Shanghai Itinerary 5 Days: The Ultimate Guide for a Perfect Trip [2025]
Planning your travel can be exciting. If you’re looking for the perfect Shanghai itinerary 5 days is the ideal duration to experience the city’s incredible mix of modern skyscrapers, historic lanes, and vibrant culture. This detailed 5-day plan is part of our comprehensive Shanghai travel guides, designed to show you the very best of the city, from the iconic Bund to a magical day at Disneyland. For shorter visits, compare this with our Shanghai 2-day itinerary to see what you can fit in.
🏙️ Day 1: Iconic Landmarks & The Bund Night View
Your first day on this Shanghai 5-day itinerary is all about checking off the classic postcard sights, many of which are featured in our guide to the top Shanghai attractions.
Morning: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Start your day at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street.
We recommend starting at Exit 2 of Nanjing East Road Station.
Stroll towards People’s Square first, then head back towards the iconic Bund.
Breakfast: Try local “Shengjian” (pan-fried buns) at Da Hu Chun (approx. 20-30 RMB / $3-4 USD), a great start to any Shanghai street food adventure.
Shopping: Visit the vibrant M&M’s World and the historic First Food Store for souvenirs.
Afternoon: The Bund & Lujiazui Skyline
Walk to the Bund Shanghai, China area. See the Waibaidu Bridge and Zhapu Road Bridge for fantastic photo opportunities.
From there, it’s a 30-minute walk or one subway stop to Shanghai Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden.
In the afternoon, take the subway from Yuyuan Garden Station to Lujiazui Station (Exit 1) to see the modern financial district.
Activities:
Go up the Oriental Pearl Tower for a panoramic city view.
Walk across the Lujiazui Pedestrian Bridge for perfect photos with the tower.
Visit the luxury mall at IFC.
Walk from Zhengda Plaza to the Lujiazui Riverside to enjoy the night view of old Shanghai (Puxi).
Evening: Bund Light Show & Ferry Ride
The spectacular Bund Light Show starts at 7:00 PM.
For a classic local experience, take the 2 RMB ferry on the Dongjin Line (from Jinling East Road to Dongchang Road).
Dinner: Enjoy a meal with a view. Options include McDonald’s on the Bund or local Shanghainese cuisine at Xiao Nan Guo. For a deeper dive into local cuisine, consider a dedicated Shanghai food tour.
🏮 Day 2: Old Shanghai Charm & Shikumen Culture
Dedicate your second day to exploring the historic and artistic sides of the city. If you’re short on time, these days’ activities are a great foundation for a Shanghai 2 day itinerary.
Morning: Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple
Arrive at Yu Garden around 8:30 AM when it opens to avoid crowds. Explore the tranquil garden first.
Then, visit the nearby City God Temple area. Pray for good fortune and wander the antique market street.
Breakfast: Don’t miss the famous soup dumplings (“Xiaolongbao”) at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
Afternoon: Artsy Tianzifang & Historic Sinan Road
Take a taxi or subway to Tianzifang, a labyrinth of artsy shops, galleries, and cafes set in traditional “Shikumen” alleyways.
Afterwards, explore the elegant Sinan Road, where you can see Sinan Mansions and Zhou Enlai’s Former Residence.
Lunch: Try the delicious yellow croaker noodles at A Niang Noodle Shop (approx. 50 RMB / $7 USD).
Evening: Trendy Xintiandi
Experience the blend of old and new at Xintiandi. This stylish area features renovated Shikumen buildings housing bars, restaurants, and shops.
Dinner: Enjoy organic Western food at Green & Safe.
Drinks: For nightlife, head to the famous Bar Rouge.
🎨 Day 3: Culture, Art & Tree-Lined Avenues
Discover Shanghai’s sophisticated and creative side on day three. For those who prefer guided experiences, this day’s route is often covered in a best of Shanghai day tour.
Morning: Wukang Road & Anfu Road
Stroll down the beautiful Wukang Road, famous for its historic architecture, like the Wukang Mansion.
Rent a bike and cycle through the serene Wutong tree-lined streets.
Then, explore the artsy Anfu Road, home to the Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center.
Coffee Break: Relax at a cafe like The Coffee Tree.
Afternoon: West Bund & Xujiahui
Visit the West Bund Art Museum area for modern art exhibitions (often free) and a beautiful riverside promenade.
Afterwards, check out the popular Xujiahui Library.
Lunch: Grab ice cream and light meals at Luneurs (approx. 60-80 RMB / $8-11 USD).
Evening: Julu Road Nightlife
Experience Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife at 158 Julu Road, a courtyard filled with bars and live music venues.
Dinner: Indulge in the famous Giant Crab Roe Noodles at Crab King Restaurant.
🏰 Day 4: A Magical Day at Shanghai Disneyland
A perfect 5-day Shanghai itinerary isn’t complete without a day of magic. This is one of the most popular day trips Shanghai, China has to offer for families.
Pre-Trip Prep:
Tickets: Buy online in advance. Regular tickets are sufficient on weekdays. An “Early Bird Pass” for 1-hour early entry is useful for weekends.
Discounts: Check JD.com or Fliggy for student or package deals.
Essential App: Download the “Shanghai Disney Resort” app for real-time wait times and to book “Disney Premier Access” passes. This is one of our top Shanghai tips for a smooth visit.
What to Bring: Passport/ID, power bank, empty water bottle (free refill stations inside).
Full-Day Disney Itinerary:
Morning (7:30-9:00 AM):
Early Bird Passholders: Head straight to Soaring Over the Horizon, then Pirates of the Caribbean.
Regular Ticket Holders: Ride TRON Lightcycle Power Run first, then head to Rex’s Racer.
Pro Tip: Use the app to grab a free “Standby Pass” for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train before 9:00 AM. It’s also the best time for castle photos with fewer crowds.
Lunch (12:00-2:00 PM):
Recommendation: Barbossa’s Bounty for a roasted pork ribs set meal (approx. 110 RMB / $15 USD).
Snacks: Try the giant turkey leg (80 RMB / $11 USD) or a Mickey ice cream bar (45 RMB / $6 USD).
Afternoon:
Watch the Mickey’s Storybook Express parade at 15:45 (arrive 30 mins early).
See Captain Jack Sparrow’s Stunt Spectacular.
Ride Hunny Pot Spin or explore Alice’s Maze when lines are long.
Evening:
The “Ignite the Magic” castle light show and fireworks start after dark.
Best View: In front of the castle or behind the “Dumbo” ride. Arrive 90 minutes early for a good spot.
Final Rides: Queue times drop significantly for rides like Roaring Rapids just before the park closes.
Hidden Disney Perks:
Visit City Hall for a free birthday badge if you’re visiting during your birthday month.
Ask cast members with “I’m Celebrating” buttons for free stickers!
🚶♂️ Day 5: Off-The-Beaten-Path Exploration
Use the last day of your Shanghai 5-day travel plan to see a different, quieter side of the city. This is a great alternative to the standard day tours Shanghai, China often offers.
Morning: Suzhou Creek Walk
Take a peaceful walk along Suzhou Creek.
Visit the Sihang Warehouse (a key location from the movie “The Eight Hundred”).
Explore the beautiful and historic Shanghai Postal Museum.
Afternoon: Hongkou Old Town
Immerse yourself in history on Duolun Road Cultural Street, filled with Republican-era architecture.
Take a romantic stroll down the short, sweet Tian’ai Road (Lover’s Lane).
Lunch: Try local snacks at the Hongkou Rice Cake Factory.
Evening: Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final, exquisite meal before departure. We recommend Fu He Hui, a vegetarian Michelin-starred restaurant, for a unique culinary experience.
💡 Useful Tips for Your 5-Day Shanghai Trip
🏨 Accommodation:
Recommended Hotel: The Jin Jiang Hotel near People’s Square. It’s a historic landmark famous for its butterfly pastries. (Approx. 500 RMB / $70 USD per night).
Other Options: B&Bs in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town for a water-town experience (a popular day trips Shanghai China destination), or Disney Resort Hotels for early park entry.
🚇 Transportation:
Arrival: Shanghai Hongqiao Station is the most convenient as it’s connected to the city metro network.
Getting Around: The Shanghai Metro is efficient and covers the entire city. Purchase a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenience.
From Airport: Hongqiao Airport is directly connected to Metro Lines 2 and 10. Pudong Airport is connected via the Maglev train and Metro Line 2.
🍽️ Dining Tips:
Popular restaurants often start giving queue numbers as early as 4:00 PM. Get a number and then go shopping. This is a key piece of Shanghai travel tips for dining.
Must-try local cuisine: Xiao Nan Guo, Lao Zheng Xing.
Best snack spots: Yu Garden Bazaar, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
💰 Budget Reference (Per Person):
Attractions: Disneyland Ticket ~ 435 RMB / $60 USD (weekdays).
Food: 50 – 300 RMB / $7 – $42 USD per meal.
Accommodation: 500 – 1500 RMB / $70 – $210 USD per night.
Transport: Metro 3-7 RMB / $0.5-1 USD per ride, Ferry 2 RMB / $0.3 USD.
🎒 Pre-Trip Checklist:
Comfortable walking shoes are a must!
Weather-appropriate clothing (Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate).
Power bank, photocopy of your passport.
Essential Apps: Shanghai Disney Resort, Dianping (for restaurant reviews), Metroman (for subway maps). For more helpful advice, check out our complete Shanghai tips guide.
This comprehensive Shanghai itinerary 5 days perfectly blends iconic sights with local cultural experiences. Wondering how many days in Shanghai is right for you? Five days allows for this deep exploration, but our site can help you plan for any length of stay. It’s designed for travelers who want to see the best of Shanghai, from its buzzing modernity to its quiet, historic charm. For more detailed advice, be sure to read our full Shanghai travel tips before you go. Enjoy your trip.
