Ready for an unforgettable China travel experience? This 4-day Shanghai itinerary will take you through the best of the city—from historical landmarks and local culture to futuristic towers, Disneyland fun, and scenic day trips. Shanghai is a city where dazzling futurism meets rich cultural history, and this guide perfectly captures that unique blend.
Best of all, this guide is designed to make your journey stress-free by showing you exactly how to reach every single destination using Shanghai’s world-class metro system. From specific lines to the best station exits, we’ve got you covered so you can navigate the city like a local.
- Metro Essentials: Navigating Shanghai like a Pro
- Day 1: History & Tradition (Puxi Side)
- Day 2: Modernity & Art (Pudong Side)
- Day 3: Theme Park Fun (Shanghai Disneyland)
- Day 4: Traditional Day Trip (Suzhou or Hangzhou)
- Estimated 4-Day Budget (USD)
- Essential Travel Tips
Metro Essentials: Navigating Shanghai like a Pro
Before you start your adventure, keep these three things in mind to save time and stress:
- Must-Have App: Use Alipay. Go to the “Transport” section and activate the Shanghai Metro QR code. You just scan it at the gate—no need to buy paper tickets!
- Operating Hours: Most lines run from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
- Language: Don’t worry about the barrier; all signs and announcements are in both Mandarin and English.
Day 1: History & Tradition (Puxi Side)
Dive into the soul of Old Shanghai. Most of these spots are clustered around Line 2 (Green) and Line 10 (Light Purple).
- Shanghai Museum: Start at People’s Square. This museum houses over 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art, including bronze and ceramics. (Entry: Free).
- 📍 Transport: Line 1, 2, or 8 to People’s Square Station (Exit 1).
- Yu Garden: A stunning classical garden from the Ming Dynasty with traditional pavilions and koi ponds. (Price: $4–6).
- 📍 Transport: Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station (Exit 1).
- Nanjing Road: A short walk from Yu Garden, this neon-lit shopping street is perfect for street food and people-watching.
- The Bund & River Cruise: Witness 52 colonial-style buildings facing the futuristic Pudong skyline across the water. Taking a night cruise is highly recommended. (Price: $16–19).
- 📍 Transport: Walk 10 minutes east from East Nanjing Road Station.
Day 2: Modernity & Art (Pudong Side)
Cross the river to see the famous skyscrapers and creative “Shikumen” stone-gate houses.
- Tian Zi Fang: An artistic enclave filled with boutiques, craft shops, and art studios tucked inside historic alleyways.
- 📍 Transport: Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station (Exit 1).
- Oriental Pearl Tower: This iconic landmark features a 259-meter transparent glass-bottom observatory for a thrilling view of the city. (Price: $22–28).
- 📍 Transport: Line 2 to Lujiazui Station (Exit 1).
- Lujiazui Financial District: Walk the elevated circular pedestrian bridge to move between the massive towers like the Shanghai Tower and the “Bottle Opener” building.
Day 3: Theme Park Fun (Shanghai Disneyland)
Disney is on the outskirts, so plan for a longer commute (about 45–60 mins from the center).
- The Experience: Home to the world-exclusive Tron Lightcycle Power Run and the Garden of the Twelve Friends, which represents the Chinese zodiac animals. (Price: $65–80).
- 📍 Transport: Take Line 11 (Brown) to the very last stop: Disney Resort Station.
- Tip: Follow the crowds toward the main gate. The station is designed specifically for the park, making it very easy to navigate.
Day 4: Traditional Day Trip (Suzhou or Hangzhou)
Escape the city to see China’s ancient “Water Towns” or legendary lakes.
- Suzhou: Known as the “Venice of the East” for its UNESCO-listed gardens and tranquil canals.
- Hangzhou: Famous for the scenic West Lake (Xi Hu) and beautiful tea plantations.
- 📍 Transport: Take Line 2 or 10 to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station. High-speed trains are fast and affordable ($6–18).
- Crucial: You must bring your passport. It acts as your ticket; you scan it at the station gates to enter.
Estimated 4-Day Budget (USD)
(Conversion: ¥1 ≈ $0.14 USD. Prices are 2026 estimates excluding international flights).
| Traveler Type | Attractions + Transport | Accommodation (3 Nights) | Total Estimate |
| Budget Traveler | $128.99 | $64.49 (Hostel/Budget) | ~$193.48 |
| Mid-Range Traveler | $156.08 | $257.98 (3★ Hotel) | ~$414.06 |
| Premium Traveler | $174.56 | $429.96 (4★ near Disney) | ~$604.52 |
Essential Travel Tips
- Digital Entry: You must register on the eTravel portal within 72 hours before arrival. It is 100% free.
- Payments: Cash is rarely used. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your international card before you fly.
- Connectivity: Download a VPN or buy an international eSIM to access your favorite apps, as some western services are restricted in China.
- Top Navigation Tip: Download the ExploreMetro app before you arrive. It provides a clean, interactive map in English and Chinese, works offline, and features a smart route planner that tells you exactly how long your journey will take.