How many days should you spend in Shanghai?
Shanghai is worth time, but not for the same reasons as Beijing or Xi’an. Use it for food, neighbourhoods, skyline contrast, art, shopping streets and a softer landing into modern China rather than expecting another imperial capital.
Answer
Shanghai can disappoint travellers who arrive hunting for the same kind of old-China drama they found in Beijing or Xi’an. Its value is different: street-level food, riverside contrast, design, shopping lanes, museums, cafés and a city that feels outward-facing. Two or three days often works well on a classic route; more makes sense if you like cities or want Suzhou, Hangzhou or slower neighbourhood time. The mistake is treating Shanghai as either the whole story of modern China or as a disposable airport stop.