Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing, Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and The Bund in Shanghai — 15 days backpacker for $1,684.
Shanghai–Shenzhen: 10-Day China Itinerary & Cost (June)
Oriental Pearl Tower and The Bund in Shanghai, then Shenzhen Safari Park and Window of the World in Shenzhen — 10 days for $1,386.
This 10-day Standard trip covers Shanghai (5 nights), Shenzhen (4 nights) — connected by domestic flights.
Shanghai: The Bund, Shanghai Disney Resort, Oriental Pearl Tower; flight to Shenzhen (2h 25m, $59). Shenzhen: Window of the World, Splendid China Folk Village (Shenzhen), Ping An Finance Center Observation Deck (Shenzhen).
Estimated total: $1,386 for one traveler on a Standard budget — hotels average $38/night, with meals, inter-city transport, and attraction tickets included.
Cost breakdown (1 traveler, Standard)
| Category | CNY |
|---|---|
| Stay | ¥2,292 |
| Food | ¥2,400 |
| Transit | ¥400 |
| City transit | ¥600 |
| Attractions | ¥2,124 |
| Total | ¥9,379 |
What to eat
- Soup dumplings小笼包 · Xiǎolóngbāo
- Pan-fried pork buns生煎包 · Shēngjiānbāo
- Shanghai-style braised pork belly本帮红烧肉 · Běnbāng hóngshāoròu
- Chaoshan beef hotpot潮汕牛肉火锅 · Cháoshàn niúròu huǒguō
- Hong Kong-style diner fare港式茶餐厅 · Gǎngshì chácāntīng
- Hakka salt-baked chicken客家盐焗鸡 · Kèjiā yánjú jī
Shanghai itinerary
5 nights in Shanghai on this route — the attractions below are priced into the estimate.
Full Shanghai travel guide →Next leg: Shanghai to Shenzhen — Flight · 2h 25m · $59
Shenzhen itinerary
4 nights in Shenzhen on this route — the attractions below are priced into the estimate.
Full Shenzhen travel guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is $1,386 enough for a 10-day Shanghai-Shenzhen trip?
Yes, $1,386 is a realistic budget for 10 days on a Standard tier. This covers accommodation, food, inter-city transport, and major attractions.
What is the best time to visit Shanghai-Shenzhen?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit. Avoid Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October and May) as crowds and prices surge.
How many days do I need for this Shanghai-Shenzhen route?
This route is designed for 10 days: Shanghai (5 nights), Shenzhen (4 nights).
Is June a good time for this route?
June is a recommended time for this route. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) generally offer the best conditions across China.
What visa do I need for this trip?
Most visitors need a Chinese tourist (L) visa. Many nationalities qualify for 72/144-hour visa-free transit through major hubs — check your passport's eligibility.
How does this route compare to a longer version?
Adding 3 more days typically adds about $800–$1,200 for extra nights and one more high-speed rail leg.
More routes from Shanghai
Shanghai's Oriental Pearl Tower and The Bund, then Hangzhou's West Lake Scenic Area and Thousand Island Lake, then Nanjing's Zhongshan Scenic Area and Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum — 14 days for $5,674.
Shenzhen Safari Park and OCT East in Shenzhen, then Oriental Pearl Tower and The Bund in Shanghai — 10 days for $1,350.
Similar duration routes
Shenzhen Safari Park and Window of the World in Shenzhen, then Hong Kong Disneyland and Victoria Peak in Hong Kong — 10 days for $2,020.
Shenzhen Safari Park and OCT East in Shenzhen, then Oriental Pearl Tower and The Bund in Shanghai — 10 days for $1,350.
Shenzhen Safari Park and Window of the World in Shenzhen, Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing — 10 days for $1,302.