Shanghai November Off-Peak Walk: Fallen Phoenix Leaves Win Over Your Stomach and Heart!

In early November, flights and hotels in Magic City are 30% cheaper than during National Day (according to Trip.com big data). Fewer people, cooler weather, yellow phoenix leaves—the whole city looks like it’s under a soft light filter. Here’s my 4-day, 3-night “leaf-stomping + eating dirt” itinerary all packed for you. Just copy it and go!

🕒 Best Time

Between November 5 and 20, with highs around 18°C, a sweater plus a trench coat is just right; the air is dry and fresh, the Bund has less fog, so no need to over-edit your photos. Avoid the 11.11 shopping weekend, when hotel prices are cut in half.

🗺️ Must-Visit 3+1

1️⃣ Julu Road - Fumin Road - Changle Road “Phoenix Leaf Golden Triangle”

A 2-hour walk is enough. Look up to see caramel-colored phoenix leaves, look down to find boutique shops hidden in old Western-style houses. At “RAC Coffee,” I caught the moment a leaf fell into a latte on the rooftop—got tons of likes.

2️⃣ West Bund Riverside (Long Museum section)

Go at 4 PM, with river breeze + sunset + industrial cranes, cyberpunk + vintage in one frame. The free riverside area is 80% emptier than the Bund viewing platform, and drones fly freely.

3️⃣ Disneyland “Christmas Mode”

Starting November 8, winter decorations, giant Christmas tree + artificial snow every night at 7 PM. Don’t rush after rides; wait 30 minutes before closing at 8 PM, and Tron Lightcycle Run only takes 15 minutes!

🎭 +1 Hidden Bonus: Shanghai Conservatory Opera House has student orchestra charity tickets for 50 RMB from November 14-17. When the live version of “Butterfly Lovers” plays, anyone who understands will tear up.

🍜 Food List

🥟 Shengjian (Pan-fried buns): Da Hu Chun (Yunnan Road main store) launched “Crab Roe Shengjian” in November, bursting with crab oil in one bite, limited to 200 portions/day. Go queue at 10 AM for 20 minutes.

🦪 Hair Oil Noodles: Mao Long Restaurant on Jinxian Road, the owner personally cracks the crab. Hair oil + dried shrimp noodles for 68 RMB—I licked the plate clean.

🍯 Osmanthus Rice Wine: Hua Jiangnan on Anfu Road, seasonal in November, osmanthus is homemade, rice wine is 0.5 degrees, leaves a sweet breeze when you walk after drinking.

☕ Coffee: “O.P.S CAFE” November special “Persimmon Wishes,” persimmon flesh + Yirgacheffe, 50 cups daily, remember to grab a spot in the mini-program in advance.

🛍️ Shopping to Recharge
- Anfu Road “Duo Zhua Yu Circular Store” secondhand Burberry scarf for 399 RMB, grade A condition, with anti-counterfeit tag.
- Huaihai TX Youth Center, 3rd floor “Soup” vintage shop, November buyers brought back 90s Chanel earrings from Thailand, average price 800+, I grabbed the last pair.
- Tax refund tip: Pudong Airport T2 added “buy and refund on the spot” pilot, single purchase over 500 RMB can get 9% tax refunded immediately, Alipay instant arrival.

🚇 Transportation Tips

Subway day pass 18 RMB, unlimited rides for 24 hours; get the “Shanghai Public Transport Card” in Alipay for NFC tap, even buy soy milk at subway convenience stores. Avoid taxis during evening rush hour 5:30-7 PM, traffic jams will make you question life. Take subway + shared bike instead—riding a small bike under the phoenix trees is cooler than a Rolls-Royce.

💰 Cost Reference (per person)

Accommodation: Designer guesthouse on West Nanjing Road, 3 nights 1100 RMB

Food + Drinks: 700 RMB (including one crab feast)

Tickets: Disneyland 399 RMB (Trip.com off-peak ticket)

Transport + Miscellaneous: 200 RMB

Total ≈ 2400 RMB, saving enough for a lipstick compared to National Day!

📌 Tips
1. Phoenix leaves fall fast; to catch the “golden carpet,” arrive before 8 AM before cleaning starts.
2. Bring heat packs to Disneyland if you’re cold; queues start at 60 minutes, stick one on to survive.
3. Don’t bite Shengjian in one go; I burned my tongue and grimaced even while taking photos.

November in Shanghai is neither noisy nor deserted, like the city is running at half speed. Save this post, take 2 days off plus a weekend, and go catch a phoenix leaf falling into your pocket—don’t forget to send me photos me as your homework!