Shanghai Modern & Traditional Journey
Where futuristic skyscrapers meet ancient Chinese charm in China's most dynamic city
About This Route
Shanghai is a city of breathtaking contrasts, where centuries-old Chinese traditions thrive alongside futuristic skyscrapers. From the colonial architecture of the Bund to the neon-lit towers of Pudong, from the serene gardens of Yuyuan to the trendy cafes of the French Concession, this 7-day journey will immerse you in Shanghai's unique blend of East and West.
What You'll Experience:
- Marvel at Shanghai's iconic skyline from the Bund at sunrise and sunset
- Explore the winding alleys and traditional architecture of the Old City
- Stroll through the tree-lined boulevards and historic villas of the French Concession
- Experience authentic Shanghainese cuisine, from street food to Michelin-starred restaurants
- Discover hidden art galleries and contemporary museums in M50 and West Bund
- Day trip to water towns like Zhujiajiao or Zhouzhuang
7-Day Itinerary
Arrival & The Bund Evening
Morning: Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in the Bund or French Concession area. Afternoon orientation and rest to beat jet lag.
Afternoon: Light exploration of your neighborhood, grab a late lunch at a local restaurant.
Evening: Head to the Bund as the sun sets, witness the spectacular skyline light show. Dinner with a view.
Pudong & Modern Shanghai
Morning: Take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or ferry to Pudong. Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Afternoon: Explore the Shanghai Tower observation deck, the world's highest at 632 meters. Stroll through Lujiazui Central Green.
Evening: Dinner in Pudong, then head back across the river for a final look at the Bund's architecture lit up.
Old City & Traditional China
Morning: Visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden. Wander through the adjacent bazaar.
Afternoon: Explore the City God Temple and traditional markets. Stop for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at a local institution.
Evening: Walk along the Bund again, this time starting from the south and heading north, appreciating the different architectural styles.
French Concession & Xintiandi
Morning: Wander through the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession. Visit historic shikumen houses and hidden cafes.
Afternoon: Explore Xintiandi, a sophisticated shopping and dining complex in renovated traditional houses. Visit the Shanghai Museum.
Evening: Dinner in Xintiandi, perhaps with a live jazz performance at one of the trendy bars.
Zhujiajiao Water Town Day Trip
Full Day: Escape the city for a day in Zhujiajiao, a beautiful water town about 50 minutes from Shanghai. Explore ancient bridges, traditional houses, and enjoy a boat ride on the canals.
Art, Museums & Shopping
Morning: Visit M50 Creative Park, a former textile factory turned contemporary art district with dozens of galleries.
Afternoon: Explore the West Bund area, home to world-class museums and public art. Stop for shopping on Nanjing Road or Huaihai Road.
Evening: Farewell dinner featuring authentic Shanghainese cuisine, including hairy crab (in season) or sweet and sour ribs.
Departure
Morning: Final breakfast, last-minute souvenir shopping, or a final walk through your favorite neighborhood.
Afternoon: Transfer to the airport for your departure, with wonderful memories of Shanghai's magic.
Gallery
What Travelers Say
Tyler Ross
Seattle, WA | March 2026
The Bund at night is absolutely electric. Walking along the waterfront with the futuristic Pudong skyline on one side and 1920s colonial architecture on the other is disorienting in the best way. Took the 268-mph Maglev train to the airport just for the thrill—30 kilometers in 8 minutes. My ears popped.
Priya Sharma
Chicago, IL | April 2026
Xiaolongbao at Din Tai Fung was a masterclass in precision. Watching the kitchen through glass windows, each dumpling gets exactly 18 pleats. The soup inside is scalding hot so bite carefully. Yu Garden's classical Chinese landscaping with dragon walls and rockeries was a peaceful escape from Nanjing Road's chaos right next door.
Marcus Johnson
Denver, CO | February 2026
The French Concession's tree-lined streets feel like a completely different city. Fuxing Road and Wukang Road are perfect for wandering—art deco villas, hidden courtyards, boutique cafes. Tianzifang's narrow alleyways are packed with local designers and street food. Found a tiny studio selling hand-painted silk scarves that made perfect gifts.
Lauren Walsh
Austin, TX | May 2026
The Oriental Pearl Tower's glass observation deck at 259 meters made my knees weak. Looking straight down at the Huangpu River through transparent floor panels is not for the faint-hearted. The Shanghai Acrobatics show at Shanghai Centre had us gasping—contortionists, motorcycle globe riders, and plate spinners all in one show.
Derek Holloway
Portland, OR | March 2026
M50 art zone in Putuo District is Shanghai's answer to Brooklyn's art scene. Old textile factories converted into galleries and studios, with street art covering every surface. The contemporary Chinese art here is provocative and political—stuff you'd never see in state museums. Most galleries are free and the artists are often around to chat.
Jasmine Cole
Miami, FL | April 2026
Nanjing Road pedestrian street is overwhelming in the best way—massive LED screens, department stores, street performers, and enough neon to cause retinal damage. Haggled for silk at the South Bund Fabric Market and had a custom qipao made for 400 yuan. Took 3 days and three fittings but fit like a glove. Bring a translator app or a Mandarin-speaking friend.
Ryan O'Brien
Nashville, TN | May 2026
People's Square doesn't get enough love from tourists. The Shanghai Museum here has one of the world's best collections of ancient Chinese bronzes and ceramics, and it's completely free. Spent three hours and barely scratched the surface. The metro system is incredibly efficient—we never waited more than 3 minutes for a train. Just avoid rush hour unless you enjoy being compressed into a human sandwich.
Practical Information
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter is cool but rarely snowy.
Getting Around
Shanghai has an extensive and efficient subway system that covers most tourist areas. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Didi are readily available. Walking is great in the French Concession and Bund areas.
Local Cuisine
Don't miss xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), sweet and sour ribs, and hairy crab (in season). Shanghai cuisine tends to be sweeter than other Chinese regional cuisines.
Cultural Tips
Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases (hello, thank you, please) - locals appreciate the effort. Bargaining is common in markets but not in fixed-price stores. Dress modestly when visiting temples.