Beyond the Skyline: Exploring the Magic of Modern Shanghai

From Ancient Temples to Neon Skylines: Your Ultimate 4 day Guide to Experiencing the Best of Shanghai.

Welcome to Shanghai, a city where the ancient world meets the cutting edge! In just four days, you’ll discover how Shanghai seamlessly blends traditional Chinese heritage with futuristic skyscrapers, buzzing markets, and an electric nightlife. From strolling along the historic Bund to exploring hidden gems in the charming French Concession, Shanghai offers an unforgettable journey packed with diverse sights, sounds, and flavors.

This four-day itinerary will guide you through the city’s highlights, share local tips, and reveal hidden spots to make the most of your time in China’s most captivating metropolis. Get ready for an adventure that combines culture, cuisine, and unforgettable experiences.

In this Shanghai travel guide, you can expect an insider’s look at some of the city’s most iconic and unique destinations! I’ll take you along the stunning Bund, where you’ll experience panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline and historic architecture. You’ll also read about my visit to the Shanghai Zoo, home to adorable giant pandas and a variety of native animals. I found a peaceful escape in the enchanting Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden full of tranquil ponds and intricate pavilions, and marveled at the spiritual beauty of the Jade Buddha Temple, with its breathtaking jade sculptures. For a taste of old Shanghai, I wandered down the bustling lanes of Qibao Old Street, where the traditional charm, local snacks, and vintage architecture create an authentic slice of Shanghai’s past.

Join me as I explore Shanghai’s unique blend of modernity and tradition from the iconic Bund and tranquil Yu Garden to the spiritual Jade Buddha Temple and charming Qibao Old Street.

My Shanghai Itinerary

Day one: The bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Day two: Shanghai Zoo, Qibao Old street, Qibao Buddhist temple and Pagoda

Day three: Yu Garden, Shanghai Old street and the French Concession

Day four: Jade Buddha temple, Financial District Shanghai

Lets Get Started

Exploring Shanghai: What we did in 4 days

Where to stay, getting around and budget

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Exploring Shanghai: What we did in 4 days

Life in Shanghai is a dynamic blend of fast-paced urban living and deep-rooted traditions. While residents enjoy the perks of a modern lifestyle—like high-speed internet, a thriving nightlife, and an efficient metro—many still embrace cultural customs such as morning tai chi in local parks, tea ceremonies, and bustling street markets for daily shopping. This mix of old and new creates a unique rhythm that defines daily life in Shanghai, where innovation meets tradition around every corner. Here's what we did in 4 days.

Day one:

The bund 外滩

After we arrived in at Shanghai Pudong Airport in the morning, it was abit of a drive to get to the hotel. We got to the hotel around 1pm and had a little rest from a long morning of travel.

After a little rest we headed to the bund to check it out. We took the subway and arrived at the bund. The Bund in Shanghai, once known as the "Wall Street of the East," is lined with historic buildings that reflect various architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco. These iconic structures, built by foreign banks, consulates, and trading houses in the early 20th century, showcase the city’s cosmopolitan past and serve as a striking contrast to the futuristic skyscrapers across the river in the Pudong district.

We walked up and down the bund, marvelling at the achitecture and discussing how Shanghai is such a different city compaied to Beijing and Xi'an, and noticing a lot more foreigen tourists here then we've seen. We walked up one end then headed back and decided to walk down Nanjing Pedestrian Road.

Nanjing Pedestrian Road 南京路

Nanjing Road is the world's longest shopping district, around 6 km long, and attracts over 1 million visitors daily.

More than 600 establishments along the street showcase a wide array of renowned high-quality brands and latest trends. High-end retailers such as Tiffany, Mont Blanc, Omega, and Dunhill are present, while around a hundred traditional and specialty stores offer a selection of silk products, jade items, embroidery, wool products, and timepieces. Enthusiastic shoppers will find great delight in indulging in shopping experiences here.

Traditional food stores that have been around for a century line Nanjing Road, offering not only the most authentic Shanghai cuisine but also the perfect gifts for your friends and family. We decided to go into a snack hall and check out some of the local snacks, we saw some pork belly and decided to give that a go, to be honest, it was quiet fatty and oily, probably one of the very few times ! wasnt impressed with the food in China. We walked down the street some more and looked at all the shops and buildings and decided to head back to the hotel.

Day Two

Shanghai Zoo 上海动物园

We woke up and decided we wanted to see some Pandas. So we got ready and headed towards Shanghai Zoological park.

The zoo houses and exhibits more than 6,000 animals, among which are 600 Chinese animals that include giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, lions, South China tigers, hoopoe, black bulbuls, great hornbills and Bactrian camels. This place was bigger than expected and you can easily spend half a day to a full day there looking at all the animals.

We weren't in a rush this day so we strolled through alot of the exhibits too see animals we havent seen before. The zoo had its positives and its negatives. Positives being we did see some happy carefree animals, going about their day, playing and basking on the sun. We came across a nursery were we seen tiny baby monkeys learning how too swing, followed by a chimpanzee inclosure with more baby chimps swinging and playing with each other and of course the Pandas, happily chilling out and eating their bamboo. The negatives though, were seeing animals like one chimpanzee locked away in isolation with no sun looking rather sad, a gorilla in the same situation, with some of the locals beating their chest at the gorilla which argivated it as well as feeding some of the animals food they shouldn't be eating while there is a sign that states not to do so.

It was good too see the pandas, but don't think I will be going back to another zoo for a while. We saw what we wanted to see and headed towards our next destination for the day, Qibao ancient town.

Qibao Ancient Town and Qibao Temple 七宝镇 & 七宝寺

We headed towards the ancient town, where we got a delicious meal of juicy duck leg and rice at one of the local restaurants just outside the entrance and then headed in.

Characterized by historical buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this street provides an immersive experience of the town's rich history and culture. Tourists can leisurely walk along the bustling street, discovering numerous shops, food vendors, and craft workshops that showcase a wide range of products and souvenirs. We walked down the main street and explored all the ally ways and looked at all the street food stalls and souvenirs.

The canal system that is well-preserved is the most distinctive feature of the town where we sat and had a breather, be careful of phones in bak pockets here, we saw one gentlemen's phone fall out of his back pocket and into the canal as he was sitting down. After some exploring and a little gift shopping we decided to head in one direction where we came across the Qibao temple and pagoda.

Located in the Minhang District of Shanghai, China, Qibao Temple is an ancient Buddhist temple situated in the Qibao Ancient Town area. The temple, known as "Seven Treasures Temple," has a history dating back more than a millennium to the period of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907–960 AD).

Qibao Temple showcases traditional Chinese Buddhist architectural elements, including a stunning pagoda, detailed wood carvings, and typical roof styles characterised by upturned eaves and vibrant paintings. Within the temple premises are worship halls for different gods, a bell and drum tower, and the renowned Qibao Pagoda, a prominent feature in Qibao Ancient Town. The pagoda, distinguished by its multiple levels and tiered roofs, serves as a central attraction for both religious and architectural enthusiasts. We walked around the grounds and noticed there was a service going. I sat on the stairs and listened to their chants and singing, there is always something calming about the buddhist religion and their services. It was getting late in the afternoon so after some exploring of the temple grounds we headed back to the hotel to recharge and look for some dinner in which we headed back towards the bund and stopped on another local resturant.

Day Three

Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Old street 豫园 & 上海老街

Today we woke up early and headed towards Shanghai old street to see the beautiful Yuyuan Garden. We arrived just before 9am waiting for it to open and there was already a small crowd who were doing the same thing, can't imagine what it would have been like if we went later.

We got our tickets and headed in. The garden covers around 20,000 square meters and is known for it's intricate design, blending natural elements like ponds, rockeries, and lush greenery with architectural features such as pavilions, halls, and corridors. Built in the 16th century by a government official named Pan Yunduan as a tranquil retreat for his parents, Yuyuan Garden is now one of the most famous and well-preserved gardens in China. We walked around and slowly took at all in, walked down the beautiful corridors, and all the different plants.

The garden features a variety of seasonal plants that blossom at various points throughout the year, resulting in a dynamic scenery highlighted by cherry blossoms, wisteria, lotus flowers, and chrysanthemums. The selection of trees and plants is based on both their aesthetic appeal and their significance in Chinese cultural symbolism. We walked around some more, looking at all the koy ponds and small rooms the garden has and marvelling at the amazing Dragon Wall, which is a unique dragon-shaped walls separate the garden’s different sections, with the dragon heads peeking over the walls, symbolising protection and power. Visiting Yuyuan Garden is like stepping back in time to experience the artistry and elegance of ancient China, an oasis of calm in the middle of a bustling city. The beauty of the garden, combined with the richness of its history, makes it a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese culture, landscape design, and history. After we were done we headed into Shanghai old street to the Bazzaar, a lively shopping area with small shops, teahouses, and street food vendors. This bustling marketplace is ideal for sampling local delicacies like Shanghai

dumplings and buying souvenirs. Just as we got out the exit, we noticed chefs making these HUGE dumplings filled with broth, and yes, we got one each and continued exploring. The buildings there was like stepping back in time. The buildings in Yuyuan Bazaar are styled in classic Ming and Qing architectural designs, with distinctive upturned eaves, wooden facades, and red lanterns hanging from every corner. Walking through the bazaar feels like stepping into an ancient Chinese marketplace, full of history and culture. The Yuyuan Bazaar offers a rich experience, blending history, culture, and local flavors. It’s a great spot to find souvenirs, taste authentic Shanghai dishes, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of traditional Chinese market life. Do be careful when visiting this place though, we were approched by many different people trying to take us back to an undisclosed trying to sell us knockoff bags and watches. As beautiful as the bazaar was, we had to leave as the amount of people that were approaching us got a little overwheling. We left and decided to head to the French concession.

The French Concession 法租界

We got to the french concession and had a rest at a cafe and got a cool drink. This area was quite trendy, with a lot of Westerner influence with a blend of Chinese culture. Established in 1849, it was originally a foreign concession where French nationals had jurisdiction, distinct from other parts of the city. Over the decades, the French Concession grew into a vibrant and cosmopolitan area with distinct architecture and tree-lined streets. Initially, it was a small enclave, but it gradually expanded over the years, as many foreigners, including Russians, British, and Americans, chose to live in the French Concession for its unique charm and relatively liberal policies. We found a cute wine bar called Sisters Bar & Restaurant were we had a few glasses of wine, then walked down one of the small alleyways and looked at all the souvineir and tea stores, and stopped at one of the small bars on the street called Panda Bar where we had a cocktail and watched a mischievous little orange kitten play under our seats. After a drink and some more exploring looking at all the amazing architecture of the western style buildings, we headed back to the hotel where we recharged and then later headed back towards the Bund for some dinner.

Day Four

Jade Buddha Temple 玉佛寺

We got ready for the day and headed towards the Jade Buddha Temple. The temple is one of the most revered and famous Buddhist temples in Shanghai. Located in the western part of the city, it was founded in 1882 during the late Qing Dynasty and is known for its two exquisite Buddha statues carved from pure white jade. The temple is an active place of worship, attracting both Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. The temple house two beautiful statues of buddha, the most famous statue is the seated Buddha, which is about 1.9 meters (6 feet) tall and weighs over 3,000 pounds. This statue represents Shakyamuni Buddha in a meditative pose and is encrusted with precious gemstones, giving it a radiant and serene appearance. The second statue is a smaller reclining Buddha,

symbolising the Buddha’s peaceful passing into Nirvana. This statue is about 1 meter (3 feet) long and captures the Buddha with a tranquil expression, emphasizing his eternal peace. We walked in and was greated by locals offering everyone free water, which was amazing given it was a warm day, we entered and there was a service going on. People line up to pour water over the small statues of buddha, while in the main hall, monks were chanting and singing. The main hall, also known as the Great Treasure Hall, house statues of the Three Golden Buddhas, representing the past, present, and future. The hall also houses the Four Heavenly Kings, who protect the temple and symbolise protection, wealth, joy, and growth. We walked around and took it all in, watching on as the monks sang and chanted and seen a little cat house with kittens sleeping tucked away in a corner. We reached the reclining buddha, this statue is massive especially one made of jade. one things I've learnt this whole trip is the Chinese dont play around when it comes to the buddhist religion and the statues. It was beautiful, we then made our way to the Jade Bubbha hall, the hall is where the seated Jade Buddha statue is housed. Photography is generally prohibited here to maintain the sacred atmosphere, so looks like you're going to have to see it for yourself. When we seen all we needed and wanted to see, we decided to head to the Financial District of Shanghai.

The Financial District 上海金融区

We got to the financial district originally to go to the veiwing spot up the World Financial Centre, but unfortunately was closed for renovations, we could of went Shanghai Tower, but not going to lie, it cost alot more and we weren't prepared to pay that. so instead we decided to talk around the area and explore some more. The district, also known as Lujiazui in the Pudong area, is one of the most dynamic financial centers in the world and a symbol of China's rapid economic rise. Known for its futuristic skyline, which includes some of the world’s tallest and most iconic skyscrapers, the district is home to many of China’s top financial institutions, international banks, and global corporations. This area was defiantly quiet compaired to otherside of the river. The Shanghai Financial District, with its impressive skyline, advanced infrastructure, and thriving business ecosystem, is a key destination for business, tourism, and culture. It not only underscores Shanghai’s position as a global financial powerhouse but also offers a fascinating look into the country’s rapid transformation and global ambitionsWe headed towards the river and strolled along, taking it easy today as we were both pretty tired from 10 days of travelling at this point, after some exploring, we were getting pretty hungry and decided to catch the Ferry back across the other side of the river and found a quiet spot for some delicious noodles and headed back to the hotel for a little rest.

As this was out last day in China, we headed out and found a bar for a few drinks and some small Tapas, yes we did eat something other then Chinese food, buts in Shanghai, there is everything you could want.

After a few delicious Como's and Negroni's we headed out for out lat meal in China, were we found some delicious Pork dumplings and dishes. The lady was so excited when she seen us come in and was very sweet and attentative to us, the hospitality in local chinese resturants was always in. point. We then headed back for an early night to pack and rest as the next day, my partner was heading back home to Melbourne and i was headed off to Vietnam to meet some friends.

As our journey through Shanghai comes to an end, it’s clear that this city is a captivating blend of old and new, tradition and innovation. From the peaceful gardens of Yuyuan to the vibrant skyline of the Lujiazui Financial District, Shanghai offers endless contrasts and surprises at every turn. Whether you’re wandering the charming streets of the French Concession, marvelling at the ancient beauty of the Jade Buddha Temple, or taking in the views from the ancient water towns, the city invites you to dive into its unique spirit.

Shanghai is more than just a destination; it’s a living story of cultural heritage, modern progress, and boundless energy. For travelers, the memories and experiences found here linger long after the trip is over. So, as you leave the city, take a moment to savor the sights, sounds, and flavours that make Shanghai one of the world’s most remarkable places—an unforgettable adventure that calls you to return again.

Where to stay, getting around and Budget

In this section I will give you the run down of where to stay, getting around Beijing and a break down of all the costs.

Where we stayed

Magnificent International Hotel

Book Here

We stayed at the Magnificent International Hotel, were I booked through Booking.com. Thr room cost us $35 AUD each per night. The room was a basic room but the bed was absolutly huge, we must of got the delux king room as you could easily fit 4 adults comfortably in that bed. Not bad for $35 a night. The hotel is quite close to 2 different lined, both about a 5 minute walk and is a quick train ride sway from The Bund.

Getting Around

We mainly got around through the subways which was quite easy to use. Most subway stations in China have all the lines colour coded and the stops written in english as well as Chinese. Unlike Beijing though, you dont need an ID card to use the tickets machines so you can easily purchace tickets from them and they do have an english language option. I think this is done as Shanghai has alot more foreign tourists and workers than Beijing. Tickets are cheap costing between CNY 2-4 (40-60 cents AUD) and are also pretty organised and on schedule. You can also use DiDi to get around via the AliPay app but it's pretty easy to get around just on the metro.

Attraction Costs and Getting there

Luckily most of the placed we went to were free, we only had to pay entry for a few things, but if you choose to go see other places like other water towns, some do charge entry so do your own research.

The Bund

Free and the spot for those amazing photos of the city skyline is on the west bank of Huangpu River, in Huangpu District, Shanghai.

To get there via subway take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station. Then walk along East Nanjing Road for about 10 minutes.

It depends what you want to do there with how much time you need there, its a nive place for a stroll especially after dinner when all the lights are lit up.

Nanjing Pedestrian Road

Free as it's a large open air shopping centre.

To get to the middle of Nanjing Road, take Metro Line 1, Line 2 or Line 8 and get off at People's Square. To East Nanjing Road, take Metro Line 2, Line 10, or City Sightseeing Bus Line 1 and get off at East Nanjing Rd. Station. To West Nanjing Road, take Metro Line 2, Line 12 or Line 13 and get off at West Nanjing Rd. Station.

It depends if and how much shopping and exploring you want to do there, you could spend a couple of hours to a whole day there its so big.

Shanghai Zoo

The Zoo opens quite early at 7:30am and you can buy tickets there. The Tickets cost CNY 40 ($8.50 AUD) for adults.

To get to the Zoo via subway Take metro line 10 and get off at the Shanghai Zoo Station, then take Exit 4 and it literally right there.

It depends what you want to see so you can spend a couple of hours to half a day here.

Qibao Ancient Town and Qibao Temple

Entering the town and temple is free of charge, however, visitors are required to purchase entrance tickets for the attractions located within. A combo ticket is priced at CNY 30 ($6.30 AUD), while individual tickets for each attraction range from CNY 5 to 10 ($1 - $2 AUD).

To get there via subway take Metro Line 9 and get off at Qibao Station. Leave from Exit 2 and walk south for about ten minutes to the old town. The temple is within the town and there are signs and maps at the entrances on the town on where it's located.

It's open everyday and you will need about 2-3 hours in the town, depends on what you want to do.

Yuyuan Garden

Book Here

The garden opens at 9am and you can buy tickets on site, we went in the high season so tickets cost us CNY 40 ($8.50 AUD). Children and seniors get a cheaper price. If you decie to not go in the morning and later in the day, it might be wise to buy tickets in advancd in high season. I couldn't find a way on the official site buy you can book tickets through travelchinaguide.com .

To get there via subway Take Metro Line 10 and get off at Yuyuan Station. Leave from Exit 1 and follow the signs to the Garden.

The garden is closed Mondays and you will only need an hour there.

The French Concession

another free thing to see and you can get there and you can get there through multiple lines.

You can take the metro line 10 or line 13, and get off at Xintiandi Station or you can take the metro line 13, get off at Middle Huaihai Road Station or you can take the metro line 1, line 9, or line 11, and get off at Xujiahui Station, depends what you want to see or where you're coming from.

You could honestly spend a couple of hours, half a day or a whole day here. Depending on what you want to do.

Jade Buddha Temple

When we went it was free, maybe cause there was a service happening, otherwise it will cost CNY 20 ($4 AUD) and too see the statues an additional 10 CNY ($2 AUD).

To get there via subway take Metro Line 13 and get off at Jiangning Road Station. Leave from exit 4 and then walk southward for about five minutes to the temple.

You will need about an hour there.

The Financial District.

If you would like to go up on any of the observatories, they all cost differently. You can easily fine the pricing on Chinatravelguide.com

You can take Metro Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station for any of the towers as they are pretty close to each other.

Depending what you want to do, you could spend a couple of hours to half a day here.

Happy Travels!

As my time in Shanghai came to an end, I was left in awe of the city’s vibrant blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels. From exploring the bustling streets of the Bund to immersing myself in the peace of Yu Garden, every moment was a reminder of Shanghai's unique charm. I hope this guide helps you experience the best of Shanghai—whether it's navigating the metro, finding the perfect place to stay, or discovering must-see attractions that fit your budget.

Thank you so much for joining me on this adventure! Your support means the world, and I’m thrilled to share my travel tips with you. If you’re planning to explore more of China, don’t miss my posts on Beijing and Xi’an for more destination inspiration and tips. Feel free to drop a comment with any questions or share your own experiences in Shanghai!

Safe travels, and here’s to many more adventures together!

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