My Shanghai Travel Itinerary: 10+ Amazing Things to See in Shanghai

Shanghai is a city that grabs you by the senses and refuses to let go. It’s chaotic, exciting, and at times almost surreal—so much so that you’ll catch yourself wondering if what you’re seeing is actually real. From a golden-roof temple to a waterfall inside a greenhouse that feels like another planet, to dazzling 3D billboards, Shanghai attractions are unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. This Shanghai trip itinerary—part guide, part personal recap—is based on my own journey through the city during my China trip in 2025.

Ready to discover what to see in Shanghai? Let’s go.

Shanghai trip itinerary:

Shanghai Itinerary Day 1: Iconic First Impressions

Our Shanghai itinerary begins the moment our high-speed train from Beijing glides into one of Shanghai’s four massive train stations. We’re buzzing with excitement, eager to dive into everything on our list of what to see in Shanghai.

Shanghai Photo Spot: 1000 Trees Mall

As we step outside the station to find our way to the hotel, the first surprise of our Shanghai itinerary awaits. Not too far from the train station, I catch sight of a building so unbelievable that I stop in my tracks. It’s covered in tall pillars topped with enormous “vases,” and from each one, actual trees are growing. Whaaaat?

You’ll never guess what this architectural wonder is—it’s not a museum or an art installation. It’s a shopping mall. Welcome to Shanghai!

After checking into our hotel, it is already dark outside. But there’s no way we’re staying in. Too excited (and a bit hungry), we decided to officially kick off our Shanghai travel itinerary with one of the most iconic things to see in Shanghai after dark: Nanjing Road.

Nanjing Road at Night – A Must-See Shanghai Attraction That Defines the City’s Energy

What makes East Nanjing Road one of Shanghai’s most unforgettable streets?

Is it the neon glow of signs and 3D billboards, the ever-moving, ever-buzzing crowd of shoppers, or the lure of secrets tucked away in the shops? East Nanjing Road is a modern promenade of screens, shops, and snacks — a place where the city’s energy never really slows.

When we reach East Nanjing Road, a street of light and motion stretches before us — glowing, humming, alive. Hundreds of neon signs flash and shimmer, and in the distance, a futuristic building floats like a UFO above the crowd. It’s overwhelming, yes, but also thrilling — a glimpse of Shanghai’s restless spirit, glowing through the night.

We pause to snap a photo, and immediately a man approaches us with a card in his hand, promoting, “Guchi, real Guchi!” You’ll meet plenty of these friendly hustlers in the more touristy parts of Shanghai — Nanjing Road included. Luckily a polite “no, thank you” does the trick, and they move along, looking for their next curious traveler and we are free to explore Nanjing Road further.

So, let’s follow the tide of people and dive right into the beautiful chaos — lights flickering, aromas swirling, voices blending. The plan? Wander aimlessly and maybe snag a snack or two from a nearby stall.

And while we are at it, keep your eyes open to historic nods – there are many historic department stores here, including Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, known as the first state owned department store and largest department store in Shanghai. And the retro tram-buses that carry tourists down the street are actually a reference to the historic tram system that once ran through this street.

Find the 3D Billboards of East Nanjing Road

One thing I couldn’t wait to see on this trip to China was the famous 3D billboards — those giant animated screens where images seem to leap into real space. Lucky for us, East Nanjing Road is one of the best places to spot them in Shanghai.

And sure enough, a few steps in, there they are — two massive screens side by side, and a third one perched across the street. The synchronized videos are mesmerizing: a dolphin swims out of one screen and dives straight into the next, as if the street itself were an ocean. How fun is that?

We hang around for a bit, watching the display morph — fluffy, playful Chinese characters seem to dance across the screen, an ancient map unrolls like a magic scroll, and in it, you can see mountain scenery… There are other fun animations too, but from what I understand, the scenes change over time, so by the time you visit Nanjing Road yourself, you’ll probably catch a completely different set of surprises.

The only thing I can’t quite figure out is why they’re called “billboards” — they don’t seem to sell anything. They’re simply here for everyone to enjoy.

We spend a couple of hours here popping into the various shops, taking pictures and grabbing a late dinner on one of the side streets. But after that it’s time to head back to the hotel for some rest.

Shanghai Itinerary Day 2: Futuristic Shanghai Attractions & Skyline Experiences

On the second day of our Shanghai trip, on our way to the metro, we catch a glimpse of the city’s everyday rhythm. Walking through narrow streets lined with block apartment buildings, we notice laundry hanging from poles outside nearly every window — and, as we later learn from our guide on the fourth day of our Shanghai travel itinerary, many people in China simply don’t believe in dryers (shrugs shoulders).

Shanghai feels different from other Chinese cities we’ve visited — busier, less polished, and more chaotic. Hundreds of electric scooters seem to buzz past at every street crossing. But it’s exactly this kind of difference that we seek when we travel.

China 3D Printing Museum – Adding a Technological Twist to Our Shanghai Itinerary

This one’s definitely a niche stop—you really need to be into 3D printing to make this detour part of your Shanghai itinerary. But if 3D printing is your thing and you’re looking for some inspiration, you’ll find plenty to marvel at: from a huge, glowing robot greeting visitors in the entrance hall to 3D models of famous buildings in China, as well as printed bones and furniture. My personal favourites, though, have to be the 3D-printed garments—they sit somewhere between delicate lacework and armour.

After exploring for a bit, we quickly realized the Shanghai 3D printing museum is smaller than expected. But tucked away in the seating area is a fun surprise: a vending machine where you can pay to 3D print a tiny souvenir on the spot. I went with the baby dragon (aka the snake). It’s adorable.

After exploring the museum, we decided to wander around the area a bit—it has a kind of hipster vibe. The buildings are made of colorful shipping containers, there’s a large Transformer statue on one corner, and a bright red telephone booth on another. Yet this part of Shanghai feels a bit in-between—either up-and-coming or fading out—as many of the buildings between the coffee shops appear empty.

Eventually, we head back to the metro because we’ve booked tickets for a very exciting Shanghai attraction. Can you guess what it is? Here’s a hint: the next stop on our itinerary is home to the world’s fastest elevator.

Shanghai’s Glass SkyScraper Jungle – Pudong New Area

This is the Shanghai I imagined.

As soon as we reach Pudong New Area, I have to tilt my head all the way back to take it all in. Glass skyscrapers rise in every direction, reflecting the light and each other. Front and center is the twisted giant itself: Shanghai Tower, the third-tallest building in the world at the time of our Shanghai trip.

Standing nearby are its equally iconic neighbors — the one that looks like a bottle opener (Shanghai World Financial Center) and the one that resembles a syringe (Jin Mao Tower). Together, they’re often jokingly called the three kitchen tools of Shanghai, and seeing them clustered together really drives home just how futuristic this part of the city feels.

It is a vibe rather than an attraction, but it’s the busy metropolitan vibe I’ve been searching for. 

Reaching New Heights at Shanghai Tower – Fastest Elevator and Lights Show

Of all the places you can see Shanghai from above, we choose the one that breaks records instead of just offering views — the 3rd tallest building, the fastest elevator and the highest art and culture space.

The experience begins with a rapid ascent — 118 floors in seconds. Then the doors open, and Shanghai unfolds endlessly beneath your feet: a mix of perfect geometric apartment grids and the chaotic older neighborhoods.

The place is perfect for pictures but the real highlight waits even higher.

Beyond the observation deck hides a 1,000-ton tuned mass damper — an engineering marvel designed to steady the tower — transformed into an immersive light and sound experience that fills the space with color, movement, and atmosphere.

At this point, we hit pause on our Shanghai travel itinerary for a bit to take a couple of side quests — a one-day trip to Suzhou and a three-day getaway to Hangzhou. Both cities are incredible and make perfect day or weekend trips from Shanghai. You can read about those adventures first, or jump ahead with us as we return to the city, ready to pick up where we left off and explore more of Shanghai’s must-see attractions.

Shanghai Itinerary Day 3: Nature, Culture & Unique Shanghai Attractions

This day of our Shanghai trip itinerary is definitely the dreamiest. Who would have thought that in a huge, busy city like Shanghai you could feel like you’re in a dreamy fairytale? Well, Shanghai is full of surprises! The Shanghai attractions we are going to visit today will make you feel like the main character in a story about another dimension. 

Shanghai Greenhouse – is this reality… or a dream?

How much is there really to see in a greenhouse?
Well… if it happens to be the largest in Asia, the answer is: a lot more than you’d expect.

The Shanghai Greenhouse isn’t just a greenhouse — it’s a fully immersive, slightly surreal world divided into three distinct environments: desert, tropical rainforest, and flower garden. Real plants blend with futuristic design and art to create something that feels less like a botanical space… and more like stepping into a dream.

The journey begins in the desert zone. Beneath the spaceship-like ceilings, you walk into a valley filled with cacti in every imaginable shape and size — some of them oddly charming, others just plain strange. You kinda know all of this is staged – but at the same time everything in the Shanghai greenhouse fits in organically as if it was nature’s own masterpiece.

From there, the path leads into a canyon. And here’s where things shift.

You can actually hear the wind howling as you move through the space — until suddenly, you step into something entirely unexpected. A digital landscape comes to life on the walls: animated desert animals dart and play around you, while at the center stands a towering digital “tree” cycling through endless regrowth —and each time it re-grows it’s a bit different.

At this point, I’m already thinking: okay, the ticket to Shanghai greenhouse felt a bit pricey at first but it definitely is worth it. And we’re nowhere near done.

Leaving the sand behind, we step straight into humidity and green.

The tropical zone is dense, layered, and almost overwhelming in the best way possible — plants stacked upon plants, stretching upward and outward, creating a full rainforest atmosphere. But then you look up…

…and realize this isn’t just nature.

Metal walkways crisscross above, and the ceiling curves in a way that feels more sci-fi than jungle. It’s like someone took a rainforest and dropped it inside a spaceship.

And yes — there’s a waterfall. Inside a greenhouse.
Not something you see every day.

Hidden beneath a gigantic central tree of this pavilion of Shanghai greenhouse is another surprise: the “underwater forest.” A series of aquariums where fish weave through submerged roots and plants, adding yet another layer to this already surreal story.

And just when you think it can’t get more dreamlike… There’s one more building.

The flower zone.

You’re greeted immediately by a soft, sweet scent as you walk in. Pathways and elevated walkways wind through vibrant blooms, playful installations, shallow pools and sculptural, futuristic shapes that feel almost otherworldly. And there is another waterfall in this part of Shanghai greenhouse too!

It’s less of a garden… and more of a fantasy. I think this might be my favourite modern attraction in Shanghai!

Although every dream eventually comes to an end, this day of our Shanghai itinerary isn’t quite over yet.

Since the Shanghai Greenhouse sits right in the middle of the World Expo Park, it almost feels wrong to rush off. So… why not slow things down for a moment and take a stroll through this vast green space as well?

Shanghai Expo Culture Park – A Relaxing Escape Among Shanghai Attractions

I feel like this is one of those Shanghai attractions many tourists might overlook. But this huge green space hides quite a few surprises — from beautifully landscaped flower beds to fun sculptures, to interesting-looking buildings I’m not entirely sure about the purpose of.

As you stroll around, you’ll notice people simply enjoying the weather — relaxing, playing, or just hanging out on the seemingly endless green lawns.

The overall vibe is very chill and refreshingly real. So if you’re looking to take a break from the always-busy streets of Shanghai, this is definitely the place to be.

After the little break we are ending this day of our Shanghai travel itinerary with a visit to another wonderland.

Yuyuan Bazaar (Yu Garden Market) – What to See in Shanghai for Traditional Charm

When the sun goes down in Shanghai, Yuyuan is the place to be. It’s the historic old part of the city—once the Chinese-run core of Shanghai, while the surrounding areas were taken over as foreign concessions.

Here, you’re surrounded by beautiful old Chinese buildings and old Chinese architecture–inspired buildings—and it’s honestly hard to tell which ones are original and which are newly built. They all share the same elaborate details: multiple levels, wooden lattice balconies, gold accents, and those iconic upward-sloping roofs. Once it gets dark, everything lights up in red, and the whole area feels completely different. At one point, we even caught a little light show, with colors shifting and lights playfully blinking across the buildings.

Travel tip: The transition from day to night completely transforms Yuyuan. Arrive just before sunset and stay until dark—you’ll witness the area shift from calm and historic to vibrant and almost dreamlike. Fair warning – it does get crowded though.

At street level, the first floors are packed with shops and cafés. You could call it a shopping theme park—but that’s part of the charm. I grab a milk tea on the way in, but the options go far beyond that: matcha ice cream, sizzling meat skewers, dumplings… and, surprisingly, some of the freshest, most flavorful mango of our whole China trip.

As we wander deeper into the maze of narrow streets that are packed with people, an enthusiastic vendor pulls us in, and we end up buying “lucky pearls” with our Chinese zodiac animals hidden inside—you peek through a tiny opening to reveal them. A quirky, memorable souvenir from our Shanghai trip. And that’s just one of many: from Chinese green tea to unexpected finds like chocolate beer, Yuyuan Bazaar is full of surprises.

But even if shopping isn’t your thing, there’s plenty to take in in this Shanghai attraction. Turtle statues sit quietly among the crowds, and nearby, the famous pond with its zigzagging nine-turn bridge that is said to grant you long and happy life. During the day, you can spot colorful fish gliding beneath the surface. At night, the water glows an electric blue, creating a striking contrast against the deep red lit buildings surrounding it—one of those scenes that stays with you long after you’ve left. 

This is also where the renowned Yu Garden is located, though by the time we arrived, its gates were already closed for the evening—so this experience will have to wait for another visit.

With full bellies and a camera roll full of amazing pictures we finally made our way back to the hotel, ready to rest and take on Shanghai again tomorrow.

Shanghai Itinerary Day 4: Local Life & Iconic Shanghai Attractions at Night

On this day of our Shanghai itinerary, we’ll go beyond what Google can teach and learn about the lives of locals through a walking tour. And after that we’ll do some shopping. Excited? I am.

Shanghai Guided Walking Tour – Your Insight in Locals Daily Lives

Want to understand what everyday life in Shanghai really looks like? This tour dives into stories you won’t find online — from the famous marriage market to the city initiatives shaping locals’ lives. You’ll even hear what a feng shui master advised when planners were deciding what to build on the site of the former race course.

Although I love planning my own travel itineraries, I’ve realized there’s a thread of local culture that’s nearly impossible to catch on your own. That’s why I’ve also grown to love walking tours with a local guide.

This “free” Shanghai walking tour (not actually free — you pay what you feel is appropriate) takes you through some places we already explored earlier on this Shanghai itinerary like the Nanjing road, but also reveals areas and interesting buildings I hadn’t heard of before. And along the way, the guide shares history, local traditions, and even superstitions, giving every corner its own personality.

We wander through wide boulevards and narrow residential alleys, from the former English racecourse all the way to the Bund, where the Pudong skyline rises dramatically across the river. And here’s a fun fact: the oldest skyscraper in this forest of glass and steel — the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower — was completed only in 1994. A perfect illustration of Shanghai’s breathtakingly rapid growth.

And while you’re on the Bund, you might notice the giant bull sculpture — Shanghai’s answer to Wall Street’s famous bronze bull. If you’re feeling brave (or hopeful), you can rub its balls for good fortune. You don’t have to… but it’s said to bring financial luck in the future. Just saying.

All in all, the Shanghai free walking tour is a fun, insightful experience that I’d highly recommend.

What’s next on our Shanghai itinerary? 

For us, this was the one misstep in planning our Shanghai trip. We headed to the Electronics Mall hoping for a store packed with cool gadgets — but it wasn’t that. Instead, it was a half-empty shop filled mostly with electronic components and spare parts. Not exactly the thrill we had in mind.

Lesson learned: if shopping is on your list, head straight to Shanghai’s most famous “fake shop”.

Shanghai Science Museum Market – A Unique Shopping Experience in Shanghai

I’ll be the one to say it – shopping in the “almost real brands” shop in Shanghai is a lot of fun. 

It’s a crazy labyrinth of small stores, one after another, where after a while you can’t tell whether you’ve already walked down the same aisle. The stores kinda look the same but kinda are different. 

Most stores sell items “inspired” by popular brands: bags, shoes, glasses, toys, and even some electronics. Mostly wearable items, as it seems.

As you wander through this maze, shop owners enthusiastically promote their wares, and prices depend entirely on your haggling skills. It’s ok if you don’t speak Chinese. Turns out you can haggle by using a calculator. 

Tip: Only haggle if you actually plan to buy the item. Trying to negotiate the price down and then walk away will seriously offend the shop owner — and honestly, I can understand why.

Day 4 of our Shanghai itinerary has been quite exhausting. Most people would probably be done at this point. But if you’re a little crazy like us, there’s always one more Shanghai attraction to squeeze in.

Bund at Night – One of the Most Memorable Shanghai Attractions

Yes, we already visited The Bund earlier on our Shanghai itinerary. But that was in broad daylight — and if you ask me, you haven’t truly seen the Bund until you’ve stood here after dark.

Because this is when the difference between the old and the new truly shines — quite literally.

Travel tip: If you’re planning your own Shanghai itinerary and have limited time, I would absolutely prioritize exploring The Bund at night over the daytime visit.

Across the dark river, Pudong explodes into light. Skyscrapers glow in electric blues, and neon pinks. Entire facades pulse and transform in looping animations. Some buildings blink. Others stream advertisements (the Shanghai hustle is very real). A few proudly flash “I ❤️ SHANGHAI” across their surfaces.

Unlike the perfectly timed spectacle we saw in Hangzhou, Shanghai doesn’t seem interested in moving in sync. Here, every skyscraper performs independently — blinking, scrolling, pulsing, advertising. It’s busy. It’s bold. It’s chaotic. And somehow, this layered energy mirrors the city’s personality perfectly.

Now turn around.

On this side of the river, the historic buildings lining The Bund glow in warm golden light. Their neoclassical facades are illuminated softly, highlighting every architectural detail. They feel calm and collected. Almost as if standing in quiet protest to the neon spectacle across the water.

Ok, after snapping the obligatory (and very cool) photos I am exhausted too, so let’s end the 4th day of our Shanghai itinerary here. 

Shanghai Itinerary Day 5: Spiritual Landmarks & Unbelievable Tricks

I could call the last day of our Shanghai trip itinerary the catch-all day — the one where we squeeze in all the Shanghai attractions we didn’t have time (or energy) to visit earlier. But somehow that label doesn’t quite do this day justice.

After all, what could be more fitting for a city as financially minded as Shanghai than a golden temple tucked between skyscrapers?

Jing’an Temple : A Golden Temple in the Heart of Shanghai

Jing’an Temple is worth a stop on your Shanghai itinerary for many reasons, but the first thing that will likely catch your attention is its setting. There’s something fascinating about the contrast—a Buddhist temple standing quietly among glass skyscrapers, the old and the new meeting in a way that feels very Shanghai.

Then your eyes are drawn to the roof.

The golden roof seems to shimmer, even on a rainy day, catching what little light there is. Not far from it, a pillar guarded by four golden lions stands firmly in place, and the longer you look, the more details appear: countless golden animals and mythical creatures, from elephants to water drains shaped like dragons—which, as it turns out in Chinese mythology, are believed to control water and weather. Layered roofs, intricate carvings, moon gates… every element seems designed to reward careful observation. 

Inside the temple, you’ll find many halls, each housing its own statue of Buddha or a deity, with an altar covered in offerings in front—similar to other temples around China. And because China is digital-first, you can even make an offering using a cashless payment on your phone.Who would have thought?

But what I love most is a small interactive moment. In the middle of the courtyard of Jing’an Temple sits a large metal vessel. I’m still not entirely sure what it is, but that’s okay. What matters is what people are doing around it. One by one, visitors step forward and toss coins toward it, hoping to land one inside and bring themselves a bit of luck.

It looks easy.

It isn’t.

We give it a try—and quickly realize it takes more than just a casual throw, which makes the moment when you finally succeed all the sweeter.

But what’ s next?

During our Shanghai trip, we used part of this day to visit another attraction that unfortunately I can’t wholeheartedly recommend — so I’ll spare you the details.

Instead, I’d treat this part of the day as a bit of breathing room. It’s a good opportunity to fit in any Shanghai attractions from my itinerary you didn’t have the time or energy to visit earlier (I know my schedule may feel quite packed for some).

Or if the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum has reopened (it was under renovation during our visit), that could easily fill a few fascinating hours. We visited the science museum in Beijing and that was really fun. 

But even if you decide just to sit back and chill for a couple of hours, we’re not done yet — the real highlight of the day, and the perfect way to wrap up this Shanghai itinerary, comes in the evening.

Shanghai Circus World – A Spectacular Finale to Your Shanghai Itinerary

Welcome to a place where visual projections meet fearless acrobats performing gravity-defying tricks. Shanghai Circus World is guaranteed to make you hold your breath.

The show starts slowly, with a dance number and a touch of a love story — but it doesn’t stay calm for long.

Soon, ethereal performers take to the air, twisting and rolling on ribbons, pulling off splits high above the stage as if they were made of feathers… and nerves of steel.

That energy quickly shifts into high-speed chaos — trampolines, flips, mid-air twists, and performers jumping through circles thrown in the air and onto each other’s shoulders to form human towers, each act more complex than the last.

The air turns heavy with tension. You sit there, holding your breath… you can see the focus and a hint of nervousness in their faces and when they land a particularly complex trick, you can hear the audience around you aww in unison. Some things just seem impossible to do until you see someone do it.

And then — it somehow goes even further.

A giant metal sphere appears. One motorcycle rider enters, circling inside, defying gravity.

TThen another.

And another…

And another. And another… I think in the end there are around 6 or 7 but I’ve lost the count and at this point all you can can see are streaks of light from the headlights racing around the ball in every direction

The show in Shanghai Circus is a spectacular performance that leaves your nerves tingling, but the ending is a happy one.

On this high note, our Shanghai trip itinerary comes to an end.

On our Shanghai trip we did have a couple of hours the next day before our flight, which we used for some last-minute souvenir shopping, but other than that it’s time to head home to tell all your adventure stories.

…

Thoughts?

Shanghai could be a bit of a culture shock for some. But for me – that’s what I was going for. So I enjoyed the fast paced, chaotic rhythm of the city that is different not only from Europe, but also from other cities I visited in China. From record breaking high-rises to beautiful places that feels like they could be a backdrop for a fairytale and all the scooters on the crossroads – visiting Shanghai was truly an adventure.  

PS: if you’re actively planning a trip to China you may also be interested to take a peek into my China travel planning tips as well.