Shanghai 3-day itinerary

Walk the Bund before the crowds — the 1.5km waterfront promenade is flanked by 52 heritage buildings from Shanghai's colonial era. The HSBC Building, Peace Hotel, and Customs House are architectural masterpieces. Across the river, Pudong's futuristic skyline rises like a science fiction set. The contrast is what makes Shanghai — a city perpetually caught between its glamorous past and its even more ambitious future.

Metro to Yu Garden (¥40) — a 16th-century classical garden with rockeries, koi ponds, and intricate pavilions. The surrounding bazaar is touristy but worth a walk for the traditional architecture. Lunch at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant — the original xiaolongbao shop since 1900 (¥20–40 per steamer). Walk through the narrow lanes of the Old City for a glimpse of Shanghai before the skyscrapers.

Metro to Lujiazui in Pudong and walk among the supertall skyscrapers. Shanghai Tower's observation deck (¥180, 118th floor) offers staggering views of the entire city and river below. Return to the Bund at night — the colonial buildings and Pudong towers are dramatically illuminated, creating Shanghai's most iconic panorama. For drinks, Bar Rouge or Vue Bar offer Bund-facing terraces with cocktails from ¥80.

Explore the Former French Concession — tree-lined boulevards shaded by plane trees, Art Deco apartments, independent coffee shops, and boutique stores. Start on Wukang Road — a leafy street with the iconic Wukang Mansion (a 1924 Normandy-style apartment building). Walk through Fuxing Park, where locals practice tai chi and play cards. Breakfast at a local cafe — Baker & Spice or a neighborhood jianbing (savory crepe, ¥8–15) cart.

Tianzifang is a labyrinth of narrow lanes (shikumen, traditional Shanghai alleyway houses) converted into galleries, cafes, and design shops. It's touristy but charming. For serious art, metro to M50 Art District on Moganshan Road — a converted industrial complex with 100+ contemporary galleries (free entry). Shanghai's art scene is thriving and M50 is its beating heart. Lunch at a local noodle shop — scallion oil noodles (cong you ban mian, ¥15–25).

Visit Jing'an Temple (¥50) at dusk — a golden Buddhist temple dramatically set against the surrounding skyscrapers. The contrast is pure Shanghai. Walk to the nearby Jing'an Kerry Centre area for dinner and drinks. Shanghai's cocktail scene is world-class — Speak Low (a speakeasy behind a cocktail equipment shop, cocktails from ¥90) and El Coctel are both on the World's 50 Best Bars list.

Start at People's Square — the civic heart of Shanghai. The Shanghai Museum (free, closed Mondays) is world-class, with outstanding collections of bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and jade. The ancient Chinese bronze collection is among the finest anywhere. Allow 2 hours minimum. The surrounding People's Park is busy with morning exercisers and, on weekends, the famous Marriage Market where parents post their children's marriage resumes.

Walk Nanjing Road East — Shanghai's busiest pedestrian shopping street. Turn off the main drag into the side streets for authentic food — Yunnan Road has excellent local restaurants. Try shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns, ¥10–15 for 4) at Yang's Fried Dumplings — crispy bottom, juicy filling, and irresistibly addictive. Walk to the Power Station of Art (free) — Shanghai's contemporary art museum in a converted power plant.

Xintiandi is a restored shikumen neighborhood turned upscale dining district. The architecture preserves traditional lane house facades while housing modern restaurants and bars. For a farewell meal, try Shanghainese cuisine at Ye Shanghai (¥150–200 per person) — hairy crab season (Oct–Nov) is legendary, and their hongshao rou (red-braised pork belly, ¥68) melts in your mouth. End with a walk back along the illuminated Bund.