Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary: From Modern Skylines to Ancient Water Towns
Shanghai is a city of contrasts—towering skyscrapers sit alongside centuries-old gardens, and bustling streets flow into tranquil canals. For first-time international visitors, navigating its highlights can feel overwhelming. This Shanghai 3-day itinerary balances city landmarks, cultural treasures, and serene water towns, making it easy to explore without feeling rushed.
By following this guide, you’ll experience both the futuristic glow of Lujiazui and the timeless charm of Zhujiajiao and Dianshan Lake—three days of discovery, culture, and unforgettable memories.
Accommodation: Choose the Right Base for Each Day
Night 1: People’s Square / Nanjing East Road
Why stay here:
- Central location: Quick access to the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, and metro lines 1, 2, and 8.
- Night views: Many hotels offer rooms overlooking the Bund skyline.
- Dining: Local Shanghainese restaurants and international options nearby.
Recommended hotels:
- Budget-Friendly: Rooms from ¥400–¥800 per night.
- Luxury: The Peace Hotel (¥2,400–¥16,888), historic suites with rich stories.
Night 2: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Why stay here:
- Immerse yourself in canals, bridges, and lantern-lit streets.
- Wake up to the gentle sound of boat oars.
- Ideal for both families (hotels with pools/kids clubs) and history enthusiasts (renovated century-old B&Bs).
Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Old Town & City Highlights
Theme: Tradition meets modernity
Transportation: Metro Line 10 → Line 2 → Ferry/Cruise
| Time | Activity | Highlights & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple | Stroll early to avoid crowds. Key spots: Sansui Hall, Grand Rockery, Exquisite Jade Rock. Try Nanxiang Xiaolongbao and Ningbo sweet rice balls. |
| Afternoon | The Bund & Nanjing Road | Walk along historic foreign architecture. Photo spots: Peace Hotel, Customs House. Nanjing Road: “China’s No.1 Commercial Street,” try Shen Dacheng Qingtuan and Shao Wan Sheng preserved foods. |
| Evening | Huangpu River Cruise | Board around 6:30 PM to see sunset and Lujiazui light show. Buy tickets online; second-floor deck is best for photos. |
Day 2: Lujiazui & Zhujiajiao Water Town
Theme: From city heights to water town tranquility
Transportation: Metro Line 2 → Line 17 → Taxi/Bus
| Time | Activity | Highlights & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Lujiazui Skyscrapers | Oriental Pearl Tower: Two-sphere ticket for main floor + glass sky corridor. Shanghai Tower: 118th-floor observatory, optional Cloud Walk experience. |
| Afternoon | Zhujiajiao Water Town | Explore Fangsheng Bridge, Caohe Street, Kezhi Garden. Take a traditional boat ride through the canals. |
| Evening | Water Town Night Life | Dinner: Jiangnan First Tower (Zarou, Apo Zongzi). Night stroll: lantern-lit canals, perfect for photography. |
Day 3: Zhujiajiao Morning + Dianshan Lake
Theme: Morning mist and lakeside leisure
Transportation: Taxi or self-drive (~30 min)
| Time | Activity | Highlights & Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Zhujiajiao Slow Life | Photograph sunrise at Fangsheng Bridge, morning mist at Caohe Street. Visit Yuanjin Temple, Hexin Garden, or try a craft workshop (tie-dye, pottery). |
| Afternoon | Dianshan Lake | Lunch in Zhujiajiao, then cycling along Rainbow Path, lakeside picnic, or boat ride for bird watching (egrets, cormorants). |
| Departure | Return Trip | Taxi or drive to Metro Line 17 / Hongqiao Hub (~40 min). |
Local Tips
- Transport: Use Alipay QR code for metro and bus rides.
- Weather: Wear a hat and light-colored clothing by Dianshan Lake; it can be windy.
- Hidden Gem: Qingxi Country Park is a short detour from Dianshan Lake—beautiful for photography.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Shanghai 3-Day Itinerary — Classics and Water Town Magic
This Shanghai 3-day itinerary blends city skylines, cultural highlights, and peaceful water towns for a perfectly balanced trip. From ancient gardens to modern skyscrapers and misty canals to lake-side leisure, it captures the city’s contrasts and charm. Let this itinerary guide you to Shanghai’s most memorable experiences.
For more routes—including 1-day, 3-day, and multi-day trips—check out our internal guide:
👉 Shanghai Travel Itineraries
