Itinerary Summary
Days stay in central Shanghai: Nanjing Road on arrival, the Bund and Lujiazui skyline, a Wukang Road–Anfu Road city walk and Xintiandi, then Yu Garden and a Huangpu cruise, finishing at a museum befor…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
People's Square arrival and an evening on Nanjing Road
14:00
1.5h
Maglev and Metro Line 2 to People's Square
Take the maglev to Longyang Road, then Metro Line 2 across the river. The whole trip takes about an hour, far quicker than a taxi in afternoon traffic.
📍 Pudong Airport to People's Square
17:00
1.5h
Nanjing Road East walk
Stroll the pedestrianised stretch from People's Square toward the Bund, past department stores and old shopfronts. The side lanes hide cheaper noodle shops, and the lighting comes on around six.
📍 Nanjing Road, Shanghai
19:00
1.5h
Soup dumpling dinner off Nanjing Road
Duck into a basement dining room for xiaolongbao and a bowl of wonton soup, away from the main road. Expect a short queue at peak hours and cash-only tills at some old shops.
📍 Huangpu, Shanghai
💡 Pro Tip: Pudong Airport connects by maglev and Metro Line 2, Hongqiao by Line 2 and Line 10, both reaching People's Square in under an hour. China keeps UTC+8 all year. Entry rules depend on your nationality and passport, so check the China visa section before flying. Buy a stored-value transit card at the airport; it works on every line.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$24035%
Central Shanghai hotels, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$13020%
Dumpling houses and neighbourhood restaurants
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do foreign visitors use the Shanghai metro?+
The metro is the easiest way around. You can generate a QR code in Alipay or WeChat and scan through the gates, or buy a single ticket at English-language machines with cash or card. Fares are low and the network covers the Bund, Pudong, Yu Garden and the former French Concession. Trains run from early morning to late evening.
What is the best time of year to walk the Bund?+
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable, with mild temperatures and less humidity for the riverside promenade. Summer is hot and sticky, and winter brings a cold wind off the Huangpu. Go early in the morning for clearer views and fewer crowds, and again after dark for the lit skyline.
Where should I stay in Shanghai for the Bund and French Concession?+
The People's Square and Nanjing Road area is central, with metro lines to both the Bund and the former French Concession. The Concession itself, around Wukang Road and Xintiandi, is quieter and greener for evening walks. Both give easy metro access, so pick based on whether you prefer buzz or calm.
Is five days in Shanghai too long for a first visit?+
Five days suits a slow stay rather than a checklist. It leaves room for the Bund, Pudong, a French Concession walk, Yu Garden and a river cruise without rushing, plus a museum on the last day. If you want more, add a day trip to Suzhou or Hangzhou by high-speed train, both under an hour away.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $520–820 (≈ €460–720), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: City Explorers
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