Day Trips Shanghai China: Your Ultimate Guide to the Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary
Planning incredible day trips from Shanghai, China, is a must for any traveler. If you only have 24 hours, this optimized route lets you experience the city’s historic charm and modern energy. It’s the perfect day trip in Shanghai for first-time visitors.
🚶♂️ The Perfect Shanghai Day Trip Itinerary
For the best day trips in Shanghai, China, follow this efficient schedule: Wukang Building → Anfu Road → Jing’an Temple → Yu Garden & City God Temple → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → The Bund.
🌅 Morning: Historic Shanghai Charm
09:00 – 09:30 | Wukang Building
Transport: Taxi or rental bike is best.
Admission: Free.
Highlights: One of Shanghai’s most iconic historical buildings. It’s a hugely popular photo spot.
The Wukang Building is a unique piece of Shanghai’s architectural history. Its distinctive ship-like shape stands at a crossroads. Designed by famed architect László Hudec in the French Renaissance style, it was one of the city’s first apartment buildings with external corridors.
Originally named the “I.S.S. Normandie Apartments,” it sits on what was once Ferguson Road. The road was renamed Wukang Road in 1953. The building was home to many famous residents and has witnessed a century of Shanghai’s evolution.
09:50 – 10:30 | Anfu Road
Transport: About a 20-minute walk from the Wukang Building.
Admission: Free.
Highlights: A trendy, artistic street filled with unique boutiques and cafes. Perfect for a relaxed stroll.
The walk from Wukang Road to Anfu Road is a classic Shanghai experience. You’ll pass historic architecture on one side and stylish, modern districts on the other. It’s a great area for shopping, snacking, and soaking up the local vibe.
🏙 Midday: Spiritual & Commercial Hub
11:00 – 11:30 | Jing’an Temple
Transport: Take Metro Line 14 from Anfu Road (approx. 24 mins).
Admission: 50 RMB (approx. $7 USD).
Highlights: A magnificent, ancient temple and a major landmark in Shanghai. Experience the city’s rich religious history.
Jing’an Temple is Shanghai’s oldest Buddhist temple, dating back to 247 AD. It blends Han and Tibetan Buddhist architectural styles. The complex is famous for its stunning golden roof and priceless artifacts. These include a 15-ton pure silver Buddha statue and an 11-ton jade Buddha.
This sacred site, nestled in the heart of the bustling city, is both a place of worship and a key cultural landmark.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
🏮 Afternoon: Classical Gardens & Historic Streets
11:30 – 12:30 | Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
Transport: About a 5-minute subway ride from Jing’an Temple.
Admission: 40 RMB (approx. $5.50 USD).
Highlights: A classical Jiangnan garden and a 4A-rated scenic area. Featuring pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, it’s a serene and photogenic escape.
Yu Garden is a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. Don’t miss these key sites within the complex:
Huxinting Teahouse: The elegant “Heart of the Lake” pavilion.
Dianchun Hall: The former headquarters of the Shanghai Small Swords Society uprising.
Jade Rock (Yulinglong): A famous porous stone from the Song Dynasty.
The surrounding bazaar area is filled with Shanghai specialty snacks. We highly recommend trying the pan-fried buns (shengjianbao). The location is beautiful at night, but it can be pricey, so browsing is encouraged.
12:40 – 13:20 | City God Temple
Transport: A 5-minute walk from Yu Garden.
Admission: 10 RMB (approx. $1.50 USD).
Highlights: A quaint Taoist temple offering a glimpse into traditional folk culture. The surrounding streets are packed with food and souvenir stalls.
City God Temple on Google Maps
The City God Temple is a centuries-old tourist attraction. Stepping into the area feels like traveling back in time to old Shanghai. The antique buildings with their upturned eaves showcase superb traditional craftsmanship.
The stone-paved streets are lined with shops selling everything from handicrafts to local snacks. It’s extremely crowded during holidays, so visit on a weekday if possible.
🌃 Evening: Modern City Lights & Skylines
13:30 – 14:00 | Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Transport: A 10-minute walk from the City God Temple area.
Admission: Free.
Highlights: Shanghai’s most famous shopping street. Perfect for shopping, dining, and people-watching amidst historic architecture.
Nanjing Road is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. It’s particularly dazzling at night. Starting from People’s Square, you’ll pass major department stores and flagship shops, including a large Pop Mart store.
As you walk east, you’ll see the famous Apple Store and the historic Peace Hotel. The street seamlessly blends European architecture with modern commerce, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere.
14:30 – 18:00 | Free Time & Lunch
Suggestion: Have lunch near Nanjing Road and sample authentic Shanghai cuisine.
Highlights: This is your free time to explore. We recommend trying local specialties like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
The Pop Mart Global Flagship Store is a fun visit with its creative displays. For classic Shanghai dishes, consider restaurants like Shen Dacheng or the First Food Store, which offer a wide variety of local delicacies.
18:30 – 19:30 | The Bund
Transport: Easy walk from the east end of Nanjing Road.
Admission: Free.
Highlights: The iconic symbol of Shanghai. The nighttime light show is breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the Lujiazui skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower.
The Bund’s night view is unforgettable. You’ll see the classical European-style buildings on the west side contrasted with the ultra-modern skyscrapers of Pudong to the east. This juxtaposition of history and future is what makes Shanghai special.
Every evening, the buildings light up in a spectacular display. It’s a popular spot for photographers and tourists, so arriving early can help you secure the best view.
🗺 Optional Attractions (If You Have Extra Time)
Shanghai Museum (Free): A world-class museum with a vast collection of Chinese art. Great for all ages.
Oriental Pearl Tower (199-299 RMB / $28-$42 USD): An iconic skyscraper with observation decks. Best for those without a fear of heights.
Lujiazui (Free): Shanghai’s central financial district. Experience the energy of a global business hub.
St. Ignatius Cathedral (Free): A beautiful Gothic revival cathedral. A great photo opportunity.
Xintiandi (Free): A stylish pedestrian area with restored shikumen (stone-gate) houses. Excellent for dining and street photography.
🚇 Getting Around Shanghai
Best Options: Metro + Walking. Shanghai’s subway system is extensive and reaches most major attractions.
Recommended App: Download “Metro Daduhui” to easily pay for subway rides with your phone.
💡 Essential Tips for Your Shanghai Day Trip
Book in Advance: Popular sites like the Shanghai Museum often require online reservations.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking.
Avoid Peak Hours: The Bund is very crowded at night. Go a bit early to get a good spot.
Try Local Snacks: Don’t miss the delicious street food near Yu Garden and Nanjing Road.
We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing day trip in Shanghai, China! Enjoy your 24 hours in this incredible city.
