Shanghai, a dynamic fusion of modernity and tradition, offers an unforgettable experience even in a single day. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or looking to revisit the city’s iconic landmarks, this guide provides the perfect itinerary to explore Shanghai’s most famous sights, sample its best food, and enjoy seamless transportation. From the stunning views of the Bund to the tranquil beauty of Yuyuan Garden, here’s everything you need to make the most of your one-day trip.
Arrival and Transport: After arriving at Shanghai Railway Station, hop on Metro Line 1, transfer to Line 10, and head straight to Wukang Building (武康大楼). The entire journey is quick and straightforward, making it a convenient starting point for your day.
Recommended Itinerary
Wukang Building ➡️ Jing’an Temple ➡️ City God Temple ➡️ Yuyuan Garden ➡️ Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street ➡️ The Bund ➡️ Oriental Pearl Tower ➡️ Lujiazui Trio
Signature Shanghai Dishes
Don’t miss out on these local specialties:
- Soup Dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) 小笼包
- Scallion Pancakes (Cong You Bing) 葱油饼
- Yangchun Noodles 阳春面
- Pear Syrup Candy (Li Gao Tang) 梨膏糖
- Eight Treasure Duck (Ba Bao Ya) 八宝鸭
- Fresh Pork Mooncakes (Xian Rou Yue Bing) 鲜肉月饼
- Crab Roe Rice (Xie Huang Lao Fan) 蟹黄捞饭
Top Attractions and Photo Spots
Wukang Building (武康大楼)
- This iconic building is one of the best photo opportunities in the city. Capture a stunning shot while waiting for the traffic light to change — the high success rate of beautiful photos makes it a must-see!
Jing’an Temple (静安寺)
- Although not a large temple, Jing’an Temple stands out with its golden, shimmering architecture. The Buddhist beads available inside are typically overpriced and may not be worth purchasing.
- Admission: 50 RMB
City God Temple (城隍庙)
- A great spot for street food lovers, the surrounding pedestrian street offers a mix of local snacks and shops, all set within a traditional Chinese-style environment. The street leads right to Yuyuan Garden (豫园), making it a perfect stop on your itinerary.
- Admission: 10 RMB (includes three incense sticks)
- Street Food: Steamed Pork Dumplings (鲜肉生煎), Pork Ribs Rice Cake (排骨年糕), Green Rice Dumplings (青团)
Yuyuan Garden (豫园)
- This classical Chinese garden epitomizes the essence of Jiangnan culture, featuring beautiful traditional landscaping and architecture.
- Admission: 40 RMB
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
- With numerous shopping malls, Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s commercial heart, though the prices tend to be on the high side. However, you’ll find some hidden gems of local eateries and street food along the way. Plus, it’s the ideal spot for taking photos of the Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠). After shopping, take a short walk to The Bund (外滩).
The Bund (外滩)
- The Bund‘s iconic skyline is the perfect place to capture the dazzling night lights of Shanghai. Visit the viewing platform for breathtaking views of the city and the renowned “Bund Trio” of buildings.
- Lighting Times: 18:00-22:00
- Ferry: 2 RMB
Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠)
- Head to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower for an expansive panoramic view of Shanghai’s skyline. You’ll be able to see everything from the ancient streets to the ultra-modern buildings.
- Admission: 199 RMB (includes entry to both observation balls)
Lujiazui Trio (陆家嘴三件套)
- The Lujiazui area is home to three iconic skyscrapers: Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦), Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦), and the World Financial Center (环球金融中心). For the best photo spot, head to the “Shanghai Jin Mao Grand Hyatt Hotel” (上海金茂君悦大酒店), where you can capture the perfect shot of all three buildings. This futuristic perspective is ideal for photography enthusiasts.
- Ferry: 2 RMB (accessible by Alipay payment)
Shanghai Ferry Routes
There are two main ferry routes for a scenic ride along the Bund (外滩):
- “Jin Dong Line” (金东线): From Jinling Road Wharf (金陵路渡口) to Dongchang Road Wharf (东昌路渡口), open from 7:15 AM to 6:15 PM.
- “Dong Fu Line” (东复线): From Fuxing Road Wharf (复兴路渡口) to Dongchang Road Wharf (东昌路渡口), operating from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
One-way fare: 2 RMB, duration: 5 minutes. Tickets can be purchased via QR code at the wharf.
Additional Tips for Your Trip
- Time Constraints? If you’re short on time, consider focusing on Nanjing Road (南京路) and The Bund (外滩) for an efficient yet fulfilling experience.
- Transportation: The Metro system is the fastest way to travel between attractions, but you can also use shared bikes for shorter distances.
- Weather: Check the forecast to avoid sudden changes in weather, especially at night when it may get chilly.
- Comfortable Shoes: Since you’ll be walking and using the metro frequently, a comfortable pair of shoes is essential.
- Snacks: Pack some snacks in your bag to avoid spending a fortune on overpriced food or missing out on local delicacies.