Day Tours Shanghai China: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary for an Unforgettable Trip!

Discover the best day tours Shanghai China has to offer with this perfectly planned 1-day itinerary! Designed for travelers short on time but eager to experience the city’s essence, this guide covers iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and local flavors. Whether you’re en route to other destinations and need a compact plan or using Shanghai as a hub, this is your ideal guide. For a different flavor of Chinese urban exploration, check out our comprehensive Chengdu travel guide. Save this page to easily plan your ultimate Shanghai adventure.

✅ Why Choose These Day Tours in Shanghai, China?

This curated route is ideal for first-time visitors. It seamlessly blends ancient temples and gardens with breathtaking modern skylines. You’ll experience the perfect contrast of old and new Shanghai, all in one efficient, action-packed day. This is one of the most comprehensive day tours in Shanghai you can take on your own.

🗺️ Your Efficient Shanghai Day Tour Route

Follow this logical order to maximize your time and minimize backtracking:

Wukang Road Area → Jing’an Temple → The Bund & Lujiazui → Nanjing Road

1️⃣ Start Your Day: Wukang Road and Wukang Building

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: 24/7

Transportation: Metro Line 10/11 to Jiaotong University Station, Exit 7. Walk 5 minutes.

Google Maps: Wukang Building

Begin your self-guided day tour of Shanghai on the charming, tree-lined Wukang Road. This area is a photographer’s dream, reminiscent of the trendy Taikoo Li Chengdu area but with a distinct, historic European charm. The star here is the historic Wukang Building, an architectural icon. Stroll down the street, soak in the artistic atmosphere, and explore the chic cafes and boutiques. It’s a peaceful and picturesque introduction to the city.

2️⃣ Spiritual Contrast: Jing’an Temple

Admission: 50 RMB (approximately $7 USD)

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Transportation: Metro Line 2/7 to Jing’an Temple Station.

Google Maps: Jing’an Temple

From the quiet streets, dive into the spiritual heart of modern Shanghai. The magnificent Jing’an Temple is a stunning golden Tibetan Buddhist temple, dramatically surrounded by soaring skyscrapers. For a fantastic photo, use the pedestrian bridge to capture this amazing contrast. The area is also a great spot for lunch, with numerous high-quality restaurants nearby.

3️⃣ Ancient Shanghai: Yu Garden & City God Temple

Admission: Yu Garden: 40 RMB (~$6 USD); City God Temple Area: Free to enter, temple entry ~10 RMB (~$1.5 USD)

Opening Hours: Yu Garden: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; City God Temple: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Transportation: Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station.

Google Maps: Yu Garden

Next, travel back in time to old Shanghai. The Yu Garden is a classic example of a Chinese classical garden, featuring pavilions, rockeries, and ponds that have stood for centuries. Right next door, the bustling City God Temple area is a lively bazaar, perfect for sampling Chengdu’s famous food and other Chinese regional snacks. Here, you can sample a variety of local street foods, and if you’re a foodie curious about Sichuan flavors, you can learn more about what is Chengdu famous for food. It’s a must-do cultural experience on any Shanghai China day tour.

4️⃣ Modern Marvels: Lujiazui Financial District

Admission: Free (Observation decks cost extra)

Opening Hours: 24/7

Transportation: Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station.

Google Maps: Lujiazui Viewing Point

Cross the river to witness Shanghai’s jaw-dropping modern side. The Lujiazui skyline, with its “three-piece set” of skyscrapers—Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower—is iconic. For a classic photo of all three, navigate to the viewing area near the Anshun Bridge Chengdu offers beautiful nighttime river views, Lujiazui is all about breathtaking vertical scale. This is the powerhouse of modern China and a highlight for photography.

5️⃣ The Iconic Waterfront: The Bund

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: 24/7

Transportation: Metro Line 2/10 to East Nanjing Road Station, then a 10-minute walk.

Google Maps: The Bund

No day tour in Shanghai China is complete without a visit to The Bund. This famous waterfront promenade offers the best view of the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River. Stroll along and admire the “World Architecture Expo”—a collection of grand historical buildings from the colonial era. Visit in the late afternoon to see the area transform as day turns to night and the skyscrapers light up. If you enjoy vibrant evenings, exploring things to do in Chengdu at night can offer another perspective on Chinese nightlife.

6️⃣ Shopping & Dinner: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Admission: Free

Opening Hours: 24/7 (store hours vary)

Transportation: Metro Line 2/8/10 to East Nanjing Road Station.

Google Maps: Nanjing Road

Conclude your day on the vibrant Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. It’s lined with international brands, flagship stores, and time-honored Chinese shops. This is the perfect place to find souvenirs, do some people-watching, and enjoy dinner. For an authentic meal, skip the crowded tourist traps and look for established restaurants serving local favorites like soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), which are different from the spicy what are Chengdu dumplings, and pan-fried buns.

🚗 Getting Around on Your Shanghai Day Tour

From the Airport/Train: Hongqiao Airport and Hongqiao Railway Station are closer to the city center. Shanghai Station is also a convenient arrival point. If your travels are taking you westward, a well-structured Chengdu travel itinerary can help you plan the next leg of your journey.

Metro/Bus: Shanghai’s public transport is excellent, affordable, and the best way to follow this itinerary. Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for ease.

Highly Recommended Ferry: For a unique experience and incredible value, take a ferry across the Huangpu River for just 2 RMB (~$0.30 USD). The route from Dongchang Road to Jinling East Road at sunset offers stunning views.

Taxis: We recommend avoiding taxis during the day due to frequent traffic congestion and higher costs.

🏨 Where to Stay for Your Trip

Luxury & Convenience: Stay near The Bund, Nanjing Road, or Lujiazui for walkable access to major sights and spectacular night views.

Character & Charm: For photographers and those who love historic neighborhoods, the Jing’an Temple area is perfect, with easy access to Wukang Road.

Budget & Value: The Zhongshan Park area offers great subway connectivity, plenty of dining options, and more affordable hotel rates. If you’re planning a longer trip in Sichuan, a Chengdu itinerary 3 days can help you find great accommodation there too.

🌟 Pro Tips for Your Shanghai Day Tours

Snack Smart: Be cautious when buying food and souvenirs inside major tourist sites, as quality and price can vary. The City God Temple area is generally safe for tasty snacks.

Dress in Layers: The Bund can be very windy. Bring a light jacket, even if the day is warm.

Dine Like a Local: On Nanjing Road, seek out long-established restaurants (“laozihao”) for an authentic and delicious dinner.

We hope this guide helps you create an amazing and efficient day tour Shanghai China experience. If your travels through China extend beyond Shanghai, consider a trip to see the country’s most famous animals with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. Enjoy your unforgettable journey exploring this dynamic city!