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July 25, 2025
Ultimate 3-Day Shanghai Family & Luxury Food Travel Guide
Discover Shanghai's iconic landmarks, Michelin-starred dining, and family-friendly luxury experiences
Family TravelLuxury TravelFood TravelShanghai
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China
Famous For: Financial Hub,Historic Architecture,Modern Skyline,Culinary Innovation
Daily Cost: $150-300 per person
Best Season: Spring (March-May), Autumn (September-November)
Introduction: Shanghai's Unique Appeal
Shanghai seamlessly blends The Bund's historic charm with Shanghai Tower's futuristic skyline. This guide offers curated experiences combining family-friendly attractions like Shanghai Disneyland with luxurious dining at Jean-Georges and stays at iconic hotels like The Peninsula Shanghai. Perfect for families seeking both entertainment and sophisticated culinary adventures.
Best time to visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather
🌱Spring: Mild temperatures (15-25°C) with blooming cherry blossoms at Fuxing Park
☀️Summer: Hot & humid (30-38°C) but perfect for indoor experiences like Shanghai Museum
🍁Autumn: Crisp air (20-28°C) ideal for outdoor strolls along Nanjing Road
❄️Winter: Cold (5-12°C) offers cozy Michelin-starred dining experiences
Arriving and leaving Shanghai
Metro (Lines 1-14 cover 90%+ attractions), ride-hailing (DiDi), and luxury car services. Avoid taxis during peak hours due to traffic.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
40km from city center, connects globally via 93 airlines. Taxi takes 60-90 mins ($120-150). Airport Maglev connects to Longyang Road in 8 mins ($8.50)
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
15km west of city center with high-speed trains to Beijing (4.5 hrs) and Hangzhou (1 hr). Metro Line 2 connects to city center in 30 mins
Where to stay in Shanghai: Best Neighborhood
Huangpu District
Luxury options like The Peace Hotel and Mandarin Oriental Pudong near The Bund and Nanjing Road shopping
Xuhui District
Arty vibe with West Bund Art Museum and family-friendly Shanghai Library East
Top Things to do in Shanghai
The Bund
Iconic riverfront with 52 historic buildings and panoramic views from Shanghai Pudong Development
Shanghai Disneyland
World-class theme park with exclusive attractions like Tron Lightcycle Power Run
Shanghai Tower
China's tallest building with the T11 Skywalk observation deck and Shanghai Himalayas Museum
Tips
Book tickets in advance for Shanghai Disney Resort and Oriental Pearl Tower
What to eat: Shanghai food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Jean-Georges
Three-Michelin-starred fusion cuisine with skyline views from CITIC Plaza
2. Ultraviolet
Multi-sensory dining experience by Paul Pairet with 20-course tasting menus
3. Mr & Mrs Bund
Contemporary French cuisine with rooftop terrace views near The Bund
Signature Dishes
1. Xiao Long Bao
Delicate soup dumplings best enjoyed at Nanxiang Xiaolongbao in Yuyuan Garden
2. Crab Roe Noodles
Luxurious dish at Yi Cafe at Pu Li Hotel with fresh seasonal crab roe
3. Braised Pork Belly
Signature Hengshan Madame Mao dish with 48-hour slow-cooked pork
Shanghai itinerary 3 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at The Bund:Coffee at BFC West Building with river views
Visit The Bund:Walk along the Huangpu River, visit Shanghai Post Museum
🥗Lunch at Nanxiang Xiaolongbao:Traditional soup dumplings with sweet & sour spareribs
Explore Yuyuan Garden:Classical Jiangnan-style garden complex
🍽️Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund:Modern French cuisine with river views
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Disney Hotel:Character-themed breakfast at Disneytown hotel
Shanghai Disney Resort:Early entry for hotel guests to Enchanted Storybook Castle
🥗Lunch at Royal Banquet Hall:Character dining experience with Mickey & Friends
🍽️Dinner at Disney Resort:Modern Chinese cuisine at Shiki Restaurant
Night Parade:Enjoy Night Fall Glamour parade and fireworks
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at The Peninsula Shanghai:Continental breakfast with Huangpu River views
Shanghai Tower:Visit Maoye Art Center and T11 Skywalk
🥗Lunch at Ultraviolet:20-course surprise tasting menu by Paul Pairet
West Bund Art Museum:Contemporary art exhibitions and riverside walks
🍽️Dinner at Jean-Georges:Seasonal French-Asian fusion at CITIC Plaza
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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