Day 1: Discovering the Stunning Bund
Begin your journey in Shanghai by exploring the exquisite views of the city skyline at its famous waterfront promenade, the Bund. Take a stroll along the river to witness the European-style historic buildings on one side and the contemporary skyscrapers on the other. Visit during the night for a breathtaking, light-filled view.
Day 2: Experiencing the Culture of Old Shanghai
Take a deep dive into Old Shanghai's traditional culture on day two. Begin by visiting the enchanting Yu Garden—a classical Chinese garden consisting of beautiful pavilions, rock formations, and water features. After that, lose yourself exploring the charming alleyways and streets filled with street food, traditional shops, and ancient temples in the nearby Old City. End your day in the trendy neighborhood of Xintiandi, a district scattered with chic boutiques, bars, and restaurants.
Day 3: Experimenting in Modern Shanghai
To experience the modern side of Shanghai in contrast to the culture of Old Shanghai, spend your third day exploring the city's contemporary sector. Start with a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower that stands as one of the incredible towers in Asia. Take the elevator to the observation deck to witness amazing views of the city. After that, proceed to Lujiazui, one of the financial centers of Shanghai, and gaze at some of the world's most iconic skyscrapers, such as the Shanghai Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
Day 4: Reveling in Shanghai's Cuisine
Day four is perfect to explore your inner foodie and delight in the city’s legendary cuisine. Begin your journey by visiting the Shouning Road Food Street, the most popular spot for street food among the locals. The street offers delicious dishes such as pan-fried dumplings, scallion pancakes, and spicy noodles. Later, head to the Xiangyang Road Food Street to treat yourself to the city's renowned soup dumplings. For dinner, head to one of Shanghai's finest restaurants, such as Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet or Fu He Hui.
Day 5: Relaxing in the Parks
After all the exploring and dining experiences, treat yourself to a relaxing day at any of Shanghai's beautiful green spaces. Start with the Jing'An Park, a peaceful haven in the heart of the city featuring a serene lake, lovely gardens, and a traditional Chinese pavilion. Next, head to the People's Park, where locals often gather, and lose yourself in the vibrant yet calming atmosphere while appreciating the beautiful flowers.
Day 6: Discovering the Museums
Shanghai boasts some of the most outstanding museums in China. Take the sixth day to visit the museums. Begin with the Shanghai Museum, an exquisite collection of over 120,000 ancient Chinese artifacts, including bronze, jade, calligraphy, and painting. After that, head to the Power Station of Art, a contemporary art museum housed in a former power plant featuring both Chinese and international art exhibitions. Lastly, visit the Long Museum West Bund that contains a considerable collection of modern and contemporary art in a stunning building designed by architect Liu Yichun.
Day 7: Shopping in Shanghai
Finish your trip with some shopping in Shanghai. Start by exploring Nanjing Road, one of the oldest shopping streets in the city, featuring a mix of boutiques, department stores, and high-end shops. Then, head to the Tianzifang alleyways, a trendy neighborhood offering unique crafts, souvenirs, and fashion. Last but not least, visit the Pearl Market, known for great-value jewellery shopping.
With this seven-day itinerary, you can experience the best of Shanghai; its diverse culture, cuisine, and attractions. Don't forget to bring comfortable shoes for walking and a camera to capture the stunning sights.