Shanghai in one day: a walking route with times and prices
Eight stops, mostly on foot. Yu Garden when it opens, xiaolongbao in the old bazaar, People's Square and Nanjing Road in the afternoon, the Bund for sunset as Lujiazui lights up across the river, and a night cruise on the Huangpu to finish. It is Day 1 of the full 3-day Shanghai guide, and it works on its own if you only have one day.
Open the 3D route map →Yu Garden
A Ming-dynasty private garden of rockeries, ponds, carp and dragon-topped walls, much calmer in the first hour after opening.
Price: ¥40 adult (Sep–Nov) · ¥30 Dec–Mar · Hours: Tue–Sun 9:30am–4:30pm (last entry 4pm) · closed Mondays
Tip: Book online the day before with your passport number and scan in. Find the Exquisite Jade Rock and the dragon wall before the tour groups arrive.
Yuyuan Bazaar & Zigzag Bridge
Upturned eaves, the nine-turn bridge and the Huxinting tea house on the pond, with snack stalls all around.
Price: Free · pay per snack · Hours: Shops roughly 9am–9pm
Tip: Walk the zigzag bridge first, then queue at a dumpling shop before noon to beat the lunch rush.
People's Square
The city's centre, with the round-topped Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theatre and People's Park side by side.
Price: Free · Hours: Square open all day · Shanghai Museum Tue–Sun 9am–5pm, closed Mondays
Tip: The museum needs real-name booking in advance and its big special exhibition is ticketed; if you want to go in, book before the trip and give it 2 hours.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
China's most famous shopping street, a straight walk from People's Square to the river past old department stores and neon signs.
Price: Free · Hours: Shops roughly 10am–10pm
Tip: Stop at Shanghai No. 1 Food Store for snacks to take home; ignore anyone who invites you to a 'tea ceremony'.
Garden Bridge & Suzhou Creek
The 1907 steel bridge where Suzhou Creek meets the Huangpu, with the brick buildings of the Rockbund behind it.
Price: Free · Hours: Open all day
Tip: Cross the bridge and look back south: the whole curve of the Bund lines up in front of you.
The Bund at sunset
Sunset is around 5pm in November: the old banks glow gold on one side while the Lujiazui towers switch on across the river.
Price: Free · Hours: Open all day · building lights usually from dusk to about 10pm
Tip: Go up to the raised promenade near Chen Yi Square. Weekends are packed; keep your phone and bag in front of you.
The Bund by night
After dinner, walk south along the river with the whole Pudong skyline lit up across the water.
Price: Free · Hours: Open all day
Tip: Lights can switch off around 10pm, so do the night views first and shop later.
Huangpu River night cruise
See both skylines at once from the middle of the river: the Bund on one side, the Oriental Pearl and Shanghai Tower on the other.
Price: ¥150 night (to 25 Nov) · ¥120 from 26 Nov (2025 price · check on site) · Hours: Night sailings roughly 7–9pm; times vary by pier and season
Tip: Tickets are tied to one pier, so check yours says Shiliupu. Arrive 30 minutes early and head for the upper deck.
Planning more days? Read the full 3-day Shanghai guide.
Open the 3D route map →Prices are for adults and can change; check the official site on the day. Some ticket, hotel and eSIM links on 3DAYS are affiliate links: your price is the same and we may earn a commission. Rankings are not paid placements.