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One-Day Shanghai Travel Guide

Morning: The Bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Start your day at The Bund, one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of both sides of the Huangpu River. Take Metro Line 2 and get off at East Nanjing Road Station. From there, it's a 5-10 minute walk to The Bund.

The Bund runs along the river, and you can take a leisurely stroll down the waterfront promenade, admiring the towering skyscrapers of Pudong across the river, especially the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. It's a fantastic spot for photos, especially in the early morning sunlight when the view is particularly enchanting.

After visiting The Bund, walk over to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets. You can explore the shops, go for a casual walk, or relax at one of the nearby cafes.


Lunch: Yuyuan Garden and Old City God Temple

After your visit to Nanjing Road, head to Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of a traditional Jiangnan garden filled with ancient beauty. You can take Metro Line 2 from Nanjing East Road Station, transfer to Line 10 at Nanjing West Road Station, and get off at Yu Garden Station. Yuyuan Garden is rich in history and culture, with small bridges, flowing streams, and pavilions. Walking through the garden feels like stepping back in time.

Near Yuyuan Garden, visit the Old City God Temple, where you can try authentic Shanghai snacks like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and tangyuan (sweet dumplings). It’s also a great place to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.


Afternoon: Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui

After lunch, head to the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai's most iconic buildings. Take Metro Line 10 to Lujiazui Station, and it's just a short walk to the tower entrance. Take the elevator to the top for a 360-degree view of Shanghai’s cityscape, especially the breathtaking view of The Bund and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.

If you're interested, you can also visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum or the Shanghai Natural History Museum, both close to the Oriental Pearl Tower. These attractions are perfect for visitors with a keen interest in science and nature.


Evening: Shanghai Museum and People's Square

After your visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower, head to the Shanghai Museum at People's Square. Take Metro Line 2 to Nanjing West Road Station, then transfer to Line 1 and get off at People’s Square Station. The Shanghai Museum is one of China’s top four museums, with impressive collections of ancient Chinese art, ceramics, calligraphy, and more. It offers a deep insight into Shanghai and China’s rich history and culture, making it perfect for history and art lovers.

After the museum, take a walk around People’s Square to soak in the atmosphere of Shanghai’s vibrant city center, where modernity and tradition blend together.


Dinner: Night Views and Dining on The Bund or Nanjing Road

As your day comes to an end, head to one of the restaurants around The Bund or Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to enjoy dinner with stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline. Choose a rooftop restaurant to dine while enjoying the city’s dazzling lights. The night view along The Bund and the glowing skyscrapers in Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, is simply breathtaking.

If you're a seafood lover, opt for a seafood restaurant near The Bund to enjoy fresh seafood. If you're more interested in traditional Shanghai cuisine, there are many restaurants near Nanjing Road where you can sample authentic local dishes.


Night Activity: Huangpu River Night Cruise

To wrap up your day, consider taking a Huangpu River night cruise, one of the best ways to experience Shanghai at night. Depart from The Bund and enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the river, with spectacular views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline. The dazzling lights of the skyscrapers in Pudong, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, will leave you in awe as they sparkle against the night sky.


One-Day Shanghai Travel Guide

Morning: The Bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Start your day at The Bund, one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of both sides of the Huangpu River. Take Metro Line 2 and get off at East Nanjing Road Station. From there, it's a 5-10 minute walk to The Bund.

The Bund runs along the river, and you can take a leisurely stroll down the waterfront promenade, admiring the towering skyscrapers of Pudong across the river, especially the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. It's a fantastic spot for photos, especially in the early morning sunlight when the view is particularly enchanting.

After visiting The Bund, walk over to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets. You can explore the shops, go for a casual walk, or relax at one of the nearby cafes.


Lunch: Yuyuan Garden and Old City God Temple

After your visit to Nanjing Road, head to Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of a traditional Jiangnan garden filled with ancient beauty. You can take Metro Line 2 from Nanjing East Road Station, transfer to Line 10 at Nanjing West Road Station, and get off at Yu Garden Station. Yuyuan Garden is rich in history and culture, with small bridges, flowing streams, and pavilions. Walking through the garden feels like stepping back in time.

Near Yuyuan Garden, visit the Old City God Temple, where you can try authentic Shanghai snacks like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and tangyuan (sweet dumplings). It’s also a great place to shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs.


Afternoon: Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui

After lunch, head to the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai's most iconic buildings. Take Metro Line 10 to Lujiazui Station, and it's just a short walk to the tower entrance. Take the elevator to the top for a 360-degree view of Shanghai’s cityscape, especially the breathtaking view of The Bund and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.

If you're interested, you can also visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum or the Shanghai Natural History Museum, both close to the Oriental Pearl Tower. These attractions are perfect for visitors with a keen interest in science and nature.


Evening: Shanghai Museum and People's Square

After your visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower, head to the Shanghai Museum at People's Square. Take Metro Line 2 to Nanjing West Road Station, then transfer to Line 1 and get off at People’s Square Station. The Shanghai Museum is one of China’s top four museums, with impressive collections of ancient Chinese art, ceramics, calligraphy, and more. It offers a deep insight into Shanghai and China’s rich history and culture, making it perfect for history and art lovers.

After the museum, take a walk around People’s Square to soak in the atmosphere of Shanghai’s vibrant city center, where modernity and tradition blend together.


Dinner: Night Views and Dining on The Bund or Nanjing Road

As your day comes to an end, head to one of the restaurants around The Bund or Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to enjoy dinner with stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline. Choose a rooftop restaurant to dine while enjoying the city’s dazzling lights. The night view along The Bund and the glowing skyscrapers in Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, is simply breathtaking.

If you're a seafood lover, opt for a seafood restaurant near The Bund to enjoy fresh seafood. If you're more interested in traditional Shanghai cuisine, there are many restaurants near Nanjing Road where you can sample authentic local dishes.


Night Activity: Huangpu River Night Cruise

To wrap up your day, consider taking a Huangpu River night cruise, one of the best ways to experience Shanghai at night. Depart from The Bund and enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the river, with spectacular views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline. The dazzling lights of the skyscrapers in Pudong, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center, will leave you in awe as they sparkle against the night sky.