Money-saving 3 Days 2 Nights Shanghai Itinerary

Hello everyone! I’m your travel blogger, just back from Shanghai, bringing you the dazzling Huangpu River and the romantic Wutong District with this carefully crafted 3-day 2-night guide! Explore Shanghai with just 3000 HKD, follow me and you won’t go wrong! First, let’s talk about budget allocation: 🚄 Transportation: 1000 HKD (round-trip second-class high-speed train) 🏨 Accommodation: 1200 HKD (two nights at a boutique hotel in Xintiandi) 🍽️ Food: 600 HKD (authentic local cuisine + special snacks) 🎫 Tickets + local transport: 200 HKD Day 1: City Pulse I recommend taking an early morning high-speed train, arriving at Shanghai Hongqiao Station before 9 AM! Take Metro Line 2 to Nanjing East Road Station (7 HKD), then walk to the Xintiandi hotel. First stop must be the Bund! Early morning has fewer people, perfect for capturing reflections of the international architecture. Walk along Zhongshan East 1st Road to Waibaidu Bridge, the filming location of "Romance in the Rain"! For lunch, head to Lao Zhengxing Restaurant! A 150-year-old establishment, I recommend the stir-fried amaranth and oil-fried shrimp, about 120 HKD per person, great value. In the afternoon, visit Yuyuan Garden (40 HKD), a delicate and elegant Jiangnan garden. Don’t forget to check in at the original Nanxiang Xiaolongbao store (30 HKD per basket). At dusk, go up Shanghai Tower (180 HKD)! China’s tallest building, the 118th-floor observation deck offers sunset views. I suggest buying an afternoon ticket. At night, definitely visit Xintiandi! A stylish landmark renovated from Shikumen architecture, I recommend the crispy chicken at "Tsui Yuen," about 150 HKD per person. Day 2: Artistic Moments Sleep in on day two, then visit Wukang Road! A century-old French plane tree avenue, check out the Wukang Building (formerly Normandy Apartments). Along the way, there are over 10 trendy cafes; I recommend "Old Mai Coffee" (35 HKD). For lunch, try Xiao Yang Shengjian! The curry beef pan-fried buns are juicy and bursting with flavor, about 30 HKD per person for a filling meal. In the afternoon, visit Shanghai Museum (free)! Remember to book in advance; the bronze and calligraphy sections are must-sees. Then feed pigeons at People’s Square. At dusk, head to Lujiazui! Visit the Shanghai IFC Mall for free and check out the "Twin Towers" art center. I suggest going to the 8th-floor observation deck at Super Brand Mall to photograph the "Three-piece set." At night, experience the Huangpu River cruise (120 HKD)! The night view is ten times more beautiful than during the day. Be sure to choose the 7:30 PM departure. Day 3: City Memories On the last day, visit Tianzifang! An art district transformed from Shikumen alleys, I recommend the "Mizong Crab" (88 HKD per serving). Remember to bargain when buying creative souvenirs. For lunch, you must go to Lao Dachang next to Lanshin Grand Theatre! I recommend the curry beef dumplings and butterfly pastries, about 40 HKD per person. In the afternoon, visit Xujiahui Library (free)! The popular spiral staircase is perfect for photos. Then visit the Tushanwan Museum to see old Shanghai crafts. At dusk, visit Jing’an Temple! A fascinating clash of a golden-domed temple and the CBD skyline, free to view from outside. A few money-saving tips: 🚇 Buy a one-day metro pass (18 HKD) or a three-day pass (45 HKD) 📸 Photo spots: Bund’s international architecture, Wukang Building, Lujiazui’s three-piece set, Tianzifang alleys 🥢 Must-eats: Shengjian buns, Xiaolongbao, scallion oil noodles, white-cut chicken, pear syrup candy 💡 Money-saving tips: Museums are free on the 15th of each month; choose regular cruise departures; group-buy at Xintiandi restaurants* This 3000 HKD trip is truly a steal! The best thing about Shanghai is this unique Haipai style. Walking on Wukang Road feels like traveling back to the old Shanghai era. Remember to wear the most comfortable shoes—you’ll walk 20,000 steps a day! Bring a light jacket; the metro air conditioning is very strong. Follow me, and I’ll take you to experience the unique charm of every city in the most down-to-earth way! Where do you want to go next? Leave a comment and let me know!