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For a first-timer like me in Shanghai, planning the itinerary felt intimidating — even overwhelming at times. Thankfully, I have resourceful colleagues who did the tough work, and we had a ball! So here I am, passing the good stuff to all of you.
The exchange rate is S$1 = 5.58CNY (at time of writing), and I’ve added the prices in SGD as well for your convenience. Rate fluctuations may affect what you actually spend.
This curated list showcases a compilation of touristy spots, local eats, and accidental discoveries we stumbled upon during our trip. It’s up to you to mix and match these places to maximise your day, or pick just a couple if you prefer to take things easy.
Here’s a 1-day Shanghai itinerary on where to go, what to do and where to eat.
1. Prepare for life-changing xiao long baos at Cai Cai Xiao Long
When my colleague, Dean wanted to take all of us for life-changing xiao long baos at Cai Cai Xiao Long (莱莱小龙), I was skeptical. I mean, how good can they taste? Thankfully, this popular spot was located just behind our hotel along Tianjin Road. The queue might seem daunting, but it clears quite fast.
In my opinion, it’s best to order the Pure Crab Xiao Long Bao (S$15.40 for 4 pieces), Pure Pork Xiao Long Bao (S$5.00 for 8 pieces), and Crab & Shrimp Xiao Long Bao (S$11.10 for 8 pieces) all in one seating to enjoy the complete experience.
If you’re a small eater, go for the Crab & Shrimp Xiao Long Bao which contains some pork as well. They were indeed, ahem… mind-blowing! Don’t forget to dunk them in ginger and vinegar.
Complement your buns with the juicy and tasty Fried Pork Steak (S$4.50) as well as crispy Crab & Vegetable Spring Roll (S$2.70).
504 Tianjin Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China 200001
Daily: 8am – 9.30pm
2. Explore the Bund, admire Shanghai’s skyline & visit a SILENT cafe
No visit to Shanghai is complete without heading to the Bund, a waterfront area that’s lined with historical European-style buildings. Swing by around 6.50pm, ready your mobile phones and cameras, because at exactly 7pm, the buildings light up in a majestic golden glow.
And if that’s not charming enough, the clock tower throws in some classy chimes for good measure.
Then, admire the lights of the beautiful Shanghai skyline that illuminate the Huangpu River. It can get very crowded, so be sure to reserve your spot for great photo opportunities.
Feeling a little parched after all that? Use Amap to head to Dugout Coffee & Brunch, a SILENT cafe just 10 minutes away on foot. This place is managed by 7 hearing-impaired staff and posters depicting sign language are everywhere. One of us tried ordering a drink with one of the waitresses and we succeeded!
For something unique, try the Ice Coffee Latte with Beer Flavoured Syrup (S$6.90).
3. Explore Wukang Mansion, enjoy brunch & herbal gelato
Wukang Mansion is an iconic building and a favourite backdrop for Instagram photos, attracting hundreds of people at the traffic junction. There are even freelance photographers standing by to snap a professional picture for you either by camera or mobile phone.
When you’re done, take a 300-metre stroll to The Cue Brunch & Bistro, a spacious and bright cafe with a wide variety of fusion mains and beverages. My Eggs Benedict w/ Pulled Pork (S$14.20) was incredibly delicious!
We discovered Zhong Yao Tang Gelato by accident, just a 5-minute walk from The Cue Brunch & Bistro. And guess what? It turned out to be one of our favourite spots of the trip!
This little nook offers various gelato flavours infused with Chinese herbs, and you’re allowed to sample each type. I enjoyed a Triple Scoop (S$8.10) consisting of ginger cinnamon, persimmon cheese and yam angelica wolfberry. Each flavour was so unique and delicious (I swear!).
The stall also sells adorable plushies in the form of oriental ingredients. Think barley, brown sugar cubes, red dates, Chinese yam… just to name a few. Yes, we caved and brought home a couple!
The Cue Brunch & Bistro
1720-1 Huaihai Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China 200031
Daily: 10am – 9.30pm
Zhong Yao Tang Gelato
3 Hunan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China 200031
Mon to Thu: 1pm – 8pm
Fri to Sun: 1pm – 9pm
4. Slurp on sesame noodles & dumplings at Wei Xiang Zhai outlet (w/o visiting the main Michelin branch)
Instead of heading to the main Wei Xiang Zhai restaurant with a Michelin Guide mention that’s 40 minutes on foot, we took a 10-minute stroll to its newer outlet at 151 Hubei Road. This heritage joint was established back in 1937, making them 88 years old — wowza!
Each serving of the Signature Sesame Tossed Noodles cost a mere S$2.50, and they tasted SO GOOD! The noodles are drenched in a thick sesame sauce with a little peanut butter, chilli oil, soy sauce, and some rice vinegar.
Order a bowl of Fresh Meat Small Wantons (S$2.90 for 12 pieces) to complete your meal, and you’re all set!
151 Hubei Road, Huangpu, Shanghai, China 200002
Daily: 7.30am – 8.30pm
5. Get the Yang SPACE Hot Spring Life experience – Massage, sleep pods, billiards & more
If you have loads of time to kill before your flight, why not rest and relax at Yang SPACE Hot Spring Life? This one-stop 24-hour destination has various services including Chinese Massage (S$66.20 per hour), Pedicure (S$14.20 for 15 minutes), Foot Massage & Spa (S$125.10 including entrance fee), and Facials starting from S$23.20.
There’s a central cafeteria where you’ll be treated to an array of bottomless fresh fruits ranging from durian and mango to blueberries and rock melon. There’s also a complimentary Häagen-Dazs ice cream counter and a free drinks ‘minimart’ offering water, juices, Starbucks canned coffee, and more. Rest assured we made the most of it!
You can catch a movie via the projection screen while having a foot and shoulder massage, or soak your body in a public thermal pool. There are also beanbags for chilling in common areas, plus sleep pods if you need a nap.
For those who enjoy games, Chinese mahjong, billiards, and Nintendo Switch are all available at an extra charge. It might be a little pricey, but you’re paying for an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience!
57 Pudian Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai, China 200127
Open 24 hours
Shang Hai Fried Xiao Long Bao: Utterly addictive pan-fried pork buns by ex-Crystal Jade dim sum chef
6. Admire the stunning lights at Yuyuan Market
If exploring gardens at Yu Garden isn’t your kind of thing, then head to Yuyuan Market in the evening instead. Over here, awe-inspiring lights illuminate the stunning Chinese architecture of the buildings, creating a magnificent atmosphere that attracts tourists and locals alike.
Explore the lineup of stalls that offer a vibrant mix of traditional Chinese snacks, shops, and food stalls. Visitors can also find a wide variety of handicrafts, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stands.
279 Yuyuan Old Road, 四牌楼 Huangpu, Shanghai, China 200120
7. Shop at Nanjing Road
Explore the Orchard Road of Shanghai at Nanjing Road where the mixture of modern and heritage buildings intertwine with one another. Shop at crowd-favourite fashion brands like H&M and Zara, or experience the excitement of unboxing a blind box at Pop Mart.
You can discover street food stalls selling local delights like sheng jian bao and Spiced Squid Skewers (S$5.40 for 4 sticks), or get a fancy fridge magnet from S$4.50. There’s also a White Rabbit stall that not only sells the iconic candy in interesting flavours (like mango and coffee), but you can also purchase other merch like cushions and lip balms which would make ideal gifts.
8. Dine at Hongjie Old Hotpot for cheap & shiok mala steamboat
If you’re seeking a solid hotpot establishment in Shanghai, you can seriously consider Hongjie Old Hotpot that stays open till 4am daily. Besides prompt and sincere service, the broths and meats here are to-die-for.
For a dual pot with a decent amount of meat and vegetables including drinks, the cost for each person ranges between S$18 to S$28, which is very affordable!
102 Xiangyang South Road, Xuhui District, China Construction Bank, 2nd Floor, Shanghai, China 200031
Daily: 11am – 4am
Instagram
9. Spend the day at Anfu Road – Teddy bear coffee, miniature perfumes & discounted cosmetics
Head on down to the Anfu Road district where a whole throng of cafes, trendy shops, and lifestyle shops greet you.
If you’re into skincare and makeup, pop over to the double-storey Harmay store and shop till you drop! Also say hi to the teddy bear mascot at Wiggle Wiggle, teasing, waving and being funny to customers at the entrance.
Love fragrances, especially miniature ones? Then swing by Harmay X Notes Shanghai and pray that they have great offers.
You can also get your coffee fix at 13DE Marzo Cafe, known for its adorable little teddy bear that comes attached with your drinks — perfect for taking home and definitely one for the ‘gram.
10. Visit Jing’an Temple, shop & have coffee next door
Jing’an Temple on West Nanjing Road is an Esoteric Tangmi Buddhist temple, boasting 3 Southern-style halls, each with its very own courtyard. To enter the grounds, you’re required to purchase an entrance fee of about S$9.
Over here, you can spot many Buddhist followers paying their respects and offering joss sticks. You can even catch an enthusiastic crowd tossing their coins multiple times into the gaps of the 3-tiered wishing well, praying that their wishes come true.
With Jing’an Temple located right beside Jing An Kerry Centre, it’s easy to enjoy some retail therapy after your visit. While you’re there, remember to check out M Stand Cafe for its nutty Coconut Latte (S$6.80).
11. Enjoy sinful crab roe noodles at Yuxing Ji
If your stomach is rumbling after hours of shopping at Nanjing Road, then satisfy your taste buds with some umami-rich crab roe noodles over at Yuxing Ji. This restaurant is said to serve one of the best versions in Shanghai.
We tried the Crab Sky, Crab Earth (S$46.30, U.P. S$80.30) that’s meant for sharing among 2 people. It comes with 2 plates of la mian (noodles), 3 different types of crab parts including meat and roe, small shrimps, appetisers and a bowl of soup.
This place also sells the Crab Roe Xiao Long Bao (S$15.80 per basket), but I recommend you to order them from spot #1 instead.
686 Jiujiang Road, Tengfei Yuanchuang Building, 1st floor, Huangpu, Shanghai, China 200001
Daily: 9am – 10pm
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