6-Day Shanghai Luxury Escape: The Ultimate Classic Route
Shanghai is a city where colonial history meets a neon-soaked future, offering a sophisticated blend of East and West that is best experienced through a lens of luxury. This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who appreciates the finer things: five-star heritage hotels, exclusive private tours, and world-class culinary experiences that define the modern Chinese metropolis.
Throughout this journey, you will navigate the city in premium comfort, moving from the leafy avenues of the Former French Concession to the soaring heights of the Pudong skyline. Expect a seamless blend of cultural immersion and high-end relaxation, ensuring every moment in the 'Pearl of the Orient' is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Huangpu, China - Colonial Grandeur
Luxury Maglev Arrival
Arrive at Pudong International Airport and whisk into the city center on the Maglev, the world’s fastest commercial high-speed electric train, followed by a private chauffeur transfer to your hotel on the Bund.
Lunch at Hakkasan Shanghai
Enjoy contemporary Cantonese cuisine with a stunning view of the Huangpu River. The dim sum platter and jasmine tea smoked pork ribs are legendary staples of this Michelin-recognized establishment.
Private Architecture Tour of the Bund
Meet a local historian for a private walking tour of the 52 landmark buildings along the Bund, exploring the interiors of former banks and trading houses that reflect Shanghai's 1930s golden age.
Dining at Mr & Mrs Bund
Experience the creative French flair of Chef Paul Pairet at this high-end eatery. It’s the perfect spot to watch the skyline light up while enjoying world-class service and a sophisticated wine list.
Day 2: Old City, China - Traditional Elegance
Yu Garden Private Access
Explore this 16th-century Ming Dynasty garden before the peak afternoon crowds. Marvel at the intricate rockeries, koi ponds, and the exquisite Jade Rock, a true masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping.
Gourmet Xiao Long Bao Experience
Skip the public lines at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant by booking a private room. Taste the most refined soup dumplings in the city, paired with premium Dragon Well tea.
Huxinting Tea House Ceremony
Visit the oldest tea house in Shanghai, situated in the middle of a lake. Participate in a traditional tea ceremony while overlooking the zigzag Bridge of Nine Turnings.
ERA Intersection of Time
Witness a world-class acrobatic performance that tells the story of China's history through incredible stunts and modern technology. Opt for VIP seating for the best views.
Day 3: Xuhui, China - The French Concession Charms
Wukang Road Heritage Walk
Stroll through the tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession. Admire the iconic Wukang Mansion and the quiet, elegant villas that once housed the city’s elite in the early 20th century.
Michelin Dining at Fu He Hui
Indulge in an exquisite vegetarian tasting menu at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Each dish is a work of art, focusing on high-quality seasonal fungi and traditional Chinese ingredients.
Propaganda Poster Art Centre
Visit this unique private museum tucked away in a residential basement. It offers a fascinating, high-level look at China’s 20th-century history through rare political posters.
Jazz at the Peace Hotel
End the evening at the legendary Old Jazz Bar. Listen to the world’s oldest jazz band perform in an atmosphere that transports you back to the 1920s.
Day 4: Lujiazui, China - Vertical Shanghai
Top of Shanghai Tower
Ascend the world's second-tallest building. From the 118th floor, you'll have an unparalleled 360-degree view of the entire Yangtze River Delta and the sprawling urban landscape below.
Sky-High Lunch at Scena
Located in the Ritz-Carlton, this Italian restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling windows with direct views of the Pearl Tower while you dine on handmade pasta and premium seafood.
Museum of Art Pudong (MAP)
Explore this stunning new landmark designed by Jean Nouvel. The museum hosts world-class exhibitions in partnership with institutions like the Tate and the Prado.
Private Huangpu River Cruise
Charter a private yacht for an hour-long cruise on the river. Seeing both the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong neon lights from the water is the quintessential Shanghai experience.
Day 5: West Bund, China - Art & Innovation
Long Museum West Bund
Visit this architectural marvel built around an old coal wharf. It houses one of the finest private art collections in China, featuring both traditional and contemporary works.
Riverside Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed, upscale lunch at one of the trendy bistros along the West Bund waterfront, a hub for the city’s creative class and modern architects.
West Bund Art Center
Walk through former industrial aircraft hangars that have been converted into high-end art galleries and design studios, showcasing the cutting edge of Asian modern art.
Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet
If you have managed to secure a booking, this 3-Michelin-star immersive dining experience is the ultimate luxury. It’s a multi-sensory journey for only 10 guests per night at a secret location.
Day 6: Jing'an, China - Zen and Shopping
Jing'an Temple
Visit this magnificent golden temple nestled between skyscrapers. It is one of the city's most important Buddhist sites and features a massive silver Buddha statue.
Lunch at Yi Long Court
Located in the Peninsula, this restaurant offers refined Cantonese dining in a 1930s-inspired setting. The Peking Duck is carved tableside with expert precision.
Luxury Shopping at Plaza 66
Spend the afternoon at Shanghai's premier luxury shopping destination, home to flagship stores for the world's most exclusive fashion houses and jewelry brands.
Spa Treatment at The Middle House
Relax before your flight with a rejuvenating treatment at the Mi Xun Spa, an oasis of calm in the heart of the bustling city.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for walking tours. Summers can be intensely hot and humid, while winters are chilly and damp. Avoid the first weeks of October and February due to the National Day and Lunar New Year holidays, when domestic tourism peaks.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Renminbi (CNY/RMB). While major luxury hotels and high-end restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), China is largely a cashless society. It is highly recommended to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your international card before arrival. Tipping is not traditionally expected in China, though it is appreciated in high-end international hotels and for private tour guides.
Getting Around
For a luxury experience, the best way to get around is via the 'Didi Luxe' service within the Didi Chuxing app, which offers high-end vehicles and professional drivers. The Shanghai Metro is also world-class, clean, and efficient for avoiding traffic during rush hour. For arrival and departure, the Maglev train provides a unique, high-speed connection between Pudong Airport and the city's Longyang Road station.
