Itinerary · 3 days · balanced
Shanghai weekend — 3 days in the city
Three full days in Shanghai covering the Bund, French Concession, Yu Garden, Tianzifang and Pudong — the city's distinct neighbourhoods at a pace that leaves time for coffee and wandering.
Shanghai is China's most accessible city for short breaks: Pudong Airport has direct flights from dozens of Asian cities, the metro is excellent, and English signage is more consistent than anywhere else on the mainland. Three days is enough for the major neighbourhoods without rushing. The city rewards slower exploration — a morning in the French Concession or a late afternoon on the Bund reveals more than a rushed checklist.
Day by day
Day 1 · shanghai
The Bund, French Concession, Tianzifang
Arrive Shanghai. Take the metro to the Bund for a mid-morning walk along the waterfront — the colonial facades on the west bank and the Pudong towers across the river. Walk south into the French Concession: lunch on Xintiandi, afternoon coffee on Wukang Road. Late afternoon Tianzifang — independent galleries and boutiques in the shikumen lane network.
Attractions: the-bund, french-concession, tianzifang
Stay in: French Concession — centrally placed for all three days, good dining on the doorstep.
Day 2 · shanghai
Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Pudong
Morning at Yu Garden and the surrounding Ming-dynasty bazaar — arrive before 9:30am to beat coach groups. Walk north to the Jade Buddha Temple (two seated white jade Buddhas; active monastery, no entry during prayer times). Afternoon: cross the Huangpu River to Pudong by the pedestrian tunnel or ferry. Shanghai Tower observation deck at 632m. Walk the Lujiazui riverside promenade back toward the ferry.
Attractions: yu-garden, jade-buddha-temple-shanghai, shanghai-tower
Day 3 · shanghai
Shanghai Museum, M50, departure
Morning at the Shanghai Museum on People's Square — free entry, an outstanding collection of Chinese bronzes, ceramics and calligraphy. Walk north to Moganshan Road: M50 contemporary art district, good for a coffee and gallery browse. Lunch in Jing'an. Transfer to PVG or SHA for departure.
Attractions: shanghai-museum, m50-art-district, jingan-temple
Budget guide (CNY per day)
| Backpacker | ¥700 |
| Mid-range | ¥1800 |
| Comfortable | ¥4500 |
Per person total 3 days. International flights excluded. Most museums in Shanghai are free with online booking.
Cities covered
Attractions covered