Shanghai, China
Photo: @bingham008/Unsplash

Introduction

Shanghai in winter feels like a movie set. The Bund glitters with lights, steam rises from dumpling baskets in the alleys, and historic water towns nearby are wrapped in quiet mist. It’s not a snow-heavy destination like Harbin, but that’s what makes it perfect for those who prefer a lighter winter with plenty of culture, food, and day trips.

Here’s my detailed 8D7N Shanghai winter itinerary with flight tips from Singapore, transport hacks, and foodie stops.

From Singapore to Shanghai

Flight Duration: 5h 20m direct to Pudong (PVG).
Airfare Range: SGD400–700 (return).
Transport Tip: Skip taxis from the airport — instead, take the Maglev train (8 min ride at 431km/h). It’s fast, affordable, and a cool Shanghai experience in itself.

Day 1: Arrival & Night at the Bund

Arrive, check in at your hotel near Nanjing Road or People’s Square for convenience.

Evening Walk: The Bund at night is Shanghai’s postcard shot — one side European colonial facades, the other futuristic skyscrapers.
Dinner: Warm up with steamed hairy crab (a winter specialty). Best tried at Cheng Long Hang Crab Palace.
Travel Tip: Bring gloves — even at 5–8°C, the Bund wind can be icy.

Day 2: Old Shanghai & Food Hunt

Morning: Stroll Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden built in the Ming dynasty. Even in winter, the ponds and pavilions look enchanting.
Bazaar Shopping: Souvenir stalls sell silk scarves, calligraphy brushes, and fun snacks.
Lunch: Queue at Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao (yes, it’s touristy, but worth it).
Afternoon: Wander French Concession — leafy boulevards, art deco villas, chic cafés.
Dinner: Lost Heaven (Yunnan cuisine) — spicy, hearty dishes that warm you up on a cold night.

**Yu Garden, Shanghai**
Photo: @timgid/Unsplash

Day 3: Skyscrapers & Culture

Morning: Visit Shanghai Tower (2nd tallest building in the world). Views are often clearer in winter.
Lunch: Explore Super Brand Mall food court. Try the sizzling claypot rice or spicy noodles.
Afternoon: Shanghai Museum — excellent and free. Bronze, ceramics, and calligraphy collections tell China’s story.
Evening: Huangpu River Cruise — the skyline lit up against the winter sky is stunning.

Shanghai Tower
Photo: @zhou_xian/ Unsplash

Day 4: Day Trip to Suzhou

Train: 45 minutes from Shanghai Hongqiao Station.
Morning: Humble Administrator’s Garden — UNESCO World Heritage, serene in winter without crowds.
Afternoon: Pingjiang Road — a canal street lined with teahouses and handicraft shops.
Snack: Try Suzhou-style mooncakes with rose or pork filling.
Evening: Return to Shanghai and relax at a teahouse.

Day 5: Day Trip to Hangzhou

Train: 1 hour from Shanghai.
Morning: Stroll West Lake. Winter mist makes it feel dreamlike. Rent a boat if weather allows.
Lunch: Longjing Tea fields — some restaurants serve dishes cooked with tea leaves.
Afternoon: Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China’s oldest Buddhist temples.
Dinner: Try Hangzhou’s famous Dongpo Pork — braised, sweet, melt-in-mouth.

Day 6: Shopping & Lights

Morning: Nanjing Road — mix of malls and old department stores.
Afternoon: Tianzifang (田子坊) art lanes — trendy cafés, boutiques, graffiti walls.
Evening: Head to Xintiandi (新天地) — atmospheric dining district with glowing winter lights.

Day 7: Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角古镇)

Morning Drive: 1 hr west of Shanghai.
What to Do: Ride a small wooden boat along the canals, sip tea by riverside cafés, and wander stone bridges.
Snack: Try handmade zongzi (sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaves).
Evening: Return to Shanghai, have a farewell hotpot dinner (Haidilao is always reliable).

Zhujiajiao Water Town **(朱家角古镇)**
Photo: @haileytong/Unsplash

Day 8: Departure Day

Morning: Last-minute shopping at AP Plaza Fake Market (亚太盛汇购物广场) or Shanghai Disneyland stores if you want cute souvenirs.
Transport: Maglev back to Pudong Airport — it’s faster than sitting in traffic.

Shanghai, Disneyland
Photo: @erinwith/ Unsplash

Final Thoughts

Shanghai is more than its skyscrapers — it’s a city where the old and new blend beautifully, especially in winter when crowds are smaller and food feels extra comforting.

If I had to pick the highlight of this itinerary? Hangzhou day trip — sipping hot Longjing tea while watching West Lake fade into mist is a memory that stays with you.