Dear students,

After spending a few months in Shanghai, you are likely familiar with your campus, apartment, and the city's well-known tourist spots. Yet you may still be curious about the local lifestyle and how Shanghai residents spend their leisure time.

Here is the ultimate guide to exploring the city: Citywalk.

Follow the three carefully curated routes to discover the best of Shanghai while making the most of your time.

Route 1: East Nanjing Road + The Bund + Lujiazui

Recommended time: 5-7 hours

Start/End: People's Square / Sunset Promenade

Stops:

People's Square → First Food Store → Shen Dacheng → M&M's World → Peace Bird Super Store → Bailian ZX → Miniso Flagship → Pop Mart Flagship Store → Peace Hotel → The Bund → Jinling Road Ferry → Dongchang Road Ferry → Jinmao Tower Viewing Spot → Oriental Pearl Tower → Sunset Promenade

Highlights:

The route begins at People's Square. Don't just stop for photos at First Food Store or Shen Dacheng — grab a fresh meat mooncake or Nanxiang steamed buns to enjoy while you walk. Immerse yourself in the anime vibe at Bailian ZX creative square, strike a pose in front of the Pop Mart store, and soak in the retro charm of the Peace Hotel before arriving at the stunning riverside panorama of the Bund. This route packs both Shanghai's classic and contemporary charm into one exciting walk, turning familiar landmarks into fresh discoveries.

Route 2: Middle Huaihai Road

Recommended time: 3–4 hours

Start/End: South Shaanxi Road Metro Station / Site of the First CPC National Congress (South Huangpi Road Metro Station)

Stops:

South Shaanxi Road Metro Station → IAPM Mall → LOOKNOW PARK → Tokokun → Printemps Department Store → Cathay Cinema → HAUS NOWHERE → niko and… → itzy-bitzy → Huaihai 755 → Miniso → FARMERBOB → HAI 550 → TX Huaihai → MASON PRINCE → Halo House → Discus Mart → Xintiandi Plaza → Hong Kong Plaza → Site of the First CPC National Congress (South Huangpi Road Metro Station)

Highlights:

Starting at South Shaanxi Road Metro Station and peregrinate down Huaihai Road — this route is all about efficiency. Browse through LOOKNOW, niko and…, and everything from trendy streetwear and lifestyle goods to art installations and concept stores. Snap a futuristic photo at HAUS NOWHERE, hunt for limited edition figures at FARMERBOB, and complete your journey at South Huangpi Road Metro Station — all without ever taking a detour. This route is perfect for filling up your social media feed in one seamless journey!

Route 3: Wukang Building + Anfu Road

Recommended time: 4–6 hours

Start/End: Jiaotong University Metro Station / Changshu Road Metro Station

Stops:

Jiaotong University Metro Station → Urban Flower → Shen Jing Ice Shop → Gregorius SHADE → LOOKNOW & FLOW → Duozhuayu Bookstore → wiggle wiggle → D.Desirable → 13DE MARZO → SunFlour → Brandy Melville → RAC BAR → HARMAY → Ke Ling's Former Residence → Romeo's Balcony → Ba Jin's Former Residence → % Arabica → Former Site of Italian Consulate → Wukang Building → Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence → Changshu Road Metro Station

Highlights:

This route sets a clear goal — fill your camera roll! Start with an iconic shot of the Wukang Building, then wander along the chic, tree-lined Anfu Road. Spot stylish outfits outside Brandy Melville, pose against the industrial walls of HARMAY, and let the neon glow of Duozhuayu Bookstore light up your shots. Every corner along this route offers a visual and cultural feast.

Tips & Tricks

• Check opening hours for attractions in advance.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
• Use Dianping to discover hidden local gems along the way.

How to find more Citywalk routes?

• Gaode Maps / Baidu Maps:

Using these helpful online maps to mark interesting spots and explore freely.

• RedNote / Instagram:

You can refer to social media apps to search "Shanghai + Citywalk " for fresh ideas and recommendations.

• Local forums and student clubs:

Many universities and local community groups organize Citywalk events.

Safety tips

Explore freely — but always put safety first! Especially in an unfamiliar place, please remember to:

• Inform someone: Share your route and estimated return time with a friend or roommate.
• Choose daytime: It is more recommended to explore the city during daylight and stick to well-lit, populated areas. If you venture out at night, exercise extra caution.
• Stay alert: Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Ready to walk the city like a local? Lace up your shoes — Shanghai is waiting!

Source: Official WeChat account of Tongji University Office for International Students at "isotju"