To make the most of Shanghai's vast urban sprawl, organize your days around distinct chronological eras: ancient Jiangnan heritage, colonial Art Deco concession history, and futuristic Pudong skylines.
Day 1 begins in old Shanghai: tour the classical Ming Dynasty courtyards and koi ponds of Yu Garden before noon, followed by a walk through the historic Bund to examine 1920s heritage banking architecture. Cross the Huangpu River via the subway or ferry to Lujiazui in Pudong, ascending to the 118th-floor observation deck of the 632-meter Shanghai Tower for sunset over the city.
Day 2 is dedicated to the Former French Concession: wander down Wukang Road past the iconic curved Wukang Mansion, browse independent cafes and design boutiques along Anfu Road, and explore the tranquil tree-lined paths of Fuxing Park. On Day 3, visit the world-class bronze and ceramic galleries of the Shanghai Museum and the artsy Shikumen lane houses of Tianzifang, with Day 4 offering an easy 30-minute bullet train excursion to the water towns of Suzhou.
