
Spend the afternoon browsing through Shanghai’s biggest mall, Global Harbour. This colossal mall features a truly stunning architectural design and just about every store you could dream of under the one roof.
ADDRESS: 3300 Zhongshan North Road, Putuo District
Evening: Cocktail with a View
Take a respite from shopping and head to the Sky Bar at the Hyatt Regency Global Harbour to soak in the city’s dazzling skyline from the 47th floor. With rooms starting from as little as $123 a night, this is also a great place to stay during your 3 days in Shanghai.
ADDRESS: 718 Ningxia Road, Putuo District Shanghai
Night: Street Food + River Cruise Tour
Round out your day 1 Shanghai itinerary with an epic 4-hour night tour. You start by sampling a selection of delicacies at Huanghe Road (this is a favourite street for locals to eat and where I tried some of the best food in Shanghai!). After this, you take a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River, which really is one of the best ways to marvel at the city’s neon-lit skyscrapers.
Book this 4-hour Street Food + River Cruise Tour here
ADDRESS: No.505 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District
day 2: Shanghai Itinerary
Morning: Visit Water Town of Zhujiajiao
No Shanghai itinerary is complete without a visit to the amazing water town of Zhujiajiao. Known as Shanghai’s Venice, you can marvel at ancient bridges, narrow lanes, and traditional houses on a tranquil boat ride through the waterways. Zhujiajiao is located an hour out of the city, and you can get here by bus or book onto a half-day private tour.
ADDRESS: Zhujiajiao, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Lunch: Sample Braised Pork Belly
You can’t leave Zhujiajiao without sampling the famous braised pork belly. Known as Zharou, tender, slow-braised pork chunks are cooked in a sweet, thin sauce and is often served wrapped in lotus leaves. You can try it from a street vendor or at most local restaurants.
Afternoon: Wander through the French Concession
Head back to city and over to Shanghai’s French Concession. With its picturesque tree-lined avenues and European-style architecture, the area offers a unique look into the city’s colonial past. This district is now filled with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and historical residences.
ADDRESS: Puxi Central, Huangpu District
Evening: Edition Rooftop Bar
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Shanghai EDITION Hotel’s Rooftop Bar. This is easily one of the best places in Shanghai to watch the sunset over the skyline. The cocktails may be pricey but that view is priceless!
ADDRESS: 199 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District
Night: Try the Iconic Sheng jian bao
Head around the corner to Yang’s Dumplings to sample sheng jian bao, which is another one of Shanghai’s must-try street foods. These pan-fried buns offer a delightful blend of crispy bottoms, fluffy tops, and juicy, flavourful fillings of pork, beef or prawns.
ADDRESS: 97 Huanghe Road, Shanghai
DAY 3: SHANGHAI ITINERARY
Morning: Try Shanghai’s Four Breakfast Warriors
Go out on a mission to find Shanghai’s “Four Breakfast Warriors” The city’s traditional morning fare consists of soy milk (dou jiang), deep-fried dough sticks (youtiao), sticky rice balls (ci fan) and sesame pancakes (da bing). Each morning, you’ll find shopfronts selling these items in most residential areas.
Afternoon: Shanghai Disneyland
If you are a Disney fan, trip to Shanghai Disneyland simply has to be apart of your 3-day itinerary. The park is a blend of classic Disney magic and distinct Chinese culture, making it a very unique Disney experience. The park is home to six themed lands and many great rides, including the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, the Pirates of the Caribbean ride and the Roaring Rapids.
Book a 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai + Private Transfer here
Evening: Watch the Light Show at the Bund
Spend your final evening in Shanghai watching the dazzling light show at the Bund. With historic buildings on one side and the futuristic skyline on the other, this spectacle really does showcase the city’s blend of tradition and modernity.
Night: Explore Nanjing Pedestrian Street
After the show, head down the bustling Nanjing pedestrian street to soak up the vibrant atmosphere and indulge in some local street food. Be sure to try some stinky tofu (chòu dòufu), grilled lamb skewers (yangrou chuan) and candied hawthorn (tanghulu) for a sweet finish to the night!
Planning a trip to Asia? Read these posts next:
- The ULTIMATE 3-day Itinerary for Singapore
- 10 Things to do in Thamel, Kathmandu
- Why Okinawa Needs to Go On Your Travel Bucketlist
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