Classic Attractions, Local Food, and Smart Tips for First-Time Visitors
Planning your first trip to Shanghai? Don’t worry—I’ve prepared the most detailed 5-day Shanghai itinerary for you. From world-famous landmarks to hidden romantic streets, from local street food to classic Shanghainese restaurants, this guide will help you know what to eat, where to go, and how to get around—all explained clearly!
🌆 Top Attractions in Shanghai
The Bund
Lined with 52 classical revival buildings in different styles, The Bund is known as the “Exhibition of World Architecture” and is one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks.
Oriental Pearl Tower
One of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks with a futuristic look that dominates the skyline.
Wukang Mansion
Also called Normandie Apartments, this wedge-shaped building was designed by renowned architect Laszlo Hudec.
Huaihai Road
Recognized as Shanghai’s most beautiful and stylish street, Huaihai Road is lined with modern architecture, luxury boutiques, fine dining, and entertainment spots. It’s chic, modern, and full of flair.
Sweet Love Road (Tian’ai Road)
Known as Shanghai’s “most romantic street,” this short lane features a special red “Love Mailbox.” Letters posted here are stamped with a unique love postmark, making them a memorable keepsake. Along the street, the “Love Wall” showcases 28 famous love poems in Chinese and English, adding to its charm.
🍜 Must-Try Shanghai Food
Local Specialties
-
Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Buns) – Crispy on the bottom, juicy inside.
🔥 Popular spots: Xiao Yang Shengjian, Da Hu Chun. -
Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – Famous for thin skin, rich broth, and tender filling.
🔥 Try: Fuchun, Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant. -
The Four Kings of Breakfast – Fried dough sticks, sesame flatbread, savory soy milk, sticky rice rolls.
-
Potstickers, Pork Mooncakes, and Shanghainese Dishes – Like White Cut Chicken, Eight Treasures Duck, and Red-Braised Fish.
-
Snacks – Scallion Pancakes, Tiger Paws Pastry, Green Dumplings, Rice Cakes, Butterfly Pastry, Crab Shell Pastry, and more.
Foodie Streets
-
People’s Square – Jiajia Soup Dumplings, Shanghai Pastry Shops.
-
Nanjing East Road – Shen Dacheng, Xiao Yang Shengjian, Taikang Pork Mooncakes.
-
Nanjing West Road – Wang Jia Sha, Old Shanghai Dumplings.
-
Tianzifang – Trendy snacks + local eats.
-
Chenghuang Temple (Yu Garden Area) – Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, Songyuelou Vegetarian Food.
-
Yuyuan Road – Fuchun Dumplings, Erguang Wontons.
Famous Old Restaurants
-
Dexing Restaurant – A century-old spot for authentic flavors.
-
Guang Ming Cun – Always long queues, worth the wait.
-
Sanlin Benbang Cuisine – Featured in A Bite of China.
-
Red House (Hong Fangzi) – Classic Western-Shanghai fusion.
-
Wang Jia Sha, Ren He Guan, Rui Fu Yuan – Well-known for traditional dishes.
🏨 Accommodation & 🚇 Transportation
Where to Stay
-
Budget to luxury: from $10 hostels to $500+ luxury hotels.
-
Best locations: People’s Square, Shaanxi South Road, Jing’an Temple—close to metro and nightlife.
-
Stay central if you want night views; choose a local guesthouse for authentic old Shanghai charm.
Getting Around
-
Airports: Hongqiao & Pudong International (Metro Line 2 connects both).
-
Railway Stations: Shanghai Station, South Station, and Hongqiao (main hub for high-speed trains).
-
Metro: 16+ lines, super convenient. Download “Metro Dadu” for QR code entry.
-
Ferry: Cross Huangpu River for only 2 RMB.
-
Hop-on Hop-off Bus: Great for sightseeing, tickets 35–150 RMB.
🗓️ Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Oriental Pearl Tower → Nanjing East Road → The Bund → Yu Garden
Day 2: Tianzifang → Xintiandi → Huaihai Middle Road
Day 3: 1933 Old Millfun → Yuyuan Road → Tian’ai Road → Fuxing Road
Day 4: Shanghai Disneyland (Full Day)
Day 5: Wukang Road → Ba Jin’s Former Residence → Shanghai Science & Technology Museum → Century Park
👉 Save this guide if you’re planning a Shanghai trip! Whether it’s iconic landmarks, foodie hotspots, or romantic strolls, this 5-day itinerary covers everything you need for your first magical visit to Shanghai.
