China Itinerary
The Perfect 6-Day Shanghai Itinerary
Shanghai 🇨🇳 · Built from 13 real traveler plans · 40 spots
Shanghai is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply. We took 13 real traveler itineraries and distilled them into this 6-day plan — built around the 40+ 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.
6-Day Shanghai Itinerary
Day 1
Experience the vibrant energy of one of the world's busiest shopping streets, bustling with department stores, boutiques, and eateries.
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.
An iconic Shanghai landmark, offering multiple observation decks with stunning city views and a unique transparent floor.
Tianzifang is a charming arts and crafts enclave nestled within a preserved section of traditional shikumen (stone-gated) houses in Shanghai. Its narrow alleys are filled with small craft shops, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants, offering a bohemian atmosphere. Visitors enjoy strolling through its labyrinthine lanes and discovering unique local products.
Day 2
Observe locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing mahjong in this beautiful French-style park, especially vibrant in the mornings.
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.
A world-class museum housing an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and sculpture.
Day 3
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this ancient Taoist temple complex surrounded by traditional markets and snack stalls.
Discover a vibrant contemporary art district housed in former industrial buildings, featuring galleries and artists' studios.
Visit the second-tallest building in the world and experience its breathtaking observation deck for unparalleled city views.
An upscale shopping area in Shanghai known for its blend of modern malls and preserved traditional Shikumen architecture. Visitors can explore various retail brands, enjoy diverse dining options, and experience a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Explore this stunning Buddhist temple, a serene oasis amidst the bustling cityscape, known for its golden roofs and intricate carvings.
Day 4
Ascend to the 'Sky Walk' observation deck on the 100th floor for breathtaking views, including the famous 'bottle opener' design.
Discover exquisite traditional Chinese handicrafts, including embroidery, jade carvings, and paper cutting, housed in a historic mansion.
Located in the former Shanghai Race Club building, this museum showcases the city's rich history from ancient times to the present.
Discover a vast collection of natural history exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and diverse ecosystems, in a striking modern building.
Day 5
A serene urban park surrounding Jing'an Temple, offering lush greenery, a pond, and a quiet escape from the city's hustle.
A large, tranquil park nestled amidst the skyscrapers of Pudong, offering a refreshing green escape with ponds and walking paths.
Shanghai's largest ecological park, featuring a large lake, diverse landscapes, and various recreational activities like boating and cycling.
Day 6
Explore China's first state-run contemporary art museum, housed in a converted power plant, showcasing modern Chinese and international art.
A large urban park featuring a reconstructed historic bell tower, a beautiful lake, and diverse plant life, perfect for relaxation.
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
- Yu Garden — ★ 4.5 (saved by 10 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 9 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.
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower — ★ 4.6 (saved by 9 travelers)An iconic Shanghai landmark, offering multiple observation decks with stunning city views and a unique transparent floor.
- Fuxing Park — ★ 4.4 (saved by 8 travelers)Observe locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing mahjong in this beautiful French-style park, especially vibrant in the mornings.
- People's Park — ★ 4.4 (saved by 8 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 Museum — ★ 4.7 (saved by 6 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 6 travelers)Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this ancient Taoist temple complex surrounded by traditional markets and snack stalls.
- M50 Creative Park — ★ 4.3 (saved by 6 travelers)Discover a vibrant contemporary art district housed in former industrial buildings, featuring galleries and artists' studios.
Where to Eat in Shanghai
- Jia Jia Tang Bao (Huanghe Road) — ★ 4.6
- Lost Heaven on the Bund — ★ 4.2
- Din Tai Fung (Shanghai IFC) — ★ 4.4
- Mercato — ★ 4.6
Shanghai Travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
Most travelers planning Shanghai on Triply spend about 6 days there. That's enough to cover the top sights — Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yu Garden, The Bund — without rushing.
What are the top things to do in Shanghai?
Based on 13 real Shanghai itineraries, the most-saved spots are Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yu Garden, The Bund, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Tianzifang, Fuxing Park.
Where should I eat in Shanghai?
The most-saved places to eat in Shanghai are Jia Jia Tang Bao (Huanghe Road), Lost Heaven on the Bund, Din Tai Fung (Shanghai IFC), Mercato.
Is Shanghai worth visiting?
Shanghai is one of the most-planned destinations on Triply, with 13 traveler itineraries covering 40+ spots — so yes, there's plenty to fill a 6-day trip.
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