How to Spend Your First Day in Shanghai? (Tested by Real People)

Planning a day in Shanghai with your family can be overwhelming, but after careful consideration, I’ve mapped out the perfect one-day tour of the city. Get ready to walk 17,000 steps!

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Breakfast: Hu Xi Lao Nongtang Noodle Shop (沪西老弄堂面馆, Dingxi Road Branch) Why it’s recommended: This is the main branch of Hu Xi Lao Nongtang Noodle Shop, known for its delicious food and great service. It opens at 10 AM. After breakfast, head down Dingxi Road to Shangsheng Xinshuo. See Route Map 2.

Shangsheng Xinshuo (上生新所, 30-minute stay) Why it’s recommended: A great place to take a walk and digest after breakfast, Shangsheng Xinshuo is a commercial district with a unique design.

🏠 Sun Ke Villa (孙科别墅): Designed by the legendary architect Laszlo Hudec, this villa was once the private residence of Sun Ke, the son of Dr. Sun Yat-sen. The exterior is truly stunning.

🏊‍♂️ Naval Club and Pool (海军俱乐部及其泳池): Built in 1924, this historic site is one of Shanghai’s oldest outdoor pools. Surrounded by various Western restaurants, the two-level area offers a great environment and is perfect for taking photos.

📚 Tsutaya Books (茑屋书店): A famous Japanese bookstore chain, Tsutaya is not just a place to buy books but also a reflection of a lifestyle. The book selection is excellent, and the architecture is very stylish.

Jing’an Temple (静安寺, 1.5-hour stay) - See Route Map 3 Why it’s recommended: Jing’an Temple is located in one of Shanghai’s traditional shopping districts, with plenty of great shops and streets to explore. If you have time, don’t miss Yuyuan Road nearby!

🍎 Apple Jing’an (Apple静安): Visit the world’s second-largest Apple Store, where you can now experience Vision Pro. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance.

🏮 Jing’an Temple (静安寺): A thousand-year-old temple in the city center with a stunning golden design. There’s an entrance fee, but it’s worth seeing even just from the outside.

🥟 Lai Lai Xiaolong (莱莱小笼): One of the best Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) I’ve had in Shanghai. Don’t miss it!

☕ You Rong Nai Da Café (有容乃大咖啡): Grabbing a coffee is part of the Shanghai experience. If you want to explore more coffee spots, check out my previous post.

Republican-Era Architecture District (民国风貌区, 3-hour stay) - See Route Maps 4 & 5 Why it’s recommended: This area is lined with plane trees, creating a nostalgic atmosphere that feels like a step back in time. Summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit.

Xujiahui (徐家汇) 📚 Xujiahui Library (徐家汇书院) → 🏰 Xujiahui Catholic Church (徐家汇天主教堂) → 🎶 Baidai Xiaolou (百代小楼, National Anthem Recording Site)

Wukang Road (武康路) 🏠 Soong Ching-ling’s Former Residence (宋庆龄故居) → 🏢 Wukang Mansion (武康大楼) → 🏠 Huang Xing’s Former Residence (黄兴故居) → 🌹 Romeo Balcony (罗密欧阳台) → 🏠 Ba Jin’s Former Residence (巴金旧居)

From Fuxing West Road to Fuxing Middle Road (复兴西路至复兴中路) 🏠 Ke Ling’s Former Residence (柯灵故居) → 🏛 Hengfu Style and Culture Exhibition Hall (衡复风貌馆) → Turn left at the Iranian Consulate onto Wulumuqi Middle Road (乌鲁木齐中路) → Stroll along Wulumuqi Middle Road, stopping to eat and shop (Don’t miss the ice cream at Cloth House— the Japanese yuzu flavor is amazing!).

Wuyuan Road (五原路) 🛍️ Wuyuan Road (五原路): Wuyuan Road is filled with small shops, making it a paradise for street shopping enthusiasts!

Suzhou Creek (苏州河, 2-hour stay) Why it’s recommended: Unlike the crowded Bund, Suzhou Creek offers views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the city’s iconic skyline while providing a more relaxed experience of Shanghai life.

🚇 Metro Line 12, Tiantong Road Station, Exit 3 (地铁12号线天潼路站3号出口) → 🏛 Shanghai Post Museum (上海邮政博物馆) → 🌉 Sichuan Road Bridge (四川路桥) → 🌉 Zhapu Road Bridge (乍浦路桥) → 🌉 Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥)