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Summary

This comprehensive Shanghai itinerary guides you through the city's iconic landmarks, cultural treasures, and vibrant art scene. From the historical elegance of The Bund to the serene beauty of Chongming Island, each day is packed with unique experiences that showcase the city's rich heritage and modern dynamism. Whether you're exploring ancient temples or contemporary galleries, Shanghai offers an unforgettable journey through its past, present, and future.

🌆 Day 1: Exploring Shanghai's Icons

Begin your Shanghai adventure with iconic landmarks, from the bustling Bund to the serene Shanghai History Museum, ending with breathtaking views from the city's towering observation decks.

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🏞️ The Bund

The Bund is a picturesque waterfront area in central Shanghai, famous for its historical buildings from the colonial era and stunning skyline views across the Huangpu River.

Tips

Visit during the day to appreciate the diverse architectural styles of the buildings. Return in the evening to witness the city's skyscrapers illuminated and enjoy the sunset over the river.

Travel Information
📍   Address: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002

🛍️ Nanjing Road and People’s Square

Nanjing Road is the premier shopping street in Shanghai, stretching over 5km and offering a plethora of department and luxury stores. It leads to People’s Square, a vast public square and park at the heart of modern-day Shanghai.

Tips

Indulge in local Chinese snacks along Nanjing Road and explore the traditional Chinese crafts available in the old department stores. Don't miss the blue and white dovecot and the Musical Fountain at People’s Square.

🏛️ Shanghai History Museum

The Shanghai History Museum is a captivating showcase of Shanghai's rich history, utilizing state-of-the-art technology and rare artifacts to transport visitors through the millennia since the city's inception.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "\u4e0a\u535a\u7b80\u53f2 | A Brief History of Shanghai Museum", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEWqI9T_k-E", "channel": { "name": "The Shanghai Museum"}, "published_date": "Mar 5, 2023", "length": "4:24" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Must Visit Free Museum in Shanghai - Shanghai History ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SBQDtcA51A", "channel": { "name": "pop rainbow"}, "published_date": "Mar 26, 2019", "length": "10:02" }</div>

Tips

Take time to visit the rooftop cafe, Roof325, for international meals and breathtaking views of People’s Square and the city. Explore the ancient section to marvel at early Chinese artifacts and ceremonial items.

🏙️ Observation Deck

The Observation Decks at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center offer panoramic views of Shanghai from two of its tallest skyscrapers, each providing a unique experience.

Tips

Choose between the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center for different perspectives of the city's skyline and surrounding areas.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 21 5879 1888
🌐   Website: http://www.orientalpearltower.com/
📍   Address: 1 Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120

🏯 Old City

The Old City of Shanghai is a historic area predating 1850, featuring traditional Chinese architecture, lush gardens, and the renowned Yu Gardens, offering a glimpse into the city's rich heritage.

Tips

Immerse yourself in the traditional Chinese experience by visiting the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse for authentic Chinese teas, and explore the Temple of the Town God and Dàjìng Pavilion for a deeper understanding of the city's history.

Travel Information
📍   Address: 6FGW+4QG, Baodai Ln, 四牌楼 Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200010

🏙️ Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Art

Dive into Shanghai's cultural heart with a visit to the Former French Concession, marvel at the Jade Buddha Temple, and immerse yourself in contemporary art at the Urban Planning Exhibition Center and Duolun Museum of Modern Art.

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🌆 Former French Concession

The Former French Concession is a charming residential area of Shanghai known for its historical architecture and tree-lined avenues. It offers a serene escape from the bustling city, with quaint cafes, boutiques, and art galleries.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Shanghai\u2019s Former French Concession: What to see in one day?", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWmSzCtIdQ0", "channel": { "name": "Ben Cubbage"}, "published_date": "Jan 19, 2023", "length": "14:55" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Walk through Shanghai's French Concessions with us ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O6chszJxlA", "channel": { "name": "James and Keli"}, "published_date": "Mar 1, 2023", "length": "13:13" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "SHANGHAI IS MORE THAN JUST SKYSCRAPERS: This Is ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cS9rm3k8vs", "channel": { "name": "Naick & Kim"}, "published_date": "Oct 10, 2019", "length": "10:38" }</div>

Tips

Start your exploration at Wulumuqi Zhong Lu for local fashion, where you can discover unique Chinese sneaker brands and stylish bamboo accessories at Culture Matters and Kate Wood Originals, respectively.

🏯 Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple housing two rare jade Buddha statues. It exudes a sense of tranquility and spirituality, making it a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Shanghai.

Tips

Remember to respect the temple's rules, especially in the Jade Buddha Hall where photography is forbidden. Take a moment to admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the Sitting Buddha, carved from a single piece of pale green jade, and the smaller Reclining Buddha made of white jade.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 21 6266 3668
🌐   Website: http://www.yufotemple.com/
📍   Address: 170 Anyuan Rd, Jing'An, China, 200061

🏛️ Urban Planning Exhibition Center

The Urban Planning Exhibition Center is a captivating museum displaying Shanghai's urban development and future plans through interactive exhibits. It offers a fascinating insight into the city's evolution from a fishing village to a modern metropolis.

Tips

Don't miss the Virtual World 3D tour for a futuristic view of Shanghai, and take a stroll along Old Shanghai Street, a charming reconstruction of the city in the 1930s, complete with cobble-stoned walkways and vintage cars.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 21 6318 4477
📍   Address: China, Shanghai, Huangpu, People's Square, 人民大道100号 邮政编码 - 200003

🖼️ Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art

The Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art is a vibrant hub for contemporary art, showcasing works from both Chinese and international artists. It provides a platform for cultural exchange and artistic expression, making it a dynamic addition to Shanghai's art scene.

Tips

Check out the museum shop for unique art books and posters, and immerse yourself in the diverse range of exhibitions, from electronic music performances to thought-provoking displays on local gender prejudice.

🎨 Moganshan Road Art District

The Moganshan Road Art District is a thriving creative enclave filled with galleries, studios, and creative spaces. It serves as the epicenter of Shanghai's art scene, showcasing the innovative and diverse works of local and international talents.

Tips

Consider taking a taxi for convenience and to save energy for exploring the district, and don't miss the opportunity to bag some unique souvenirs from your trip to Shanghai at M50, where you can find well-priced pieces of art.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 21 6266 7125
📍   Address: 50 Moganshan Rd, Putuo, Shanghai, China, 200071

🌿 Day 3 and Beyond: Nature, History, and Water Towns

Extend your Shanghai journey with visits to Chongming Island for nature, Qibao for traditional water town charm, and the Power Station of Art for cutting-edge exhibitions.

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🏞️ Chongming Island

Chongming Island is a peaceful retreat from the city, offering lush landscapes and outdoor activities. The island is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai, with its dense forests and serene ambiance. The Dongping National Forest Park, located at the heart of the island, boasts the largest man-made plain forest in east China, providing an opportunity for birdwatching, rock climbing, and ziplining. The island also offers a culinary delight with its tasty hairy crab and herbal brew, Chongming alcohol.

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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Looking China series: Heart follows nature \u2013 slow life in ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Fv9LMl3Xs", "channel": { "name": "Shanghai Daily"}, "published_date": "Dec 4, 2020", "length": "9:58" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Exploring delicacies of Shanghai's Chongming Island", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z98o4_XqTsc", "channel": { "name": "CGTN"}, "published_date": "May 22, 2021", "length": "6:06" }</div>

Tips

Don't miss the sunrise at Dongtan Wetland Park for spectacular views of the marshes and the soaring birds. Additionally, make sure to explore the western end of the island at Xisha Wetland Park during sunset for a mesmerizing experience.

🏘️ Qibao

Qibao is a historic water town known for its traditional architecture and unique cultural experiences. The town, with its charming canals, stone bridges, and whitewashed houses, provides a glimpse into a bygone era. The Qibao Temple, showcasing both Han and Tang-era architectural styles, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Moreover, the town offers a distinctive experience with cricket fighting, an age-old Chinese pastime that is still practiced and celebrated at a local museum.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Qibao Water Town - only a short train ride from Shanghai!", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3JPv9LnAnQ", "channel": { "name": "Get Busy Living"}, "published_date": "Dec 21, 2017", "length": "2:43" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Night Walking Ancient Town - Qibao | Shanghai China | 4K HDR", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cytjHJoJakk", "channel": { "name": "Roaming N Watching"}, "published_date": "Mar 2, 2023", "length": "25:07" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Surprising Walking tour : History of Qibao Ancient Town in ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOltnkXnZ0A", "channel": { "name": "Vịt đi đâu đấy !"}, "published_date": "Feb 23, 2024", "length": "28:03" }</div>

Tips

Immerse yourself in the local culture by witnessing live cricket fights and exploring the museum dedicated to this traditional activity. Take a leisurely stroll through the town's narrow lanes to appreciate its well-preserved heritage and picturesque scenery.

🏛️ Power Station of Art

The Power Station of Art is a contemporary art museum housed in a former power station, featuring diverse exhibitions. The museum, situated along the Huangpu River, offers a unique blend of art and history, set within an innovative architectural space. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibitions, from Chinese and international artists, and gain a new perspective on various art forms. The museum also features a creative store, A Power Store, where visitors can find unique souvenirs and a cafe and restaurant for a relaxing break.

Tips

Look for the 165m high chimney outside the museum, which serves as a giant thermometer for the city, providing an interesting insight into the local weather conditions. Additionally, take the time to explore the museum's offerings, from jewelry to architecture, and engage in thought-provoking conversations at the onsite cafe and restaurant.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +86 21 3110 8550
🌐   Website: http://www.powerstationofart.com/cn/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 200 Hua Yuan Gang Lu, 周家渡 Huangpu Qu, Shanghai, China, 200231
🔗   Profiles: