1-Day Layover in Shanghai: Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower & Ferrari

Bustling view of Shanghai's vibrant city center, showcasing a mix of modern skyscrapers, busy streets, and clear blue skies.

A 1-day layover in Shanghai is the perfect chance to experience China’s most exciting city – even if you only have a few hours! In just one day, you can explore a stunning traditional garden, see the entire city from Shanghai Tower, and visit a restaurant with a real upside-down Ferrari hanging from the ceiling.

This guide will help you maximize your layover, including essential apps, transport details, and costs.

What You’ll Do in 1-Day Layover in Shanghai:

Set up essential apps for easy payments & transport
Explore Yu Garden, a 400-year-old masterpiece
See Shanghai from above at the tallest tower in China
Visit 1886 Restaurant, where a Ferrari hangs from the ceiling
Walk along the Bund for stunning skyline views

Let’s dive into the adventure!

Essential Apps for Your 1-Day Layover in Shanghai

Before heading into the city, download these essential apps to make your Shanghai layover smooth and hassle-free.

1. Alipay (支付宝) – The Best Way to Pay in Shanghai

Shanghai is almost completely cashless, and Alipay is the most convenient way to make payments. Many places do not accept foreign credit or debit cards. To avoid payment issues, you should use Alipay.

How to set it up as a foreigner:

Download Alipay from the App Store or Google Play.
Register with your phone number.
Link an international bank card.
Use the Tour Pass feature to add funds for payments.

2. DiDi (滴滴出行) – The Best App for Getting Around

DiDi is China’s version of Uber and makes it easy to book rides.

How to use it:

Download DiDi and sign up.
Link a payment method (Alipay recommended).
Enter your destination in English and book a ride.

3. Metro Shanghai App – The Best Tool for Public Transport

This app helps you navigate Shanghai’s metro system with real-time schedules, routes, and ticket prices.

With these apps ready, let’s head into the city!

Getting from Pudong Airport to Yu Garden

The fastest way to reach Yu Garden from Pudong International Airport (PVG) is by taking the Maglev train and Metro Line 10. At the time of writing this post (March 2025), there is a special deal for public transport tickets – you can buy Maglev + 24 hours Metro ticket for only ¥55 – available at the airport, close to the public transport station.

Step 1: Take the Maglev Train (PVG → Longyang Road Station)

Time: 8 minutes
Cost: ¥50 (single) / ¥80 (round trip)

Step 2: Metro Line 10 (Longyang Road → Yu Garden Station)

Time: 20 minutes
Cost: ¥5

Shanghai Maglev train speeding through the city, offering a fast and futuristic transport option from Pudong Airport to the city center.

From Yu Garden Station, it’s a short walk to one of Shanghai’s most stunning historical landmarks.

Stop 1: Yu Garden (豫园) – Shanghai’s Ancient Gem

If you want to experience old Shanghai, Yu Garden is the perfect place to start. Built in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty, this 400-year-old classical garden is a breathtaking escape from the city’s towering skyscrapers.

1-day layover in Shanghai - A glimpse of Yu Garden's iconic wooden bridges and ornamental plants, providing a perfect blend of nature and classic Chinese design.

Why Visit Yu Garden?

Authentic Chinese Architecture – Traditional wooden pavilions with curved roofs, intricate carvings, and ancient Chinese calligraphy.
A Garden of Harmony – Designed to balance nature, water, and architecture, Yu Garden is a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design.
The Dragon Walls – Elegant dragon sculptures wind along the top of the garden walls.
The Exquisite Jade Rock – A 3.3-meter-tall rock formation with a fascinating history.
Scenic Ponds & Zig-Zag Bridge – Filled with koi fish and lotus flowers, the ponds reflect the peaceful atmosphere of the garden.
Huxinting Tea House – A famous tea house offering traditional Chinese tea and dim sum.

Traditional architecture and serene pathways in Yu Garden, Shanghai, featuring lush greenery and tranquil ponds.

1-day layover in Shanghai - Beautifully landscaped rock formations and ancient pavilions within Yu Garden, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Shanghai.

Yu Garden Ticket Prices:

March–November: ¥40
December–February: ¥30

📍 Next stop: Take Metro Line 10 to Lujiazui Station to visit Shanghai Tower.

Stop 2: Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦) – China’s Tallest Skyscraper

Standing at 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China. The 118th-floor observation deck offers unbelievable panoramic views of Shanghai.

Observation Deck Levels & Ticket Prices:

There are 2 options:

Floor 118 (¥180) – 552 meters high – we visited this level and all the photos were taken there.
Floor 118 + 125 + 126 (¥268)

What to Expect on Floor 118 (¥180):

Ride the world’s fastest elevator – It reaches 552 meters in just 55 seconds!
Floor-to-ceiling glass windows – Enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
See the Bund, Huangpu River, and Pudong skyscrapers.
Interactive displays – Learn about Shanghai’s architectural history.

Breathtaking panoramic view from Shanghai Tower, showcasing the city's skyline, clear blue skies, and the bustling urban landscape below.

1-day layover in Shanghai - Stunning daytime view of the Oriental Pearl Tower from Shanghai Tower, offering a unique perspective of Shanghai's skyline and architectural marvels.

We decided to visit during the daytime to avoid the crowds. When we arrived, there were only three people ahead of us in the queue, and we had the luxury of riding the elevator with just two others. This was around 11:00 AM, Shanghai time.

📍 Next stop: A DiDi ride (or 10-minute walk) to 1886 Restaurant.

Stop 3: 1886 Restaurant – Home of the Upside-Down Ferrari

One of Shanghai’s most unique restaurants, 1886 Restaurant, is famous for having a real Ferrari hanging upside down from the ceiling. It is not only hanging but also rotating!

Why Visit 1886 Restaurant?

See a Ferrari hanging from the ceiling – A one-of-a-kind sight!
High-end European cuisine – Premium steaks, seafood, and gourmet dishes.
Stylish cocktails & drinks – A sleek, modern atmosphere with great drinks.

Dishes recommended by the staff :

Wagyu steak – A high-quality beef option.
Seafood pasta – Fresh seafood with rich sauces.
Signature cocktails – Perfect for an evening drink.

We didn’t eat here due to the limited time and budget, but the available German beer and Chinese tea directly under the real Ferrari were amazing. We’ve quickly grabbed bao buns from a local vendor instead – delicious, affordable, and fast!

Stylish and ornate doors of the 1886 Restaurant in Shanghai, reflecting the restaurant’s upscale atmosphere and unique aesthetic.

The entrance of 1886 Restaurant in Shanghai, showcasing its sophisticated exterior with a luxurious, automotive-inspired design. Visited during 1-day layover in Shanghai.

Unique Ferrari clock hanging in the 1886 Restaurant in Shanghai, showcasing the restaurant’s luxurious and automotive-inspired decor.

📍 Next stop: A walk along the Bund to enjoy Shanghai’s night skyline.

Stop 4: Walk Along the Bund – Shanghai’s Most Famous View

After dinner (or bao buns on the go), take a relaxing walk along the Bund for a spectacular nighttime view of Shanghai’s skyline.

What You’ll See:

Pearl Tower – The famous pink tower!
Jin Mao Tower & Shanghai World Financial Center are two of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers.
The Bund – A stunning view of Shanghai’s skyline, especially when all the buildings light up at night.

This is one of the best photo spots in Shanghai, so take your time and soak in the view!

Vibrant night view of Shanghai, with the city’s skyline lit up, including famous landmarks

Shanghai cityscape at night, showcasing the bright lights of modern skyscrapers and the lively atmosphere of the bustling Huangpu River.

1-day layover in Shanghai - Stunning night time view of Shanghai’s skyline, with illuminated skyscrapers and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower glowing against the night sky.

Heading Back to Pudong Airport

To return to Pudong Airport, take the metro:

Metro Line 2 → Lujiazui to Longyang Road
Transfer to the Maglev → Longyang Road to PVG
Total Cost: ¥55-¥80
Total Time: ~35 minutes

Summary of Your 1-Day Layover in Shanghai

Activity	Time Spent	Cost (¥)
Airport to Yu Garden	35 min	55
Yu Garden	1.5 hours	40
Shanghai Tower (Floor 118)	1.5 hours	180
1886 Restaurant (Drinks Only)	1 hour	~100
Pudong Promenade Walk	1 hour	Free
Return to PVG airport	35 min	55
Total Time:	~6-8 hours	¥430-¥500

Beautiful although not real cherry blossoms in full bloom near a traditional Chinese building, capturing the serenity and elegance of Shanghai’s spring season

Iconic view of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai, showcasing its unique design and towering presence in the city’s skyline.

Modern planter with lush greenery in front of Shanghai's skyscrapers, showcasing the blend of nature and urban architecture in the city's skyline seen during 1-day layover in Shanghai

What Was Your Shanghai Layover Like?

Have you had a 1-day layover in Shanghai? What did you do? Share your experience in the comments below!

If you want to truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Shanghai, I highly recommend watching this walking tour video HERE. It’s a peaceful, talk-free journey through the city, allowing you to experience Shanghai’s vibrant streets, stunning architecture, and bustling atmosphere in a truly authentic way. Perfect for those who want to feel the pulse of Shanghai without any distractions!

If you’re staying in Shanghai for more than one day, check out this journeyjoy.org post about Zhujiajiao HERE. The perfect guide for a peaceful day trip to this picturesque water town, known as “Shanghai’s Venice.” Explore scenic canals, historic bridges, and local delicacies for a relaxing escape from the city. Don’t miss it!