Shanghai in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary to Explore the City

Shanghai in 3 Days: A Detailed Itinerary That Shows the City from Different Perspectives

When you first arrive in Shanghai, it feels like stepping into an Asian Manhattan. Dense urban development, skyscrapers, city lights, and reflections in the Huangpu River create the image of a city where Asia and Europe, history and the future intertwine.

If you are planning a trip to Shanghai, it is best to plan your itinerary in advance. This will help you see the key attractions of Shanghai, try local cuisine, and feel the rhythm of one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

This 3-day itinerary will allow you to explore the historical center, the futuristic metropolis, and atmospheric districts.

Day 1: The Main Symbols of Shanghai

The first day should be dedicated to the most iconic places that shape the image of the city.

✔️ People’s Square and Nanjing Road

It is best to start your знакомства with the city from People’s Square — one of the central urban spaces. Today, it is a lively area with museums, theaters, and administrative buildings, but in the past, a horse racing track was located here.

Nearby runs Nanjing Road — one of the most famous shopping streets in Shanghai, where you will find:

• international brand stores
• shopping malls
• cafes and restaurants
• historic department stores

This place perfectly conveys the scale and dynamics of the city.

Tip from EASYBOOKING: be sure to try xiaolongbao — traditional soup dumplings. One of the best places is Jia Jia Tang Bao, where they are prepared right in front of you.

✔️ The Bund

The Bund is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Shanghai. The waterfront stretches along the Huangpu River and represents a unique architectural ensemble of early 20th-century buildings.

Here you can see:

• neoclassical facades
• bank and trading house buildings
• architecture from the foreign concessions era

On the opposite side, you will see Pudong with its modern skyscrapers.

The contrast between history and the future makes this place one of the most impressive in the city.

✔️ Huangpu River Cruise

To see the city from a different perspective, you should take a cruise along the Huangpu River.

• duration: 45–60 minutes
• departure: Shiliupu Wharf
• best time: sunset

In the evening, the lights of Shanghai reflect on the water, creating one of the most impressive panoramas of the city.

✔️ Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower

The main symbols of modern Shanghai are located in Pudong.

The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the first iconic landmarks of the new Shanghai.

Shanghai Tower is the tallest skyscraper in China (632 meters) and one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Features:

• high-speed elevators (up to 20.5 m/s)
• observation deck at around 546 meters
• panoramic view of the entire city

The best time to visit is at sunset, when the city gradually lights up.

Day 2: Traditional Shanghai

After the futuristic metropolis, it is worth getting acquainted with the history and culture.

✔️ Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is one of the most beautiful classical Chinese gardens.

Despite its compact size, it feels spacious thanks to its thoughtful design:

• winding paths
• bridges and ponds
• hidden passages
• decorative dragon walls

This is an example of traditional Chinese spatial philosophy, where every detail matters.

The best time to visit is in the morning.

Old City of Shanghai

Right behind the garden begins the Old City — an area with narrow streets and an atmosphere of the past.

Here you can see:

• shikumen-style houses
• traditional shops and tea houses
• street food
• souvenir shops

If you step away from the main tourist streets, you can see the real everyday Shanghai — with courtyards, residents, and local life.

✔️ Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the calmest and most atmospheric places in the city.

Main features:

• a statue of Buddha made of white jade
• an active temple with ceremonies
• traditional architecture

This place is perfect for slowing down and taking a break from the city’s fast pace.

Day 3: Modern Shanghai and Unique Locations

The third day is a mix of style, technology, and entertainment.

✔️ Xintiandi District

Xintiandi is one of the most stylish districts in the city, located in the former French Concession.

Here you will find a combination of:

• historical buildings
• restaurants and cafes
• boutiques and concept stores
• galleries and museums

This place is often called “European Shanghai”.

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is one of the most modern theme parks in Asia.

Features:

• the tallest Disney castle
• Gardens of Imagination zone
• TRON Lightcycle Power Run attraction

The park is suitable for both families and those who want to add emotions to their trip.

✔️ Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai

This is not just a coffee shop, but one of the largest Starbucks in the world.

Features:

• area of about 2,800 m²
• coffee roasting on-site
• a 27-meter bar counter
• augmented reality via an app

Here, you can not only drink coffee but also have a full gastronomic experience.



What to Know Before Traveling to Shanghai?

To make your independent trip to Shanghai comfortable, consider the following:

✔️ Apps:

• WeChat and Alipay for payments
• Amap or Baidu Maps for navigation
• DiDi for taxis

✔️ Internet:

• VPN is required for access to Google and social networks
• it is better to arrange an eSIM in advance

✔️ Transport:

• the metro is convenient and easy to use
• hop-on hop-off buses are available

✔️ Bookings:

tickets to popular attractions should be purchased in advance

Shanghai in 3 days is an intense journey that shows the city from different perspectives: from historical quarters to futuristic skyscrapers.

It is one of those cities where you can see the past, present, and future at the same time. And this is the main effect of Shanghai — it does not just impress, it stays in your memory for a long time.