Ultimate 2-Day Shanghai Itinerary: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Hidden Gems

Shanghai, a city where futuristic skyscrapers meet ancient traditions, offers an exhilarating experience for every traveler. If you have just two days to explore this dynamic metropolis, this meticulously crafted Shanghai itinerary will guide you through its most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring you capture the essence of this vibrant city. From serene classical gardens to bustling shopping streets, historic colonial architecture, and breathtaking panoramic views from towering skyscrapers, get ready for an unforgettable 48 hours in Shanghai.

This guide is designed to help you maximize your time, covering essential sights like the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, the charming Former French Concession, the vibrant Nanjing Road, the historic Bund, and the dazzling Lujiazui financial district. We’ll also venture to the picturesque Zhujiajiao Water Town, often referred to as the “Venice of Shanghai,” for a taste of traditional Chinese life. Prepare to immerse yourself in Shanghai’s unique blend of old and new, and discover why it’s a must-visit destination.

Let’s embark on your exciting 2-day Shanghai adventure!

Day 1: Shanghai’s Historic Heart & Modern Marvels

Your first day in Shanghai is a journey through time, blending the city’s rich historical tapestry with its dazzling modern advancements. Prepare to be captivated by ancient gardens, charming colonial streets, and a vibrant urban landscape.

Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar: A Ming Dynasty Oasis

Begin your Shanghai exploration at the exquisite Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden), a classical Chinese garden dating back over 400 years to the Ming Dynasty. Nestled in the bustling heart of Shanghai, this serene oasis is a testament to traditional Chinese garden art, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s energetic pace.

Despite its modest size (approximately 2 hectares), Yuyuan Garden is meticulously designed with intricate pavilions, tranquil ponds, and unique rock formations. Key highlights include the Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the serene Inner Garden, each offering a distinct charm.

Don’t miss the famous “Sublime Jade Rock,” a large, honeycombed rock adored by the garden’s creator, Pan Yunduan.

Tips for Visiting Yuyuan Garden:

• Avoid Crowds: To experience the garden’s tranquility fully, we recommend visiting in the early morning or on a weekday.
• Yuyuan Tourist Mart: Adjacent to the garden, the Yuyuan Tourist Mart (also known as Yuyuan Bazaar) is a vibrant marketplace filled with hundreds of shops and stalls selling souvenirs, local snacks, and traditional crafts. It’s a great place to find unique gifts and sample authentic Shanghai street food. You’ll also find teahouses and restaurants, alongside familiar Western brands.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices:

• Price: 40 RMB (April to June, September to November); 30 RMB (July – August, December – March)
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry: 4:30 PM)

French Concession: European Charm & Shikumen Houses

After immersing yourself in traditional Chinese culture, transition to the distinctly European ambiance of the Former French Concession. This historic district, once a foreign concession between 1849 and 1943, stretches over several blocks west of The Bund and retains a unique charm with its tree-lined avenues, elegant cafes, and quirky boutiques.

After visiting the former French concession, many tourists go to Tianzifang, a historic district with its traditional alleys, shikumen houses and more than 200 small businesses: cafes, restaurants, art galleries, craft shops and studios.

Although there are a few souvenir shops, the area has not developed too much and still retains its historic charm. Unlike Xintiandi, another nearby tourist destination, it has managed to retain its hometown feel.

In Tianzifang, the cult of coffee is emerging, which makes it the ideal place to enjoy this caffeinated beverage while people watching in this unique setting.

Xintiandi: Fashionable Pedestrian Street & Historic Blends

Just a short distance from Tianzifang, Xintiandi offers a more upscale and fashionable experience. This pedestrian shopping street is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, showcasing a sophisticated blend of 1920s Shanghai charm and modern luxury. Traditional shikumen houses have been meticulously restored and transformed into chic art galleries, high-end boutiques, and trendy bars.

Xintiandi is also historically significant, as it houses the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China within a beautiful shikumen building on Xingye Road. It’s a perfect place for an afternoon stroll, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s elite lifestyle and a unique architectural fusion.

Lujiazui New District: Shanghai’s Dazzling Financial Hub

As the day progresses, prepare to be awestruck by the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, located in the new Pudong district on the east bank of the Huangpu River. This gleaming financial and commercial center is defined by its impressive modern skyscrapers, which collectively form Shanghai’s iconic and instantly recognizable skyline. Since its rapid development in the 1990s, Pudong has transformed into one of the world’s most active and prosperous regions.

While primarily a business district, Lujiazui warmly welcomes tourists, offering incredible photographic opportunities and breathtaking views. Even if you’re just passing through, the sheer scale and architectural ambition of these towers are a sight not to be missed.

Key Skyscrapers to Explore in Lujiazui:

• The Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Completed in 1994, this iconic television tower was once the tallest in China and remains Shanghai’s most recognizable building, symbolizing modern China. Its unique design features eleven spheres linked by three gigantic columns. Multiple observation decks at different levels offer extraordinary views of The Bund and the Pudong district. 

• The panoramic glass floor on one of its spheres provides a thrilling experience for the brave! The tower also houses an interesting museum tracing Shanghai’s history and the highest panoramic restaurant in Asia.

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM

• Price: 220 RMB (all-inclusive ticket for three spheres and museum); 160 RMB (first two spheres and museum); 120 RMB (second sphere and museum); 35 RMB (museum only).

Shanghai Tower:

Soaring to a height of 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world and the tallest in China (as of 2018). It boasts the highest observation deck and some of the fastest elevators globally (reaching the 119th floor in under a minute!).

While primarily occupied by businesses, its observation deck offers an even higher perspective if the Oriental Pearl’s views haven’t satisfied your desire for heights.

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Price: 180 RMB

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC):

This super skyscraper, standing at 492 meters, is another prominent feature of the Pudong skyline. While mainly housing offices, it also features a luxury hotel and a shopping arcade.

Its observation decks on floors 94-100 offer stunning views, with the 100th floor featuring the thrilling Skywalk, a 55-meter long glass walkway. You can also enjoy tea or coffee at the Park Hyatt hotel on floors 79-93 for similar panoramic vistas.

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Fee: 120 RMB (observation deck only, 94th floor); 180 RMB (all-inclusive ticket including SkyWalk).

Jinmao Tower:

Until 2007, the Jinmao Tower was Shanghai’s tallest building. Though now fourth, its architecture remains magnificent, and the views it offers are still beautiful.

It houses the Grand Hyatt Hotel, with the Cloud 9 bar on the 87th floor, offering a five-star setting for a cocktail with grandiose city views, away from crowded observation decks. The 88th-floor observation deck also features a 60-meter long glass walkway for those seeking more thrills.

Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Price: 120 RMB

Century Boulevard & Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Between visits to the towering skyscrapers, take a refreshing stroll along Century Boulevard, a 5 km avenue extending from the Oriental Pearl Tower to Century Park, Shanghai’s largest park.

This boulevard features magnificent landscaping, including botanical gardens and sculpture gardens, offering a pleasant urban walk.

Also located at the foot of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong is the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, one of the largest ocean aquariums in the world. Spanning 20,500m², it showcases an incredible variety of marine life, including sharks, coral reefs, and the longest underwater tunnel in the world (150m long).

It’s an excellent family-friendly activity, especially on a rainy day, with a dedicated section on Chinese aquatic life.

• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
• Price: 120 RMB

The Bund: Colonial Grandeur & Iconic Skyline Views

No visit to Shanghai is complete without a leisurely stroll along The Bund (Waitan). Located on the west bank of the Huangpu River, this grand pedestrian avenue is lined with a remarkable collection of historic buildings constructed before World War II by major foreign powers during the Shanghai International Concession era. These well-preserved structures showcase a wide array of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque, many of which now house chic boutiques, restaurants, and offices.

The Bund offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Shanghai skyline, with the historic colonial buildings on one side and the shimmering modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other. It’s a popular spot for both Chinese and international tourists to soak in the unique blend of old and new Shanghai.

Highlights along The Bund:

• The Old HSBC Building: This six-story neoclassical building is considered the grandest on The Bund. Originally the headquarters of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) from 1923 to 1955, it is now occupied by the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. Its imposing exterior and dome are particularly impressive.
  

  

• The Customs House: An eight-story building constructed in 1927, the Customs House is another iconic landmark on The Bund. It features a large clock known as “Big Ching,” reminiscent of London’s Big Ben.
  

  

• Huangpu Park: Situated at the northern end of The Bund, this charming green space offers a tranquil respite after your walk. Here, you’ll find the Monument to the Heroes of the People, a concrete stele commemorating those who fought to liberate Shanghai, and the War Memorial dedicated to soldiers who fell during World War I. History enthusiasts might also enjoy the Bund Historical Museum located within the park.
  

  

• The Bund Tourist Tunnel: For a unique and quick experience, take a ride through this tunnel connecting The Bund to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower across the river. The 5-minute journey features captivating lights and visuals projected onto the walls, offering a memorable, albeit brief, spectacle.
  

  

  Price: 45 RMB

Huangpu River Cruise: A Dazzling Night Spectacle

Conclude your first day with an unforgettable Huangpu River Cruise. This is arguably the best way to appreciate the dramatic contrast between the historic colonial architecture of The Bund and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong New Area, especially as they light up at night. The Huangpu River, which cuts through the heart of Shanghai, provides a unique vantage point to witness the city’s stunning transformation from day to night.

Cruises depart from Shiliupu Wharf, located at the southern end of The Bund. Tickets can be purchased directly at the wharf. Various durations are available, from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours, allowing you to choose based on your schedule. We highly recommend the standard 50-minute trip, which passes all the major landmarks on both sides of the river, including the Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the many famous buildings along The Bund. The cruise typically circles back to its starting point.

Tips for the Huangpu River Cruise:

• Evening Cruise: For the most spectacular views, take the cruise in the evening to witness Shanghai’s impressive nighttime lights. Cruises usually run every hour during the day and every 15 minutes at night, though schedules may vary seasonally.
• Arrival Time: Arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow for boarding.
• Boat Amenities: While some boats offer more modern amenities, including bars and restaurants, all are safe and comfortable. Since you’ll likely spend most of your time on deck capturing photos of the incredible skyline, basic amenities are often sufficient. If you prefer a dining experience, select a cruise that includes a meal.

How to Get There:

• Shiliupu Wharf is easily accessible by car, bus, or subway. It’s also a short 10-minute walk from Yuyuan Garden.

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices:

• Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Ticket Price: 120 RMB (sightseeing only; prices vary for cruises with meals or snacks).

Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours

Day 2: Ancient Water Towns & Sky-High Perspectives

Your second day in Shanghai offers a delightful contrast, beginning with a serene escape to an ancient water town before returning to the city for breathtaking panoramic views from its modern marvels.

Zhujiajiao Water Town: The Venice of Shanghai

Start your day with a visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town, often affectionately known as the “Venice of Shanghai.” Located on the outskirts of the city, this ancient canal town is a picturesque example of traditional Chinese water towns, renowned for its well-preserved architecture, historic canals, and tranquil atmosphere. A visit here provides a refreshing break from the urban hustle and bustle of Shanghai.

As you stroll through Zhujiajiao, you’ll be charmed by its narrow, winding streets and peaceful waterways. The town boasts 36 ancient bridges, each offering superb views over the canals. Notable bridges include the Fangsheng Bridge, the longest and largest, dating back to the 1500s, and the Lang Bridge, a unique wooden bridge that spans the canals like a long corridor.

North Street is a must-visit, a kilometer-long stretch lined with ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Across the Dianpu River from North Street, you’ll find Kezhi Park, a large traditional garden. Climb the park hill to reach the “Moon View Pavilion,” the highest point in the city, offering expansive views.

Tips for Visiting Zhujiajiao Water Town:

• Boat Ride: For a small fee, you can take a traditional boat ride along the canals, offering a unique perspective of this charming town.
• Accessibility: Zhujiajiao Water Town is easily accessible from Shanghai by taxi, bus, or subway.

Fees: While visiting the town itself is free, many individual sites within the town require an entrance fee. A 120 RMB pass typically includes a boat ride and access to nine top sites, while a 60 RMB pass grants access to eight sites (excluding the boat tour).

Accommodation in Shanghai

The best areas to stay in Shanghai include:

The Bund

✔ Best area to stay in Shanghai for sightseeing & first-time travellers

Recommended hotels near The Bund

Thanks to its central location and 24/7 popularity with tourists, hotels in & around The Bund area, unsurprisingly, come at a premium. Most of the selection here sits in the mid-range to luxury categories including some of the sleekest 5-star hotels in Shanghai and even in all of China.

• Shanghai Fish Inn East Nanjing Road: The best budget pick in the district, this boutique hotel offers clean newly-renovated room on a quiet side street just minutes from the action of The Bund and Nanjing Road.
• Metropolo Classiq Shanghai Off Bund: An elegant mid-range hotel featuring spacious rooms with extras like soaker tubs built for your relaxation. The higher-end offerings include private balconies with spectacular views towards the Pudong skyline.
• Hotel Indigo Shanghai On The Bund: A stunning boutique hotel with ultra-stylish rooms affixed with unique artwork and modern furnishings and decor with a Chinese twist. The hotel’s chic rooftop bar is one of the finest places in the city to enjoy a cocktail to dramatic skyline views.
• Fairmont Peace Hotel On the Bund: A Shanghai accommodations classic, this illustrious Bund hotel has a history dating back over 80 years and has played host to most celebrities than any other hotel in the city. Besides the elegant rooms, guests will be charmed by the hotel’s world-class amenities from its famous Jazz Bar to the soothing treatments at the Willow Stream Spa.

Nanjing Road & People’s Square

✔ Top neighbourhood to stay in Shanghai for shopping & eating to your heart’s content

Recommended hotels near Nanjing Road & People’s Square

It shouldn’t be surprisingly that with such a central location, hotels here don’t necessarily come cheap. Most of the selection around East Nanjing Road is in the mid-range with true budget and higher-end luxury picks a little more difficult to find.

• The Phoenix Hostel Shanghai LaoShan: One of the few recommended budget choices around here, this property features both dorms and private rooms with private bathrooms to its guests. The location, within five-minute walking distance from People’s Square Station, is extra convenient.
• The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai: A lovely hotel featuring a supremely elegant style that blends Art Deco sophistication with Chinese sensibilities. Guests will love the three on-site restaurants—serving everything from Cantonese to modern Italian—as well as enjoying at nightcap at the classy on-site cocktail lounge, The Bar.
• Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World: Although its rooms are a little less flashy than other hotels in the area, this delightful mid-range Shanghai hotel is still a charmer with a host of superb amenities including five on-site restaurants to try, a palatial indoor pool, mini-golf facilities, and a day spa. The location one-minute away from the People’s Square metro station doesn’t hurt either.
• Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre: Offering spacious rooms with dramatic skyline views, this superb luxury hotel checks all the boxes for the perfect place to stay in the centre of Shanghai. Both Nanjing East Road and People’s Square are just five minutes away.
• JW Marriott Shanghai at Tomorrow Square: One of the finest luxury picks in the district, this lofty 5-star hotel delights with soaring views and a glut of amenities that’ll have you singing its praises. Don’t miss out on its stunning outdoor pool and its insane vistas over the city centre.

Old City

✔ Best area to stay for uncovering Shanghai’s ancient roots

While it’s admittedly a little kitschy at times, Old City offers a fleeting glimpse at Shanghai’s historical character outside of its colonial quarters.

Hidden within its disorganized warren of narrow alleyways and along historic merchant roads lined with traditional Chinese architecture, the spirit of ancient Shanghai lives on—even if it’s just a tiny taste.

Recommended hotels in Old City

• Campanile Shanghai Bund Hotel: A simple modern Shanghai hotel just a few blocks from the ancient city wall that’s by far the best budget place to stay in the area. Rooms are spotless and feature upgraded facilities & contemporary furnishings. Both Yuyuan Garden and The Bund are fifteen minutes away by foot.
• SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund: A lovely mid-range boutique hotel perched on the edge of the Old City just steps from one of the few remaining sections of ancient city wall. The rooms here are elegant and larger than most in China, impressing with superb skyline views.
• Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel: The best hotel in the area, this fantastic luxury property draws travellers in with expansive guestrooms that defy Shanghai’s usually tight standards. Relax to the lights of the ancient quarter or Pudong in the hotel’s restaurant, bar, indoor pool or ever your own private soaker tub in your room to get the full Renaissance experience.

Former French Concession

✔ Top-rated area to stay in Shanghai for discovering leafy boulevards, elegant bars & cafés, and hip restaurants

By far the most surprising neighbourhood in Shanghai, the Former French Concession is not just one of the city’s best districts to explore, but one of the most recommended areas to stay.

Recommended hotels in the French Concession

• Hotel Equatorial Shanghai: With a shortage of good budget hotels, this low-mid-range hotel offers one of the best balances between budget-friendliness and quality in the French Concession. Rooms are fairly standard stock, but extras like an indoor pool & well-equipped gym tip the scales in this property’s favour.
• Shanghai Donghu Hotel: A classy mid-range luxury hotel in the historic heart of the Former French Concession. The rooms exude a traditional oriental elegance and are more spacious than average.
• InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin: A candidate for the absolute best hotel in the OFC, this luxurious property is hidden away on a leafy avenue that feels more like an exclusive French villa than a hotel in the middle of one of the world’s largest cities. From the elegant old world decor to the lush park-like grounds, there’s no experience quite like this in China’s largest city.
• The Puli Hotel And Spa: An elegant property nestled into the northern fringes of the French Concession near Jing’an. Rooms are outfitted with sleek modern furnishings and peer out onto the Shanghai cityscape with gusto through floor-to-ceiling windows. Slip into the steam room, hot spring tub or infinity pool for the ultimate in relaxation.

Jing’an

✔ Best district to stay in Shanghai for great shopping, eating & more affordable luxury

Located just west of the Nanjing East Road & People’s Square, Jing’an is among the most popular neighbourhoods in Shanghai for expats thanks to its excellent transportation connections, wide array of housing options as well as deluge of shopping malls, cafés and restaurants.

Recommended hotels in Jing’an

As one of the most popular options for where to stay in Shanghai, there’s plenty of choice for travellers in Jing’an. Most accommodations here fall into the mid-range.

There’s also a fairly large concentration of 5-star hotels in Jing’an, making it, along with Lujiazui and The Bund, a first-class district for luxury travellers, although at more affordable prices than either.

• Campanile Shanghai Natural History Museum Hotel: The best hotel in Jing’an for budget travellers, this property surprises with clean modern rooms that don’t suffer the same cramped quarters or low quality of most offerings in the price range.
• URBN Boutique Shanghai: A hip & trendy mid-range boutique hotel boasting a unique design aesthetic that fuses modern urban elements with Asian motifs. The entire property is designed to be eco-friendly from the mysterious bamboo garden to the locally-sourced seafood at the on-site bistro.
• InterContinental Shanghai Jing’an: A excellent value luxury hotel with all the amenities you’d come to expect from IHG. Enjoy a range of Asian cuisines to try from Cantonese & Shanghainese to Sichuan & Japanese in one of the hotel’s seven on-site restaurants. Skyline views from the expansive guestrooms are simply breathtaking.
• Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai: A stunner among Shanghai hotels, this luxurious hotel lives up to its parent’s brand with a gentle mix of pure sophistication and modernity. Everything from the charming rooms to the soothing on-site spa spells out a dream-like choice for where to stay in Shanghai.

Lujiazui

✔ Best area to stay for basking in the ultimate in Shanghai luxury experience

Recommended hotels in Lujiazui

With much of Shanghai’s wheelin’ and dealin’ taking place in the lofty skyscrapers of Lujiazui, the district focuses extensively on the high-end of the market.

Not surprisingly, Lujiazui and Pudong are home to many of the best luxury hotels in Shanghai at prices that fit their unmatched swankiness.

• Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai: One of the most affordable 5-stars in Lujiazui, this grand luxury hotel charms guests with its art-deco-inspired rooms that sport floor-to-ceiling windows peering onto Shanghai & the river. Seven dining options as well as a fully-equipped health club—with everything from an indoor pool to a spa—await.
• Grand Hyatt Shanghai: Located in the upper echelons of Jin Mao Tower, this lofty luxury Shanghai hotel unleashes mega-sized rooms with interiors inspired by art-deco. If the skyline views through the large panoramic windows in your room aren’t quite enough, retire to the Sky Pool or the popular rooftop Cloud 9 Patio & Piano Bar for some of Shanghai’s most incredible vistas.
• Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai: A classy & elegant property leaning more towards the traditional than the modern with its cultured decor & furnishings. The deluxe rooms are a superb value for Lujiazui, but the hotel’s Horizon rooms will truly take your breath away.
• The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong: Perhaps the best luxury hotel in Shanghai, this exquisite property boasts one of the premier locations in the city with the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower staring it down at every angle. There’s a whole slew of superb amenities here from a indoor infinity pool to a spa, but none is more unique than Flair, a rooftop restaurant & bar that soars as the highest, not just in Shanghai, but in China.

Shanghai Tourist Map

Here is a tourist map of Shanghai, which will help you spot the main places to visit in town!

And you, what are you planning to visit in Shanghai?

Extend Your Shanghai Knowledge: Related Articles & Resources

To further assist you in your travel preparations and deepen your understanding of Shanghai and beyond, we’ve compiled a list of related articles from our blog. These resources offer additional insights, detailed guides, and practical tips to enhance your Chinese adventure:

• Discover all our articles about China: This comprehensive tag page lists all our articles related to China, providing a wealth of information for your broader travel plans.
• Shanghai: Top 12 Must-Do Things: A concise guide highlighting the absolute essential experiences and attractions in Shanghai, perfect for quick reference or if you have limited time.
• 3 Days in Shanghai: Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary: If you have an extra day, this guide offers a balanced 3-day exploration of Shanghai’s key attractions.
• 5 Days in Shanghai: Ultimate 5-Day Itinerary: For those with more time, this guide provides an in-depth 5-day exploration of Shanghai and its surroundings.
• Where to stay in Shanghai?: This essential guide provides detailed recommendations on the best neighborhoods and hotels in Shanghai, catering to all budgets and travel styles, ensuring you find the perfect base for your stay.
• Shanghai Metro Map & Time Table: A practical guide to navigating Shanghai’s efficient metro system
• What language spoken in Shanghai?: Learn about the local dialect and language tips for your trip.