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1 day · Shanghai itinerary

Shanghai in 1 Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary

Only have one day in Shanghai? See its old and new icons. Here is how to spend one perfect day in China’s most dazzling city — plus the best-rated tours to book.

At a glance

  1. 1The Bund
  2. 2Yu Garden
  3. 3Old Town
  4. 4River cruise

Morning: the Bund

Walk the waterfront and admire the skyline.

Midday: Yu Garden

Explore the classical garden and bazaar.

Evening: river cruise

Cruise the Huangpu past the neon towers.

Book the experiences in this itinerary

Top-rated tours for exactly what this plan recommends in Shanghai — prices per person.

3-Hour Shanghai Yu Garden &Old Town Private Tour with Tea Tasting
Shanghai
3-Hour Shanghai Yu Garden &Old Town Private Tour with Tea Tasting
5.0(23)·3 hours
from$81/ person
via Viator
3-Hour Shanghai Bund Swift Tour with River Cruise or Skyscraper
Shanghai
3-Hour Shanghai Bund Swift Tour with River Cruise or Skyscraper
5.0(29)·8 hours
from$112/ person
via Viator
Explore Shanghai Ancient Downtown with Authentic Local Food
Shanghai
Explore Shanghai Ancient Downtown with Authentic Local Food
5.0(23)·4 hours
from$85/ person
via Viator
Customized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao
Shanghai
Customized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao
5.0(19)·10 hours
from$5/ person
via Viator
Private Shanghai Night River Cruise and Hot Pot Dining Experience
Shanghai
Private Shanghai Night River Cruise and Hot Pot Dining Experience
5.0(16)·4 hours
from$168/ person
via Viator
Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings
Shanghai
Small Group: Shanghai After Dark Food Tour with 9 tastings
5.0(21)·4 hours
from$80/ person
via Viator
Private Amazing Shanghai City Day Tour in Your Way
Shanghai
Private Amazing Shanghai City Day Tour in Your Way
5.0(163)·8 hours
from$135/ person
via Viator
Shanghai Night River Cruise on Huangpu River
Shanghai
Shanghai Night River Cruise on Huangpu River
5.0(10)·4 hours
from$90/ person
via Viator

Shanghai in 1 day — FAQ

Can you see Shanghai in one day?
Yes — walk the Bund in the morning, explore Yu Garden and the Old Town at midday, and cruise the Huangpu River past the illuminated skyline in the evening, covering Shanghai’s essential highlights.
What is the best one-day Shanghai tour?
A city tour of the Bund and Yu Garden combined with an evening Huangpu River cruise is the most rewarding way to see Shanghai in a day.
How much does one day in Shanghai cost?
Budget roughly €40–€90 per person for a guided city tour with a river cruise, depending on inclusions.

Explore more in Shanghai

City & BundZhujiajiao Water TownHuangpu Cruise