Shanghai Travel Guide: A 3-4 Day Itinerary Combining Classic and Trendy

Shanghai is a magical city that blends history and modernity, featuring both the century-old charm of the Bund and the fairytale fun of Disneyland. The following is an essential route designed for first-time visitors, balancing classic attractions, food experiences, and local characteristics. 📅 Itinerary 【Day 1】Classic Landmark Check-in Morning The Bund: It is recommended to arrive before 8 AM to avoid crowds and enjoy the view of the skyscrapers in Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: Walk from the Bund to Nanjing Road to experience the old Shanghai style. Recommended snacks include Shen Dacheng's Qingtuan or Shao Wansheng's Zaozui (drunken) food. Afternoon Yu Garden & City God Temple: Visit the Jiangnan-style garden (ticket ¥40). You can try Nanxiang Steamed Buns at the City God Temple snack street (but it's more recommended to go to "Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant" Yu Garden Main Branch). BFC Bund Fengjing (Weekend Only): If it's the weekend, you can visit the creative market. The evening view is excellent. Evening Lujiazui Night View: Ascend to the 118th floor observation deck of "Shanghai Tower" (¥180) or the glass observation deck of "Oriental Pearl TV Tower" (¥160). Pudong Riverside Promenade: Free for a walk. Recommended spot to photograph the Bund lights turning on from outside the "Pudong Art Museum" (lights turn on at 19:00 in summer). 【Day 2】Arts and Bourgeois Experience Morning Wukang Road - Anfu Road: A classic Citywalk route in the plane tree area. Check in at Wukang Building, Ba Jin's Former Residence, and take a break at "Old Mike's Cafe". Xujiahui Library: Free to visit, take a photo with the Catholic Church from the third-floor observation deck (reservation required). Afternoon Shanghai Museum (Free, reservation required): Rich collection of bronze ware and calligraphy/painting exhibits. It is recommended to set aside 3 hours. Sinan Mansions / Tianzifang: The former is suitable for photos, the latter is more commercialized but you can find creative small items. Evening Julu Road 158: A nightlife hub, bars like "Found 158" are suitable for a drink. 【Day 3】Fairytale or History - Choose One Option A: Shanghai Disneyland (Suitable for families/couples) Arrive at the park before 7:30 AM and tour counter-clockwise: "Soaring Over the Horizon → Pirates of the Caribbean → TRON Lightcycle Power Run". Must-see shows: Mickey's Storybook Express (Parade), IGNITE the Dream - A Nighttime Spectacular of Magic and Light (Fireworks). Tips: Weekdays are less crowded. Download the official APP in advance to check queue times. Option B: In-depth History Tour Guangfulin Cultural Site (Songjiang District): Explore the underwater museum to discover the origins of Shanghai (¥70). Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: Accessible directly by Metro Line 17. Try Zharou (braised pork wrapped in reed leaves) and Zongzi (rice dumplings). It's less crowded and better for photos in the evening. 【Day 4 (Optional)】Local Life Experience Morning: Go for a morning run at "Hongkou Football Stadium", or watch aunts and uncles dance square dancing at "Lu Xun Park". Morning: See free art exhibitions at "M50 Creative Park", or take industrial-style photos at "1933 Old Millfun". Afternoon: See giant pandas at "Shanghai Zoo" (¥40), or have a family trip to "Changfeng Ocean World". 🍜 Food Recommendations Local Shanghai Cuisine: Lao Jishi Restaurant (Tianping Road), Lan Xin Restaurant (Jinxian Road) - Must-order: Braised Pork Belly, Stir-fried Shrimp. Snacks: Dahuchun Shengjian (Sichuan Middle Road), Xiandelai Pork Ribs with Rice Cakes (Yunnan South Road). Desserts: Park Hotel Butterfly Pastry, Ruby Cream Cake. 🚇 Transportation Tips The metro covers the entire city. Download the "Metro Daduhui" APP to scan and ride. For taxis, it is recommended to use Didi. Avoid elevated roads during morning and evening rush hours. 🏨 Accommodation Suggestions Value for Money: Near Nanjing East Road / People's Square, such as "JI Hotel" (close to the metro). High-end Experience: Along the Bund like "Peace Hotel" or in Pudong like "Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai". Arts and Culture Enthusiasts: Choose a guesthouse in the French Concession (e.g., Yongjia Road, Shaanxi South Road). ⚠️ Notes Avoid National Day (Oct 1-7) and May Day holidays, as the crowd at the Bund is comparable to the Spring Festival travel rush. Bring an umbrella in summer (frequent showers), wear a windproof jacket in winter (windy by the river). Shanghai's charm lies in its diversity and inclusivity. Whether it's modern skyscrapers or alleyway life, you can always find surprises. 🌃