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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Solo Food Travel Guide
Explore Shanghai's iconic landmarks and taste authentic local cuisine without breaking the bank
Shanghai TravelSolo TravelFood Guide3 Days Itinerary
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China coast
Famous For: The Bund night views,Modern skyscrapers,Shikumen architecture,Xiaolongbao dim sum
Daily Cost: $80-120 USD
Best Season: Spring (Mar-May) or Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Introduction: Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends cutting-edge modernity with centuries-old traditions. From the colonial-era buildings of The Bund to the towering Shanghai Center, this dynamic metropolis offers endless discoveries. Solo travelers will find vibrant street food scenes, historic gardens like Yuyuan Garden, and immersive cultural experiences around every corner.
Best time to visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: April-May for cherry blossoms, September-October for clear skies
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (12-20°C) perfect for exploring Nanjing Road and People's Square. Cherry blossoms bloom at Fuxing Park in March.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (25-32°C) with occasional typhoons. Best for indoor attractions like Shanghai Museum and air-conditioned shopping at IFC Mall.
🍁Autumn: Pleasant weather (15-22°C) ideal for river cruises on the Huangpu River and visiting Jade Buddha Temple.
❄️Winter: Cold but dry (5-12°C). Experience traditional Chinese New Year decorations at Xintiandi and hotpot dining.
Arriving and leaving Shanghai
Metro system (¥3-10 per ride) covers all major areas. Use Alipay/WeChat QR code for seamless payments. Taxis cost ¥14 base fare.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center. Maglev train to Longyang Road (30 mins, ¥40) or taxi (¥180-220, 60 mins)
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
30km from city center. Metro Line 10 to The Bund (40 mins, ¥7). Connects to high-speed rail networks
Where to stay in Shanghai: Best Neighborhood
Huangpu District
Centrally located near The Bund and Nanjing Road. Mid-range options include JW Marriott Hotel Shanghai at Tomorrow Square and Pullman Shanghai Jing'an Hotel
Xuhui District
Arty neighborhood with Shanghai Art Museum and trendy cafes. Mid-range options: The Waterhouse at South Bund and Kerry Hotel Pudong
Top Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Iconic riverside promenade with 52 historic buildings. Take a ferry from Dongjin Ferry Terminal for panoramic skyline views.
Yuyuan Garden
6-acre classical garden dating to 1577. Adjacent City God Temple offers great street food like Nanjing Road duck blood pudding.
Shanghai Tower
World's second-tallest building. The 546-meter skywalk offers dizzying views of the cityscape.
Tips
Buy combo tickets for multiple attractions. Visit Oriental Pearl Tower during sunset for best views.
What to eat: Shanghai food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Jiu Xian Lou Restaurant
Historic restaurant serving traditional Shanghainese cuisine since 1858. Try their Drunked Chicken
2. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
Multi-sensory 3-course dining experience with synchronized audio-visual effects
3. Old Jesse Restaurant
Family-run eatery with 30 years of history. Famous for Sweet and Sour Mandarin Fish
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Steamed soup dumplings at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yuyuan Garden
2. Shengjianbao
Crispy pan-fried dumplings at Jiajia Tangbao in Huangpu District
3. Braised Pork Belly
Glossy red-braised pork at M on the Bund
Shanghai itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Heenwa Cafe:Try their Shanghai Fried Noodles
Visit The Bund:Walk along the historic buildings and visit Shanghai Post Museum
🥗Lunch at Yongkang Road Dumpling House:All-day dim sum and house-made Tofu Pudding
Explore Nanjing Road:Asia's busiest shopping street with historic department stores
River Cruise at Huangpu River:45-minute sightseeing cruise with skyline views
🍽️Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund:Contemporary French-Shanghainese fusion cuisine
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at White Horse Restaurant:Soy milk and Scallion Oil Noodles
Visit Yuyuan Garden:Traditional garden with koi ponds and classical architecture
Explore City God Temple Bazaar:Sample street food like Sticky Rice Cakes and Pork Skewers
🥗Lunch at Lao Long Xiang:Time-honored restaurant serving Braised Eel and Bamboo Shoots
Visit Shanghai Museum:World-class collection of ancient Chinese art
Tea Ceremony at Yuyuan Tea House:Learn traditional tea preparation methods
🍽️Dinner at Shake Shack:Modern eatery with Shanghainese-inspired burgers
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Zhuguang Road Market:Join locals for morning market shopping
Visit Tianshan Fabric Market:Traditional textile market with handmade embroidery
🥗Lunch at Lilong Restaurant:Home-style cooking in Shikumen-style setting
Explore Shikumen Open House Museum:Preserved 1930s neighborhood with interactive exhibits
Coffee at Manner Coffee:Tiny coffee shop in traditional lane house
🍽️Dinner at Longteng Restaurant:Family-run restaurant serving Braised Pig Tendon
Night Market at Yunnan Road:Taste over 20 local specialties from night vendors
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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