This 7D6N Shanghai itinerary will bring you around new and lesser-known places, perfect for returning visitors!

Drone Shot of The Bund - Things to do in Shanghai

Mention Shanghai and a few images likely come to mind: The Bund with its iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, Disneyland, and the plethora of mega malls and shopping districts.

All these are synonymous with the city — dazzling, modern, and fashionable — making it a top pick for first-time travellers to China. But if you’re revisiting the city, this 7D6N Shanghai itinerary will introduce newer and lesser-known places you may have previously missed out on!

Taukee posing with Mickey Mouse - Shanghai Disneyland

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Read also: 25 Exciting Things to Do in Shanghai — First Timer’s Guide From Must-Dos to Hidden Gems

Day 1: Settling in the Bustling City Centre

Tianzifang 田子坊

A girl smiling beside a Chinese sign that says "Im waiting for you in Tianzifang" - Shanghai tourist spots

Day 1 is about familiarising ourselves with the city again, so we’re heading to Tianzifang. Once part of the French Concession, it was renovated to become the artsy area it is today.

There are a lot of hidden alleys to explore with many restaurants, bars, and stores selling snacks, qipao, and souvenirs.

A counter in a tea shop showing an assortment of teas with tea sets - Tianzifang

One of my favourite stores here was Blan Bunny, a tea shop which reminded me of Alice in Wonderland!

I had a great time sampling all of their teas, which ranged from floral to fruity notes. Even simply looking at their tea sets was fun. They were absolutely gorgeous, with most of them bearing intricate and cute designs of rabbits and flowers.

Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM (varies for different shops)
Address: 210 Taikang Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: From Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel, walk 5min to Madang Road Metro Station (马当路地铁站). Take Metro Line 9 to Dapuqiao Metro Station (打浦桥地铁站) (Amap)

*Note: Amap (高德地图) is best viewed on the mobile app (iOS | Android) as it’s more accurate.

Xintiandi 新天地

A square in Xintiandi with a fountain and traditional-looking buildings with shops - Shanghai tourist spots

After Tianzifang, we took the metro to Xintiandi, a famous shopping district in Shanghai. There are SEVEN shopping malls here with plenty of shops like Jellycat, LE LABO, Lululemon, and restaurants like the New York Bagelous Museum!

As expected of China, a few stores really went all out with their decor — like this Gentle Monster shop!

Three human face installations in Gentle Monster store at Xintiiandi - Xintiandi shopping

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Address: No. 6-15, Lane 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: From Dapuqiao Station, take Metro Line 9 to Madang Road Metro Station (马当路地铁站). Then transfer to Line 10 to Site of First CPC National Congress·Xintiandi Metro Station (一大会址·新天地地铁站) (Amap)

Lailai Xiaolongbao 莱莱小龙包

After a day of shopping, we went to Lailai Xiaolongbao for my favourite Shanghainese food: soup dumplings!

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This Michelin Bib restaurant can be recognised by the long queues outside. Not gonna lie, I was worried the food would be overrated, but one bite into the crab roe xiaolongbao (46RMB/basket) and I was a believer.

The broth inside each dumpling was a golden yellow colour, and the flavour was super umami. It gets surfeiting after a while, but nothing can’t be fixed with a bit of vinegar!

Opening hours: 8AM – 2PM, 3PM – 8PM
Address: 506 Tianjin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: From Site of First CPC National Congress·Xintiandi Metro Station (一大会址·新天地地铁站), take Metro Line 1 to People’s Square Metro Station (人民广场地铁站) and walk 9mins (Amap)

The Bund 外滩

The Bund at night - Shanghai tourist spots

To end the night, we decided to go to The Bund to admire the night view. The 1.5km boardwalk runs along the Huangpu River, with passing cruise boats riding the black waves.

Across it is the famous city skyline seen in many pictures: a myriad of skyscrapers with their bright lights and advertisements. The Oriental Pearl Tower stands similarly to the Eiffel Tower — no wonder Shanghai’s known as the Paris of the East!

*Pro-tip: The lights along The Bund and the nearby Nanjing Road turn off promptly at 10PM (unless it’s a public holiday), so go there between sunset and 10PM or you’ll miss the night view!

Address: No.49, Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: 15min walk from Lailai Xiaolongbao (Amap)

Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel 锦江都城经典上海新天地田子坊酒店

Room with two single beds - Shanghai Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel

We stayed in the Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel for this entire trip. It’s tucked in a neighbourhood near Tianzifang and Xintiandi, with a lot of local eateries nearby like the famous shengjianbao (pan fried dumplings) chain, Yang’s Dumpling.

It’s also very accessible to public transport — Madang Lu Metro Station (马当路地铁站) is just a 5-minute walk away!

Our room had comfy beds, and the toilet was also very clean with a spacious shower area!

Citi card in Shanghai - China itinerary

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Cost: From ~S$90/night for a Superior Twin Room (up to 2 pax)
Address: No. 120 Mengzi Road, Xintiandi and Huaihai Rd, Shanghai, China, 200023
How to get there: 1hr DiDi ride from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Amap)

Day 2: Trying New Experiences in Shanghai

Yaoxue Ice and Snow World 耀雪冰雪世界

LY, Celeste and Jensen with their ski gear in Yaoxue - Shanghai attractions

Ever since I learnt how to ski last year, I’ve always wanted to do it again. So imagine my excitement when we went to Yaoxue Ice and Snow World, the world’s LARGEST indoor ski park that’s open all year round!

Aerial view of the ski slopes at Yaoxue - Yaoxue Ice & Snow World

There are four slopes to ski on with varying difficulty levels. Newbies can go to the Green slope while experts can go to the Blue, Red, or Black slopes. They all start at the same point, and you can go up by either taking a cable car or a ski lift.

*Note: The 4-hour ski pass starts its countdown the moment you tap in, so be conscious of time!

Yaoxue Ice Bar - Yaoxue ICe & Snow World

Once we had our share of skiing, we visited the Ice Bar on the third floor to get some drinks! True to its name, all the furniture there is sculpted from ice 🤯

Their menu has a range of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks, with snacks and a selection of rice noodles. Celeste got a Mandarin Duck Milk Wine (boozy milk tea, basically) for 68RMB.

Entrance fee: ~S$76/pax for a 4-hour ski package, ~S$94/pax for a full-day ski package via Klook
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM (Mon – Fri, last admission at 4PM), 10AM – 9PM (last admission at 5PM on weekends & PH), 9AM – 9PM (last admission at 5PM on extreme peak days)
Address: No. 1-5, Lane 2088, Hucheng Ring Road, Nanhui New Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai
How to get there: 1hr 30min DiDi ride from Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel (Amap)

Dinner at Xuyan Immersive Imperial Feast 叙宴

Taukee, Jensen, and Celeste taking a photo together on the Xuyan stage in their hanfu costumes - Shanghai tourist spots

It’s not every day you get to dress up like royalty and be treated to a lavish dinner with performances, so we went to Xuyan to try out their immersive imperial feast — perfect after a day of skiing.

The package we got included dinner and the hanfu (traditional Han Chinese clothing) experience. The staff helped pick our costumes based on the look we were going for. They also did our hair and makeup!

*Pro-tip: We recommend reaching the venue at least 30 minutes before dinner starts so you can have enough time to change and do your makeup!

Xuyan staff helping Celeste to put on her makeup for dinner - Xuyan dinner

The entire performance was split into nine segments lasting around 2 minutes each, with a dish served for every one.

The show was lively with interactive elements, and I appreciated the energy the dancers brought to stage! As for food, the prawn and beef courses stood out.

Xuyan staff walking down the stage holding trays of food for diners - Xuyan itinerary

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Entrance fee: From ~S$129/pax via Klook
Opening hours : 10AM – 2PM, 5PM – 9PM
Address: No. 40, Wenshui Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai
How to get there: 1hr 30min DiDi ride from Yaoxue Ice and Snow World (Amap)

Day 3: Taking City Walks Along Shanghai’s Streets

People’s Park 人民公园

Stone slab reading 'People's Park' in Chinese at the entrance - Things to do in Shanghai

Funnily enough, we went to People’s Park — not for the scenic views — but for the Marriage Market.

Yes, it’s what it sounds like! Every weekend, parents of unmarried adults gather in the park from 10AM to 4PM to trade information on their children in hopes of finding them a relationship.

It was quite amusing to walk around and read the flyers on the floor from anonymous singles describing their ideal partner.

Elderly people at the Marriage Market Corner - People's Park

When we moved on from the market, we stumbled upon a precious find: a whole section full of cherry blossoms, which were currently in season! The area was pretty big and there were spots further in that didn’t have anybody.

*Pro-tip: If you’re hoping to catch cherry blossoms in Shanghai, the best time is usually in March and April!

Girl looking up at cheery blossoms in People's Park - China itinerary

Opening hours: 5AM – 9PM
Address: No. 231, Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: From Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel, walk to Madang Road Metro Station (马当路地铁站). Take Line 9 to Lujiabing Road Station (陆家滨路地铁站) and transfer to Line 8 to People’s Square Station (人民广场地铁站) (Amap)

Anfu Road—Wukang Road City Walk 安福路—武康路

Wide shot of Wukang Mansion - Things to do in Shanghai

City walks are a big thing in China amongst locals, so we embarked on one along Anfu Road towards Wukang Road — two of Shanghai’s coolest roads with plenty of boutiques, cafes, and shops.

We HIGHLY RECOMMEND going here on a weekday. We went on Saturday and the crowd was overwhelming (as seen above)! 😵

Cece standing on the street along Wukang Road - Things to do in Shanghai

Like Tianzifang, these roads were once part of the French Concession in Shanghai. As you walk down the street, you’ll see European-style houses refurbished into shops and restaurants.

One shop that caught our eye was Deja Vu (多抓鱼循环店) along Anfu Road. This three-storey building sells second-hand items, mainly books and clothes. There’s a corner just for English prints, which I loved looking through. A book there costs as low as 31RMB, that’s ~S$6!!

Books in Deja Vu - Anfu Road

Address: Anfu Road/Wukang Road, Xujiahui District, Shanghai
How to get there: 18min DiDi ride from People’s Park (Amap)

Xujiahui Area 徐家汇

Girl posing before St Ignatius Cathedral in Shanghai - Hidden gem in Shanghai

Afterwards, we took a DiDi from Wukang Road to the Xujiahui area, where we visited St. Ignatius Cathedral (徐家汇天主教堂).

It’s always interesting to see Western religious buildings in a Chinese city, and the cathedral was a beautiful sight to behold. It usually allows visitors to enter between 9AM and 3:30PM, but on the day we visited, it closed earlier for an event.

Main study area in Zikawei Library with tall arches - Zikawei Library

Just beside the cathedral is the Zikawei Library (上海图书馆徐家汇藏书楼). While the exterior didn’t look like much, the interior was sleek and grand with soaring arches over the central atrium. There’s a very inviting feel that draws people to come in, read, and chill with friends.

The basement of the library was a surprise! Called Foo’Mart (东西公园), you can find anything there: stickers, keychains, notebooks, bags, shirts, soft toys, cups, books, magnets, and even perfume!

Jensen posing with a stuffed toy mushroom on top of his head at Foo Market - Zikawei Library

There are also arts and craft workshops, such as acrylic painting, 3D acrylic painting with flower arrangement, tufting and glass painting.

Girl painting on canvas at Foomart in Zikawei Library in Shanghai - Hidden gems in Shanghai

St. Ignatius Cathedral
Opening hours: 
9AM – 11AM, 1PM – 4PM, closed on Mon and Sun
Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
How to get there: 15min DiDi ride from Wukang Road (Amap)

Zikawei Library
Opening hours: 
9AM – 9PM, closed on Mon
Address: No. 158, Caoxi North Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
How to get there: 15min DiDi ride from Wukang Road (Amap)

Dinner at Beibuyuan Hotpot 北步园火锅

Beibuyuan Hotpot spread - Things to eat in Shanghai

For dinner, we decided to try out Beibuyuan Hotpot based on its raving online reviews on Dianping (大众点评, a food app in China). We waited an hour for a table, but when the food came, it was clear the wait was worth it!

We ordered a set meal, which came with three soup bases and 10 side dishes like beef and chicken. The soups were very flavourful and hearty, and the slices of meat were super tender.

*Pro-tip: Dianping is China’s equivalent of Chope — find restaurants in your area and get discounts. Our hotpot set meal was originally 300MB, but we got it for only 192RMB!

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Opening hours: 11AM – 1AM
Address: No. 237 Guangxi North Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: 39min DiDi ride from Zikawei Library (Amap)

Read also: Shanghai Food Guide — 15 Mouth-Watering Dishes You Won’t Regret

Day 4: Immersing in Shanghai’s Artsy Side

North Bund Greenland 北外滩滨江绿地

View of the Bund with a giant egg installation at the side at North Bund Greenland - What to do in Shanghai

North Bund Greenland is an artsy alternative to the Bund with plenty of greenery, offering scenic views of Shanghai’s skyline from another angle.

One iconic photo spot is where the gigantic egg is (as seen above). In fact, it’s so popular that you’ll have to queue for a picture, so be sure to get there before 10AM!

A person tackling the high elements obstacle course at Magic Jungle at North Bund Greenland - North Bund Greenland

Besides calming paths and walkways, there’s also a high elements rope course called Magic Jungle (from ~S$27/pax via Klook) if you’re in the mood for some fun and action.

*Pro-tip: Enjoy S$10 off (min. spend S$150) when you book on Klook with a Citi Mastercard! Valid until 30 September 2025.

Address: 558-687 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
How to get there: From Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel, walk to Madang Road Metro Station (马当路地铁站). Take Line 13 to Hanzhong Road Station (汉中路地铁站). Then, transfer to Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station (国际客运中心地铁站) (Amap)

Yang’s Dumplings 小杨生煎

LY and Jensen smiling with their food at Yang's Dumplings - Things to eat in Shanghai

Shengjianbao AKA pan-fried dumplings is another Shanghainese staple. Luckily for us, the famous Yang’s Dumplings was in a shopping mall (Sinar Mas Plaza 上海白玉兰广场购物中心) right beside North Bund!

We ordered the original meat shengjianbao (12RMB/4 pieces) and loved everything about it. The filling was tender and juicy, and there was plenty of soup inside each dumpling. The skin was also crispy and crunchy at the bottom.

Opening hours: 10AM – 9PM
Address: Basement 2, Shanghai Magnolia Plaza, No. 588, East Changzi Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
How to get there: 5min walk from North Bund Greenland (Amap)

1933 Old Millfun 老场坊

Next, we headed up north to 1933 Old Millfun, trading the colourful view of North Bund for a grey brutalist industrial art deco warehouse.

It’s a perfect backdrop for cool photoshoots with its plain, yet mesmerising design of intertwining staircases, ramps, bridges and corridors.

1933 Old Millfun Stairs - Shanghai Guide

The place seemed barren, though there were a number of shops and cafes scattered across the five-storey complex.

A small part of me wished there were more shops to explore, but I also knew the reason for Old Millfun’s charm is the sense of emptiness it evoked.

Address: No. 10 Shanjing Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
How to get there: Walk 11mins to Tang Shan Lu & Xin Jian Lu (唐山路新建路 公交站) and take Bus 854. Alight after one stop and walk 4mins (Amap)

1000 Trees 天安千树

100 Trees - Things to see in Shanghai

Straight out of a Minecraft server, 1000 Trees is a shopping mall that looks like a 8-bit pyramid with trees planted onto its surface. The building didn’t strike me as impressive until I got up close and appreciated the architectural marvel.

We didn’t get to explore the mall inside thoroughly, but we heard that there’s a number of art installations here and there, a cinema, and plenty of shops and restaurants.

For us, we were happy to just walk along the Suzhou Creek and admire the mall from afar.

Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM
Address: No. 600 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai
How to get there: 30min DiDi ride from 1933 Old Millfun (Amap)

Yuyuan Market 豫园

Buildings at Yuyuan Market at night - Shanghai attractions

Our last stop for the day was Yuyuan Market, a lively shopping area with traditional Chinese buildings, shops, and food streets. The light installations were gorgeous and everything felt very festive!

We chanced upon a Chinese dance street performance while we were there and enjoyed walking around. If you’re in the area earlier during the day, consider visiting the nearby Yu Garden and Old City God Temple too.

Opening hours: 9:30AM – 10PM
Address: No. 265, Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: 30min DiDi ride from 1000 Trees (Amap)

Day 5: Venturing Beyond the City

Zhujiajiao Water Town 朱家角古镇

An old man rowing a boat down the canal in Zhujiajiao Water Town - Shanghai attractions

After days of exploring the city, we took a day trip out to somewhere more idyllic and traditional — a water town! There are ten of them in Shanghai, but the one we went to was Zhujiajiao Water Town, because it’s the closest one (less than 2 hours away) from the city.

At 9:30AM, it was still quiet and empty. A wide canal flowed through the middle of two streets like a green artery and the willow trees bent over with grace, their leaves swaying just slightly in the wind.

Entrance fee: Free, but attractions inside require an entry fee
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM
Address: No. 555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: 1hr 30min DiDi ride from Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel (Amap)

Hanfu Photoshoot

Two girls posing for their photographer in their hanfu at Zhujiajiao Water Town - Zhujiajiao Hanfu photoshoot

First up on our list of activities was a hanfu photoshoot (298RMB/pax). There’s a plethora of hanfu shops along the streets, so we walked into one called Jiangnan Lupai (江南旅拍), which had an impressive variety of costumes.

After getting our hair and makeup done, a photographer from the shop took pics of us around town. Afterwards, he touched up five photos that we chose and sent them over via WeChat.

A girl sitting by the canal in her white hanfu at Zhujiajiao - Zhujiajiao

We got to walk around for a while in our costumes, and despite the large crowds that came in mid-morning, it still felt immersive and calming.

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Cost: 128RMB/pax (~S$23) for a 2hr rental, from 298RMB/pax (~S$54) for a hanfu package with photoshoot
Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM
Address: No. 85, Xijing Street, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: 15min walk from Zhujiajiao Entrance 1 (Amap)

First Jiangnan Teahouse

Lunch at Jiangnan Tea House in Zhujiajiao - Things to eat in Shanghai

For lunch, we went to First Jiangnan Teahouse, which was along the North Street of the water town.

My favourites were the wanton soup and fried rice, which had delicious crispy bits that added texture and flavour. If you’re a tea enthusiast, order a tea set with tea and pastries for 138RMB.

Opening hours: 8AM – 7:30PM
Address: No. 208-212, North Street, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: 10min walk from Jiangnan Lupai hanfu shop (Amap)

Fangsheng Bridge

Fangsheng Bridge - Zhujiajiao

Lastly, we went to see the iconic Fangsheng Bridge overlooking the magnificent Dianpu River. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, there was a tradition of releasing fishes (fangsheng 放生 translates to ‘release life’) at the bridge!

Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM
Address: No. 127-129, Xijing Street, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
How to get there: 5min walk from First Jiangnan Teahouse (Amap)

Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park 广富林文化遗址

Girl standing before a Chinese pavillion at Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park - Hidden gems in Shanghai

On the way back to the city, we visited a lesser-known cultural site called Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park.

Known as the “Root of Shanghai”, it’s an archaeological site that houses ancient relics as old as 5,000 years!

Triangular roofs of musems at Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park - Hidden gems in Shanghai

These triangular structures are actually ROOFs! The actual museums are underwater. How cool is that!!

Besides the museums and exhibition halls, the park has beautiful architecture.

It was really stunning to see the towering monuments, walls, temples, and pagodas. Everything just felt so grand and seeped in history — this was one of the cultural places in Shanghai that felt really untouched by the city, albeit having a commercial area with restaurants.

Monument at Guangfulin - Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park

There are also plenty of nature spots as well, such as this gorgeous yellow flower field we stumbled upon!!

Girl standing in the flower field at Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park - Hidden gems in Shanghai

I really wish we had more time to explore Guangfulin, because this park is enormous (it’s bigger than Disneyland) and absolutely breathtaking. I can only imagine the rich history of Shanghai’s origins and ancient way of life sleeping in the museums and the relics!

Entrance fee: Free, but exhibitions and museums inside require entry fee
Opening hours: 9AM – 5PM, last entry 4:30PM
Address: 3260 Guangfulin Lu, Songjiang District, Shanghai
How to get there: 40min DiDi ride from Zhujiajiao Water Town (Amap)

SPACELAB (Super Brand Mall) 失重餐厅 (正大广场店)

Rail delivery system in SPACELAB Shanghai - Things to eat in Shanghai

China really goes the extra mile with themes, and that’s clear when we stepped into SPACELAB, a quirky techno Western restaurant that delivered our food via tiny spaceships.

SPACELAB Western food - Things to eat in Shanghai

We ordered this entire spread on Dianping for just ~S$21/pax (334RMB)! My favourite item was the ribs — they were super tender and the glaze was really flavourful!

Opening hours: 11:30AM – 2:30PM, 4:30PM – 10PM (Mon – Thu); 11AM – 3PM, 4:30PM – 9PM (Fri); 11AM – 10PM (Sat – Sun)
Address: 5th Floor, Super Brand Mall, No. 168 Lujiazui West Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
How to get there: 1hr 30min DiDi ride from Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park (Amap)

Lujiazui 陆家嘴

Lujiazui at night - Shanghai toursist spots

To end our night, we got up close to the buildings that make up Shanghai’s iconic skyline. That’s how we ended up at Lujiazui, the city’s financial district, where prominent skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower stand.

While many go here to shop in the mega mall, our main goal was to hunt for photo spots that allowed us to capture the three main buildings of Lujiazui (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre, and Jin Mao Tower).

Our favourite place was outside Grand Hyatt Hotel. Check this shot out!

Celeste posing with the three buildings of Lujiazui - China itinerary

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Address: Lujiazui, Pudong New District, Shanghai
How to get there: 15min walk from Super Brand Mall (Amap)

Day 6: Visiting the Happiest Place on Earth

Shanghai Disneyland 上海迪士尼度假区

Disneyland castle - Shanghai Disneyland

As a first-timer to Shanghai Disneyland, I was over the moon. Although the park isn’t a lesser-known place, I truly believe it is worth going once to satisfy your inner child!

Eugene and Rapunzel at the parade - Disneyland parade

One memorable activity was attending Mickey’s Storybook Express parade! It was so lively and colourful that I found myself cheering for the characters — though when it came to fangirling, I couldn’t beat the girls behind me who shouted “WINNIE!!!” when the honey bear appeared.

TRON Lightcycle Power Run (Boarding Area) - Shanghai Disneyland Guide

I also really enjoyed the rides we went to: Tron, Pirates of the Caribbean Battle for the Sunken Treasure, and Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue. Oddly enough I liked the Buzz Lightyear one the most — probably because I got the highest score against my friends. But Tron’s aesthetics were 💯.

Zootopia

Taukee and Celeste posing in front of Zootopia - Shanghai Disneyland

In case you missed it, Zootopia is a new themed area which opened in December 2023. TTI didn’t go on our past trip in 2019, so we were very excited to experience it for the first time. Here’s what you can expect!

1)Jaw-dropping Zootopia Skyline

Zootopia skyline - Shanghai Disneyland

Zootopia is one of the prettiest areas in Shanghai Disneyland, with vibrant buildings and decor that look like they were taken out from the movie. There’s plenty of photo spots as well!

Unfortunately, it’s precisely because Zootopia is so pretty that it’s usually crowded to the brim. On days with particularly large crowds, you’ll even need to queue to get inside the area! So plan your time wisely.

2) Meet and Greet with Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps

Meet and greet Nick and Judy - Shanghai attractions

Photo credit: @shanghaidisneyresort via Instagram

While at Zootopia, you might be able to meet Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps! The queue times for their meet-and-greet are longer as the characters are very popular amongst locals. To check for waiting times, use the Shanghai Disneyland Resort app.

3) Zootopia: Hot Pursuit

Zootopia Police Station - Shanghai Disneyland

The only ride at Zootopia is Hot Pursuit, which brings you on a wild police chase in a moving vehicle. The visual effects of the 4D ride were great and I enjoyed moments when our police car swerved.

I also actually loved the queuing experience (hear me out), because of how pretty the interior design was. It was really cool to see the Zootopia police station and jail re-imagined in real life!

*Pro-tip: Purchase your Disneyland tickets with your Citi Mastercard on Klook to get S$10 off (min. spend S$150), or Traveloka to get S$50 off (min. spend S$500) with the promo code <CITIXPLORE>!

Entrance fee: From ~S$76/pax via Klook
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 9:30PM
Address: No. 705, Lane 255, Disney Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai
How to get there: 1hr DiDi ride from Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel (Amap)

Read also: Ultimate Shanghai Disneyland Guide — 11 Tips & Tricks To Beat the Crowd

Day 7 — Enjoying the Spa Before Going Home

Yang SPACE Hot Spring Life 漾·SPACE汤泉生活

Entrance to Yang SPACE Spa - What to do in Shanghai

Just before we went home, we stopped by Yang SPACE Hot Spring Life to pamper ourselves one last time!

The first floor had an onsen, fruit bar and dining area. If you want something heartier, there are also noodles and rice available for order via QR code.

The second floor was impressive: there are massage services, an ice cream bar, a beverage bar, open-area sleeping quarters, a video game area, an arcade with box KTV and claw machines, and a nightclub with pool tables.

Here, you’ll also find Chinese medicine-themed and rock salt-themed saunas. That’s a lot of things!

LY sitting in the sauna room at Yang Space Spa - What to do in Shanghai

I had a great 10-minute nap at the sauna before rushing down for a quick soak at the onsen. We were tight on time but I certainly wasn’t leaving without enjoying myself!

*Note: Pay over the counter before you leave, for additional fees incurred like massages and food.

Entrance Fee: From 399RMB/pax (~S$72)
Address: No. 57 Pudian Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
How to get there: 25min DiDi ride from Jinjiang Metropolo Shanghai Xintiandi Hotel (Amap)

Planning your Shanghai Itinerary

Nanjing Road - Shanghai tourist spots

Overall, Shanghai was delightful to be in. Seven days flew by, and while I got to see many of its iconic landmarks, what truly left an impression were the lesser-known sides of the city like the Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park! I loved the serenity and historical significance the place held 🥰.

If you’re visiting soon, here are some tips for planning your Shanghai itinerary:

1) Getting around Shanghai

Shanghai’s public transport is dense and well-connected. If you’re staying in the city, going around by metro or bus is convenient and affordable! One trip on the metro can cost 3RMB, while a bus ride can be as low as 1RMB!

To take the metro, you can either:
1) Buy tickets at the machines
2) Get a transport card on Alipay. First, you’ll need to link a bank card (like your Citi Mastercard!) to your Alipay app. Then, open your Alipay app > Click on Transport > Select the transport card you want!

If you’re a Citi PremierMiles Mastercard member, the transport card is automatically tied to your Citi Card so there’s no need to make any additional top-ups. Plus you’ll get to earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent!

If you’re going somewhere farther out or are pressed for time, DiDi is the way to go. You can download the app or access it through the WeChat or Alipay mini-application.

Drivers usually contact their passengers by calling, but that won’t work if you don’t have a local number. We texted our driver the message below on the app to solve that issue (feel free to copy!)

师傅您好,我的电话打不通,到了可以在这儿回复我。谢谢!
(Translation: Hello, I am uncontactable by calling. Please text me here once you’ve arrived. Thank you!)

2) Download essential apps before flying!

Apps to download - Shanghai itinerary

China has their own set of apps for daily life, and American-based apps like Google and Google Maps don’t work there. So before you go, make sure you have these Chinese apps downloaded on your phone for a smoother journey:

PurposeApp
NavigationAmap (高德地图)
Ride-hailingDiDi (滴滴)
PaymentsWechat (微信)*
Alipay (支付宝)*

*Link your Citi Card to these apps to earn miles on your transactions!
Lifestyle (incl. attraction tickets, local vouchers, restaurant discounts, food delivery)Dianping (大众点评)
Meituan (美团)*

*For Meituan, a Chinese number is needed for registration. This app is therefore more applicable for long-term visitors who plan on getting a Chinese SIM.
LanguageGoogle Translate (only works with VPN)
Pleco

3) Save more on your next trip to Shanghai

Citi card in Shanghai - China itinerary

Nothing beats being able to save money when on trips. If you’re a Citi Mastercard Cardmember, you’ll get to enjoy a range of travel deals including:

MerchantOfferValid until
Trip.com– 50% off economy-class return flights every Friday (capped at S$150 per transaction)
*Exclusive to Citi Mastercard only
26 Dec 2025
Trip.com– enjoy S$50/S$100 off all hotel bookings (min. spend S$500/S$1000)
– enjoy S$50/S$100 off on all flight bookings (min. spend S$500/S$1000)

New users only:
– enjoy S$60 off on all hotel and flight bookings (min. spend S$500)
30 Sep 2025
Klook– S$10 off with min. S$150 spend30 Sep 2025
Traveloka– S$50 off with min. S$500 spend on International Bookings Flight, Hotel & Xperience
– Promo code: <CITIXPLORE>
30 Sep 2025
Expedia– 8% off worldwide accommodation
– Promo code: <CITI8>
31 Dec 2025
Agoda– 7% off worldwide accommodation31 Dec 2027

Bonus: Link your Citi PremierMiles Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat for payments and earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent!

For those without a Citi Card, apply now and get up to 30,000 Bonus Citi Miles (valid for new Citi Cardmembers only, T&Cs apply). The best part is that Citi Miles never expire so you can rack them up for your next vacay too!

Which places do you want to visit in this Shanghai itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!


This post was brought to you by Citi Singapore.

Lim Liang Ying
Escapist, aspiring actress, and collector of junk, Liang Ying has way too many hats she wants to wear. If she could be a kind of bread, she'd be a European loaf (good crust, fluffy insides)

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