Shanghai is the city that surprises everyone. Visitors expect glass towers and get those — but they don’t expect the Art Deco glamour of the Bund at night, the French plane trees of the Concession, or the disorienting pleasure of finding a century-old stone lane (shikumen) wedged between two skyscrapers. Three days here covers the essentials. Five days lets you explore properly. Shanghai is also the best gateway city for day trips to Hangzhou’s West Lake and the ancient water towns of Zhujiajiao and Tongli.
What are the top things to do in Shanghai?
The Bund (外滩) Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade — colonial-era buildings on the west bank, the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River to the east. Walk it at any time, but the best experience is at dusk when both sides light up simultaneously. Free to walk. The promenade on the Pudong side (across from the Bund) offers the best photography angles.
The French Concession (法租界) A neighbourhood of tree-lined streets, independent cafés, boutiques and some of Shanghai’s best restaurants. The essence of “Old Shanghai” charm. Key spots: Tianzifang (a creative arts lane community inside a shikumen block — cafés, galleries, handmade goods), Xintiandi (upmarket shopping, dining and bars), and the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen.
Yu Garden & Old Town (豫园 / 老城厢) A classical Ming-dynasty garden tucked inside Shanghai’s Old Town. Arrive before 9am to enjoy the garden in relative quiet. The surrounding bazaar is touristy but the architecture is genuinely beautiful. The Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant here serves some of the best xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) in the city — expect a queue.
Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (上海中心大厦) At 632 metres, the world’s second-tallest building. The observation deck on the 118th floor gives a vertiginous view over the entire city. Best on a clear day (check the forecast). Tickets are around ¥180 — book online to save time.
M50 Creative Park / 1933 Old Millfun For those interested in Shanghai’s contemporary arts scene: M50 (Moganshan Road) is a cluster of galleries in converted warehouses. 1933 Old Millfun is a restored 1930s slaughterhouse turned arts and food hub with extraordinary architecture.
Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角水乡) A 1,700-year-old canal town 45 minutes from central Shanghai by metro. Stone bridges, waterways, traditional snacks. An entirely different side of the city — worth a half-day escape from the urban intensity.
What is the best 3-day itinerary for Shanghai?
Day 1 — The Bund & Pudong Morning: The Bund (arrive by 8am to beat crowds). Cross to Pudong via the pedestrian tunnel or ferry. Visit the Shanghai Tower observation deck (clear morning light is best). Afternoon: Explore the Lujiazui area. Evening: Return to the Bund for the night view — one of the great city sights in Asia.
Day 2 — French Concession & Old Town Morning: Yu Garden + Old Town (arrive before 9am). Xiaolongbao breakfast at Nanxiang. Afternoon: Walk into the French Concession. Coffee on Wukang Road, browse Tianzifang. Dinner in Xintiandi or Ferguson Lane. Evening: Cocktails at a rooftop bar in the Concession.
Day 3 — Day trip: Zhujiajiao or Hangzhou Option A: Zhujiajiao water town (45 min by metro) — morning departure, back by early afternoon, leaving time for final Shanghai wandering. Option B: Hangzhou West Lake (1 hour by high-speed train) — full day, returning evening. See the West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Longjing tea plantations.
What should I eat in Shanghai?
Shanghai’s food scene is one of the most diverse in China — the local cuisine is sweet-savoury, the international dining is world-class, and the street food scene rewards early mornings.
Xiaolongbao (小笼包) — Shanghai’s most famous export. Delicate pork soup dumplings. The correct technique: lift gently with chopsticks, place in a spoon, bite a small hole, drink the broth, then eat. Best at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant (Yu Garden area) or Din Tai Fung.
Sheng Jian Bao (生煎包) — Pan-fried pork buns with a crispy caramelised base and juicy filling. Available from street vendors and at Yang’s Dumplings (小杨生煎). ¥8–12 for four.
Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油面) — Deceptively simple: wheat noodles tossed in caramelised scallion oil with soy sauce. A Shanghai breakfast staple. The best versions are at tiny local noodle shops in the French Concession or near the Bund.
Hairy Crab (大闸蟹) — A seasonal delicacy (October–November). Steamed Shanghai hairy crabs from Yangcheng Lake, eaten with ginger tea and vinegar. An event-style meal. Book ahead at specialist restaurants during season.
Red-Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉) — Classic Shanghainese comfort food. Pork belly slow-braised in soy, sugar and Shaoxing rice wine until meltingly tender. Available at almost every traditional Shanghai restaurant.
What should I do in Shanghai for 3 days?
Day 1: The Bund and Pudong (Shanghai Tower observation deck). Day 2: French Concession, Yu Garden and Old Town. Day 3: Day trip to Zhujiajiao water town or Hangzhou. This covers the essential Shanghai experience without rushing.
Is Shanghai better than Beijing?
They’re completely different cities that suit different travel styles. Beijing is about history and ancient China — the Great Wall, Forbidden City, hutong lanes. Shanghai is about modern, cosmopolitan China — architecture from every era, world-class food, and a nightlife scene that goes until dawn. Most itineraries include both, connected by a 4.5-hour high-speed train.
What is Shanghai famous for?
The Bund waterfront, Art Deco colonial architecture, xiaolongbao soup dumplings, the French Concession neighbourhood, the world’s second-tallest skyscraper (Shanghai Tower), and being one of the world’s most dynamic financial and cultural cities.
How far is Shanghai from Beijing?
About 1,300km. The high-speed train (G-train) takes approximately 4.5 hours and is generally more convenient than flying once airport transfer time is factored in. Trains run frequently from Shanghai Hongqiao station.
Best Places to Visit in China (Pillar Page)
