Shanghai 8 Days Itinerary

How to Spend 1 Morning in Shanghai

Here’s how I spent 1 morning in Shanghai; packed, scenic, full of culture and just the right amount of chaotic.

Explore Shanghai Old City

I always recommend starting your day as early as possible in Shanghai Old City, where the rhythm of local life beats strongest. It gets incredibly busy from 9am, so if you can arrive earlier, I suggest you do.

You might stumble upon locals playing mahjong or practicing tai chi in the courtyards if you’re early and that’s all part of the magic of this place.

There is nothing quite like stepping into the remnants of ancient Shanghai, wandering the narrow alleyways, watching shopkeepers set up for the day, and taking in the contrast of old wooden facades with the occasional modern café squeezed in between.

City God Temple

You can’t miss the City God Temple, known as Chenghuang Miao. This historic Taoist temple, dedicated to the City God, is nestled within the courtyard.

Huxinting Teahouse

Hilariously, we walked around for a long time trying to find Huxinting Teahouse, when it was right in front of us the whole time – just search for google images in advance so you know what you are looking out for.

Huxinting Teahouse is the oldest teahouse in Shanghai with an iconic zigzag bridge that leads you right there. It was closed for renovation when we visited in May 2025, but if it is open when you go, it’s a great place to rest, seated by the window, sipping on some jasmine tea.

Yu Garden

Just a stone’s throw away is Yu Garden, a serene escape right in the heart of the buzz of the city. The entrance fee is 40 CNY and so worth it.

#historicallandmarks #china #chinatravel #shanghai #shanghaitrip

Post by ververtrip | Oct 27, 2025