Must-see! 3 Days and 2 Nights in Shanghai: A Comprehensive Guide

A detailed guide to exploring Shanghai in 3 days and 2 nights I. Preparation 1. Documents: ID card, student ID (if applicable, for discounts at some attractions), passport (for international travelers). 2. Clothing: Pack appropriate clothing according to the season. Bring sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, and a hat in summer. In winter, dress warmly with down jackets, scarves, and gloves. 3. Items: Power bank, phone charger, selfie stick, umbrella or raincoat (Shanghai's weather is changeable), common medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.). 4. Accommodation: Choose hotels or homestays near Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, People's Square, or the Bund for convenient transportation and travel. Compare prices and reviews on major booking platforms before booking. II. Transportation Guide 1. Airport: Shanghai has two international airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). - Pudong International Airport (PVG): Take the Maglev train (fast and exciting), Metro Line 2 (economical and direct access to many city attractions), or the airport bus (multiple routes to different areas). - Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Connected to Hongqiao Railway Station, a convenient transportation hub. Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10, or the airport bus. 2. City Transportation: - Metro: Shanghai's metro network is well-developed, covering almost all attractions. Purchase tickets at vending machines or download the "Metro Metropolis" app to scan and ride. - Bus: Many routes, but traffic jams are possible. Check real-time bus information before traveling. - Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient, but traffic jams are possible during peak hours. Choose travel times wisely. III. Itinerary Day 1: Blend of History and Modernity - Morning: After arriving in Shanghai, head to Yu Garden. Yu Garden is a classic Jiangnan garden, built during the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing and Wanli periods. Explore the exquisite and elegant classical garden, featuring the Sansui Hall, the Grand Rockery, and the Iron Lion. Approx. 2–3 hrs. - Lunch: Dine at Lvbolang Restaurant near Yu Garden and savor authentic Shanghainese cuisine, such as squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, eel in brown sauce, and crab roe soup dumplings. - Afternoon: Walk from Yu Garden to the Bund. The Bund boasts 52 classical revival buildings of various styles, known as the "International Architecture Exhibition Group of the Bund." It's an important historical site and representative architecture of modern China and a Shanghai landmark. Stroll along the Bund, admire the scenery on both sides of the Huangpu River, and ascend the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel for a panoramic view of the Huangpu River and the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong. Approx. 2–3 hrs. - Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant near the Bund. Xinbai Lu Restaurant is recommended for its value. Afterward, admire the dazzling night view of the Bund. You can also take the sightseeing tunnel to Lujiazui in Pudong for a different perspective of Shanghai's nightscape. Day 2: Art and Fashion Tour - Morning: Visit Tianzifang. Tianzifang is a trendy landmark and creative industry cluster, transformed from Shanghai's unique Shikumen architecture. It's also a creative hub for many artists. Wander through the alleys, experience the old Shanghai lifestyle, explore unique shops and creative studios, and savor local snacks like crab shell cakes, plum blossom cakes, and ear-light wontons. Approx. 2–3 hrs. - Lunch: Dine at a restaurant in or near Tianzifang. Many international and local restaurants are available, offering Vietnamese, Japanese, and other cuisines. - Afternoon: Head to Xintiandi. Xintiandi is divided into two parts: South Block and North Block. South Block features modern architecture, while North Block preserves the Shikumen architectural style. Enjoy shopping, entertainment, and dining. Visit Xintiandi No. 1 (a typical Shikumen building showcasing old Shanghai life). Approx. 2–3 hrs. - Evening: Have dinner at Xintiandi, where numerous high-end restaurants and bars await. Afterward, explore the surrounding area and experience Shanghai's nightlife. Day 3: Urban and Natural Encounters - Morning: Visit Shanghai Disneyland (purchase tickets in advance on the official app or travel platforms, and download the Shanghai Disney Resort app for maps, wait times, etc.). Upon entering, get a park map and show schedule. Choose attractions based on wait times and preferences. Recommended attractions include Soaring Over the Horizon (5D experience showcasing world scenery), Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (thrilling and fun), and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure (immersive sea battle experience). - Lunch: Dine inside Disneyland. Various themed restaurants and snack stalls offer options like Barbossa's Pig Rib Platter, turkey legs, and Mickey Mouse ice cream. - Afternoon: Continue exploring Disneyland, watch the parade (at a fixed time in the afternoon; find a spot early), interact with Disney characters, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Visit themed areas like Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventure Isle for various rides and shows. - Evening: After dinner at Disneyland, watch the castle fireworks show (spectacular; arrive 30 minutes early for a good spot). The dazzling fireworks and lighting effects bring Disney's romantic atmosphere to a climax. After the show, depart according to your arrangements, concluding your delightful Shanghai trip. IV. Food Recommendations 1. Shengjian Mantou (Pan-fried Buns): Crispy skin, juicy filling, golden-brown bottom, and flavorful soup. Recommended restaurants: Dahuchun, Xiaoyang Shengjian. 2. Spare Ribs Rice Cakes: Combines the rich flavor of spare ribs with the soft and crispy texture of rice cakes. Recommended restaurant: Xiandulai. 3. Qingtuan (Green Rice Balls): A traditional Jiangnan snack made with glutinous rice flour and mugwort or other green vegetable juice, filled with sweet bean paste or other fillings. Soft, chewy, and fragrant. Recommended restaurant: Shenda Cheng. 4. Double Stuffed Rice Balls: Filled with sweet bean paste and sesame, soft, and not too sweet. Recommended restaurant: Wangjiasha. 5. Youdunzi (Fried Radish Balls): A traditional Shanghai street snack made with flour, shredded radish, and deep-fried. Crispy outside, soft inside. Available at street food stalls. V. Shopping Recommendations 1. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: One of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets, featuring famous brands and department stores like New World City, Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, and Wing On Department Store. Traditional shops like Zhang Xiaoquan and Wangxingji offer souvenirs and handicrafts. 2. Huaihai Road: A hub for fashion and trends, with international luxury brands and trendy shops like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gentle Monster. Unique boutiques and buyer's shops cater to fashion-forward shoppers. 3. Yu Garden Mall: Besides food and Yu Garden, shop for local products like Shanghai pastries, silk products, and gold and silver jewelry. A great place for souvenirs. VI. Precautions 1. Book attraction tickets and restaurants in advance, especially for popular ones, to avoid delays. 2. Safeguard your belongings at Disneyland. 3. Take precautions against heat in summer and cold in winter. 4. Be aware of pickpockets on public transport and protect your valuables.