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Ultimate 12-Day Shanghai Adventure

Ultimate 12-Day Shanghai Adventure Itinerary

Last updated: 2024 Jun 14

Iconic Landmarks and Waterfront Wonders

Morning
Begin your Shanghai journey with a visit to the serene Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden), a classical Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. Afterward, take a short walk to the historic Shanghai Old City (Nanshi) to immerse yourself in the traditional architecture and vibrant market atmosphere.
Afternoon
For lunch, indulge in contemporary Chinese cuisine at The Shed, located in the heart of the city. Post lunch, take a leisurely stroll along The Bund (Waitan), admiring the mix of colonial and modern architecture. Cross the river to explore the futuristic Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu Ta) and enjoy panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
Evening
Dine at The Chalet, offering a cozy ambiance and a menu featuring international dishes. Cap off the evening with a relaxing cruise on the Huangpu River, where you can witness the dazzling skyline and the illuminated buildings on both sides of the river.
Bedtime
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Modern Marvels and Sky-High Thrills

Morning
Start your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Shanghai Tavern, known for its fusion of local and international flavors. Then, head to the soaring Shanghai Tower (Shanghai Zhongxin Dasha), the second-tallest building in the world. Ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
Afternoon
Enjoy a magical afternoon at Shanghai Disneyland, where you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Disney. Explore the various themed lands, catch live shows, and experience thrilling rides for an unforgettable time.
Evening
For dinner, savor the culinary delights at Constellation, a restaurant with a stellar view of the city. Afterward, take a nightcap at The Nest, a rooftop bar offering a sophisticated ambiance and a wide selection of drinks.
Bedtime
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Historic Enclaves and Artistic Flair

Morning
Begin with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si), a spiritual oasis in the bustling city. Then, explore the bohemian streets of Tianzifang, known for its artsy shops, galleries, and cozy cafes. Enjoy a relaxed morning browsing through unique crafts and sipping on artisanal coffee.
Afternoon
Lunch awaits at Calix, a restaurant that offers a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. Post lunch, take a guided tour of the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum (Shanghai Youtai Nanmin Jinianguan) to learn about an important part of Shanghai's history.
Evening
Dine at The Fellas, a stylish Italian eatery with a vibrant atmosphere. Afterward, catch a performance at the Shanghai Grand Theatre (Shanghai Da Juyuan), known for its world-class productions and stunning architecture.
Bedtime
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Water Town Wonders and Tranquil Canals

Morning
Embark on a day trip to Zhujiajiao, a well-preserved water town with ancient bridges, narrow lanes, and peaceful canals. Explore the traditional architecture and soak in the serene ambiance. Enjoy a local breakfast at one of the charming eateries in the town.
Afternoon
Return to Shanghai for a delightful lunch at The Spot, which offers a menu of international dishes in a relaxed setting. Afterward, visit the Shanghai History Museum (Shanghai Lishi Bowuguan) to gain insights into the city's rich past and cultural heritage.
Evening
For a laid-back evening, head to Kabb Bar & Grill for a casual dinner with a variety of grilled specialties. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the Grand Canal or enjoy a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a local teahouse.
Bedtime
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Cultural Exploration and Urban Delights

Morning
Immerse yourself in the world of art at the Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan), home to a vast collection of ancient Chinese artifacts. Afterward, take a walk through the vibrant Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) and the adjacent Pudong area, known for its modern skyscrapers and bustling business district.
Afternoon
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch at Paulaner Brauhaus Shanghai At Binjiang Branch, a German brewery and restaurant with a riverside location. Post lunch, take a guided tour of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM) to explore interactive exhibits and technological innovations.
Evening
Dine at El Willy, a contemporary Spanish restaurant with a lively atmosphere and a menu of creative dishes. Afterward, take a leisurely walk in the trendy Xin Tian Di area, known for its blend of Shikumen architecture and modern entertainment venues.
Bedtime
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Day of Relaxation and Natural Wonders

Morning
Escape the city bustle and spend the morning at the Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan), home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Enjoy a casual breakfast at one of the zoo's cafes before exploring the different exhibits and enjoying animal encounters.
Afternoon
For a serene lunch with a view, head to The Park Tavern, located in a tranquil park setting. After lunch, take a leisurely walk along the Hengshan Road (Hengshan Lu), known for its tree-lined avenues and historic European-style buildings.
Evening
Enjoy a delightful dinner at New Heights, a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city skyline. Afterward, take a relaxing evening cruise on the Suzhou Creek (Suzhou He), also known as the Wusong River, and admire the city lights reflecting on the water.
Bedtime
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Day of Spiritual Reflection and Evening Revelry

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the serene Jing'an Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Take some time to meditate and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Afterward, enjoy a vegetarian breakfast at the temple's own restaurant.
Afternoon
After a morning of reflection, indulge in a hearty lunch at The Irishman's Pub, which offers a range of Irish and international dishes. Post lunch, take a guided tour of the Shanghai City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) and explore the surrounding City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) area, known for its traditional architecture and vibrant shops.
Evening
For a lively evening, head to Revolucion Cocktail for dinner and drinks. This Latin-inspired bar and restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere and a menu of innovative cocktails. Afterward, experience the vibrant nightlife of Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu), one of the world's busiest shopping streets, with its mix of upscale malls, specialty stores, and neon lights.
Bedtime
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Day of Exploration in Adjacent Cities

Morning
Take a day trip to the nearby city of Suzhou, known for its classical gardens and traditional silk industry. Visit the famous Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan) and the Suzhou Museum to appreciate the city's cultural heritage. Enjoy a local breakfast and a cup of Suzhou-style tea at a traditional teahouse.
Afternoon
After exploring Suzhou, continue your day trip to the picturesque city of Zhouzhuang Water Town, often referred to as the "Venice of the East." Stroll along the ancient canals, visit historic residences, and enjoy the tranquil ambiance. Have lunch at a local restaurant serving regional specialties.
Evening
Return to Shanghai and unwind with a relaxing dinner at Lost Heaven Bar, which offers a blend of Yunnanese and Western cuisine in a stylish setting. Reflect on the day's adventures and enjoy a selection of cocktails or fine wines.
Bedtime
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Day of Historical Immersion and Evening Entertainment

Morning
Begin with a visit to the Shanghai History Museum (Shanghai Lishi Bowuguan) to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's past. Then, take a guided tour of the Shanghai French Concession, exploring the tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and vibrant cultural scene.
Afternoon
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Flying Fox, a restaurant known for its international cuisine and relaxed atmosphere. Afterward, visit the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (SOA) to witness a diverse range of marine life from around the world.
Evening
Dine at The Park Tavern, where you can enjoy a meal in a serene park setting. After dinner, experience the dynamic nightlife of Shanghai at The Spot, a popular entertainment complex with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues.
Bedtime
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Day of Cultural Enrichment and Culinary Delights

Morning
Start your day with a visit to the People's Square (Renmin Guangchang), the cultural and political center of Shanghai. Explore the square and its surrounding attractions, including the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (Shanghai Chengshi Guihua Zhanlansuo) to gain insights into the city's development.
Afternoon
Enjoy a delightful lunch at The Shed, known for its innovative dishes and stylish ambiance. Afterward, take a guided tour of the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) to learn about the financial industry and enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observatory.
Evening
Dine at The Chalet, a restaurant with a cozy alpine atmosphere and a menu featuring international cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Shanghai Old City (Nanshi) to experience the traditional side of Shanghai at night.
Bedtime
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Day of Shopping and Culinary Exploration

Morning
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast at The Nest, a restaurant known for its international menu and elegant setting. After breakfast, head to Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu), one of the world's busiest shopping streets. Explore the various shops, boutiques, and department stores, and immerse yourself in the vibrant retail scene of Shanghai.
Afternoon
For lunch, indulge in the flavors of The Irishman's Pub, which offers a range of Irish and international dishes. Post lunch, continue your shopping spree or visit the nearby Jing'an Temple to experience a moment of tranquility in the midst of the bustling city.
Evening
Dine at Yesterday Pub, a restaurant with a retro ambiance and a menu of classic comfort foods. After dinner, enjoy a live music performance at The Vagabond Club, a popular venue for local and international artists.
Bedtime
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Farewell to Shanghai with a Culinary Journey

Morning
Start your final day in Shanghai with a visit to the Shanghai Tower (Shanghai Zhongxin Dasha), where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the observation deck. Afterward, have a delightful breakfast at OLÁ Bar & Restaurant, known for its fusion of Latin American flavors and stylish setting.
Afternoon
Spend your last afternoon in Shanghai exploring the vibrant Xin Tian Di area, known for its blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern lifestyle. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Sir Elly's, a restaurant with a sophisticated ambiance and a menu of international cuisine.
Evening
For your final dinner in Shanghai, indulge in the culinary creations at New Heights, a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city skyline. After dinner, take a memorable walk along The Bund (Waitan), admiring the historical buildings and the glittering lights of Pudong, and reminisce about your wonderful time in Shanghai.
Bedtime
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