If you've ever dreamed of walking The Bund, tasting xiao long bao where it's made best, or finally checking off Shanghai Disneyland, good news—you don’t even need a visa if you plan smart. Thanks to China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, travelers from over 50 countries can now explore incredible cities like Shanghai without the usual red tape.
We recently visited Shanghai on a short trip from Bangkok and made the absolute most of our three days there—with a mix of iconic landmarks, cultural gems, and a full day at Disneyland (our final Disney park!). Here’s how we spent our time, where we stayed (for free!), and some real talk on what worked, what didn’t, and how to make your own short trip just as memorable.
What’s the Deal with the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit?
If you’re flying into China from one country and heading out to a third, you may qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) policy. That gave us 10 visa-free days to enjoy China, though we only used a few. You must have an onward ticket (not a round trip), stay within approved cities or provinces, and follow the rules of your specific entry point—ours was Shanghai.
Pro tip: Have your flights printed and ready to show at immigration, plus the address of your first hotel. Entry was smooth for us, but they do ask questions. See the full breakdown and information on the blog post here.
Where We Stayed: A Free Hotel on Points
We booked Caption by Hyatt on The Bund using Chase Sapphire Preferred points, transferred to Hyatt. While it wasn’t a luxury experience, it was modern, clean, and super central—which was all we needed for such a packed few days.
Since I’m still paying rent back in Bangkok, I didn’t want to splurge on accommodation. If you’re looking to do the same, I highly recommend getting the Chase Sapphire Preferred card—it currently comes with a massive welcome bonus, enough to cover an economy flight and a few nights at hotels like ours.
👉 Get the Chase Sapphire Preferred with a special sign-up bonus here.
Getting Around: Cheap, Easy, and Efficient
Shanghai’s metro system is clean, fast, and incredibly cheap—each ride cost us around $0.50 USD (¥3–4 RMB). You can easily tap in and out with Alipay or WeChat, so no need to fumble for change. Most major tourist spots are connected by train, and signs are in both English and Chinese.
Walking is another great way to experience the city—Shanghai is made for pedestrians, with wide, car-free shopping streets like Nanjing Road.
And don’t skip the side streets! We found the cutest local bakery and fresh milk shop just a few minutes from our hotel. Keep an eye out for hidden gems where locals grab breakfast or snacks.
Here’s How We Spent Our 3 Days in Shanghai
We packed a lot into our short stay—and yes, the days were long and some sights had to be skipped. But what we did see left a huge impression.
Day 1: People's Park, Museum, and Skyline Walks
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People’s Park
A lush green space in the middle of the city, where we kicked off our morning among locals doing tai chi and dancing. On weekends, you’ll even find the famous "marriage market" where parents gather to find partners for their kids. -
Shanghai Museum
Right inside the park, this free and world-class museum showcases everything from ancient bronzes and ceramics to Chinese calligraphy and jade. It's cool, calm, and great with kids too. -
Nanjing Road (East)
We wandered the pedestrian-only part of Nanjing Road, which leads you straight to The Bund. It's a mix of luxury stores, neon-lit shops, and the occasional street snack stand. -
The Bund
Shanghai’s postcard-perfect riverfront. On one side, colonial buildings from the 1920s; on the other, Pudong’s futuristic skyline. We didn't cross the river this trip, but the view from our side was unbeatable—especially at night.
Day 2: Temples, Gardens & Old Shanghai Charm
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Jing’an Temple
A peaceful and golden gem right in the heart of the city. We bought tickets via Alipay at the entrance, and it’s worth it just for the contrast between the temple's ancient beauty and the high-rises surrounding it. -
Nanjing Road (West)
A quieter, more upscale stretch of the road. We stopped at Butterful & Crèmore for pastries and even popped into Charlotte Tilbury to try on some color (no shame in makeup therapy while traveling!). -
Yu Garden
This 400-year-old garden is a masterpiece of classical Chinese landscaping—pavilions, koi ponds, rockeries, and weeping willows. Kids get half-price entry and we bought tickets right at the gate via WeChat. -
Yuyuan Old Street
Right outside the garden is a buzzing maze of old-style buildings selling dumplings, snacks, and souvenirs. We watched noodle chefs in action, sampled dumplings, stumbled into a free chocolate museum, and just soaked in the energy.
Day 3: Shanghai Disneyland—A Magical Finale
As big Disney fans, this was our final park to check off, and it did not disappoint. We booked our tickets through the official Disney Shanghai app, which saved us money compared to third-party sellers.
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Getting there:
The metro ride from central Shanghai took about an hour, and the station is right at the park gates. Super easy! -
The rides:
Don’t miss TRON Lightcycle Power Run—it’s as cool as it looks—and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, which is unlike any other Pirates ride. -
Food & charging:
We snacked on everything from grilled squid to popcorn and used a rentable power bank for our phones—just ¥25 CNY/day or under $1/hour.
We stayed through the fireworks show, and even with tired feet, it was the perfect way to wrap up our trip.
Final Tips Before You Go
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Download Alipay and WeChat before arrival. Add a foreign card or set up a local SIM if you plan to use them for payments.
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Bring good walking shoes—you’ll be on your feet a lot, especially in the older parts of town.
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Book Disney tickets early—same-day sales aren’t available.
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Use points when you can—whether for flights or hotels, using a travel rewards card like Chase Sapphire Preferred can stretch your travel budget.
👉 Sign up for the Chase card and get an extra bonus here.
Have more time or want a comprehensive list of must visit and must do things in Shanghai? Check out the itinerary below
5-Day Shanghai Itinerary: Explore the Best of the City
Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and Skyline Views
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The Bund: Start your journey with a stroll along the Bund, Shanghai's historic waterfront promenade, offering panoramic views of the city's colonial architecture and the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.
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Yu Garden: Immerse yourself in classical Chinese garden design at Yu Garden, a tranquil oasis featuring pavilions, rockeries, and koi ponds.
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Nanjing Road: Experience the bustling energy of Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier shopping street, lined with a mix of traditional stores and modern malls.
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Shanghai Tower: Ascend to the observation deck of Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, for breathtaking views of the cityscape. Booking tickets in advance is recommended to avoid long lines.
Day 2: Cultural Exploration and Historic Districts
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Shanghai Museum: Delve into China's rich history at the Shanghai Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient artifacts, including bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy.
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French Concession: Wander through the leafy avenues of the French Concession, known for its charming European-style architecture, boutique shops, and cozy cafes.
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Tianzifang: Explore the labyrinthine alleys of Tianzifang, a vibrant arts and crafts enclave filled with galleries, studios, and eateries.
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Xintiandi: Experience Shanghai's nightlife in Xintiandi, a stylish pedestrian area blending traditional Shikumen architecture with modern entertainment venues.
Day 3: Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town
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Zhujiajiao: Embark on a day trip to Zhujiajiao, a picturesque water town known as the "Venice of Shanghai." Stroll along ancient canals, cross stone bridges, and savor local delicacies. The town is easily accessible by public transport or organized tours.
Day 4: Modern Attractions and Entertainment
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Shanghai Disneyland: Spend a magical day at Shanghai Disneyland, featuring unique attractions like the TRON Lightcycle Power Run and the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Note that tickets must be purchased in advance, as on-site sales are not available.
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Oriental Pearl Tower: Visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, offering panoramic views, a revolving restaurant, and a history museum. Pre-booking tickets is advisable to skip the queues.
Day 5: Hidden Gems and Local Experiences
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Jade Buddha Temple: Discover serenity at the Jade Buddha Temple, home to two magnificent jade Buddha statues and a peaceful ambiance.
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Propaganda Poster Art Centre: Gain insights into China's modern history through a collection of rare propaganda posters from the Mao era.
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Local Cuisine: Indulge in Shanghai's culinary delights, such as xiao long bao (soup dumplings) at Jia Jia Tang Bao and other local eateries.
Extending Your Trip: 2-Day Beijing Itinerary
If you're looking to explore more of China, a 2-day trip to Beijing offers a glimpse into the nation's rich history and culture.
Day 1: Historical Landmarks
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Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City: Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, followed by a tour of the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex that served as the home of emperors for centuries.
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Temple of Heaven: Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site where emperors performed ceremonial rites.
Day 2: Great Wall Adventure
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Mutianyu or Jinshanling Great Wall: Embark on a hike along the Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections, known for their stunning scenery and fewer crowds.
See the full blog post on how we spent our time in Beijing here.
Shanghai is a city that balances the old and new like few others. From temple bells to neon lights, dumpling stands to Disneyland, it's a whirlwind—but one absolutely worth taking. Even if you're just transiting through, with the right planning, you can make three days in Shanghai feel like a full adventure.
Have questions about planning your own trip on the 240-hour visa-free policy? I’m happy to help—drop them below!
