Breakfast→Tian'an Thousand Trees→M50 Creative Park→Take a boat/public transport from Changhua Road Pier to Sihang Warehouse Pier→Fotografiska Center/ SuheHaus→Sihang Warehouse→Lunch→Take a boat or public transport to the Bund or directly to Yu Garden→Chenghuang Temple→Zhang Garden (Shikumen Architecture Group)→Dinner→Bar
How to get to Tian An Thousand Trees: Take Metro Line 13 to "Jiangning Road Station" and walk for about 10 minutes. Nearby Recommendations, we have selected traditional Shanghai breakfast spots and bakeries for you to enjoy, hope you like them.
Before you start your new day, here we recommend you some places to have breakfast that makes you energetic.
💰 Ticket price: Free ⏰ Opening hours:Open all day. 📷 Recommended visit duration: 30 minutes About Tian An 1000 Trees Tian’an Thousand Trees Plaza is not just a commercial complex; it is an artistic fusion of nature and urban life. This building is highly controversial and was voted the "Ugliest Building in China 2022" by Chinese netizens. Designed by the British architectural genius Thomas Heatherwick, the inspiration for this structure comes from China's Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). The architect used the concept of a "mountain" and planted 1,000 trees on massive concrete columns, creating a layered "green hill." It is often referred to as a "floating forest" or "Shanghai's Hanging Gardens of Babylon," making it a must-visit spot for many tourists. Thomas Heatherwick is known for his radical and highly recognizable design style. Some of his other notable works include: The UK Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo The London Olympic Cauldron (2012) Gardens by the Bay in Singapore Hudson Yards in New York Best Photo Spot: Changhua Road Bridge The back of Tian An 1000 Trees is also unique. Adjacent to the M50 Creative Park, it features graffiti art by 16 artists from around the world, created in just 5 days to maintain a consistent style with the neighboring area. There is no need to explore the interior of the mall. Let's head to the nearby M50 Creative Park, which offers a more interesting experience.
Walk approximately 320 meters from the back of Tian’an Thousand Trees Plaza and you will reach M50 Creative Park.
💰 Ticket price: Free ⏰Opening hours:Open all days 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1 hour About M50 Creative Park M50 Creative Park is one of the representative sites of Shanghai's second industrial revitalization. Built in 1937, it was once the most complete national textile industrial complex along the Suzhou River, with 3,000 spindles, 20 looms, and over 1,000 employees. At that time, Shanghai had 65 spinning mills, accounting for 46% of the national total, making it a crucial pillar industry in the region. However, with the outbreak of the Pacific War, many industrial enterprises, including the Xinhe Spinning Mill, were taken over by the Japanese army. In 1944, the founder, Zhou Zhijun, redeemed the mill with a large sum of money, and it fully resumed operations in October 1945. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Xinhe Spinning Mill underwent several name changes and restructurings, eventually becoming the Shanghai Chunming Woolen Mill in 1994. With the adjustment of the city's industrial structure, the factory gradually ceased production, leaving behind numerous industrial buildings. In the late 20th century, due to operational pressures, the factory had to rent out some of its buildings. In the early 2000s, an artist named Xue Song was attracted by the historical relics and chose to set up his studio in the dyeing workshop. Subsequently, many artists gathered here, and excellent design companies and galleries from around the world also moved in. In 2004, the old factory area, which had weathered a century, was officially renamed M50 Creative Industry Park. The park now houses over 50 industrial buildings from the 1930s to the 1990s and more than 100 cultural and artistic studios and galleries. Today, M50 is one of the top ten art districts in the world. The park offers everything related to art and culture, from silver jewelry and embroidery to tea art and coffee. New elements are constantly being added, while old ones are preserved. The various corners and alleys formed by the old buildings are full of endless fun and beauty, where tradition and innovation collide to create brilliant sparks. The park regularly hosts various free small exhibitions, mostly on the first floor, allowing visitors to experience its charm while strolling.
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💰 Ticket price: Free, no reservation required ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM), Closed on Mondays (except public holidays) 📷 Recommended visit duration:30 minutes to 1 hour Free Guided Tours:Daily at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 3:00 PM Discover the Sihang Warehouse and the Battle of Sihang Warehouse Completed in 1935, the Sihang Warehouse was the tallest and largest building in the Zhabei district of Shanghai at the time. The warehouse spans 64 meters in width, 54 meters in depth, and 25 meters in height, covering an area of 3,000 square meters with a total floor space of 20,000 square meters. During the latter stages of the Battle of Shanghai in 1937, the Chinese forces began to retreat. From October 26 to 31, over 420 soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the 524th Regiment, 262nd Brigade, 88th Division of the National Revolutionary Army, led by Deputy Regiment Commander Xie Jinyuan, held their ground at the Sihang Warehouse. They claimed to be 800 strong to mislead the enemy. Despite repeated assaults by the elite Japanese 3rd Division, which suffered over 200 casualties, the Japanese were unable to breach the warehouse after four days of intense fighting. The Japanese commander, Iwane Matsui, initially believed the warehouse was defended by a brigade of 2,000 to 3,000 soldiers. After four days, the Chinese forces had largely completed their retreat. The defenders of the Sihang Storehouse were ordered by the National Government to withdraw into the International Settlement, the last point of Chinese resistance in Shanghai. Its fall marked the complete occupation of Shanghai by Japanese forces. （The "800 Heroes" in the International Settlement） Upon entering the International Settlement, the British authorities, under pressure from the Japanese, confiscated the soldiers' weapons and confined them to a military camp with harsh living conditions and restricted freedom. In April 1941, Commander Xie Jinyuan was assassinated by a traitor bribed by the Japanese puppet regime. After the outbreak of the Pacific War in 1941, the Japanese took over the internment camp, using some of the soldiers as forced labor. By the end of the war, only about 100 of the original defenders survived. Despite the small scale of the battle at the Sihang Warehouse, its significance far exceeded the number of soldiers involved. In 1937, Japan's steel production was 5.8 million tons, compared to China's mere 40,000 tons. The Chinese military had very few planes, tanks, and artillery, making it significantly weaker. The Japanese believed they could conquer China in three months. The brutal reality was that even with over 700,000 of China's best troops fighting on home soil, they could not defeat the 220,000-strong Japanese force. However, the battle at the Sihang Warehouse revitalized the morale of the Chinese military and civilians, shattering the Japanese illusion of a swift victory and showcasing the indomitable spirit of Chinese soldiers to the world, inspiring countless people to resist Japanese aggression. Today, the Sihang Warehouse has been transformed into the Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial Hall. The museum's main exhibition, "The Battle of Sihang Warehouse," is divided into six sections: "The Bloody Battle of Shanghai," "Defending Sihang," "The Lone Army's Struggle," "An Immortal Monument," along with an introductory hall and a concluding hall. The memorial hall vividly recreates the heroic deeds of the soldiers through various display methods and showcases historical artifacts and documents from the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. （Inside the Sihang Warehouse） If you are interested, you can explore the exhibits inside. If you haven't had breakfast or are feeling peckish, you can enjoy a meal at the unique fusion restaurant nearby, which offers a blend of Chinese and Western cuisine.
Let's head to our afternoon destination—Yuyuan Garden. If you're worried about traffic congestion, taking the subway is a great option. However, if you prefer a more comfortable ride, taking a taxi is also a good choice.
Both of these restaurants offer traditional Shanghai snacks, and their signature dishes are quite similar. You can try both to savor the subtle differences.
💰 Ticket price: Peak Season (April 1 - June 30, September 1 - November 30): 40 RMB per adult Off-Season: 30 RMB per adult ⏰ Opening hours:Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM, clearing at 4:30 PM) Closed on Mondays (except public holidays) 📷Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours Discover Yuyuan Garden Yuyuan Garden is a classic Jiangnan-style garden from the Ming Dynasty, built in 1559, with nearly 500 years of history. Covering about 20,000 square meters, it is renowned as the "Crown of Southeast Gardens." Originally constructed by Pan Yunduan to honor his father Pan En, the name "Yuyuan" means "Garden of Happiness," reflecting the traditional Chinese value of filial piety, where children bring joy and satisfaction to their parents through their actions and achievements. The garden's architecture is unique, showcasing the exquisite design and artistic charm of Jiangnan gardens. Elements like rockeries, ponds, flowers, trees, pavilions, and terraces are intricately woven together, creating picturesque scenes. Yuyuan Garden also houses numerous precious cultural relics and artworks, including Ming Dynasty furniture, calligraphy, paintings, and ceramics. Yuyuan Garden is not only a famous tourist attraction in Shanghai but also an important carrier of traditional Chinese culture. During the Chinese New Year, the garden hosts the Yuyuan Lantern Festival, attracting many visitors. The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is a well-known commercial area in Shanghai, featuring various local snacks and handicraft shops, making it a great place for shopping and tasting local delicacies. Suggested Tour Route: Entrance → 1. Sansui Hall → 2. Grand Rockery → 3. The Mid-Lake Pavilion → 4. Yulinglong → 5. Dianchun Hall → 6. Ancient Stage → Exit
💰 Ticket price: Free, no reservation required ⏰ Opening hours: Open all day 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours Visiting Tips: The City God Temple is most beautiful at dusk when the lanterns and neon lights illuminate the streets, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The temple area blends traditional charm with modern vibrancy, making you feel like you've stepped back into an ancient night market. City God Temple not just a temple but a commercial district that has developed around the temple over the past 400 years. It is one of Shanghai's most culturally rich commercial areas. Many say that if you visit Shanghai without seeing City God Temple, you haven't truly experienced the city. Here, you can find traditional Chinese handicrafts and souvenirs as well as modern fashion items, catering to various tastes. The area is also a food haven, offering authentic Shanghai cuisine and snacks from all over China, making it an excellent spot for shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
To Zhang Garden, you have 2 ways to get there: Taxi and Metro.
💰 Ticket price: Free, no reservation required ⏰ Opening hours: Open all day 📷 Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours Discover Zhang Garden Zhang Garden, established in 1882, is the largest and most well-preserved mid-to-late Shikumen architectural complex in Shanghai. Once one of the city's largest public spaces, it was known as the "First Garden of Shanghai," featuring a theater and outdoor entertainment facilities. Over time, Zhang Garden evolved into a Shikumen community and is now part of the Shanghai Shikumen Building Museum. The area boasts 43 buildings, including over 170 Shikumen-style residences, new-style lane houses, lane mansions, and garden residences. Today, Zhang Garden is home to numerous high-end luxury brands, designer boutiques, craft shops, antique stores, and various restaurants and cafes. It frequently hosts exhibitions and is a popular shopping and leisure destination for Shanghai's trendsetters. Whether you're interested in exploring cultural history, shopping, or enjoying gourmet food, Zhang Garden offers a rich and diverse experience. What is Shikumen Architecture? （石库门建筑） Shikumen architecture originated during the Taiping Rebellion when wealthy merchants, landlords, and officials from Jiangsu and Zhejiang sought refuge in the foreign concessions. Foreign real estate developers built residences that combined the features of Jiangsu and Zhejiang mansions with Western row house layouts, creating a unique blend of Eastern and Western styles. This fusion is a significant tradition in Shanghai culture, reflecting the city's self-identity after opening up to the world. Old Shikumen: The old Shikumen houses feature a long front courtyard with side rooms, a main hall with large windows, and a rear courtyard with a well. The front and rear entrances are enclosed by high walls, creating a near-sealed exterior. New Shikumen: The new Shikumen houses, developed after the 1910s, have simplified layouts with single or double rooms, reduced courtyard depth, and lower walls. The rear annexes were converted to flat roofs with small bedrooms, known as "pavilion rooms," and the roofs were used as terraces. Architectural Highlights: The most intricate part of Shikumen buildings is the lintel, which features rich decorations. Early Shikumen lintels mimicked traditional Jiangnan brick carvings, while later ones incorporated Western floral designs. Shikumen buildings are named after their distinctive stone gates, symbolizing Shanghai's traditional lane houses. Shikumen architecture represents the spirit of Shanghai's mixed culture, blending Western gables and arches with traditional Jiangnan spatial organization. It is a testament to the city's evolution from an old town to a modern metropolis and remains an important part of Shanghai's cultural heritage. Creative and Themed Markets at Zhang Garden: Creative Markets: Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to evening (e.g., 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM) Focus on handmade crafts, design works, and independent brands, ideal for visitors interested in unique designs and art. Themed Markets: Spring Festival Market: During the Lunar New Year, lasting several days to a week. Christmas Market: Mid to late December, lasting until Christmas. Mid-Autumn Market: Around the Mid-Autumn Festival (usually in September), lasting 3-5 days. Seasonal Markets: Such as spring flower markets, summer night markets, and autumn harvest markets.
For dinner, we offer a variety of cuisines including New Shanghai dishes, Taiwanese delicacies, and Hunan cuisine. We hope that this diverse range of flavors will bring you even more joy during your visit. After dinner, you can explore the nearby Nanjing West Road, which is lively at night. Alternatively, visit Jing'an Temple to see its stunning night view. If you wish to visit the temple another day, consider using our "The Flavor of Shanghai" themed tour for detailed information.
After a day of exploration of Shanghai, Going to bars may be a relaxing choice.
As you step out of the bar into the late night, this wonderful day is coming to an end. Reflecting on the fleeting moments, from the futuristic curves of Tian An 1000 Trees to the weathered brick walls of M50, from the bullet-riddled west wall of the Sihang Warehouse to the intricately carved lintels of the Shikumen gates in Zhangyuan, from the steaming xiaolongbao at Dahuchun to the fusion cuisine at Mona that blends East and West... I hope that today's whirlwind journey has allowed you to understand the poetic essence of this city, shaped by a century of profound changes. This poem, though not long, is filled with many tragedies and wars. Yet, it has been stubbornly filled with the relentless efforts and hopes of countless strivers. In the end, all the bullet-ridden ruins have blossomed into brilliant lights and laughter. May these lights and laughter find their way into your dreams tonight. Good night. And if you enjoyed your experience, please leave us a positive review. Your feedback helps other travelers and encourages us to improve our services. Thank you very much.
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3. Remember to bring your passport.
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★ 5.0 / 5 · 14 reviews from app travelers
Built for museum lovers who also like cities. The Sihang Warehouse carries real history — I stood there longer than planned. Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple are classic, busy, and worth it. Zhang Garden's shikumen complex and Fengshengli show how Shanghai lived in layers. The Fotografiska exhibitions were a perfect modern cap. A rich day.
Le meilleur de Shanghai en une seule balade : les galeries de M50 le matin, l'architecture dingue des Mille Arbres de Tian'an, puis le vieux Shanghai à Yu Garden et au temple du Dieu de la Ville, et les ruelles restaurées de Fengshengli au crépuscule. Fotografiska avait de superbes expos photos — en tant qu'étudiant en art, j'étais aux anges. Les bars près du quartier des entrepôts ont parfaitement conclu la soirée.
M50 Creative Park is where Shanghai's art actually lives — factory studios, galleries, working artists. Tian'an Thousand Trees is a wild piece of architecture worth the detour. Then the Four Banks Warehouse and Zhang Garden's shikumen lanes tell the old-Shanghai story. A day that moves from contemporary to century-old without a jarring note. Shanghai design, understood.
The “mountain-shaped” Tian’an Qian Shu Towers look like a fake render from every angle, and every M50 graffiti wall is a poster if you just point and shoot. The bullet holes at Sihang Warehouse hit hardest — history doesn’t need a filter.
This day was a perfect mix for my curiosity: weird architecture, creative zones, history, and nonstop snacks. Tianan 1000 Trees is so visually bold it almost feels unreal, and for someone impulsive like me, it’s the kind of place where you suddenly take 200 photos without noticing. M50 was my favorite for browsing—art studios, edgy vibes, and that “found” feeling you don’t get on the main streets. Fotografiska gave me a more polished creative hit, and the Sihang Warehouse added a serious historical layer that made me slow down for once. Yu Garden and the City God Temple area were lively and delicious—busy, colorful, and perfect for tasting as you walk. The route also included Zhangyuan, which felt like a stylish slice of old Shanghai. Food was honestly stacked: shengjian, xiaolongbao, scallion oil noodles, and sweet bites like sesame rice cakes. I loved how the schedule made the city feel understandable instead of overwhelming.
The “mountain-shaped” Tian’an Qian Shu Towers look like a fake render from every angle, and every M50 graffiti wall is a poster if you just point and shoot. The bullet holes at Sihang Warehouse hit hardest — history doesn’t need a filter.
More ideas for a day you’ll remember.
Self-guided tour