How to spend 7 days in Shanghai - Shanghai Travel Itinerary
Hey everyone, welcome back to our channel! In this video, I am going to take you on a 7-day tour through two of China's most mesmerising cities: Shanghai and Hangzhou. Before our trip, we downloaded two must-have Apps: Alipay and Baidu Map. On this tour, we travelled by Bus and Subway. On Alipay App, we activated the QR codes for Bus and Metro in Shanghai and Hangzhou and input our bank card information. With Baidu Map App as our navigation tool and Alipay App for all payments, we are all set to go! We did not bring any hard cash for this trip.
Upon our arrival, we were required to have our fingerprints taken before proceeding through customs. After checking into our hotel, we took a subway to Lujiazui station on Metro Line 2. Lujiazui is the iconic financial district nestled in the heart of Shanghai. The skyline here is nothing short of spectacular, adorned with some of the tallest skyscrapers in Asia, including the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.
Roaming around the nearby estate the next morning, we chanced upon this shop that sells healthy Chinese pancakes. It was delicious. Off we went to Zhujiajiao, our Day 2 itinerary.
To get there, take a subway to zhujiajiao station on Metro Line 17. Then take either a boat at the jetty outside the station for a small fee of RMB40 or walk there. Zhujiajiao Water Town is about 48 kilometres west of Shanghai downtown.
Located in Qingpu District of Shanghai, it is an ancient town with a history of more than 1,700 years. Reputed as Venice of Shanghai, this ancient town is well endowed with waterways, ancient bridges, and Ming-Qing architecture houses. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, local monks would hold ceremonies on the Fangsheng bridge, releasing live fish into the Caogang River. Our last stop for the day was the Bund. We took Metro Line 2 to Nanjing Road East Station in the evening and strolled along Nanjing Road East, a lively pedestrian shopping street located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai, before finally reaching the Bund.
Situated along the Huangpu River in central Shanghai, the Bund is a waterfront area that offers a captivating view of Shanghai’s most iconic skyscrapers on one side and the historic architecture of the Bund on the other. As we walked further, we reached the Suzhou Creek area. In recent years, Suzhou Creek has undergone a revitalization and has transformed into a popular cultural and recreational center.
The waterfront promenades provide beautiful views and peaceful walking paths, which draw in both locals and tourists. Many people can be found relaxing, exercising, or simply appreciating the sights and sounds of this historical waterway along its banks. We ended the day with a taste of the local delicacies, including crab soup dumplings. On Day 3, we visited the picturesque West Lake, Southern Song Imperial Town, and Wulin Night Market in Hangzhou. To reach there, we took a high-speed train, and our train tickets were purchased in advance at the Hongqiao Railway Station on Metro Line 2. Upon arriving at Hangzhou railway station, we boarded a subway train at East Railway Station on Metro Line 1 and got off at LongXiangqiao station.
After a five-minute walk, we arrived at the lake. West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been inspiring poets and artists for centuries with its breathtaking beauty. The tranquil waters are surrounded by lush gardens and pagodas, creating a serene atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and reflection.
Next, we were stepped back in time at the Southern Song Imperial Town! This living museum immerses us in the splendor of the ancient Song Dynasty, showcasing its architecture, traditions, and cultural heritage. Our first stop was to hike up 500 meters to the City God Pavilion, a scenic spot located on top of Wushan Hill in Hangzhou. The City God Pavilion is a seven-story building that showcases the architectural style of the Southern Song and Yuan dynasties. The entrance fee is RMB30, and seniors are eligible for a half-price discount. Inside the Pavilion, there are various exhibitions, and the fourth floor provides a bird's eye view of Hangzhou. As we descended, we were right at the entrance of Qinghefang, a lively historical street that’s like a time capsule of Hangzhou’s past.
The well-preserved buildings, quaint shops selling traditional crafts, ancient alleys, and historical landmarks provide an insight into the city’s past. As we walked further, we reached Southern Song Imperial Street. For our final stop, we walked to Ding’an Road Station and boarded the subway back to Longxiangqiao Station. Arriving at the lake, we took a right turn and headed towards Hubin Park. "We arrived at Wulin Night Market too early." On Day 4, we explored the Hongkou, Xuhui area by bus and ended the day at Yu Garden.
Our first stop was Lu Xun Park. To reach there, we took the subway to Hongkou Football Stadium Station on Metro Line 8. Lu Xun Park, located in Shanghai, is a serene and historically significant public park that honours Lu Xun, one of the most influential writers and intellectuals in modern Chinese literature.
This park is a tribute to his legacy and contributions to literature, education, and social change in China. Our 2nd stop was Duolun Road, a culturally rich and historically significant street situated in the Hongkou District of Shanghai. The street is famous for its literary and intellectual heritage, with several influential figures from Chinese literature and arts residing there during the 1920s and 1930s. The street is rich in historical charm, boasting well-preserved buildings of various architectural styles, from Western-style villas to traditional Chinese courtyard houses and European residences.
Next, we visited the Sihang Warehouse Museum, an emblem of resilience and bravery. This site commemorates the Battle of Shanghai during the Sino-Japanese War. The museum’s exhibits vividly narrate the courageous stand made by Chinese soldiers against the Japanese invasion. Our 4th stop was 1933 Old Millfun, a famous architectural landmark situated in the Hongkou District of Shanghai. The building's most noticeable feature is its central atrium, which looks like a large "square donut" with walkways and bridges that connect it.
The four floors surround the atrium and create a visually stunning experience with intricate crisscrossing staircases, elevated walkways, and many openings that allow natural light to flood the interior. Nowadays, the 1933 Old Millfun has been transformed into a lively center for creative industries, art exhibitions, fashion boutiques, restaurants, offices, and cultural events. Our 5th stop was the Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum located in the Hongkou District of Shanghai. It commemorates the period during World War II when Shanghai became a sanctuary for Jewish refugees fleeing persecution. The museum is situated inside the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue and aims to document the stories of these refugees, who found safety and solace in Shanghai. Our last stop was Yu Garden.
Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this classical Chinese garden is a masterpiece of traditional landscaping, featuring intricate pavilions, serene ponds, and lush greenery. The next morning, we headed down to Wukang Road for a walking tour. Wukang Road, situated in the Former French Concession area, is a famous and cultural road in Shanghai. On either side of the road are many European-style buildings built in the early 20th century, once inhabited by many celebrities. To get there, we took a subway to Jiao Tong University Station on Metro Line 11. Our next stop was Qibao ancient town.
Qibao, meaning 'Seven Treasures,' dates back over a thousand years and boasts a rich history that reflects the essence of ancient China. Its narrow lanes, stone bridges, and preserved buildings offer a glimpse into a bygone era. We took Metro Line 9 and got off at Qibao Station. It was time for dinner, we found this eating place at Raffles City next to People’s Square Station. The Fish soup was fantastic.
100% pure broth, no milk added. Our next destination the following day was the People’s Square and the matchmaking corner at People's Park. We took Metro Line 2 to People’s Square Station. Next, we headed down to M50, our 2nd stop of the day.
M50, short for 'Moganshan Road 50,' is a former industrial area transformed into a haven for artists, designers, and creatives. Its repurposed warehouses and factories now house galleries, studios, and avant-garde spaces that redefine Shanghai's art scene. To get there, we took Metro Line 13 to Jiangning Road Station.
After catching up with some friends from Shanghai at the Xuhui Library, we continued our journey to Tianzifang. Often hailed as Shanghai's hidden gem, Tianzifang is a maze of narrow alleyways adorned with boutiques, art studios, cozy cafes, and quirky shops. Its labyrinthine layout is a playground for those seeking unique experiences and artistic inspirations. On Day 6, we concluded our tour at Xintiandi, which means "New Heaven and Earth" in English.
Xintiandi is a pedestrian-friendly district that has become famous for its charming Shikumen architecture. The traditional stone gate houses have been beautifully transformed into stylish boutiques, cafes, and galleries, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the perfect blend of history and modern lifestyle. The next morning, we headed towards the former site of the 2010 World Expo. We took Metro Line 8 to Zhonghua Yishugong Station.
Next, we took Metro Line 10 and got off at Xintiandi station for Sinan Mansions, our final destination for this trip. Sinan Mansions features 51 garden-style historical buildings that were used for dining, bars, hotels, offices and boutiques in the 1920s for the city’s most luxurious residences. Today, it is a unique public space that offers various attractions such as food, shopping, culture, art, and beauty outlets. We have come to the end of our trip.
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2023-12-30 05:48
