It’s been almost a decade since I last set foot in Shanghai, so I’m essentially going back as a first-timer – and boy, have I heard things have changed! When I think of Shanghai, I picture iconic sights like The Bund with its futuristic skyline dominated by the Oriental Pearl Tower, and of course, Shanghai Disneyland and the countless mega-malls. With one week to explore, I’ve crafted a 7-Day Shanghai itinerary that hits the must-see classics and sneaks in a few lesser-known gems.
Day 1: Old Shanghai charms and The Bund glow
Morning: Yu Garden (豫园)
We start in the heart of the Old City at Yu Garden, a 16th-century classical Chinese garden that feels like a serene oasis amid the urban buzz. Wandering through its zigzagging pathways, I reckon I’d be hit with nostalgia – I vividly recall posing by the dragon wall here years ago, and I hope it’s as still enchanting now. Pavilions with curved eaves, koi-filled ponds, and the famed Exquisite Jade Rock create countless photo ops. Don’t miss the Tingtao Pavilion and the Great Rockery, which offer a mini “summit” view over the garden’s harmonious landscape.
Costs: ¥40 (~SGD6), kids under 1.3m enter free.
Opening hours: Tue – Sun, 9am – 4.30pm (last entry 4pm)
Address: 137 Anren Street, Huangpu District (near Old City God Temple)
Getting there: Take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station (Exit 1); it’s a 5-minute walk to the garden entrance.
Midday: Yuyuan Bazaar & City God Temple (城隍庙)
Exiting Yu Garden, you’ll find yourself in the Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively maze of traditional shikumen buildings packed with shops, teahouses, and street food stalls. This area, also known as Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple precinct), is a feast for the senses. Ten years ago, I bought trinkets here; today, I’m eyeing silk fans and amusingly kitschy Shanghai magnets. Stroll through the Nine-Turn Bridge – its zigzag design is said to confuse evil spirits – to the Huxinting Teahouse, an ornate teahouse perched over water that even hosted Queen Elizabeth II for tea. If you’re a tea lover, stop in for a cup of jasmine tea with panoramic views of the pond.
Next door is the Old City God Temple itself, a Taoist temple where locals pray for prosperity. It’s worth a quick visit for its atmospheric halls and a sincere prayer to the Chinese gods. By now, you might hear your stomach growling loudly – let’s eat!
Costs:
- The Bazaar is free
- City God Temple: ~¥10 (~SGD2)
Opening hours:
- Bazaar: Daily, 9am – 10pm
- Temple: Daily, 8.30pm – 4.30pm
Address: Fuyou Road, Old Town (bazaar spans multiple lanes around the temple)
Getting there: From Yu Garden, just follow the flow through the bazaar; from elsewhere, take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden.
Lunch: Street Bites at Yuyuan
For an authentic first meal, graze on street food here. I am determined to re-try the famous Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from the iconic Nanxiang Bun Shop – it’s been around forever and still draws queues. Slurp carefully; these piping hot dumplings filled with pork and broth might scald you (speaking from experience!). A basket of 6 dumplings goes for ~¥25 (~SGD5). Also, sample shengjianbao – pan-fried pork buns with crisp bottoms – or the candied hawthorns on a stick (tanghulu) sold by vendors in the lanes.
Afternoon: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
After lunch, fast-forward to modern commerce on Nanjing Road, China’s most famous shopping street. Hop on Metro Line 10 from Yuyuan Garden to East Nanjing Road Station – it’s just 2 stops. This pedestrianised stretch is shoppers’ heaven: big-name malls, local department stores, and souvenir shops line the avenue.
Pro tip: Pop into the century-old Shanghai First Food Hall for local snacks like White Rabbit candy or dried plum treats to take home. Walking down Nanjing Road, you’ll also encounter street musicians and maybe even the little sightseeing tram that shuttles tired shoppers along the street.
Costs: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: East Nanjing Road, Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District
Getting there: Metro Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station puts you in the middle of Nanjing Road; then walk 10 minutes to the Bund.
Evening: The Bund (外滩) & Huangpu River Lights
By late afternoon, continue east on Nanjing Road until it dead-ends at The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront. On one side of the Huangpu River stands the Bund’s historic skyline of grand 1920s colonial buildings, and directly across the water soars the ultra-modern Pudong skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower.
Stroll along the promenade (called Zhongshan Road) as the city lights come on. Street lamps cast a warm glow on the gothic, baroque, and art deco facades behind you, while across the river, the skyscrapers begin their LED light shows.
Psst… If you’re up for a little adventure, consider a Huangpu River cruise after dark. I did this on my first trip and loved it!
Costs:
- The Bund promenade: Free
- River cruises ~¥130 (~SGD25), varies by company/boat class
Opening hours:
- Bund lighting: Best viewed from sunset (~7pm) until 10 – 11pm
- Night cruises: Daily, 7pm – 9.30pm
Address:
- The Bund spans Zhongshan East 1st Road along the west bank of Huangpu River.
- Cruise pier at Shiliupu Dock (near 141 Zhongshan East 2nd Road).
Getting there: Take the metro to East Nanjing Road (Line 2/10) or take a quick taxi ride if coming from elsewhere.
Dinner: Crab noodles at Zhuang’s Longxing
For your first dinner, opt for a local speciality: hairy crab noodles. A highly-rated spot is Zhuang’s Longxing Crab Noodles (庄氏隆兴·蟹樽小笼), a casual eatery near the Bund famed for its rich crab broth noodles. The noodles come swimming in a thick, umami-packed soup infused with shredded crab meat – absolutely divine on a cool evening. The budget is about ~¥80 per person here – great value for Michelin Guide-recommended noodles!
Costs: ~¥82 (~SGD15) per person for noodles and a plate of dumplings
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 9.30pm
Address: 156 Sichuan Middle Road, Huangpu District (外滩店). It’s a short stroll from the Bund – about 5 minutes inland from the waterfront, near the corner of Ningbo Road.
Getting there: From the Bund, walk west on Nanjing East Road and turn left on Sichuan Middle Road. If coming by metro, East Nanjing Road Station is a 5-minute walk.
Day 2: French Concession strolls and tastes
Morning: Former French Concession & Wukang Road (武康路)
Time to slow the pace and enjoy a leisurely morning in the Former French Concession (FFC). This area is a world away from yesterday’s high-rises – picture tree-lined avenues of plane trees, elegant 1920s villas, and chic boutiques. Begin at Wukang Road, famous for beautiful European-style apartments. Walking down Wukang Road, you’d feel like you’ve stepped back in time; the historic Wukang Mansion (at Wukang & Huaihai) is an Art Deco masterpiece from 1924 that’s truly eye-catching.
As you wander, peek into the small art galleries and quirky shops tucked in old lane houses. Along the way, you can also pop into Fuxing Park (if you go early, you’ll catch locals doing tai chi or dancing). Then continue to Anfu Road or Changle Road for some indie boutiques if you fancy shopping.
Costs:
- Free to roam the neighbourhoods.
- Fuxing Park is free and open early (around 6am)
Opening hours: Shops in FFC generally open from 10am – 10pm
Address: Wukang Road runs through Xuhui District (start around Wukang & Hunan Road). FFC broadly covers the area bounded by Huaihai Road and Hengshan Road.
Getting there: Metro Line 1 to Hengshan Road or Line 10 to Shanghai Library – both put you in the FFC. Then it’s best explored on foot or by bike. Wear comfy shoes for those historic sidewalks!
Coffee break: Café in a heritage villa
Costs: ¥46 (~SGD8) per person for speciality lattes
Opening hours: Daily, 9am – 7pm
Address: 62 Wukang Road (near Tai’an Road), Xuhui
Getting there: It’s along Wukang Road – you’ll likely stroll past it. By metro, Shanghai Library Station (Line 10) is about a 10-minute walk.
Afternoon: Tianzifang artsy lanes (田子坊)
Next, head to Tianzifang in the Dafeng Road area – a short taxi or metro ride (Line 9 to Dapuqiao) from Wukang Road. Tianzifang is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways formed from traditional shikumen houses, now converted into art studios, craft shops, and cafés. It’s touristy but retains a bohemian vibe. Don’t miss the small galleries featuring Chinese contemporary art, or the photography shops with nostalgic Shanghai prints. If you’re an Instagram influencer, Tianzifang’s rustic brick walls and hanging lanterns make perfect backdrops.
Costs: Free
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 9pm
Address: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District
Getting there: Metro Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station (Exit 1), then walk about 5 minutes. Or a 15-minute cab from the Wukang Road area.
Late afternoon: Xintiandi or Soong Ching Ling Residence
If you have extra time and interest, you can check out Xintiandi, another beautifully restored shikumen enclave known for upscale dining and the site of the First National Congress of the CCP (a small museum there for history buffs). It’s a quick ride from Tianzifang. Alternatively, for a dose of history, the Soong Ching Ling Former Residence on Huifang Road (in FFC) offers a peek into the life of Madame Soong, with a tranquil garden and exhibits – a lesser-known gem for a leisurely hour.
Costs: Free
Opening hours: Area is open all day. Shops generally opened daily, 10am – 10pm.
Address: Lane 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu District (Xintiandi North Block)
Getting there: Metro Line 10 to Xintiandi Station, Exit 6, then 5 5-minute walk.
Evening: Yunnan cuisine at Lost Heaven
Dinner tonight is special. Still in the French Concession, walk to Lost Heaven on Gaoyou Road – a restaurant famed for Yunnan province cuisine and atmospheric folk decor. Stepping inside, you’d be greeted by dim lantern lighting and ethnic textiles! Feast on dishes like mint salad, Dai minority BBQ fish, and the star: “Burma Chicken” curry – all bursting with unique Southwest Chinese flavours of herbs and spices. The menu is extensive, with plenty of vegetarian options too. Mark my words, this meal will make you dream of planning a full Yunnan itinerary next!
Costs: ~¥198 (~SGD35) per person for dinner
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am – 1.30pm, 5.30pm – 10pm
Address: 38 Gaoyou Road, Xuhui District (near Fuxing West Road)
Getting there: Metro Line 10 to Shanghai Library and 10-minute walk, or a short taxi from Tianzifang/Xintiandi. The restaurant is in a colonial villa – you’ll see a sign and lanterns at the gate.
Day 3: Disney magic and modern marvels
All day: Shanghai Disneyland (上海迪士尼乐园)
Get your Mickey ears on – it’s time for Shanghai Disneyland! I can’t wait to visit Asia’s largest Disney park, especially since it didn’t even exist when I last came. Whether you’re a Disney fan or just love theme parks, this place is a blast. Plan to dedicate a full day (and wear comfy shoes). The park is located in Pudong, about 40 minutes from downtown.
Inside, there are seven themed lands to explore. Highlights for me would include: TRON Lightcycle Power Run – a high-speed coaster where you ride a neon motorcycle, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure – an astonishing indoor boat ride with cutting-edge visuals. Don’t miss Adventure Isle’s Soaring Over the Horizon (a breathtaking flight simulator over world wonders) and the Enchanted Storybook Castle, which is the biggest Disney castle in the world. In fact, you can actually go inside the castle – there’s a walkthrough attraction and even a boat ride underneath!
To maximise your day: arrive early (park official opening ~8.30am, but they often let people in a bit before).
Costs: ¥475 – ¥599 (~SGD85 – 107) for a 1-day adult ticket
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30am – 9.30pm
Address: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong
Getting there: Metro Line 11 to Disneyland Resort (last stop) is the easiest – from central Shanghai, it’s ~50 min. Exit 1 or 4, then follow the Mickey signs to walk 5–10 minutes to the park gates. Alternatively, a taxi from the city centre costs ~¥130 (~SGD23) one-way.
Day 4: Skyscrapers & skyline views
Morning: Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦)
After a theme park whirlwind, Day 4 brings us back to city life – ultra-modern style. Today we conquer Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world! Visiting the Top of Shanghai Observatory on the 118th floor is a must for skyline lovers. The elevator ride itself is an experience – one of the fastest in the world, shooting you up in under a minute. On a clear day, you can see the Huangpu River snaking below and all of Shanghai’s landmarks at once – Oriental Pearl Tower right across, the Bund in the distance, and endless city in every direction.
Costs: Standard observatory ticket ¥180 (~SGD32)
Opening hours: Daily, 8.30am – 10pm
Address: 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong
Getting there: Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui (Exit 6 for Lujiazui Ring Road), then walk 10 minutes east. Look for the signs to Shanghai Tower. It’s adjacent to Jin Mao and SWFC towers.
Midday: Lujiazui stroll and lunch
Back on ground level, take time to explore Lujiazui. This area is like Shanghai’s future world. There’s an elevated pedestrian skywalk that forms a loop around the main intersection – hop on it for cool vantage points of the skyscrapers and to safely navigate the busy roads. You can walk to the Oriental Pearl Tower (that retro-futuristic pink TV tower) and snap photos from below.
For lunch, Lujiazui offers countless options, most of them conveniently located in malls. A great place to start is Super Brand Mall — 10 floors packed with shopping and dining. One reliable favourite is Din Tai Fung on the 3rd floor. Yes, I know there’s Din Tai Fung in Singapore too, but it just tastes different here! The flavours are bolder, the dishes spicier, and the aromas far more intense.
After lunch, if you need a caffeine fix, there’s a %Arabica coffee shop on the promenade outside with stellar views of the Pearl Tower – great for a pick-me-up latte.
Costs: ~¥100 – ¥150 (~SGD17 – 26) per person at Din Tai Fung
Opening hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Address: 3F Super Brand Mall, 168 Lujiazui West Road, Pudong
Getting there: Super Brand Mall is connected to Lujiazui Station (Exit 2).
Afternoon: Shanghai World Financial Centre or Greenhouse
Serious architecture fans might consider visiting the Shanghai World Financial Centre (SWFC) – the “bottle opener” skyscraper, which also has an observatory with a glass floor at 100F. Or, you can also visit the new Shanghai Greenhouse Garden at the former Expo site (about 20 minutes by taxi from Lujiazui). Opened in 2024, this trio of massive climate-controlled domes has been likened to Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay. Inside, it’s a lush wonderland of tropical rainforests, waterfalls, and even a cactus garden, all under striking glass architecture.
Costs: Free to walk around (tower observation decks ~¥150 (~SGD26))
Opening hours: Area is open 24/7; skyscraper lights typically on until ~10 – 11pm
Address: Lujiazui, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Getting there: It’s a 5-10 min walk from Super Brand Mall (where SPACELAB is) to the central Lujiazui square.
Evening: The Bund Rooftop
Day 5: Water town day trip – Zhujiajiao
Morning: Trip to Zhujiajiao (朱家角古镇)
Located about 50 km west of downtown in Qingpu District, Zhujiajiao is easily reachable by public transport. The metro now goes all the way there (a new development since my last visit) – take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then a short 15-minute walk or local bus 1 stop north brings you to the town entrance. Alternatively, a taxi or DiDi from the city takes ~1 hour (around ¥200, ~SGD35). We opted for the metro to travel like locals (and it only cost ~¥8, ~SGD1.50).
Arrive by 9 – 10am to beat the crowds and tour groups. Entrance to the water town itself is free – it’s a lived-in town, not a gated theme park. You can wander the atmospheric alleys freely. However, several historical sites within (temples, gardens, museums) require tickets. If you’re keen, buy a combo ticket at the main visitor centre: options are ¥80 for all seven scenic spots.
Costs: Town itself is open-access (no fee)
Opening hours: 24 hours, individual attractions generally open from 8.30am – 4.30pm
Address: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Qingpu, Shanghai
Getting there: Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then walk ~1 km to the old town
Exploring Zhujiajiao
Step through the town gates and you’re transported centuries back. Narrow lanes with white-walled, black-tiled houses line bubbling canals. Locals still live here – you’ll see laundry hung on bamboo poles above the water and old ladies washing vegetables at the canal steps. The charm is off the charts. I wandered along North Street, the main old street, lined with shops selling handicrafts, fans, and local snacks.
Highlights to check out:
- Fangsheng Bridge, an imposing 16th-century stone bridge with five arches
- Kezhi Garden, a beautifully kept private garden with ponds and a pagoda
- Yuanjin Buddhist Temple
- Post Office Museum showcasing Qing-dynasty mail relics, and an art gallery or two
Tip: You can also consider a boat ride. It costs ~¥80 for a private gondola (seats 6) or ~¥20 per person shared. A batman will gently row you through the backwater canals for 20 minutes (and if you’re lucky, he will also sing a little folk song).
Lunch: Local flavours in Zhujiajiao
By noon, find a canal-side eatery to enjoy local delicacies. Zhujiajiao is known for its zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and ricefield eel dishes. My colleague previously grabbed lunch at a quaint riverside restaurant called XinXing Restaurant. She tried the braised pork knuckle (a regional speciality) and zou baos (rice dumplings stuffed with pork) – hearty and tasty. Street snacks are plentiful too: don’t miss 臭豆腐 (stinky tofu) from a street vendor if you dare – it’s fried and topped with chilli sauce, surprisingly delicious!
Prices are very reasonable here compared to the city; meals are about ¥60 (~SGD10) each with multiple dishes. After lunch, get the osmanthus wine ice cream from a stall (refreshing with a floral hint) and continue exploring slowly. The town can get crowded on main streets, but duck into side alleys for peace.
You can spend the early afternoon shopping for souvenirs: pick up some handmade silk coin pouches and a delicate papercut artwork of the Shanghai skyline vs ancient town. By 4pm, you can start to make your way out.
Evening: Beibuyuan Hotpot 北步园火锅
After a day of village vibes, plunge back into the modern city for dinner. Craving for something fun and warming? Let’s go to Beibuyuan Hotpot, a highly rated local hotpot restaurant that’s gained quite a buzz on Chinese foodie apps. The restaurant offers set meals, so I plan to order a triple-soup base hotpot that comes with a spread of meats and veggies. There is nothing more satisfying than dunking slices of tender beef, chicken, and a variety of vegetables into a rich, boiling broth after a long day’s walk. Beibuyuan is famous for its flavourful broths – I can’t wait to taste the spicy mala soup and whatever secret recipe they use for the nourishing herbal broth. The ingredients are super fresh, and from what I’ve read, the meat slices are incredibly tender.
Pro-tip from locals: use the Dianping app to check for any discounts or set promotions; my friends snagged their hotpot set for ¥192 (~SGD34) when it would’ve cost ¥300 (~SGD53) thanks to a Dianping deal! With a cold beer or plum juice on the side, this hotpot dinner will be the perfect wrap-up for the day
Costs: ~¥90 – ¥120 (~SGD16 – 21) per person
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 2am
Address: 5/F, No. 1 Department Store, 830 Nanjing East Road (人民广场店)
Getting there: Metro People’s Square (Lines 1/2/8). It’s a 5-minute walk from the station through the pedestrian tunnel to the No.1 Department Store building.
Day 6: Final artsy moments and attractions
Morning: North Bund Greenland 北外滩滨江绿地
Most visitors flock to the main Bund, but I’m headed to the North Bund area for a fresh perspective. North Bund Greenland is a riverfront park across the creek in Hongkou District that offers stellar skyline views with way fewer people. This artsy park is landscaped with lots of greenery, walking paths, and even some outdoor art installations – including a gigantic silver egg sculpture that’s become the photo spot here. (Expect a bit of a queue to take a picture with the famous egg – it’s popular for good reason!) From North Bund, you can see the curve of the Huangpu and the full panoramic view of Lujiazui’s skyscrapers from a different angle, often with lovely reflections on the water. It’s a serene place for a morning walk or jog!
Costs: Free
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: 558 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
Getting there: Metro Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station, then 5 min walk to the riverside.
Brunch: Yang’s Dumplings (Xiao Yang Shengjian) 小杨生煎
No food coma from last night’s hotpot will stop me from eating more dumplings! For a late breakfast or snack on Day 6, I’m heading to Yang’s Dumplings, an old-school eatery famous for shengjianbao – Shanghai’s beloved pan-fried soup dumplings. This chain is legendary (it’s been around since 1994), and I’ve been dreaming of biting into their dumplings, which are crispy golden on the bottom and stuffed with juicy pork filling and hot soup inside.
At the North Bund location, Yang’s is conveniently in the basement food court of Shanghai Magnolia Plaza, right next to the park, perfect for refuelling after my morning walk. I’ll order a portion of the classic shengjianbao. The trick is to carefully nibble a small hole, slurp out some soup (so you don’t explode the dumpling all over yourself), then devour the rest – yum!
Costs: Dumplings ~¥3 (~SGD0.50) each
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 9pm
Address: Basement 2, Shanghai Magnolia Plaza, 588 East Changzhi Road, Hongkou District
Getting there: 5 min walk from North Bund Greenland park, in the mall food court
Mid-day: 1000 Trees 天安千树
The project isn’t fully complete yet, but the sections that are open have art installations, boutique shops, and cafes. I may duck inside to see some of the cool art pieces or murals rumoured to be there, but even if I don’t, walking around the outside along Suzhou Creek is enjoyable. In the evening, the building lights up, and it looks like a surreal hanging garden. Since I’m here in the late afternoon, I’ll stroll by the creek, take some photos of the unique skyline, and relax at a riverside bench.
Costs: Free
Opening hours: Daily, 10am – 10pm
Address: 600 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai
Getting there: By metro, Line 13 to Jiangning Road or Line 3/4 to Shanghai Railway Station, then a short taxi
Evening: Xuyan Immersive Imperial Feast 叙宴
After an active afternoon, I’m treating myself to an imperial banquet experience at Xuyan. This is not your average dinner – it’s an immersive show where guests dress in traditional Hanfu costumes and dine like Chinese royalty while watching live performances. Think of it as part dinner theatre, part costume party, and 100% a feast! Upon arrival, I’ll get to choose a hanfu outfit (the staff will help pick a style and even do my hair and makeup to match the historical theme). Once we’re all dolled up like Tang dynasty nobles, dinner begins: a series of nine elegant courses, each served during a short cultural performance segment on stage. From energetic dance numbers to musical performances, the show keeps diners entertained throughout the meal. I’m particularly looking forward to tasting the gourmet dishes – previous visitors raved about the prawn and beef courses. The atmosphere is lively and interactive; don’t be surprised if performers engage with the audience.
(Insider tip I’ve heard: arrive at least 30 minutes early to get into your costume and makeup without rushing, and consider splurging on VIP seating for the best view of the stage!)
Costs: From ¥700 (~SGD125) per person
Opening hours: Daily, 12pm – 2pm, 6pm – 8pm
Address: 40 Wenshui Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
Getting there: Metro Line 1 to Wenshui Road Station, then 10 min walk (Exit 2, inside Gloria Plaza)
Late night: Club hop at INS Park (6F Club)
If there’s one thing I missed out on during my first trip a decade ago, it’s Shanghai’s electric nightlife. So this time, I made sure to add 6F Club at INS Park to the itinerary—and trust me, it’s a whole experience.
Located in INS Park, a multi-storey party complex often dubbed “Disneyland for clubbers,” the 6F houses two standout venues: La Fin, an elegant lounge for smooth house music lovers, and Another Side, a darker, bassier space for deep electronic sets. Whether you’re sipping a fancy cocktail under moody neon or dancing until 2 AM, 6F delivers a full-on nightlife hit.
What makes it extra fun? You can purchase an INS all-access pass (~¥288) that lets you bounce between 10 different club concepts stacked vertically in one building. And yes, there’s even free-flow drinks at certain bars like FRIENDS on the 5th floor.
Costs: ¥288 (~SGD51) for the all-club pass (includes drinks at some floors)
Opening hours: Daily, 9pm – 4am
Address: 109 Yandang Road, near Fuxing Middle Road, Huangpu District
Getting there: Metro Line 1 or 13 to Xintiandi Station, then a quick taxi or 10-minute walk
Day 7: Farewell day – Relaxation and departure
Yang SPACE Hot Spring (漾·SPACE汤泉生活)
Travel can be tiring, so a spa morning is just what the doctor ordered. Yang SPACE Hot Spring Life is a modern bathhouse/spa complex that locals love, and it’s the perfect place to pamper yourself before a long flight home. Imagine a multi-floor relaxation paradise: on the first floor, a Japanese-style onsen with various thermal pools; on the second floor, relaxation lounges, snack bars (they even have an ice cream bar and fruit smoothies!), massage services, and fun extras like an arcade and KTV booths. Yes, you can alternate between soaking in a hot mineral bath and singing karaoke or playing console games – truly a only-in-China kind of spa experience!
After a week of walking 10,000+ steps daily, sliding into a 40°C hot spring pool is certainly amazing. They have pools of different temperatures and even a cold plunge if you’re brave. Don’t forget to try the themed saunas – one had walls of Himalayan rock salt, another was infused with Chinese herbal aromatherapy.
Costs: ¥399 (~SGD71) per person for a full-day entry
Opening hours: 24/7
Address: 57 Pudian Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Getting there: Metro Line 4 or 6 to Pudian Road Station will get you close (10 min walk). By taxi, ~25 min from the city centre.
By early afternoon, blissed out and squeaky clean, check out of Yang SPACE. Shanghai’s airport journey is pretty straightforward: about 1 hour by taxi to Pudong International Airport, or you can ride the Meglev train from Longyang Road station, which takes only 8 minutes at 300 km/h – a thrilling goodbye ride!
Tips for planning your Shanghai trip
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Getting around
Shanghai’s public transport is excellent and budget-friendly. The metro system is fast, extensive, and costs just ¥3 – 5 (~SGD0.50 – 0.80) per ride. For convenience, get a local transportation card or use Alipay/WeChat’s transit QR codes to tap in and out easily. Taxis and DiDi (China’s version of Uber) are widely available and affordable, especially when shared — expect to pay around ¥60 (~SGD10) for a 30-minute ride. If you don’t have a Chinese number, send the preset message in DiDi to let drivers know you can’t take calls.
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Essential Apps
Download Alipay or WeChat Pay for nearly all payments and link your international card in advance. Amap (Gaode Maps) is the most reliable navigation app, although it’s in Chinese. Apple Maps works decently as an alternative. For restaurant reviews, deals, and photos, Dianping is your go-to (think Yelp meets Groupon). Psst… check out our guide on the must-have apps in China to make sure you’re fully covered!
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Visas and entry
Good news: Singaporeans can enter China visa-free for up to 15 days. Others may qualify for a 144-hour visa-free transit stay. If your nationality requires a visa, apply in advance, as processing times can vary. Always double-check the latest requirements before departure.
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Budget tips and money matters
Shanghai suits all budgets. Enjoy affordable local eats — noodle bowls cost around ¥25 (~SGD5), while dumplings or street snacks can fill you up for under ¥50 (~SGD9). Many top sights like the Bund, city parks, and some museums are free or low-cost. Splurge-worthy experiences like Disneyland or upscale dining are best planned for in advance. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay for most transactions, and take advantage of haggling in markets — it’s common to negotiate prices down to half.
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Best time to visit
Shanghai is a year-round destination, but the best seasons are spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November), when the weather is mild and scenic. Spring brings cherry blossoms in parks like People’s Park or Gucun Park; fall showcases golden ginkgo trees. Summer (June – August) can be hot and humid, with the occasional typhoon. Avoid national holidays, especially the first week of October and Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), when travel crowds and prices peak.
My first-timer’s Shanghai itinerary: A week I’ll never forget (or fit into jeans again)
Shanghai has a way of capturing your heart – with every steamed dumpling, skylit night, and serendipitous alley discovery, you’ll be plotting your return before you’ve even left. This 7-day Shanghai itinerary is packed with the city’s greatest hits and a few surprises, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. There’s always more to explore, especially once you’ve got the first-timer checklist done.
For those already planning a second trip, check out things to do in Shanghai for returning travellers for ideas beyond the usual spots. And if you’re inspired to venture further afield, China offers endless adventures – perhaps a weekend getaway to Fuzhou for cultural immersion!
