What to visit in Shanghai in two days?
The first day of your 2 days Shanghai tour package is advisable to amble in the Yu Garden, admiring classic Chinese architecture with pavilions, fish ponds, corridors and bridges, and experience the city’s chaos and vitality in the surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar. Appreciate China’s art and history at the Shanghai Museum. Take a cultural breather at the artistic and atmospheric spaces like Tianzifang, Xintiandi, or Former French Concession, where maze-like alleys are lined with polished dining, crafts shops and boutiques converted from old stone-gate houses. The second day is for a deep exploration of Zhujiajiao Water Town, with variously shaped stone bridges spanning the narrow water canals. See small hand-rowing boats glide across the water surface and locals chatting in the riverside teahouses. Afterward, head to the Bund for the contrasting cityscape: dozens of early-20th-century European-style buildings stand facing a group of hyper-realistic modernist skyscrapers. Board a Huangpu River cruise or enjoy the 360-degree view from one of the high observation decks. At night, see the whole Bund area illuminated by kaleidoscopic lights.
If you’ve finished all the city highlights, consider extending your 2 days Shanghai tour to Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Huangshan to delve deeper into traditional water towns, classic southern China’s gardens, and take in the distinct pine trees, strange rockeries, and mesmerizing seas of clouds on the Yellow Mountain. For a hassle-free experience, simply reach out to our English-speaking consultants to design a tailor-made plan for your 2 days in Shanghai.
Night View of the Bund, Shanghai
Shanghai Old Stone Gate Houses
Is 2 nights enough for Shanghai?
Yes, of course. Two days and two nights are generally enough to cover most highlights of the city, plus a classic water town close by. If you have three days and two nights, the pace becomes even more relaxed. Consider adding a stress-free Shanghai Disneyland day tour, or traveling to nearby destinations like Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, or Wuxi. Suzhou and Hangzhou both feature picture-perfect lakes and classical gardens, while Nanjing offers many historical gems like the UNESCO-listed Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, and the Confucius Temple.
How to spend a night in Shanghai?
Experience the atmospheric Shanghai at night in the unmissable Bund area, whether by taking a Huangpu River night cruise or just strolling along the riverfront. For a less crowded alternative, the Riverside Avenue, located opposite the Bund across the Huangpu River, offers equally stunning views. When the lights turn on in the breezy evening, you’ll be spellbound by the dazzling skyline. For a premium experience, several “sky restaurants” offer panoramic views, such as the 267-meter (876-foot) high revolving restaurant in the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, while some rooftop bars and cafes along East Nanjing Road offer close-up night views with drinks and light bites.
If you’ve seen the Bund at night, consider going to the trendy Xintiandi, the city’s lively cultural hub, and home to international cuisines, art exhibitions, themed bars, and music festivals, where many youths converge for inspiration. Dozens of restaurants open until 2 am. Foodies may crave local night markets, and if you visit on a weekend, the Fengjing Weekend Night Market at the Bund Finance Center is well worth your exploration.
Does Shanghai light up every night?
Yes, the main buildings on the Bund are lit up every night. The lights stay on from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm from October to April, and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm between May and September. On holidays, anniversaries, or special events, there may also be a 5-minute elaborate light show performed every half hour. Vibrant lights dance and change with the music, draping the city in a cool and magical glow.
How safe is Shanghai at night?
Shanghai is widely considered a safe city even at night, thanks to its low violent crime rate! Solo travelers including women can hang out alone late at night without dangerous incidents, but it doesn’t mean you have to risk doing that. Local people are kind and helpful if you encounter any problems, and drivers are respectful of pedestrians. However, it is still suggested that you stay aware of pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas and try to avoid walking around the dimly lit, narrow alleys.
Where to stay in Shanghai for one night?
For first-timers, it is generally advisable to stay in the Bund area, near East Nanjing Road, or around People’s Square, where three metro lines intersect. These two are the most popular neighborhoods to stay in, as they are very convenient to reach top attractions such as the Bund, Nanjing Road pedestrian street, Yu Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar, and the Shanghai Museum. Opposite the Bund, the Lujiazui area offers spectacular views of the Huangpu River and the iconic skyline. Staying in Xintiandi is ideal for those seeking vibrant nightlife, while you can enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere around Jing’an Temple area and the leafy Former French Concession district.
What is the must-try food in Shanghai?
Shanghai cuisine is characterized by refreshing and light sweet soy sauce-based flavors, which are mainly braised, simmered and sugared. Some iconic must-try dishes include:
Soup dumplings: they feature super-thin wrappers with hot juicy pork fillings.
Pan-fried steamed buns: a golden crispy bottom with pork fillings makes your mouth water at the first bite.
Braised pork belly: braised with rich soy sauce, the sweet dish boasting a melt-in-your-mouth texture is indispensable on every Shanghainese dining table.
Scallion oil noodles: tender noodles are tossed with fragrant fried scallion oil, rich soy sauce, and sugar.
Apart from local flavors, Shanghai is also home to over 50 Michelin-starred restaurants offering a diverse culinary scene, including Huaiyang, Sichuan, Cantonese, Italian, and French cuisines.
Recommended Shanghai Local Food
