This morning, begin your visit at the Shanghai Museum, an exceptional world-class institution. The museum’s architecture resembles an ancient bronze ding with a round top and square base, symbolizing “heaven above, earth below.” Inside are 120,000 artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history. Explore the bronze and ceramics galleries to admire exquisite masterpieces. Do not miss the two most treasured items: the Da Ke Ding (a significant bronze vessel from 3,000 years ago) and the Jin Hou Su bianzhong (an ancient bell set).

Then visit the hidden gem of traditional Chinese gardens—Yu Garden. Stroll through classic Jiangnan-style architecture and admire intricate wood, stone, and brick carvings. Outside the garden, the lively Yu Garden Bazaar offers local snacks, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts.

Next, walk along Nanjing Road, a bustling pedestrian street lined with brand-name stores, restaurants, cafés, and souvenir shops. Continue onward to the Bund, Shanghai’s top attraction, where 52 historic buildings of various architectural styles stand majestically. Across the river, enjoy the skyline of Lujiazui with its iconic skyscrapers. Conclude the day by ascending Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China (632 meters) with a 118th-floor observation deck at 546 meters, offering spectacular panoramic views of modern Shanghai.