Shanghai One-Day Itinerary: Explore Classic Attractions & Local Food
Shanghai, a cosmopolitan city blending deep history with modern dynamism, is the perfect starting point for exploring China. Whether you’re staying at a downtown hotel or only have one day for sightseeing, this Shanghai one-day itinerary will help you efficiently hit the city’s essentials: Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, The Bund, and a ferry ride to Lujiazui for Oriental Pearl night views.
We’ve optimized this route for international travelers, focusing on easy transit, cultural immersion, and tips for tasting Shanghai local food.
Shanghai One-Day Itinerary Overview
- Recommended Route: Yuyuan Garden (incl. City God Temple Market) → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → The Bund → Ferry to Pudong → Oriental Pearl Night View (optional for next day).
- Best For: First-time visitors with limited time who want to experience Shanghai attractions and local culture.
I. Detailed Itinerary & Transportation Guide
1. Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple Market (9:30 AM – 11:30 AM)
Why Go? Yuyuan Garden is a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty classical Chinese gardening—a “miniature Jiangnan” in Shanghai. The neighboring City God Temple Market offers traditional snacks and souvenirs, perfect for tasting Shanghai local food.
Suggested Order & Flow:
- Enter Yuyuan Garden first (ticket ¥40). Focus on the Grand Rockery and Sansui Hall.
- Exit into the market (no extra ticket). Explore the Nine-Turn Bridge and snack streets.
Getting There:
- Taxi: ~¥15–20 from downtown hotels (10 min)
- Metro: Line 10 → Yuyuan Station, Exit 1 (5-min walk)
Insider Tips:
- Yuyuan Garden: Use an audio guide (English available). Must-see: Jade Conglomerate rock.
- Market & Snacks: Try Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings with crab roe), Ningbo Sweet Rice Balls, and Paigu Niangao (Rice Cake with Pork Ribs).
- Shopping: Lao Feng Xiang jewelry, Shanghai Woman Cold Cream souvenirs.
Time Allocation: 1.5 hours for garden + 40 min for market/snacks.
2. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM)
Why Go? Known as “China’s No.1 Commercial Street,” Nanjing Road blends historic shops with modern malls—a perfect stop for shopping and experiencing Shanghai local food.
Getting There:
- Walk from Yuyuan: ~15 min
- Metro Line 10 → Nanjing East Road Station (5 min)
Insider Tips:
- Old Brands: Shen Dacheng (Fresh Pork Mooncake, Tiaotougou dessert), Shao Wan Sheng (marinated seafood/meats).
- Lunch Option: Lao Zheng Xing (Benbang dishes like Flash-fried Shrimp, ¥80–100 pp).
- Shopping: First Food Store for snacks & souvenirs.
Time Allocation: Walk & shopping 1 hour; lunch 30–40 min.
3. The Bund (1:30 PM – 3:30 PM)
Why Go? Iconic Shanghai skyline, with 52 historical buildings on the west bank facing Lujiazui skyscrapers—a living “World Architecture Expo”.
Getting There: Walk 5 min from Nanjing Road.
Insider Tips:
- Start near Waibaidu Bridge; walk south. Focus on Peace Hotel and Customs House (clock plays The East Is Red).
- Photo ops: Wide-angle for panorama or portraits with Oriental Pearl. Coffee breaks at riverside cafés.
Time Allocation: 40 min architecture walk, 30–40 min rest/photos.
4. Ferry to Pudong & Oriental Pearl Night View (3:30 PM – 7:00 PM)
Why Go? Take a ¥2 ferry across Huangpu River for a budget-friendly skyline view. Lujiazui at night is a perfect “Shanghai postcard.”
Route & Options:
- Ferry: Jinling East Road Terminal → Dongchang Road Terminal (10 min, ¥2).
- Alternative Metro: Line 2 → Lujiazui Station (3 min).
Tips:
- Sit by the window, especially at sunset.
- If short on time, skip climbing Oriental Pearl—take photos from pedestrian bridges.
- Full option: Oriental Pearl main deck (¥160 combo ticket).
Time Allocation: Simplified ferry 30 min, Lujiazui photos 30 min, return 20 min via Metro Line 2.
II. Essential Tips for International Visitors
- Transit & Payment: Metro Daduhui app, QR code scanning, Alipay/WeChat. Carry small cash.
- Navigation & Language: English signs; offline Google Maps recommended.
- Food Safety: Stick to reputable stalls. Avoid raw items if sensitive.
- Cultural Etiquette: City God Temple = religious site; be respectful.
- Time Management: If rushed, climb Oriental Pearl the next day.
III. One-Day Shanghai Summary Table
| Time | Location | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 AM | Yuyuan Garden | Ming Dynasty garden architecture |
| 10:30 AM | City God Temple Market | Snacks & souvenirs |
| 11:30 AM | Nanjing Road | Shopping & lunch |
| 1:30 PM | The Bund | Riverside architecture & skyline photos |
| 3:30 PM | Ferry to Lujiazui | Scenic Huangpu River crossing |
| 4:30 PM | Lujiazui | Oriental Pearl & skyscraper photos |
| 5:30 PM | Return | Metro back to hotel |
IV. Practical Advice
- Wear comfortable shoes (~20,000 steps).
- Carry water and light snacks.
- Check last ferry (~9:00 PM Dongjin Line).
After a day exploring Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, The Bund, and Lujiazui, you’ll have seen the best of Shanghai’s past and present. To plan your next day or explore more highlights, check out our other guides for more ways to enjoy the city.
Shanghai One-Day Itinerary: A Culture Walk through Wukang Road, Tianzifang & Xintiandi
