Shanghai is an excellent travel destination where dreams and fashion interweave, and history and modernity collide. Pack your bags and follow this carefully customized three-day tour guide to embark on an unforgettable journey to the Magic City!
I. Preparation
Seasonal choice for travel: Spring and autumn are the golden seasons for traveling in Shanghai. In spring, the warm sun gently shines on every corner of the streets. There are blooming flowers everywhere. When the breeze blows, hair and petals dance together. In autumn, the sky is high and the clouds are light. It is cool and comfortable. Walking around, the golden ginkgo leaves lay a beautiful ‘carpet’ for the city. In such pleasant weather, taking photos and playing freely are both very suitable.
Careful selection of luggage:
Clothing: For girls in this age group, dressing is of utmost importance when traveling. Prepare several sets of fashionable and comfortable clothes according to the season. Short skirts show playfulness, long skirts sway gracefully. Then match with several versatile cardigans and coats. They can not only create a stylish look but also deal with the temperature difference between morning and evening. The key is to bring several sets of ‘outstanding outfits’ to leave beautiful moments in front of Shanghai’s landmark attractions.
Shoes: A pair of comfortable sports shoes or flat single shoes are essential. After all, walking an average of ten thousand steps a day is not a joke. Shuttling through alleys and walking around blocks, only when your feet are comfortable can you be full of vitality.
II. Itinerary
Day 1: Encounter literary retro and modern splendor
Morning: Wukang Road – Shanghai’s literary ‘time capsule’. Wukang Road is like a living historical record of Shanghai. The European-style old houses and former residences of celebrities standing on both sides of the street silently tell the elegance of the past. Walking here is like accidentally entering a fairytale town in Hayao Miyazaki’s works. Every brick and tile is engraved with old times.
Visit Ba Jin’s former residence and explore the life trajectory of the literary giant in the quiet study and ancient courtyard. Encounter Huang Xing’s former residence and recall the passion and excitement in the Xinhai Revolution.
The Wukang Mansion is a must-see check-in point. This ship-shaped giant building has a unique shape. Under the interweaving of sunlight and street lights, it is beautiful in its own way. Standing casually anywhere is like being in a magazine blockbuster.
Noon: Qirongxuan – The local flavor on the tip of the tongue. When tired from walking, plunge into Qirongxuan. The local dishes with thick oil and dark sauce directly hit the taste buds. Order a signature braised pork. It is square and has a bright red color. Take a bite. The fat and lean parts are well-proportioned. The soft and glutinous sweetness melts on the tip of the tongue. Then pair it with a refreshing wax gourd soup with dried shrimps to remove the greasiness and is delicious. The average cost is 45 yuan per person, which is authentic and affordable.
Afternoon: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street – The prosperous ‘city that never sleeps’. Nanjing Road is known as a shopping paradise. The neon lights of the numerous shopping malls are flashing. International big brands and domestic treasures are dazzling. Step into Shanghai No.1 Food Store. The sweet and fragrant butterfly pastries, crispy seaweed-flavored fried dough twists, and soft glutinous zongzi candies. The dazzling array of special snacks make it impossible to put them down. They are full of Shanghai’s flavor and can be called a treasure trove of souvenirs.
Evening: The Bund – The Glittering Night Pearl of Shanghai
As dusk falls, the Bund transforms into a spectacle of grandeur. The of international architecture is illuminated, showcasing Gothic, Baroque, and Roman styles that display exotic charm under the glow of lights; across the river, the skyscrapers of Lujiazui are brightly lit, with the Oriental Pearl Tower shining brightly and the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center reaching for the sky. Board a cross-river ferry to feel the breeze and take in the stunning views of both banks, an experience as dreamlike as fantasy.
Next Day: Immersion in Art and Traditional Gardens
Noon: Old Shanghai Noodle House – A Feast of Traditional Noodles
The noodle house, tucked away in a street corner, is unpretentious yet hides a world of flavors. Order a bowl of the signature Yangchun noodles, which may seem simple but rely on the soup base to speak volumes, with the aroma of pork fat, scallions, and noodles blending together; pair it with braised pork trotters, tender and flavorful, with a rich meat aroma, all for an average of 22 yuan per person, warming the stomach and satisfying the soul.
Afternoon: Xintiandi – A Trendy and Fashionable ‘Hybrid District’
Xintiandi combines traditional Shikumen architecture with modern elements, seamlessly blending the old with the new.
Inside the vintage red brick walls and carved doorways lies a modern world filled with international fashion brands and continuous avant-garde art exhibitions. When tired from shopping, rest at any dessert shop on the street, enjoying exquisite French pastries and creative cocktails to recharge for a leisurely afternoon.
Evening: Old City God Temple and Yu Garden – A Historic Night Tour ‘Hotspot’
The City God Temple, with its red walls and black tiles, exudes solemnity amidst the curling incense smoke as prayers for peace are made; adjacent Yu Garden, with its winding paths and well-arranged rockeries and ponds, feels like stepping into a Jiangnan garden landscape painting.
Full Day: Disney Adventure – A Whirlwind of Fairy Tales
Step into Disney and feel as if you’ve fallen into a whirlpool of fairy tales. In front of the fantastic Fairy Tale Castle, fulfill your princess dream with its pastel colors and towering spires, making every snapshot a dreamy wallpaper; the thrilling SRT, with its motorcycle design and breakneck speed, offers the sensation of a racing heart; the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train takes you through gemstone caves to meet the adorable dwarfs; during the parade, Disney friends sing and dance, showering you with and non-stop interaction, filling the air with joy; as night falls, the Illuminated Dreams: A Nighttime Spectacular lights up the sky with a fireworks display and interplay of light and shadow, marking the perfect end to your Shanghai journey.
Food Highlights: Street Food Delights
Shanghai Pan-Fried Buns: Freshly made, these buns are a culinary marvel, with a crispy bottom and a juicy, tender meat filling that bursts with flavor when bitten into, sprinkled with green scallions and sesame seeds for a fragrant aroma.
Scallion Oil Pancakes: A classic breakfast in old Shanghai, the dough is rolled to a moderate thickness, covered with a layer of scallions, and pan-fried until the dough becomes crispy, with the scent of onions permeating the air. Adding a ham and egg makes for an energizing start to the day.
Fat Brother’s Cart Noodles: The cart noodles are springy and chewy. You can freely combine toppings such as fish balls, beef offal, and pig skin. The signature crispy large intestine is cleanly processed. The skin is crispy, the inside is soft and glutinous, and it’s very chewy.
Shopping Highlights
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Beauty enthusiasts mustn’t miss the beauty counters of Sephora, MAC, etc. One-stop search for new product launches and popular shades. Sports enthusiasts head straight to Nike and Adidas flagship stores. Limited-edition sneakers and co-branded sports equipment are not to be missed. In the time-honored silk store, pick a silk cheongsam with a well-tailored cut and elegant patterns and instantly become a retro beauty.
Shanghai Xintiandi
Fashionable brands under IT are gathered here. Niche designs and avant-garde styles lead the fashion trend. Xintiandi Fashion I & II mainly feature designer brands. Clothing and accessories are unique and can easily create a highly recognizable outfit. Fashionable home stores are exquisitely displayed with scented candles and creative ornaments adding color to life.
Thoughtful Tips
When traveling, keep personal belongings close to you. Wear your backpack on your chest. Keep your mobile phone and wallet in hand. Be more vigilant in crowded places. Learn about Shanghai’s local traffic rules in advance. Taking the subway and bus is convenient and environmentally friendly. Remember to prepare your ride code. Check the weather forecast before going out every day. Prepare sunscreen on sunny days and bring rain gear on rainy days to keep your journey under control.
