Lujiazui towers, then the old garden
A day in Shanghai — 6 stops, about 5.35 km on foot, 70 minutes walking.
A Pudong day that works upward: aquarium and tower first, a waterfront museum and a sit-down Shanghainese lunch in the middle, then the tallest deck before crossing to the old town for Yu Garden. About 3.2 km of walking, mostly flat and paved. Suits families and anyone who wants views without a long trek.
The route, in order
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Opens 09:00
Start here at opening, before the tour groups fill the underwater tunnel and before the towers get busy.
6 min walk — Head southeast toward 陆家嘴环路
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
A short walk from the aquarium, and worth doing while the morning air is still relatively clear for views.
11 min walk — Head southwest
Aurora Art Museum
Back down at ground level, a quieter waterfront stop that gives your legs and eyes a break from the crowds and glass.
4 min walk — Head south
Xiao Nan Guo
Opens 10:30
Lunch nearby after the museum, timed for when the kitchen is open and the district's office rush hasn't landed.
17 min walk — Head south toward 富城路
Shanghai Tower
The second and higher viewpoint of the day, better in the afternoon light and a natural last stop in Lujiazui.
32 min walk — Head south toward 陆家嘴环路 Go through 1 roundabout
Yu Garden
Cross out of the financial district to the old town for pavilions and ponds, a deliberate change of scale to end on.