China Itinerary
The Perfect 7-Day Shanghai Itinerary
Shanghai 🇨🇳 · Built from 9 real traveler plans · 39 spots
Shanghai is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply. We took 9 real traveler itineraries and distilled them into this 7-day plan — built around the 39+ places people actually saved, ranked by how often they show up. No filler, no tourist traps nobody bookmarks: just the spots real travelers keep choosing for Shanghai.
7-Day Shanghai Itinerary
Day 1
An iconic Shanghai landmark, offering multiple observation decks with stunning city views and a unique transparent floor.
A classical Chinese garden with exquisite rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and bridges, offering a serene escape in the bustling city.
Walk along this iconic waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the colonial architecture on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other.
Observe locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing mahjong in this beautiful French-style park, especially vibrant in the mornings.
Experience the vibrant energy of one of the world's busiest shopping streets, bustling with department stores, boutiques, and eateries.
Day 2
A charming labyrinth of narrow alleyways filled with art studios, boutiques, cafes, and small restaurants in renovated old shikumen houses.
A world-class museum housing an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and sculpture.
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this ancient Taoist temple complex surrounded by traditional markets and snack stalls.
A green oasis in the city center, offering a tranquil escape and a chance to observe local life, including the famous 'marriage market' on weekends.
Offers exquisite Yunnanese cuisine with stunning views of the Bund, blending authentic flavors with a sophisticated ambiance.
Day 3
Ascend to the 'Sky Walk' observation deck on the 100th floor for breathtaking views, including the famous 'bottle opener' design.
Explore this stunning Buddhist temple, a serene oasis amidst the bustling cityscape, known for its golden roofs and intricate carvings.
Discover a vast collection of natural history exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and diverse ecosystems, in a striking modern building.
Visit the second-tallest building in the world and experience its breathtaking observation deck for unparalleled city views.
Day 4
Shanghai's largest ecological park, featuring a large lake, diverse landscapes, and various recreational activities like boating and cycling.
A large, tranquil park nestled amidst the skyscrapers of Pudong, offering a refreshing green escape with ponds and walking paths.
A large urban park featuring a reconstructed historic bell tower, a beautiful lake, and diverse plant life, perfect for relaxation.
Explore China's first state-run contemporary art museum, housed in a converted power plant, showcasing modern Chinese and international art.
Day 5
Discover exquisite traditional Chinese handicrafts, including embroidery, jade carvings, and paper cutting, housed in a historic mansion.
Discover a vibrant contemporary art district housed in former industrial buildings, featuring galleries and artists' studios.
A stylish pedestrian area composed of reconstructed traditional shikumen (stone-gate) houses, now housing boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
Located in the former Shanghai Race Club building, this museum showcases the city's rich history from ancient times to the present.
Day 6
Explore a vast botanical garden showcasing a wide variety of plant species, themed gardens, and beautiful landscapes, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Day 7
A serene urban park surrounding Jing'an Temple, offering lush greenery, a pond, and a quiet escape from the city's hustle.
A large suburban park offering extensive green spaces, a lake, and various sports facilities, popular for outdoor activities and relaxation.
A charming water town easily accessible from Shanghai, known for its traditional architecture, canals, and local snacks.
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower — ★ 4.6 (saved by 8 travelers)An iconic Shanghai landmark, offering multiple observation decks with stunning city views and a unique transparent floor.
- Yu Garden — ★ 4.5 (saved by 8 travelers)A classical Chinese garden with exquisite rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and bridges, offering a serene escape in the bustling city.
- The Bund — ★ 4.7 (saved by 7 travelers)Walk along this iconic waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the colonial architecture on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other.
- Fuxing Park — ★ 4.4 (saved by 7 travelers)Observe locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing mahjong in this beautiful French-style park, especially vibrant in the mornings.
- Shanghai Museum — ★ 4.7 (saved by 5 travelers)A world-class museum housing an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and sculpture.
- City God Temple of Shanghai — ★ 4.6 (saved by 5 travelers)Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this ancient Taoist temple complex surrounded by traditional markets and snack stalls.
- People's Park — ★ 4.4 (saved by 5 travelers)A green oasis in the city center, offering a tranquil escape and a chance to observe local life, including the famous 'marriage market' on weekends.
- Shanghai World Financial Center — ★ 4.6 (saved by 3 travelers)Ascend to the 'Sky Walk' observation deck on the 100th floor for breathtaking views, including the famous 'bottle opener' design.
Where to Eat in Shanghai
- Lost Heaven on the Bund — ★ 4.2
- Jia Jia Tang Bao (Huanghe Road) — ★ 4.6
- Din Tai Fung (Shanghai IFC) — ★ 4.4
- Mercato — ★ 4.6
- The Cannery — ★ 5
Shanghai Travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
Most travelers planning Shanghai on Triply spend about 7 days there. That's enough to cover the top sights — Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden, The Bund — without rushing.
What are the top things to do in Shanghai?
Based on 9 real Shanghai itineraries, the most-saved spots are Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Yu Garden, The Bund, Fuxing Park, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Tianzifang.
Where should I eat in Shanghai?
The most-saved places to eat in Shanghai are Lost Heaven on the Bund, Jia Jia Tang Bao (Huanghe Road), Din Tai Fung (Shanghai IFC), Mercato, The Cannery.
Is Shanghai worth visiting?
Shanghai is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply, with 9 traveler itineraries covering 39+ spots — so yes, there's plenty to fill a 7-day trip.
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