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July 25, 2025
1 viewsUltimate Shanghai Travel Guide 2025: 3 Days of Skyscrapers, History & Cuisine
From colonial landmarks to futuristic skylines - Discover Shanghai's perfect balance of tradition and innovation
TravelShanghai
Quick Overview
Chinese Name: 上海
Location: Eastern China, Yangtze River Delta
Famous For: Skyline views from Oriental Pearl Tower,Colonial architecture at The Bund,Modern shopping on Nanjing Road,Shanghai cuisine at Jiageng Noodles
Daily Cost: $80-150
Best Season: March-May & September-November
Why Visit Shanghai: China's Metropolis of Contrasts
Shanghai stands as a testament to China's remarkable modernization while preserving centuries of history. Where the colonial-era The Bund meets the futuristic Lujiazui Financial District, this city offers a unique blend of East-meets-West culture, world-class museums, and Michelin-starred dining experiences that cater to every traveler's desire.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
Ideal Seasons: Spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and autumn (September-November) for crisp weather
🌱Spring: Pleasant temperatures (15-22°C) with blooming flowers at Century Park. Avoid Qingming Festival crowds.
☀️Summer: Hot and humid (28-35°C) with frequent rain. Ideal for indoor attractions like Shanghai Museum and air-conditioned shopping malls.
🍁Autumn: Perfect weather (18-25°C) with autumn foliage at Yuyuan Garden. Hosts major cultural events and food festivals.
❄️Winter: Cold but dry (3-10°C) with minimal rain. Great time to enjoy Shanghai International Ice & Snow Festival at Meilong Town
Arriving and Leaving Shanghai
Extensive metro network (800+ stations), taxis (¥14 base fare), bike-sharing (20,000+ docking stations), and Didi ride-hailing. Avoid driving in central districts due to congestion charges.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport [Recommended]
Main international gateway 30km east of city center. Connected by maglev train (7 min to Longyang Road) and express buses to downtown. Taxi takes 45-60 min (¥180-220)
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
Modern high-speed rail hub connecting Beijing (4.5 hours) and Hangzhou (1 hour). Located 15km west of city center with metro lines 2,10,17 access
Where to Stay in Shanghai: Best Neighborhoods
The Bund/Nanjing Road
Luxury hotels like The Peninsula Shanghai and Mandarin Oriental Pudong near top attractions. Perfect for first-time visitors
Xuhui District
Artistic neighborhood with West Bund Art Museum and boutique hotels. Great for foodies with Yongkang Road coffee shops
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
Oriental Pearl Tower
Iconic 468m TV tower with observation decks, revolving restaurant, and virtual reality experiences. Combine with Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall visit.
The Bund
Historic waterfront with 52 colonial buildings. Walk the Zhongshan Road (Shanghai)|Zhongshan Road promenade for night views of Lujiazui skyline
Yuyuan Garden
600-year-old classical garden with intricate designs, koi ponds, and nearby Chenghuang Miao market for souvenirs and street food
Tips
Book landmark tickets online in advance during peak seasons. Combine historic and modern attractions in one day.
What to Eat: Shanghai Food Guide
Recommended Restaurants
1. Jade on 39
Fine dining at 39th floor of Bank of China Tower with skyline views and modern Shanghainese cuisine
2. Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
3-Michelin-starred multisensory dining experience with molecular gastronomy
3. Mr & Mrs Bund
French fusion cuisine by acclaimed chef Paul Pairet in a riverside location
Signature Dishes
1. Xiaolongbao
Steamed pork dumplings with soup at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant in Yuyuan Garden
2. Shanghai Fried Pork
Caramelized pork ribs at Yong Kang Road 69
3. Sweet Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Balls
Traditional dessert at Bianyifang Roast Duck
Shanghai Itinerary 2 Days & 4 Days
DAY 1
🍳Breakfast at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant:Start with signature xiaolongbao at Yuyuan Garden location
Yuyuan Garden:Explore the classical Chinese garden and adjacent Chenghuang Miao market
🥗Lunch at The Bund Restaurant:Enjoy Shanghainese cuisine with Bund views at The Bund 18
The Bund:Walk along the historic waterfront and visit 19th century bank buildings
Oriental Pearl Tower:View the city from Shanghai's most iconic landmark
🍽️Dinner at Ultraviolet:End with a 3-Michelin-starred dining experience
DAY 2
🍳Breakfast at Seesaw Coffee:Try award-winning coffee in Xuhui District's art neighborhood
Shanghai Museum:Free art and archaeology museum in People's Square
🥗Lunch at Jinhan Korean Restaurant:Try Shanghainese-Korean fusion at this Michelin-listed spot
Shanghai Tower:Visit the world's second tallest building and its skywalk
West Bund Art Museum:Explore contemporary art exhibitions along Huangpu River
🍽️Dinner at Jade on 39:Experience fine dining with skyline views at Bank of China Tower
DAY 3
🍳Breakfast at Yongkang Road 69:Try Shanghai Fried Pork at this local favorite
Shikumen Architecture:Walk through lane houses and visit boutique shops at Tianzifang
🥗Lunch at Mei Wei Imperial Restaurant:Traditional Shanghainese cuisine in French Concession
Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre:Unique museum showcasing Mao-era propaganda art
Fuxing Park:Observe local life with tai chi practitioners and chess players
🍽️Dinner at Mr & Mrs Bund:French-inspired fusion cuisine with riverside views
Shanghai Travel FAQs
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