Itinerary Summary
Two days in Shanghai cover Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, Lujiazui ifc and Disneytown, then the high-speed train north to Beijing for SKP and Wangfujing, and Guomao and Sanlitun before departure. Keep re…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Shanghai arrival, then the department stores of Nanjing Road
14:00
1.5h
Maglev and Metro Line 2 into Puxi
Ride the maglev from Pudong to Longyang Road, then switch to Metro Line 2 for People's Square, a run of about an hour in total. Buy a stored-value transit card at the airport; it works across the network.
📍 Pudong Airport to People's Square
16:30
2h
Nanjing Road East flagship stores
Start at the People's Square end and work east through the department stores and brand flagships. Ask for the tax-refund form at the till if you are taking goods home, and keep the receipt with the form.
📍 Nanjing Road, Shanghai
19:00
1.5h
Huaihai Road boutiques at dusk
Metro Line 1 connects the two shopping streets in ten minutes; Huaihai Road is quieter and more fashion-led than Nanjing Road. Most shops stay open until ten, and the side lanes have coffee shops for a break.
📍 Huaihai Road, Shanghai
💡 Pro Tip: Pudong and Hongqiao airports both connect to the city by metro; the maglev from Pudong reaches Longyang Road in eight minutes and links to Line 2. China is UTC+8 all year. Entry requirements depend on your passport, so check the China visa section first. Most stores accept mobile payment and many issue tax-refund forms for foreign shoppers, but you must show your passport at the till.
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$37035%
Central shopping-district hotels, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$21020%
Department-store restaurants and local favourites
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreign shoppers claim a VAT refund when leaving China?+
Some purchases qualify, but many domestic goods do not. Keep every receipt and the tax-refund form, spend above the minimum threshold at stores displaying the refund sign, and claim at the airport refund desk before check-in with your passport and unused goods. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm at the store when you buy.
When are the biggest sales in Shanghai and Beijing for a shopping trip?+
Mid-year sales run roughly June to August, and holiday promotions pick up from November through January, peaking around Singles' Day in November. Weekdays and quieter mornings are better for service. Avoid the first week of October, when Golden Week brings the heaviest mall crowds across both cities.
How do I move heavy shopping between Shanghai and Beijing?+
The high-speed train takes about 4.5 to 5.5 hours from Shanghai Hongqiao to Beijing South, with luggage racks at each carriage end and no weighed baggage limit like on flights. Second class is good value; business class gives more room for large bags. Book ahead on 12306 and arrive 30-40 minutes early.
What payment methods do shops in Shanghai and Beijing accept?+
Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted almost everywhere and can be linked to a foreign Visa or Mastercard. Large malls such as SKP and ifc usually take international cards too, but smaller boutiques may not. Carry a little cash for markets, and keep your passport for tax-refund paperwork.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Shopping · approx. $750–1,350 (≈ €650–1,170), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: Shopping
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