How to Explore Shanghai in Just 2 Days?

Here’s the most detailed, relaxing, and stylish 2-day Shanghai itinerary! 

If you only have less than 48 hours in Shanghai but still want to hit all the must-see spots—this is the only guide you’ll need! It covers routes, ticket info, and suggested time at each attraction, ensuring you experience the best of Shanghai’s urban charm.

Day 1: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → Bund Architecture Cluster → Waibaidu Bridge → The Bund → Binjiang Avenue → Oriental Pearl Tower → Lujiazui

Itinerary Overview: Approx. 9 hours of sightseeing, 1 hour 42 minutes of walking, and 2 hours for meals.

Compact yet comprehensive, this journey packs Shanghai's essence into a single day: architectural splendor, riverside charm, and futuristic cityscapes. Perfect for first-time visitors, it showcases why these sights remain Shanghai's most photographed and beloved urban treasures.

• Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
  • ⌛ 2 hrs | 🎫 No booking needed
  • 🚶10-min walk to Bund Architecture Cluster
• Bund Architecture Cluster
  • ⌛ 1.5 hrs | 🎫 No booking needed
  • 🍽️ Dinner options available nearby
  • 🚶11-min walk to Waibaidu Bridge
• Waibaidu Bridge
  • ⌛ 30 mins | 🎫 No booking needed
  • 🚶19-min walk to The Bund
• The Bund
  • ⌛ 1.5 hrs | 🎫 No booking needed
  • 🚶46-min walk / 🚕 15-min ride to Binjiang Avenue
• Binjiang Avenue
  • ⌛ 30 mins | 🎫 No booking needed
  • 🚶9-min walk to Oriental Pearl Tower
• Oriental Pearl Tower
  • ⌛ 1 hr | 🎫 Deck ticket from ¥199 (book in advance)
  • 🚶7-min walk to Lujiazui
• Lujiazui=
  • ⌛ 1-2 hrs | 🍽️ Dining & sightseeing

Day 2: Shanghai Old City God Temple + Yu Garden + Tianzifang + Nine-Bend Bridge

Itinerary Overview: Approx. 7 hours of sightseeing, 1 hour 44 minutes of transportation, and 1 hour for meals.

This compact route packs Shanghai's best: classical beauty, creative energy, and can't-miss snacks. Stroll through Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, then explore Tianzifang's artsy alleys. Sample City God Temple's famous xiaolongbao and crispy pancakes. Cross the Nine-Bend Bridge with its floral carvings—locals say its curves bring good luck! 

• City God Temple
  • ⏰ 2 hours | 🎟️ Entry ¥10/person (advance booking required)
  • 🚶 4-min walk to Yu Garden
• Yu Garden
  • ⏰ 1.5 hours | 🎟️ Entry ¥40 (peak)/¥30 (off-peak)
  • 🍜 1 hour for snacks at nearby food street
• Jiuqu Bridge
  • ⏰ 30 minutes
  • 🚇 To Tianzifang:
    • Metro Line 9 + sightseeing bus #1
    • Bus #24/#932
    • Taxi ¥21 (18 mins)
  • 📍 7km, ~40 mins transit
• Tianzifang （Optional）
  • ⏰ 1 hour
  • 🚌 To Nine-Bend Bridge:
    • Bus #24/#17/#932
    • Taxi ¥18 (15 mins)
  • 📍 5km, ~30 mins transit

For customized itineraries or special requests — contact our Shanghai local guides to get the most updated & personalized travel tips!