Shanghai had been on my travel wishlist for years — a city where old-world charm and futuristic ambition exist side by side. I finally got to experience it over seven unforgettable days: six days exploring Shanghai itself, with a historic day trip to nearby Suzhou. From elegant gardens and glowing skylines to unforgettable meals, this trip truly had it all.

Here’s how our Shanghai adventure unfolded, day by day.

Day 1: First Impressions – The Bund & Nanjing Road

We kicked off our Shanghai journey in the most iconic way possible — with a visit to The Bund. Walking along the waterfront, I was instantly struck by the contrast: elegant colonial-era buildings on one side, and the ultra-modern skyline of Pudong on the other.

From there, we strolled along Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Along the way, we walked past the Peace Hotel, an iconic and historic landmark that added a beautiful sense of old Shanghai glamour to the experience. Neon lights, bustling crowds, and endless shops made for an exciting sensory overload – the perfect introduction to the city’s energy.

For dinner, we headed to Da Hu Chun, a Michelin-recommended restaurant known for its pan-fried buns (sheng jian bao). Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious.

At 6pm, we made our way back to The Bund to watch the city light up. Seeing the skyline glow against the night sky was breathtaking and easily one of those “wow, I’m really here” moments.

Day 2: Royal Banquet & Evening at Yu Garden

Lunch on Day 2 was a highlight in itself. We dined at Xuyan Royal Banquet, an immersive dining experience inspired by Chinese imperial Tang Dynasty cuisine. From the theatrical presentation to the refined flavours, it felt like stepping into a royal court.

Tip: Pre-book your table at least three weeks in advance through platforms like Klook — seats sell out quickly.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon shopping along Middle Huaihai Road, an upscale area lined with designer boutiques and stylish cafés — perfect for a slower-paced wander.

In the evening, we visited Yu Garden, and it completely stole my heart. The classical architecture, ornate pavilions, stone bridges, and tranquil ponds felt incredibly elegant and timeless. As night fell and the lanterns lit up, the garden transformed into something truly magical.

Day 3: The Louis and Jing’an Temple

This day was all about contrasts. We started by visiting the iconic Louis Vuitton “Ship” on Jing’an Road — a striking architectural statement that perfectly reflects Shanghai’s fashion-forward, modern identity.

Tip: Entry is free, but you’ll need to pre-book via a QR code (using WeChat) available onsite before joining the queue.

Just a short walk away was Jing’an Temple, a serene Buddhist temple surrounded by skyscrapers. The juxtaposition was fascinating — ancient spirituality standing strong amid a fast-paced urban world.

In the evening, we had dinner at Warehouse No. 3 Restaurant. The wait? A long 1.5 hours. Honestly, it probably wasn’t worth the wait — but since it was our first time, we were determined to try it anyway!

Day 4: A Full Day of Magic at Shanghai Disneyland

Day 4 was reserved entirely for Shanghai Disneyland.

I’m going to be honest here — I’ve been to other Disneyland parks, and the main reason I visited this one was simply to check it off my bucket list. It was chaotic and probably the busiest theme park I’ve ever been to.

That said, the one thing I truly enjoyed? The shopping… haha. If you’re like me and just want to tick it off your list, be prepared for a very long day and lots of crowds.

Day 5: Yu Yuan Old Street & Lujiazui

Our final full day in Shanghai began at Yu Yuan Old Street, and it quickly became one of the standout moments of the trip. With its traditional architecture, lively stalls, and endless local snacks, it was the perfect place to immerse ourselves in the city’s cultural rhythm and hunt for meaningful souvenirs.

As evening fell, we made our way to Da Dong Peking Duck Restaurant at IFC Mall in Lujiazui, where the Peking duck, originally from Beijing, was expertly presented by the chef — crisp skin, tender meat, and beautifully refined.

After dinner, we stepped outside to admire the glowing skyline, with the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (the world’s second tallest), and Jin Mao Tower illuminated against the night sky. Standing there, camera in hand, taking it all in one final time, felt like the perfect farewell to Shanghai.

Day 6: Christmas at Pudong Airport & Hong Kong

Our final day in Shanghai happened to fall on Christmas Day – completely unintentional, but it turned out just fine. In China, it felt like any other ordinary day, with shops and restaurants operating as usual.

When we arrived in Hong Kong, the city was buzzing with energy and crowds – a striking contrast to the quieter Christmas back home in Australia. Our Christmas evening was spent shopping and soaking up the vibrant nightlife – no cooking, no stress, just enjoying the moment.

Tip: Shanghai has two major airports – Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). Pudong primarily serves international flights and long-haul routes, while Hongqiao is more convenient for domestic flights and high-speed rail connections, and is closer to the city. Be sure to double-check your departure airport, as they are about an hour apart by car.

Things to Know Before you Go

A little preparation goes a long way when travelling to Shanghai. Here are a few practical tips that made our trip much smoother.

Apps

Having the right apps is essential in China:

• Alipay – widely used for cashless payments almost everywhere. You can book a DiDi car directly from this app so there is no need to download it separately
• WeChat – for messaging, payments, and even checking menus
• AMap – Google Maps doesn’t work reliably in China so make sure you download an alternative such as AMap
• Google Translate – helpful at places without English translations

Payment

China is largely a cashless society:

• Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arriving if possible
• International credit cards work in major hotels and malls, but not everywhere
• I highly recommend using Wise to avoid international transaction fees
• Carrying a small amount of cash can be helpful, but it’s rarely needed

Internet

• Many familiar apps (Google, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp) are blocked
• While many people use VPN, I found it wasn’t necessary
• I used a Nomad eSIM, and all my apps worked perfectly!

Transport

Getting around Shanghai is efficient and affordable:

• DiDi is convenient and affordable for door-to-door travel
• Shanghai’s Metro system is extensive and quite easy to navigate
• High-speed trains make regional travel efficient

Final Thoughts

Shanghai is a city of contrasts — historic yet modern, chaotic yet refined, fast-paced yet deeply rooted in tradition. While this post focuses on Shanghai, I’ll be sharing more about our Suzhou day trip and Hong Kong stopover in upcoming posts.

This trip gave me unforgettable memories, incredible food experiences, and countless photos I’ll treasure forever. This won’t be my last trip to China. If Shanghai is on your travel list, I can confidently say: go. Take your time, wander, eat well, and let the city surprise you.

Until next time… sweet travels! 🏮