6D5N In Shanghai China (Full English Itinerary)
As a "J" personality, I went all in on researching for this trip—mainly on Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu), where I read into reviews, comments, tips, and recommendations until I finally mapped out a full 6-day itinerary for Shanghai. I was super excited but also a bit nervous about how things would work, especially when it came to making payments with just my phone.
So if you're like me and want a solid plan but without spending hours scrolling through endless posts, this guide is for you. I’ve included details from the day-to-day itinerary to important apps to set up before you land, so you won’t get caught off guard by China’s fully digitalised systems. Whether it’s paying for street food or hopping on the metro, I’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into 6 days of exploring one of China’s most exciting cities—Shanghai!
Day 1 Arrival
Nanjing West Road 南京东路步行街
After the 6-hour flight, I finally landed in Shanghai. As soon as I stepped out of the metro station, a cool breeze greeted me. It was a refreshing change after the hour-long ride from Pudong Airport to Nanjing West Road. I literally stared up in awe at the towering skyscrapers around me. The buildings were so massive that the people passing by looked tiny in comparison. It was a breathtaking first glimpse of Shanghai’s incredible scale.
Grandma's Home 外婆家 @ Joy City Shopping Mall 上海静安大悦城
Our first meal after the long journey was at a dining restaurant recommended by several influencers for its approachable take on local dishes. We devoured the popular dishes such as sour and spicy fish soup (酸辣鱼), roasted pork with bun (红烧肉, 馒头)and shrimp (鲜虾). Each dish was presented beautifully and tasted just as good as it looks. A satisfying meal to end the day as we managed to use Alipay for the first time. The restaurant was located inside a mall with local hip brands which is worth a visit after the meal.
Day 2 Day Trip to Suzhou 苏州
Getting to Suzhou from Shanghai is super convenient. It is just a 30-minute ride on the bullet train from Shanghai Station to Suzhou Station.
Bullet Train Tips:
I booked my ticket online through trip.com on the day I travelled from my home country, right before departure. Just a heads-up: there’s a 20 yuan handling fee per ticket when booking through the platform. If you're travelling on a weekday, booking a day in advance is usually fine, but for weekends or holidays, try to book a few days ahead to make sure you get a seat.
Once you're at the station, check the large digital boards to find your train number, platform, and departure time. The boarding process is simple. Once you get the verification through the human queue (人工通道), you'll walk towards the designated platform and see letters (A, B, C, etc.) marking each car, and once inside, your seat number will be clearly labelled above the seats.
I chose 2nd class, which is comfortable and budget-friendly, perfect for this short trip. The seats are clean, have decent legroom, and the ride is fast and quiet.
Breakfast 万福兴(东中市总店)
Our first breakfast in Suzhou had to be the local noodle soup and traditional pastry. The noodles were silky with just the right amount of chew, and the vegetable and pork topping paired beautifully with the rich, comforting broth. It was a simple yet satisfying bowl that really hit the spot.
The pastry served cold, caught me off guard. I would’ve preferred them warm but the flavour made up for it. The filling had a good balance of sweetness from the dried shrimp and a savoury flavour from the vegetable mix.
We also happened to visit during the lead-up to the Dragon Boat Festival, so we got to try seasonal dumplings wrapped around beautifully layered pork. A blessed (and delicious) timing!
On the way, I passed a cosy local cafe selling the famous tang shui (dessert). I didn’t have time to stop, but it looked so inviting—I definitely wish we had a moment to sit down and enjoy a warm bowl (check out the second picture). Next time, it’s on the list!
Street views
I was completely mesmerised by the little details in each row of shops we passed—black rooftops, charming shop lots, vintage windows, and unique tree species planted across the town. As we wandered the streets, glimpses of the water canal peeked through narrow alleyways, adding a sense of calm and timeless beauty to the town.
A great tip: take the quieter side paths or back lanes behind the shop lots. That’s where you’ll find the most peaceful views of the river—away from the crowds. The water was impressively clean and clear; I could actually see fish swimming beneath the surface.
The view from the river, framed by gently swaying trees, looked like something straight out of one of those traditional Chinese landscape paintings I used to see hanging at home. It felt like walking through a painting, which is serene, still, and full of quiet charm.
Couple's Retreat Garden 耦园
I had another wow moment when I stepped into a massive traditional Chinese residence that once belonged to a high-ranking official. The home was sprawling, divided into multiple sections with an expansive front courtyard and backyard garden.
Each section had its own unique charm. The intricately designed windows, elegant wooden furniture, and architectural details boast the craftsmanship of the era. Walking through it felt like I had been transported straight into a historical Chinese drama, where I could picture a large family living and moving through these spaces.
I ended up spending at least two hours just wandering through the garden, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and admiring the beauty in every corner. It was the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe, and appreciate the quiet details of a world long past.
Pinjiang River Road 平江路
It felt like an endless long street selling traditional cakes, tea, cheongsam, knick-knacks and restaurants. We tried the green bean dessert and flower cake. The alley is constantly bustling with crowds as the day gets later.
Local Shopping Street 观前街
I was solely in the area to visit the local snack shop. There are various traditional must-try snacks such as dumpling sweets and dried tofu. The red bean and fermented rice pastry was uniquely tasty.
McD
We ordered Happy Meals just for the healthier option of having apples and milk on the sides. The pork burger was different from what we had in Taiwan. It's always worth trying out McDonald's when visiting a new country.
Day 3 Local Day Tour
Feeling so grateful for my kind and generous colleague, a local Shanghainese, who took the time to bring us on an amazing day trip. We got to visit multiple attractions, and it honestly made the experience so much more special. It’s always the people that make the journey unforgettable.
Zhujiajiao Water Town 朱家角
This scenic water town is pure eye candy! Here’s a postcard moment I snapped while cruising along on a boat. It's one of those views that makes you stop and soak it all in.
We head to a Michelin-star restaurant to try out the local dishes including malantou with dried tofu, shrimp, lotus root and bai shui yu are a few of the staples that are must-try in the area. The plum juice is also worth a try on a hot sunny day to quench the thirst.
This barbeque meat stall is one of the hundreds selling a variety of foods and drinks. One thing I observed? The stores were super generous with samples, which made exploring even more fun. The one surprise favourite was the sweet black sesame cake that is powdery soft yet has a slight chew.
Wukang Road 武康路
The famous French Concession building is located at Wukang Road. The crowd was super heavy as I visited the area on a Saturday. Along Wukang Road, there are other interesting roads namely Anfu Road and Wulumuqi Road that are worth taking a walk. The area is known for where the youngsters hang out, with famous clothing stores such as Brandy Melville, Subdued, curated vintage stores and local brands that are unheard of.
Soong Ching-ling Memorial Residence 宋庆龄故居
Just across the French Concession was a free museum related to the life of Soong Ching-ling, a lady who fought for the country's freedom. It was impressive for a woman like her to be involved in bringing peace and modern freedom ideology to the land. There's a separate museum and home tour of where she lives.
Yuyuan 豫园
This attraction is absolutely massive with a museum, garden, and shopping centre packed into one! It’s a full-on immersive experience, with stunning architecture and background music that beautifully reflects Chinese culture. Honestly, it felt like stepping into a whole different world, right in the middle of the city. One surprise favourite was the yoghurt, which is creamy, rich, and just lightly sweet.
Chongqing Mala Hotpot 骨老店
I got introduced by my colleague to something new - bullfrog in a spicy hotpot base! It was a very local experience and something I’m glad I tried once. I also had cow tripes, which were super chewy in texture. Not the tastes I’d revisit, but it’s always fun stepping out of my comfort zone and tasting what locals enjoy! I'm glad I had the expert to help me select the right dipping sauce mix, which tastes divine with the cooked beef and crunchiest vegetables I’ve ever tried (which I enjoyed the most!).
Day 4 Local Park, Exhibition & Streetwalk
Breakfast 小杨生煎
When it comes to local specialities, scallion oil noodles (葱油面) and half-fermented pan-fried buns (生煎包) are absolute must-tries. The noodles are perfectly chewy and packed with that rich, toasty scallion aroma. As for the buns, they’re little flavour bombs! Crispy on the bottom, soft on top, and filled with juicy, umami meat. Pro tip: take a small bite first to let the steam escape (and save your tongue!). It all makes for a comforting, and satisfying breakfast.
Flower Garden & Park 共青林公园
Although peak flower season wraps up by May, late spring still offers a stunning variety of blooms such as hydrangeas, roses, and so much more. The air stays cool and refreshing, making it the perfect time for a peaceful stroll. The park itself is massive, featuring a reservoir, camping areas, flower exhibits, an amusement park, and even little train rides that take you around. I had such a relaxing morning walk, soaking in the calm and watching nature slowly wake up.
Huai Hai Middle Road 淮海中路
This street is a vibrant mix of trendy concept stores, modern shopping malls, and long-standing shops selling beloved local delicacies. While strolling down the streets, I stumbled upon a famous pastry shop—and ended up having the best egg tart I’ve tasted in Shanghai. I even tried another one from a supermarket later for comparison, but honestly, nothing came close. The tart was made to perfection with a flaky, buttery crust and silky-smooth filling.
Traditional Pleats Exhibition
I stumbled upon this unexpected exhibit while wandering down Huai Hai Road and I’m so glad I did! It was a beautiful blend of modern creativity and traditional inspiration. The art installations were eye-catching and thoughtful, giving a fresh twist to classic elements. Totally one of those happy little discoveries that make exploring the city so fun.
There are countless concept stores and creative outlets with quirky installations that are worth checking out.
Day 5 City Attraction & Shopping Mall
Breakfast 定兴路蛋饼摊
The massive Danbing (蛋饼) I had in Shanghai was hands down one of the best breakfasts of the trip! There were so many filling options to choose from, but I went with double eggs to kickstart the day with that protein boost. The spicy sauce added just the right kick, and the crunchy chip inside brought the perfect contrast. Crispy, savoury, spicy. I’m still thinking about it now!
The North Bund 北外滩滨江绿地
The north side of the bund has a different characteristic as it is known as the financial hub. There are modern high-rise buildings and skyscrapers where huge companies' offices and official establishments are located. It's worth a visit to North Bund Park for a quick photoshoot with the futuristic egg dome that oversees the tall communication tower.
3 Interlink Malls 五角场
I came across this area on Little Red Book and it felt like a hidden gem loved by the locals. There are many shops to explore, snacks to buy home and food to try out. Every corner had something new to discover. Definitely one of those places where you could spend hours just exploring and shopping! We stopped by a local produce store and had the tastiest fresh peach in my life.
Dinner 香江姳苑
We grabbed dinner near our hotel at a local restaurant offering Shanghai-Hong Kong dishes. The stir-fried beef and egg rice with the siew mai was divine. It was a satisfying meal after a long day of walking. Nearby the restaurant was a specialty shop, known for its famous almond cream cake. And wow, it did not disappoint. The cream was super fresh, light, and just the right amount of sweet. Inside was a smooth almond filling resting on a soft, fluffy sponge cake base.
The Bund 外滩
Right along the main waterfront of the Bund, you’re greeted with stunning views of Shanghai’s historic skyline and contrasting modern ones on the opposite side of the river that tell the story of this beloved city. Just a short stroll away, Nanjing East Road is the perfect spot to hunt for souvenirs and local treats. It’s bustling, colourful, and full of charm.
If you’re stopping by, definitely bring home the butterfly butter cookies, green bean cakes, fruity teas, and dried persimmon.
Day 6 Final Day of Food Exploration & Souvenier Search
Breakfast 莱莱小笼
Nothing beats a freshly steamed basket of xiao long bao (小笼包) and a bowl of meat dumpling soup for breakfast. Every bit of it was made to perfection and the reason why there's a long queue every day. This is also a highly recommended place by the locals.
Traditional Shanghai Pastry 沈大成
Green glutinous rice dumplings (青团) filled with red bean paste or other flavours can be found at this local food shop. The red bean paste was the best and best to enjoy it fresh as the outer layer firms up once it cools. The skin is made with mugwort, giving it the earthy, grassy flavour that pairs well with the sweetness of the red bean filling.
Shopping Mall 新天地大丸百货
Located along Nanjing West Street, this mall is uniquely known for the spiral escalators that run across 6 floors like the shape of a dragon. Besides that, there's a local supermarket tucked in the basement with great selections of foods that I wish I could bring back (fermented sweet rice 酒酿 and fresh sour plums 酸梅).
Lunch 王春春鸡汤饭
This reminded me of a bowl of homemade chicken soup that soothes the soul. The kind that feels like a warm hug. It has tender tofu skin, chicken and soft tofu skin that are comforting and easy to bite.
Dinner & Departure
Wrapped up the trip with a quick dinner at the airport, claimed my tax refund, and was all set to board the flight back home. Bittersweet saying goodbye, but feeling grateful for my first time in Shanghai City, China which exceeded my imagination.
Total Budget Breakdown (per person):
Connecting Return Flight (KCH>KUL>PDG) | RM1,800 |
Hotel (5 Nights) | RM677 |
Travel Insurance | RM78 |
Return Bullet Train to Suzhou | RM60 |
Food + Didi | RM600 |
Transportation (Red Card) | RM50 |
Shopping | RM500 |
Total | RM3765 (+/-) |
Apps to download:
Alipay 支付宝 (main payment method, book Didi taxi, order food)
WeChat 微信 (communication, book museums, payment option)
AMap (for navigation on trains/walking)
Dianping 点评 (check food reviews)
Xiao Hong Shu 小红书 (travel recommendations)
Wise (travel debit card that can be linked to Alipay)
There are a few important app registrations you’ll need to complete before entering China to ensure smooth and hassle-free travel. Some of these apps are essential for things like payments and access to information. It definitely deserves its own post to explain everything step by step!
If you'd like a detailed guide on how to set them up and use them without issues, drop a comment below, and I’ll create a separate post just for that! Till then, see you on the next adventure 🛫
All photos by Prisc
Prisc
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