
Any city that can make New York City feel laid-back must be extraordinary—and Shanghai is just that. Due mainly to the speed at which the city is growing, changing and reinventing itself, there’s an undeniable energy that’s invigorating and exhausting at the same time.
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Perfect forArt Lovers | Families | Intellectuals
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When to goMarch-May | September-November
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Ideal length of stay3-5 Nights
Designing Your Journey
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
3 Days: Essential Shanghai
In China’s densely populated metropolis, it’s important to include guided tours and escapes to the countryside. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Day 1
Explore Puxi, home to two of Shanghai’s most interesting historic neighborhoods, the Bund, a riverfront boulevard lined with restored neoclassical mansions from the 1920s and ’30s, and the French Concession, where you can see historic Communist landmarks and enjoy some of the city’s best shopping. Start with a guided visit to Mao Zedong’s former residence and the house where the Communist Party was founded, and then explore contemporary Chinese capitalism by touring Xintiandi’s shops and restaurants.
Day 2
Today, tour Shanghai’s lively art scene with a dedicated art guide. Be sure to visit 1918 ArtSpace, the Long Museum West Bund, the Shanghai Gallery of Art, Studio Rouge and 50 Moganshan Road, an art neighborhood with many galleries. Conveniently, most of the city’s major museums are clustered around People’s Square. Worth seeing are the Shanghai Art Museum, the MOCA Shanghai (for contemporary art) and the Shanghai Museum. End the evening with drinks at one of the rooftop bars in Pudong, which is home to the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
Day 3
Visit Nanshi Old Town, the city’s oldest neighborhood. Its narrow alleys and colorful markets offer a glimpse into traditional Chinese life (travelers eager to try local street food should head to food stall–lined Yunnan Nan Lu). For a look into the future, visit the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. The model of Shanghai as it’s expected to look in 2020 is done on a 1:2,000 scale, making it the largest ever built.
Where To Stay
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special perks, including upgrades, early check-in, spa credits, and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
- Courtesy The Peninsula ShanghaiRead More
The Peninsula Shanghai
The 1920s and 30s, Shanghai’s golden era, come to life at the Peninsula, an art-filled cocoon that’s centrally located but feels apart from the city’s bustle. Many of the Art Deco details of the building, originally part of the British...
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Capella Shanghai
No hotel in Shanghai captures the imagination quite like Capella, a group of lovingly restored shikumen buildings that feature an innovative blend of East and West.