Welcome to Shanghai, where ancient alleyways meet glossy malls, and dumplings share space with designer sneakers. This megacity is the ultimate playground for the trend-savvy traveller, a vibrant blend of culture, couture, and cutting-edge tech.

No matter you’re here to flex your fashion game, fill your feed with jaw-dropping views, or deep dive into urban creativity, this city delivers. Expect towering skylines, underground speakeasies, robot cafés, and enough dumplings to fuel a week of stylish exploration.

Best Hotels to Stay in Shanghai

Touchdown! Time to ease into the city buzz with a stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s legendary shopping boulevard. It’s a heady mix of international icons like Zara and Sephora plus old-school Chinese department stores and neon galore.

Pop into a heritage silk shop, grab a boba tea, and soak in the energy. Come evening, glide over to The Bund – think dreamy river views, historic buildings, and sunset-lit selfies that’ll light up your socials.

End the night at a cosy café or boutique bar along the promenade. Day one: chilled, checked, and utterly chic.

Today is all about luxe vibes and inner-city calm. Head to Plaza 66 or Reel Mall in Jing’an for a dose of high-end fashion. We're talking Balenciaga, Off-White, and flagship galore.

When retail fatigue kicks in, chill at Jing’an Park or explore the serene beauty of Jing’an Temple – incense meets Insta aesthetic. It’s culture with couture.

Evening plans? Try a rooftop bar with skyline views or seek out a low-key speakeasy hidden behind a bookshelf or noodle shop. Shanghai’s nightlife loves a little mystery.

Welcome to the artsy side of Shanghai. Xintiandi is a stylish maze of shikumen (stone-gated houses) reimagined as fashion boutiques, bookshops, and cafés. You’ll want to take it slow here – every corner is a vibe.

Check out indie designers, snag a one-off handbag, or sip oat lattes while people-watching under fairy lights. This area is built for those who love a little wander with their wardrobe updates.

Come evening, go fusion. Think dumplings with truffle oil or Sichuan tacos. Finish the night with cocktails in a restored courtyard. Peak aesthetic achieved.

Cross the river and enter the future. Start your day with epic views at Shanghai Tower – the second-tallest building on Earth. The lift alone feels like a space launch.

Then, it’s mall time – hit up IFC Mall or Super Brand Mall for high fashion, gourmet food courts, and quirky tech finds. Don’t be surprised if you stumble upon a pop-up art gallery or sneaker drop.

Wrap the day at a VR arcade or robot-themed café. Yes, your drink will be served by a machine – and no, it doesn’t judge your caffeine addiction.

Let’s switch gears with a culture drop. West Bund is Shanghai’s modern art district, home to Power Station of Art and the cool, ever-changing West Bund Art Centre. Expect massive installations, visual stories, and thought-provoking vibes.

After the gallery crawl, hit up nearby lifestyle concept stores – the kind that sell everything from minimalist ceramics to Korean face masks.

Golden hour? Take a peaceful walk along the Huangpu River promenade. It’s where joggers, skaters, and street performers blend into one dreamy Shanghai evening.

Start in Tianzifang, a labyrinth of tiny lanes filled with handmade crafts, vintage posters, retro gadgets, and indie cafés. It’s chaotic, colourful, and completely addictive.

Next, head to Huaihai Road – Shanghai’s answer to SoHo, brimming with stylish brands, pop-up boutiques, and concept fashion stores. Warning: Your credit card may cry.

Tonight, dive into the local scene. Think live music in an underground venue, a creative night market, or a rooftop DJ set. Your Shanghai story is building.

Time to wind down in style. Start your day at a photogenic café (think neon signs and latte art) or flip through local zines at a boutique bookstore.

For souvenirs with actual taste, skip the fridge magnets and hit a curated lifestyle shop for incense, silk scarves, or artisan snacks.

Then, it’s off to the airport – fashionably full of memories, dumplings, and maybe one-too-many tote bags. You did Shanghai right.

With fashion, art, tech, and food wrapped into seven stylish days, this Shanghai itinerary is anything but ordinary. Book your flights to Shanghai, choose from top-rated hotels, and discover exciting activities and travel essentials, all with Traveloka.

Activities to Enjoy With Friends in Shanghai

No matter you're chasing the latest drop or soaking in gallery glow, one thing’s for sure, Shanghai is where your adventure begins, effortlessly.