The Destination
Shanghai’s skyline hits you first—a jagged silhouette of glass and steel that glows neon at night. But peel back that futuristic veneer, and you’ll find a city that breathes through its alleys, where the scent of sizzling scallion pancakes mingles with the earthy aroma of aged wood in ancient temples. This is the Shanghai most travelers skim past, and it’s exactly what makes a girls trip here so magical.
Right now, Shanghai is having a moment. Post-pandemic, the city has rebounded with a vengeance—new cafes pop up weekly, art galleries are buzzing, and the ancient water towns like Zhujiajiao are drawing crowds seeking a slower, more romantic pace. For a 3-day vlog, you can capture both the futuristic and the timeless: sunrise at the Bund, afternoon in a hidden tea house, and evening cocktails with a skyline view. It’s a city that rewards curiosity and punishes rushed itineraries.
Getting There & Getting Around
Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the main international gateway, with direct flights from most major cities. If you’re on a budget, check for deals on China Eastern or Spring Airlines—they often have competitive fares. The Maglev train from Pudong to Longyang Road station is a thrill in itself, hitting 430 km/h (267 mph) in under 8 minutes. It costs about 50 RMB ($7) one way, and it’s worth every yuan for the sheer novelty.
For getting around the city, the Shanghai Metro is your best friend. It’s clean, efficient, and covers almost every attraction. Buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card at any station—it works on metro, buses, and even some taxis. DiDi (China’s Uber) is essential for late nights or when your feet give out. English support is decent, but have your destination written in Chinese just in case. Avoid taxis during rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-7 PM) unless you enjoy sitting in traffic.
To reach Zhujiajiao ancient town, take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then a short bus or taxi ride to the water entrance. The journey takes about 1.5 hours from central Shanghai. Go on a weekday if possible—weekends are packed with selfie sticks and tour groups. The best time to visit Shanghai overall is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild. Summer is hot and humid; winter can be damp and cold, but the crowds thin out.
The Experience
Your first day should be all about the Bund and the French Concession. Start at the Bund at sunrise—the light hits the colonial buildings just right, and you’ll have the promenade almost to yourself. Then, wander into the French Concession for brunch at a cafe like Grif Coffee or Seesaw. The streets are lined with plane trees and art deco villas; it’s the most photogenic part of Shanghai. Don’t miss the little boutiques and vintage stores on Wukang Road.
Day two is for Zhujiajiao. This ancient water town is often called the “Venice of Shanghai,” but that undersells it. The canals are lined with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, stone bridges arch gracefully, and locals sell everything from sticky rice cakes to hand-painted fans. Take a gondola ride (about 60-100 RMB per person, depending on the route) and ask your boatman to sing a traditional folk song—it’s cheesy but unforgettable. For lunch, find a restaurant overlooking the water and order the local river fish and braised pork. Avoid the main tourist street for souvenirs; the side alleys have better prices and fewer crowds.
Day three is for Shanghai’s modern side. Visit the Shanghai Tower for a vertigo-inducing view from the 118th floor (180 RMB), then head to the Shanghai Museum (free entry, but reserve ahead) for a dose of ancient Chinese art. In the evening, explore the trendy Yongkang Road area for bars and live music. The cafe culture here is insane—places like % Arabica and Manner Coffee serve excellent lattes in minimalist spaces perfect for vlog B-roll.
A hidden gem: the Long Museum West Bund. It’s a contemporary art space with a stunning industrial architecture and a riverside cafe. The rotating exhibits are usually cutting-edge, and the building itself is a photographer’s dream. Entry is about 100 RMB, and it’s far less crowded than the more famous museums.
Costs & Budget
Shanghai can be as cheap or as luxurious as you want. Here’s a realistic breakdown for 3 days:
- **Accommodation**: Budget hostels start at 100-150 RMB/night ($14-21). Mid-range hotels like Hanting or Home Inn run 300-500 RMB ($42-70). For a splurge, the W Hotel or The Bund Hotel will set you back 1,500-3,000 RMB ($210-420).
- **Food**: Street food meals (jianbing, xiaolongbao, noodles) cost 15-30 RMB ($2-4). A sit-down dinner in a nice restaurant is 80-150 RMB ($11-21) per person. High-end dining at a place like Lost Heaven or M on the Bund can be 300-600 RMB ($42-84).
- **Activities**: Major attractions like the Shanghai Tower or Zhujiajiao entry fees are 50-200 RMB. Many parks and temples are free or under 30 RMB.
- **Transport**: Metro rides are 3-10 RMB. A DiDi across the city is 30-60 RMB. The Maglev is 50 RMB one way.
For a mid-range trip, budget around 2,000-3,000 RMB ($280-420) per person for 3 days, excluding flights. If you’re backpacking, you can do it for 1,200 RMB ($168).
For Travel Creators
Shanghai is a goldmine for content, but you need to plan your shots. The Bund is best filmed during golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft and the crowds are manageable. Use a gimbal for smooth walking shots along the promenade. For Zhujiajiao, the bridges and canals are your best bet—shoot from high angles to capture the winding waterways. Early morning (8-9 AM) gives you misty, atmospheric footage; by 11 AM, it’s packed.
Cafe interiors are tricky—many have strict no-photo policies or require permission. Always ask the staff before filming. The best cafes for vlogging are those with natural light and minimal decor, like Seesaw Coffee on Wukang Road or Manner Coffee on Yongkang Road. For street food scenes, the night markets like Yunnan Road Food Street are chaotic but authentic—just watch your gear and be respectful.
One storytelling angle that works well: contrast old and new. Show a traditional tea ceremony in Zhujiajiao cut against a neon-lit Shanghai Tower. Use time-lapses of the Bund’s traffic to show the city’s pulse. And don’t forget audio—capture the boatman’s song, the sizzle of a wok, and the chatter of locals. Those ambient sounds will make your vlog feel alive.
Should You Go?
Absolutely, but with caveats. Shanghai is perfect for a girls trip if you love variety—one day you’re in a 500-year-old water town, the next you’re sipping cocktails in a rooftop bar. It’s also great for solo female travelers; the city is safe, and public transport is easy to navigate. Families will enjoy the mix, but young kids might find the temples boring. Luxury seekers will love the high-end shopping and fine dining; backpackers can survive on street food and hostels.
What Shanghai isn’t: a quiet escape. It’s loud, crowded, and can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for serene beaches or hiking trails, this isn’t it. But if you want a city that pulses with energy, history, and endless photo ops, Shanghai delivers. Just give yourself three days minimum—any less and you’ll feel like you’ve only scratched the surface.
