Shanghai in 4 Days 3 Nights, with a Full Day at Disneyland

Since China announced visa-free entry for Thai citizens, traveling to Shanghai has become easier and increasingly popular. With just a few hours on a direct flight, you’ll arrive in one of East Asia’s most important economic and cultural hubs. Visitors can experience both the city’s modern skyline and its rich heritage from colorful art districts and stylish cafés to historic old streets and world-famous shopping avenues. Plus, it’s home to Shanghai Disneyland, the largest Disney park in Asia. A single trip here offers a perfect mix of modernity, culture, and entertainment.

This article features a complete 4 Days 3 Nights Shanghai Itinerary designed especially for first-time visitors — covering iconic landmarks, cafés, trendy neighborhoods, and must-try restaurants. It also includes travel tips and essential information to make your trip smooth and worthwhile. If you’re planning to visit Shanghai soon, this guide is a must-save before booking your flight. Let’s plan your perfect Shanghai adventure together!

Morning: Check-in & Explore Rock Bund

Once you arrive in the city, check in at your hotel — we recommend staying near Nanjing Road. It’s super convenient as it’s close to multiple Metro lines and just an 8–10 minute (about 700 meters) walk to The Bund and the Huangpu River. Perfect for exploring Shanghai’s main landmarks on foot.

Recommended Hotels Near The Bund and People’s Square

Start your trip with a relaxing walk around Rock Bund, a charming historic area known for its blend of European-style architecture and art museums such as the Rockbund Art Museum. It’s the perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying a quiet, atmospheric morning in Shanghai.

Afternoon: Stroll and Take Photos at North Bund

After a morning stroll around Rock Bund, take the Metro or a taxi in the afternoon to reach North Bund — another riverside district that’s becoming increasingly popular among younger travelers. This area is known for its peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds compared to The Bund (Waitan), while still offering an incredible panoramic view of the Pudong skyline. You’ll spot iconic landmarks like the towering Shanghai Tower — one of the tallest buildings in the world — and the pink-domed Oriental Pearl Tower, a true symbol of Shanghai.

End your first day at Shanghai’s most iconic landmark The Bund (Waitan). The highlight here is a riverside stroll along the Huangpu River, where you can admire the stunning contrast between the two sides of the city: Puxi, lined with elegant colonial-era European buildings, and Pudong, home to the modern skyline of skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. The best time to visit is between 6:00–7:30 PM, when you can enjoy both a romantic sunset and the mesmerizing city lights gradually coming to life.

To complete the experience, take the Huangpu River Cruise, a one-hour ride that offers the most breathtaking views of both riverbanks — a perfect way to see Shanghai’s beauty from the water.

Today is the highlight of the trip! We’ll spend the entire day at Shanghai Disneyland — one of the largest Disney parks in the world. The park is divided into several themed zones, each with its own atmosphere and unique design. From the classic Fantasyland with its fairytale castle to the newest addition, Zootopia, which makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into the animated world itself.

Morning: Head to Shanghai Disneyland

• Take Metro Line 11 → Disney Resort Station (final stop). Walk just a few minutes to the main entrance.
• Before entering, download the Shanghai Disney Resort app to check ride wait times and purchase Disney Premier Access (DPA).

If you buy tickets at the gate, expect to wait in line for hours — especially on weekends or holidays. To save time, book your tickets in advance through Gother.com and walk straight in without waiting.

The moment you step into this zone, it truly feels like you’ve entered the real city of Zootopia — surrounded by vibrant skyscrapers and intricate details that perfectly recreate scenes from the movie. The highlight here is the ride Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, where you hop into a police car and join the chase through the bustling animal city.

Join Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde on a thrilling police chase through the city as they hunt down the bad guys! The atmosphere feels incredibly real, with detailed sets and immersive effects. Around the zone, you’ll also find themed souvenir shops and plenty of great photo spots — a must-visit for fans of the movie.

This zone is another highlight of Shanghai Disneyland, featuring the iconic ride TRON Lightcycle Power Run — a high-speed roller coaster where riders take on a lightcycle position just like in the TRON movie. The ride accelerates through both indoor sections filled with dazzling sci-fi lights and outdoor tracks that open up to breathtaking park views.

If you visit at night, the atmosphere becomes even more stunning — the blue lights reflecting off the structure create a futuristic glow that looks incredible in photos. To avoid long queues, it’s best to use Premier Access early in the morning so you can enjoy the ride comfortably.

This zone bursts with vibrant colors and gives you the feeling of becoming a real toy yourself! Everything is designed on a giant scale from light bulbs and toy blocks to colorful balls making you feel as if you’ve stepped right into Andy’s backyard.

The highlights here are fun rides suitable for all ages — such as Slinky Dog Spin, a family-friendly spinning ride; Woody’s Roundup, where you hop on a twirling cow cart; and Rex’s Racer, a semi-loop roller coaster that offers just the right amount of thrill. This zone is also one of the most popular photo spots, filled with beloved Toy Story characters that bring back childhood memories for many visitors.

Evening: Parade and Fireworks at the Castle

One of the most anticipated moments of the day is the Disney character parade, where beloved characters march along the main street of the park to cheerful music. You’ll see favorites like Mickey, Minnie, Daisy, Pluto, and many others dancing and waving to guests on both sides of the road. The atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement as both kids and adults eagerly capture the magical moment on camera.

For the best view, it’s recommended to find a good spot and wait a little early — the streets can get packed with visitors who don’t want to miss this highlight. After spending the day enjoying the rides, this parade offers a perfect chance to unwind and soak in the dazzling lights and music before the night show begins.

End the day with a breathtaking light, sound, and fireworks show at the Enchanted Storybook Castle  the largest Disney castle in the world. This performance is the signature highlight of Shanghai Disneyland and an absolute must-see, perfectly wrapping up your magical fairytale night.

Hotels Near Shanghai Disneyland

Morning: Strolling and Taking Photos Around Xintiandi

Start your day in Xintiandi a trendy historic district transformed from old warehouses and traditional Shikumen stone buildings into a stylish area filled with cafés, bars, and restaurants. The atmosphere feels like strolling through a little corner of Europe in the heart of Shanghai.

The moment you step in, you’ll find yourself surrounded by cutting-edge art installations that make this area more than just a shopping or café district. Every corner is filled with creativity and modern design a perfect spot for photo lovers or anyone looking for a fresh, one-of-a-kind vibe.

Afternoon: Anfu Road + Wukang Road

After spending the morning exploring Xintiandi, switch up the vibe in the afternoon at Anfu Road — one of the most popular hangout streets among young locals in Shanghai. The area is lined with cozy cafés, dessert shops, and cute boutiques, with stylish photo spots waiting at nearly every corner.

The most eye-catching spot here is the bear-themed fashion store and café, where a giant teddy bear peeks out the window to greet people passing by (like at 13 DE MARZO). Inside, the place is filled with an adorable army of teddy bears — a true paradise for anyone who loves cute aesthetics and photo-worthy corners.

Evening: French Concession Vibes

After a relaxing stroll along Wukang Road, wrap up the day in the French Concession area around Hengshan Road. This stylish, cosmopolitan neighborhood comes alive at night, filled with trendy bars, cozy cafés, and international restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink, listen to live music, or have a lovely dinner to end your day in Shanghai.

This street still preserves the charm of the old **French Concession**, where classic European-style buildings blend seamlessly with Shanghai’s modern cityscape. An evening stroll here offers both a romantic and chic atmosphere all at once.

Morning: Stroll around Hongkou District

On your last morning before heading home, take a stroll around Hongkou to soak in the city’s calm and local charm. Relax at Lu Xun Park or simply wander through the streets to observe everyday life — a peaceful and heartwarming way to end your Shanghai trip before returning to the hustle and bustle of daily life.