A Hipster's Map of Magical Shanghai

Shanghai, the city of Haipai charm, is truly enchanting 🎡! Here's a super detailed 4-day Shanghai travel guide 📝, full of internet-savvy tips and practical advice—just follow along and you're set~

【Day 1: Classic Must-See Route】
🌞 Morning: The Bund + Lujiazui
The Bund’s international architecture cluster is perfect for stunning photos 📸. Just cross the street to the Oriental Pearl Tower, buy a ticket to the 263-meter observation deck for a panoramic view of the Huangpu River 🌆. The Lujiazui trio in Pudong (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower) are all iconic photo spots!

🌙 Afternoon: City God Temple + Yuyuan Garden
The 650-year-old City God Temple is bustling with worshippers 🙏. Next door, Yuyuan Garden is a classic Chinese garden with small bridges and flowing water ⛩️. Don’t miss the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant on the pedestrian street for truly amazing soup dumplings 🍙 (Address: 85 Yuyuan Road).

🌃 Evening: Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street
The dazzling neon-lit "China’s No.1 Commercial Street" is a must-visit. Check out Shanghai First Food Store 🍫 and try the must-have Shen Dacheng green rice balls 🍡!

【Day 2: A Day for the Artsy Youth】
📚 Morning: Sinan Road + Tianzifang
The plane trees in the Sinan Road mansion district are super romantic, and Sinan Mansions are free to visit 🏡. Tianzifang is a hub for artsy and hipster vibes—perfect for buying souvenirs 🎁.

🎨 Afternoon: M50 Creative Park + Suzhou Creek Scenic Walkway
The industrial-style art park is great for photos 🤳. Walk along Suzhou Creek to the Sihang Warehouse Memorial 🕯️, the real-life site behind the movie "The Eight Hundred."

🎶 Evening: Xintiandi Bar Street
Experience trendy nightlife in Shikumen architecture 🥂. Highly recommend cocktails at The Bar, around 150 RMB per person~

【Day 3: Fun Day at Disneyland】
🏰 All day: Shanghai Disneyland Resort
Must-try rides: TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Soaring Over the Horizon, Pirates of the Caribbean 🏴‍☠️ (Tip: buy an early access card to enter ahead)
Outfit tip: Wear cartoon-themed clothes for better photos! Don’t forget a power bank 🔋
Food recommendation: Barbossa’s BBQ pork ribs rice is a great value (Location: Treasure Cove area)

【Day 4: In-Depth Exploration】
☕ Morning: Wukang Road Citywalk
Check in at the Instagram-famous Wukang Building 📸. There are plenty of coffee shops along the way, including %Arabica ☕ (Address: 376 Wukang Road).

🖼️ Afternoon: Shanghai Museum / West Bund Art Museum
A must-visit for lovers of bronze ware, calligraphy, and paintings 🏺 (free admission with reservation). For modern art, head to West Bund Art Museum 🎨.

🚢 Evening: Huangpu River Cruise
The night view is even more stunning than the day! Recommended: "Captain No.8" cruise 🛥️, tickets about 150 RMB per person~

✨ Handy Tips:
✅ The subway is super convenient—download the Metro Metropolis app for QR code rides
✅ September to October is the best travel season in Shanghai, with pleasant temperatures
✅ Disneyland is crowded Thursday to Sunday; weekdays are better
✅ Local specialties: fresh meat mooncakes, crab roe soup dumplings, and Yan Du Xian (braised pork and bamboo shoots soup)

🌈 Accommodation Recommendations:
📍 Near The Bund: The PuLi Hotel (luxury)
📍 Jing’an Temple area: Atour Hotel (great value)
📍 Near Disneyland: Toy Story Hotel (top choice for families)

Post by KATE POWERS | Aug 14, 2025

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