A 5-day 4-night Shanghai travel itinerary (Shanghai Itinerary 5 Days) promises to bring you wonderful experiences. Refer to the detailed itinerary suggested by Living Nomads in this article.
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Ferry Round Trip Ticket between Xiamen City and Gulangyu Sanqiutian Pier
Stepping into Shanghai – a city with a harmonious blend of ancient and modern, is like stepping into a living history book. With a 5-day 4-night Shanghai travel itinerary, you will be immersed in a profound cultural and historical journey, from ancient heritages to modern architectural symbols, from unique culinary experiences to vibrant festivals.
Shanghai will surely captivate people’s hearts and leave unforgettable impressions in your heart. Get ready to embark on this wonderful adventure with Living Nomads.
Shanghai Itinerary 5 Days — Day 1: Vietnam – Shanghai: Stroll The Bund and Nanjing Road
Landing at Pudong Airport and Getting to the City Center
Shanghai has two main international airports: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA). If flying from Vietnam, most international flights will land in Pudong. Round-trip fares from Hanoi/HCMC to Shanghai usually range from 5,000,000 VND ($189.09) – 8,000,000 VND ($302.54), depending on the airline and time of booking.
From Pudong Airport to the city center, the fastest and most impressive option is the Maglev high-speed train running at a speed of over 300 km/h, taking you to Longyang Station in just 8 minutes with a ticket price of about 50 CNY (170,000 VND).
From here, you can continue taking the subway to the central area. In addition, airport buses and taxis are also very convenient, a taxi to the center costs about 180 CNY (610,000 VND) in 45 minutes – 1 hour, suitable for groups or with a lot of luggage.
Beijing Private Transfer to/from PEK Airport
Return to the Hotel, Rest and Stroll The Bund, Nanjing Road
After moving from the airport to the center, visitors should choose a hotel around People’s Square, The Bund or Nanjing Road for convenient travel. These are places with many metro lines, easy to connect to major tourist attractions, close to shopping and dining areas. Mid-range hotels range from 1,200,000 VND ($45.38) – 2,000,000 VND ($75.64)/night, while luxury hotels along the Huangpu River can cost from 3,000,000 VND ($113.45)/night or more.
Xuyan – Immersive Tang Dynasty Royal Banquet | Shanghai Flagship Store
After checking in and resting, the evening is a good time to start your journey of discovery. The first stop is The Bund – a famous symbol with ancient European architecture along the river, where you can see the modern Lujiazui area with the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower shining brightly.
Strolling here at sunset and then turning on the lights will bring a romantic and vibrant feeling. Next, walk or move a few minutes to Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping street in Shanghai, where shopping malls, international brands and local shops are concentrated. The bustling atmosphere and bright neon lights will make your first night in Shanghai more complete.
Day 2: Have Fun All Day at Shanghai Disneyland
Getting to Shanghai Disney Resort
From the center of Shanghai, the most convenient way is to take subway line 11, get off at Disney Resort Station – right at the entrance of the park. Travel time is about 40 – 50 minutes depending on the hotel location. If you take a taxi or book a car through the Didi app, the cost is about 120 – 160 RMB (420,000 – 560,000 VND) for a group of 3 – 4 people.
Explore the Theme Zones and Exciting Experiences
Shanghai Disneyland is the largest Disney park in Asia, divided into 7 theme zones such as Mickey Avenue, Adventure Isle, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland… First-time visitors should try the “signature” games such as the high-speed TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean – Battle for the Sunken Treasure with extremely vivid effects, or Soaring Over the Horizon for the feeling of flying around the world. In addition, don’t forget to check-in at Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle in the world.
Parade and Fireworks Show in the Evening
The highlight of the day is the Disney Parade taking place in the afternoon, where familiar characters such as Mickey, Elsa, Toy Story… parade on the street with brilliant music. In the evening, stay to enjoy “Ignite the Dream – A Nighttime Spectacular”, a fireworks and light show at the castle, creating an unforgettable fairy-tale experience.
Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
Return to the Hotel to Rest
After the fireworks show ends around 21:00 – 21:30, you can follow the crowd to the subway station to return to the center. If you want to be comfortable, you should book a taxi or private car to the hotel to rest, preparing for the next day’s journey.
Day 3: TV Tower – Museum – Huangpu Cruise
Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower
The morning is the ideal time to start the day with a visit to two of Shanghai’s most prominent symbols: the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. The Oriental Pearl Tower impresses with its unique “three-sphere” architecture and transparent observation decks, where visitors can see the entire Huangpu River and the bustling Pudong area.
For a more modern experience, head to the Shanghai Tower – the world’s second tallest tower, which will surely overwhelm you. The super-fast elevator takes you to the 118th floor in less than 1 minute, opening up a panoramic view of the entire city. Whichever tower you choose, the experience will give you an impressive sense of the dynamism and great scale of Shanghai.
Visit the Shanghai Museum or Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center
In the afternoon, the journey will slow down a bit with a cultural and artistic highlight. The Shanghai Museum, located right in People’s Square, is famous for its collection of more than 120,000 artifacts, from ancient ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy to Chinese ink paintings. The exhibition space is modernly designed, easy to visit, and especially the admission is completely free, so it is always on the priority list of tourists who love history.
If you want to learn more about the development of the city, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center offers an interesting perspective. The highlight is a miniature model of the entire Shanghai in the future, making everyone amazed.
Cruise on the Huangpu River to See the Sparkling Skyline
When the sun sets, the Huangpu River becomes brilliant with the light reflecting from the high-rise buildings on both banks. A cruise lasting about 45 minutes to 1 hour will take visitors through the most romantic scenery of Shanghai: on one side are the classic European-style buildings at The Bund, on the other side is the modern skyline of Lujiazui with Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower shimmering in color.
Private Shanghai Classic Full Day Bike Tour
Huangpu River Cruise (Qingjiang Line)
The cruise ticket price ranges from 120 – 160 RMB (420,000 – 560,000 VND), depending on the type of cruise and seat position. This is an experience not to be missed on the journey, because there are few places in the world that bring a sense of harmony between the past and the present like when looking at Shanghai from the Huangpu River.
Day 4: Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple of Shanghai) – Yuyuan Garden – Explore the Night Street
Chenghuang Temple Combined with Yuyuan Garden
The morning of the 4th day begins with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a classic garden with a strong Ming Dynasty architectural imprint with a lake, rockery and winding corridors. Right next to it is Chenghuang Miao, the most bustling area in Shanghai, both a cultural attraction and a street food paradise.
This is where visitors can easily find the famous xiaolongbao, with a thin crust and hot, juicy filling. The combination of the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden and the bustling atmosphere of Chenghuang Miao creates a complete experience, enjoying the traditional scenery while immersing yourself in the city’s specialties.
Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
Shanghai Yuyuan Hanfu Photography Experience
Explore Xintiandi or Tianzifang at Night
When night falls, Xintiandi becomes Shanghai’s most fashionable meeting place. The neighborhood features classic shikumen-style bars, international restaurants and luxury boutiques, creating a space that is both elegant and modern.
If you love the artistic and bohemian atmosphere, Tianzifang offers a completely different experience. The small alleys filled with paintings, craft workshops and cozy cafes make this place a paradise for creative souls.
Whether you choose the vibrant Xintiandi or the artistic Tianzifang, both open up an emotional evening, enjoying diverse cuisine while discovering a vibrant and attractive corner of Shanghai.
Day 5: Zhujiajiao Water Town – Return to Shanghai – Return to Vietnam
Morning: Visit Zhujiajiao Water Town
If you want to enjoy a light trip outside of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town (Zhouzhuang Jiaojiao) is the ideal choice. Only about an hour away from the city center, this place is famous for its winding canals, ancient stone bridges and tiled-roof houses along the river. The peaceful atmosphere and wooden boats slowly drifting down the river will make you feel like you have returned to a Shanghai hundreds of years ago.
Half-day tour of Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai
One-day tour of Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and Shanghai Film and Television Park
Afternoon: Return to Shanghai for Shopping and Preparing to Return Home
After finishing the journey in Zhujiajiao or Suzhou, return to the center of Shanghai to take the opportunity to stroll around shopping areas such as Nanjing Road or modern commercial centers. This is an opportunity to choose some souvenirs and enjoy a last meal in this vibrant city before going to the airport. The journey ends with a taste of both ancient and modern, truly captivating Shanghai.
Shanghai Private Transfer to PVG/SHA Airport
Estimated Cost of Shanghai Itinerary 5 Days 4 Nights
| Category | Estimated cost (USD) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round trip airfare VN - Shanghai | 245.91 - 321.57 | Full-service airline ticket price, including baggage |
| 4* central hotel (4 nights) | 226.99 - 272.39 | $56.75 - $68.10/night |
| Food | 113.50 - 151.33 | $22.70 - $30.27/day, including restaurant and snacks |
| Shanghai Disneyland Tickets | 83.23 - 98.36 | 1 day ticket |
| Oriental Pearl Tower Tickets | 26.48 - 34.05 | Admission ticket + elevator |
| Huangpu River Cruise Tickets | 13.24 - 17.02 | 40-50 minutes |
| Yu Garden Tickets | 7.57 - 9.46 | Admission tickets |
| Zhujiajiao tour/transport | 37.83 - 45.40 | Including car + ticket + boat |
| Moving around the city (Metro, taxi) | 45.40 - 56.75 | Cheap metro, extra taxi when needed |
| Shopping + personal spending | 75.66 - 113.50 | Souvenirs, gifts |
Famous Shanghai Hotels Worth Considering
Shanghai JOYFUL YARD Hotel
Located in the heart of Shanghai, Shanghai JOYFUL YARD Hotel features modern architecture combined with high-end amenities and attentive customer service. With luxurious space and full facilities such as outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and spa, this hotel brings you a true resort experience. (klook, agoda)
- Address: No.462 Ganghong Road Pudong New Area, Pudong, Shanghai, China
Timeless Boutique House
Highly rated for its service and convenient location, Timeless Boutique House is a popular choice for travelers. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, daily housekeeping and complete facilities. Located near the metro station, you can easily travel to Shanghai’s top attractions. (klook, agoda)
- Address: No.389 Lianming Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
Novotel Shanghai Caohejing
With a central location and professional service, Novotel Shanghai Caohejing is an ideal choice for your stay in Shanghai. This hotel offers spacious rooms, modern facilities and a restaurant serving a variety of dishes, catering to all your needs. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 599 Wanyuan Rd, Min Hang Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China
Hotel Coka Shanghai Pudong Airport
The hotel is an ideal choice when you need to quickly get to the airport. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and airport shuttle service, making it convenient for you to travel and rest after a long flight. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 1030, South Chuanhuan Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China
Sincere Residence Changfeng
The hotel is a popular choice for travelers who want to explore the city. This hotel offers spacious and comfortable apartments, including a living room and free wifi, providing the comfort and convenience of home. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 2 Lane 388, Daduhe Road, Shanghai, China
The 5-day, 4-night Shanghai tour promises to bring you meaningful experiences. From ancient streets to bustling vibrant areas, from typical street food to fine dining, every experience makes your trip special and memorable.
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to
- Shanghai By Night
- Best of Shanghai Half Day Tour
- Essential Shanghai 3 Day Private Tour
- Shanghai Museum Half Day Tour
- 2 Days Shanghai Private Tour
- Modern Shanghai Private Day Tour
- Shanghai City Walking Tour
- Traditional Shanghai Private Day Tour
- Private Shanghai Classic Full Day Bike Tour
- Shanghai Disneyland Admission Ticket
- Shanghai Disneyland Admission (90 days calendar)
- Huangpu River Cruise（Qingjiang Line）
- Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
- Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Observation Deck Ticket
- Shanghai Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
- Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Ticket
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport Transfers
- [World Highest Skywalk] Shanghai Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Exclusive Skywalk Experience
- [Bund View·Klook Exclusive] Shanghai Magic Jungle Ticket
- Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
- Shanghai EF PARK Power Formula Park
- Shanghai Disneyland Annual Pass
- Shanghai Disneyland (1 Day Admission/2 Day Admission)
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- CMHK | HK 7 Days unlimited data + 200 HK Local Mins + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data (HK Airport Pick Up)
- [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
- 4G LTE WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up) for Asia
- 4G Portable WiFi (Manila Delivery) for Asia
- [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
- 4G WiFi (HK Airport Pick Up) for Hong Kong/Macau/China (No Speed Limited) from Song WiFi
Read more: Shanghai travel blog — The fullest Shanghai travel guide for first-timers.
