Shanghai 2-Day Trip Itinerary
Shanghai Trip - Jan 17, 2025 to Jan 18, 2025
A fast-paced overnight layover itinerary in Shanghai, focusing on iconic city views, a river cruise, and local culinary experiences, with efficient transfers to and from Pudong International Airport (PVG).
Arrival, Bund & River Views
Friday, January 17Airport Arrival & Immigration
Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), clear immigration, and collect any luggage.
Ensure you have your visa or transit visa (if applicable) ready. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy might apply to your nationality.
Hotel Check-in
Check into your hotel in the city center to drop off your belongings and freshen up.
Your hotel is centrally located, offering easy access to major attractions.
Bund Swift Tour & River Cruise
Join a private tour to explore the historic Bund.
Learn about its colonial past and marvel at the contrasting futuristic skyline of Pudong from a relaxing river cruise on the Huangpu River.
This tour offers a fantastic overview and stunning evening views of Shanghai's iconic waterfront. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Your tour guide will meet you, or you can take a taxi/metro to the designated meeting point from your hotel.
Traditional Shanghainese Dinner
Savor authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
Try local specialties like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), Shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), or Hongshao Rou (braised pork belly).
Shanghai is a food paradise! Ask your hotel concierge for recommendations on nearby reputable local eateries.
Local Breakfast & Departure
Saturday, January 18Enjoy Local Breakfast
Start your day with a traditional Chinese breakfast.
Options include congee, fried dough sticks (youtiao), soy milk, or savory pancakes.
Many small local shops offer delicious and affordable breakfast options.
Glimpse of Yu Garden Area
Take a very quick walk past the traditional Yu Garden and Old City God Temple area.
Due to time constraints and opening hours, a full visit inside is not feasible, but you can appreciate the unique architecture and atmosphere from the outside.
Yu Garden itself opens at 8:30 AM, so this is primarily for an exterior view and quick stroll around the surrounding old street market. You might find some souvenir shops opening early.
The area is a short walk or taxi ride from your hotel.
Hotel Check-out
Complete your hotel check-out process.
Airport Security & Boarding Prep
Proceed through airport security and make your way to the boarding gate for your departing flight.
Allow ample time for security checks, especially at an international airport.
Depart from Shanghai (PVG)
Depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
This 2-day itinerary for Shanghai can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.