Day 1: Discovering the Bund
Shanghai, a city filled with culture, history, and modernity, offers many exciting sights and sounds that tourists can experience in just two days. If you're short on time, we recommend visiting the most popular attraction first: The Bund.
The Bund, a famous waterfront in Shanghai, is a perfect place to begin your journey. The best time to go there is during the evening when the sun sets and the entire Shanghai skyline comes alive. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the "Oriental Pearl Tower" as well as the classic architectural styles of the Western buildings that line the waterfront.
After walking along the Bund, have a traditional Chinese meal in one of the many restaurants nearby before heading to your next destination.
Day 1 Continued: Exploring Yuyuan Garden
Next, take a quick taxi ride to the Yuyuan Garden. Visiting the garden takes you back to the Ming Dynasty when the garden was built for the retirement of an official. It's an oasis in the middle of the city with pavilions, pagodas, rock formations, koi ponds, and intricate garden designs.
The highlight of the garden is the "Nine-Turn Bridge," which was built to keep evil spirits from crossing the pond. Another distinctive feature is the "Exquisite Jade Rock," a boulder that stands over 3 meters high and has over 70 crevices carved into it.
If you have time, you can visit the nearby bazaar for some souvenir shopping or have a snack. It's a great place to get a glimpse of traditional Chinese culture through its food, crafts, and souvenirs.
Day 2: Learning about Shanghai's History
On the second day, travel back in time by visiting Shanghai's museums and historical landmarks. Start your day early to beat the crowds and maximize your trip.
Begin your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum, one of the best museums in China. The museum houses over 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, including pottery, bronze, jade, calligraphy, and much more. It's a great place to learn about China's rich history and culture.
After visiting the museum, take a ride on the historic "Shanghai Sightseeing Tunnel" that runs beneath the Huangpu River. It's a fun and unique experience that takes you to Pudong, the modern financial district of Shanghai.
Day 2 Continued: Admiring Shanghai Tower and the Former French Concession
No trip to Shanghai would be complete without visiting the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world. The observation deck is located on the 118th floor and offers a breathtaking view of the city below. You can also enjoy a delicious meal at one of the award-winning restaurants in the building.
Finally, end your day by visiting the Former French Concession. Take a stroll through the tree-lined streets filled with charming art deco buildings, trendy boutiques, and Michelin-starred restaurants. It's a must-visit place for architecture and history lovers.
These are just some of the many places you can visit in just two days in Shanghai. Take your time and enjoy the beauty, culture, and history that Shanghai has to offer.