Written by Veronica |
Shanghai is one of the most visited destinations in trips to China, and there are a lot of things you can do in the largest commercial and financial center. This article will guide you through 18 of the city’s best things to see and explore.
There are historical and modern wonders for sightseeing, multiple cultural experiences, and a variety of other fun activities. Whether it is your first trip to China or a return visit, Shanghai promises you an abundance of surprises.
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- Visit Top Historical Sites in Shanghai
- Explore Modern Marvels in Shanghai
- Try Cultural Experiences in Shanghai
- Enjoy Nightlife and Entertainment in Shanghai
- Discover Family-Friendly Destinations in Shanghai
- Best Water Towns Near Shanghai
- How to Plan a Shanghai Tour
- Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour
Visit Top Historical Sites in Shanghai
1. Stroll The Bund: A Riverside Walk through History
- Ticket price: free
- Opening hours: all day
- Time needed: 1-2 hours
- Best time to visit: 17:00-19:00
Walking along the Bund is the top free thing to do in Shanghai. It is an iconic walkway stretching 1.5 km along the Huangpu River, and you can see the world-famous Shanghai skyline with towering skyscrapers on the other side of the bank.
To the west, there are many historical buildings of old Shanghai, a total of 33 in different styles. The area was once a financial and foreign trade center. It is the perfect spot for an evening walk to see the skyline and experience the historical charm of Shanghai.
2. Wander the Yu Garden: Discover the Peaceful Side of Shanghai
- Ticket price: CNY 40/USD 6 (April-October); CNY 30/USD 4 (November-March)
- Opening hours: 8:30-17:00 (last entry: 16:00). During the Lantern Festival, it closes at 22:00.
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: 8:30-10:00
- Recommended visiting route: Inscription Stone of “Famous Garden on the Sea” ➡ Three Grains Hall ➡ Vase-shaped Moon Gate ➡ Yangshan Hall ➡ Grand Rockery ➡ Corridor over Water ➡ Myriad Flowers Tower ➡ Cloud-piercing Dragon Wall ➡ Exquisite Jade Rock ➡ Hall of Jade Magnificence ➡ Ancient Opera Stage.
Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that shows the peaceful and calm side of Shanghai. As the only well-preserved Jiangnan-style garden in the city, it’s a perfect place to explore Shanghai’s historical charm and cultural heritage.
The garden was built during the Ming Dynasty, with more than 450 years of history. You can admire classical Chinese architecture with pavilions, rockeries, and water features. While walking through the garden, you’ll get a moment away from the bustling city life.
The most iconic sites include: the Grand Rockery, Exquisite Jade Rock, Jiuqu Bridge (Nine Zigzag Bridge), Three Grains Hall, and the Ancient Opera Stage from the Qing Dynasty.
3. Walk along Shanghai Old Street: Glimpse the Old Shanghai
- Ticket price: free
- Opening hours: all day (most shops open from 10:00 to 22:00)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: 9:00-11:00
Shanghai Old Street, also known as “small east gate,” is located in the Huangpu district. This street still preserves the old-Shanghai look from the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can see how traditional folk culture blends with the western culture while walking along the earliest banks in Shanghai, gold stores, jewelry shops, tea houses, and theatre stages.
Exploring this street is a top thing to do in Shanghai, and don’t forget to visit the City God Temple on the street, one of the three major temples of the Yangtze River region. It tells stories of the city’s religious heritage and it’s also where you can find the most authentic cuisine of Shanghai.
Recommended Tour:
4. Explore Jade Buddha Temple: Admire Incredible Buddhist Statues
- Ticket price: Free, except on Chinese New Year Eve and the first to fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year (CNY 20/USD 2.8).
- Opening Hours: 8:00-16:30 (regular days);5:30 – 16:30 (incense offering days, which are the first and fifteenth days of each lunar month)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: 8:30-10:00
Jade Buddha Temple is a busy Buddhist temple in the middle of Shanghai. As one of Shanghai’s three most renowned Buddhist temples, Jade Buddha Temple features a perfect blend of century-old historical legacy, religious culture, and architectural aesthetics from the Song Dynasty. It is most famous for housing two magnificent statues, the sitting Jade Buddha of 1.95 meters (6.4 feet) tall and the reclining Jade Buddha of 0.96 meters (3.15 feet) tall. The details behind their vivid visage and posture are very impressive. You can also walk about the temple to see Buddhist architecture and other relics.
Explore Modern Marvels in Shanghai
5. Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower: Iconic Landmark of Shanghai
- Ticket price: there are all different ticket packages, please see: Oriental Pearl TV Tower
- Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (last entry: 20:30)
- Time Needed: about 1-3 hours
- Best time to visit: at sunset and at night
The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, at 468 meters (1,535 feet), used to be the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai. It is such an iconic landmark of the city that it is said to define the Shanghai skyline. It takes center stage in all the pictures of the Shanghai skyline because of its unique design and appearance.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-visit landmark on your Shanghai tour. From the top, you can overlook the city from the observation decks. Or if you’re looking for an adventurous thing to do in Shanghai, challenge yourself on the thrilling glass-bottomed skywalk. Walk amongst the clouds and over the entire city of Shanghai.
6. Shopping and Culture on Nanjing Road: Shanghai’s Iconic Shopping Street
- Ticket price: Free
- Opening Hours: all day
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Best time to visit: 17:00-21:00
Nanjing Road is one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. It is a rewarding place to explore in Shanghai, no matter if you’re into shopping or not.
It is divided into Nanjing East Road (a fair-price commercial area) and Nanjing West Road (an expensive fashion commercial block). For visitors, the east side is especially recommended for its seamless connection with the Bund and the Huangpu River waterfront. You can also take the retro “ding-ding trams” and watch street artist performances in this section.
The street also serves as a city landmark. Established in 1851, it was the first commercial street in Shanghai which still preserves nearly 20 Baroque and Gothic historical buildings. The street stretches about 5.5 kilometers, making it one of the longest pedestrian streets in the world.
7. Ride the Shanghai Maglev: The World’s Fastest Passenger Train
- Ticket price: CNY 50/ USD 7 (a single trip)
- Route: Pudong International Airport – Longyang Road
- Operating Hours: 06:45–21:40 (Longyang Rd → Airport); 07:00–21:42 (Airport → Longyang Rd)
- Time needed: 8 minutes
- Where to buy a ticket: The second floor of Shanghai Pudong International Airport/ The second floor of Longyang Road Station (No. 2100 Longyang Road)
The coolest thing to do in Shanghai might be riding the Maglev, the world’s fastest passenger train. At 431 km/hour (270 miles/hour), it covers 30 km (19 miles) in only 8 minutes from Pudong International Airport to downtown Shanghai. It’s the best way to get to the city, especially if you’re short on time.
Recommended Tour:
Try Cultural Experiences in Shanghai
8. Visit Shanghai Museum: Unveiling China’s Art and History
- Ticket price: Free (advance reservation needed for People’s Square Hall)
- Opening Hours: People’s Square Hall 9:00-17:00 (last entry:16:00, closed on Monday); East Hall 10:00-18:00 (last entry: 17:00)
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Best time to visit: 10:00
To gain an in-depth understanding of Chinese culture and history, you should visit the Shanghai Museum, a non-touristy thing to do in Shanghai. It is one of the best museums in China. A massive collection of ancient Chinese artifacts (more than 1,000,000) showcases thousands of years of Chinese history and art. Major collections include bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and Chinese furniture.
More than the Shanghai Museum, there are many other great museums in Shanghai ready to offer you a glimpse into the local rich culture, history, art, science, and technology development.
9. Experience Tianzifang and Xintiandi: See Traditional Shanghai Lifestyle
- Ticket price: Free
- Opening Hours: all day (most shops open from 10:00 to 22:00)
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
- Best time to visit: 14:00-17:00
Tianzifang and Xintiandi (or the New World) are both historic streets turned into shopping and dining areas. They are great places to experience the modern Shanghai lifestyle. Walking down the historic footpaths, you’ll find stylish shops and classy eateries in traditional architecture. On a sunny afternoon, enjoy a drink at one of the bars and treat yourself to a delightful dinner.
10. Taste Local Cuisine: Savor the Flavors of Shanghai
When visiting Shanghai, you cannot miss its local cuisine. The best Shanghai dishes include Xiaolongbao and Shengjianbao for breakfast. They are steamed buns and pan-fried buns. They’re the most famous and representative of Shanghai cuisine.
For lunch, try Shanghai noodles or classic dishes like Braised Pork Belly. Shanghai cuisine is relatively sweet and mild compared to local cuisines in other cities. At night, you’ll find street food stalls pop up across the city with delicious snacks. There are different seasonal dishes throughout the year. Like in winter around Chinese New Year, people in Shanghai like to have spring rolls.
Recommended Tour:
11. Check Out the Historic Wukang Building
- Ticket price: Free (it’s a residential building, so no exploration inside)
- Opening Hours: all day
- Time needed: a few minutes
- Best time to visit: 17:00-19:00
As a quintessential Shanghai landmark, the Wukang Building is a favored architecture for enthusiasts and photographers. The building was designed by the influential Hungarian architect László Hudec in 1924, showcasing a fusion of French Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles.
It is located on the iconic Wukang Road, sitting on a wedge-shaped plot where five streets converge. Its colossal ship appearance, distinctive curved balconies, red brick facade, and cutting-edge architectural techniques from 1920s Shanghai together make it a must-see marvel. Near the Wukang Building, there are also 37 historical buildings, including former residences of many famous cultural figures and influential politicians, worth visiting.
Enjoy Nightlife and Entertainment in Shanghai
12. Explore the Former French Concession: Nightlife Hotspot
- Ticket price: Free
- Opening Hours: all day (shops and historical buildings all have different opening hours)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: 19:00-22:00
Looking for fun things to do in Shanghai at night? The Former French Concession is known for its vibrant nightlife scene. You’ll find relaxing street pubs, high-end cocktail bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. Each place is like its own world that allows you to experience a part of life in Shanghai.
13. Huangpu River Cruise: Witness Stunning Night Views
Huangpu River Cruise Overview
Cruise Type |
Time |
Duration |
Price |
Essential Route (Day & Night Cruise) |
Day: 11:00–18:00 / Night: 18:00–22:00 |
45–60 min |
CNY 100–150 (USD 14–21) |
Express Route |
18:50–21:55 |
~1 hour |
CNY 60–120 (USD 8–17) |
Special Night Cruise (Premium Ships) |
17:30–21:00 (varies by ship) |
1.5–2 hours |
CNY 120–350 (USD 17–49) |
Wusongkou Extended Cruise |
Weekends 11:30–15:00 |
~4 hours |
CNY 350 (USD 49) |
Luxury / Custom Cruise |
Fixed schedules / private booking |
2–3 hours |
CNY 200–600 (USD 28–85) |
Huangpu River is known as “the mother river of Shanghai.” You can get up close to the Shanghai skyline and the river by boarding a Huangpu River Cruise. See the rich history of the city on one side of the bank and the amazing modern developments on the other. The cruise usually takes about 50 minutes.
A Huangpu River cruise along the Bund in Shanghai typically offers three types of excursions: Express Cruise, Essential Cruise, and Specialty Cruise. Among them, the essential cruise route is the most chosen one, lasting about 45 minutes, with departures roughly every hour.
Recommended Tour:
Discover Family-Friendly Destinations in Shanghai
14. Visit Shanghai Disney Resort: Fun for the Entire Family
- Ticket price: CNY 475-CNY 1199 (USD 67–169). For more information on tickets, please see: Shanghai Disneyland Tickets
- Opening Hours: 8:30-21:30
- Time needed: 1-2 days
- Best time to visit: best to enter at 8:30
Visiting Shanghai Disneyland Resort is the best thing to do in Shanghai with kids. It opened in 2016 as the 6th Disneyland resort in the world. There’re six themed areas, Mickey Avenue, Pixar Toy Story Land, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, and Tomorrowland. The fun rides, exciting shows and parades, and stunning fireworks make it a land of magic for everyone in the family.
15. Explore Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: Underwater Exploration
- Ticket price: CNY 110 (children) -160 (adults)/ USD 15–23
- Opening Hours: 9:00 – 18:00 (last entry 17:30)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: best to enter at 9:00
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the largest ocean aquariums in the world, with the longest submarine viewing tunnel. There are fascinating underwater exhibits and shows that are both captivating and informative. The aquarium is divided into different zones based on location, is home to more than 300 types and 15,000 water creatures and rare fish.
Recommended Tours:
16. Watch performances at the Shanghai Circus World
You may also want to visit the Shanghai Circus World with your kids at night, which is put on by one of the oldest and most esteemed circus groups in China. The show features unique Shanghai-style acrobatic acts, which are thrilling and full of fun.
“ERA 2 – Spacetime Journey” and “Happy Circus” are two of the most recommended shows in Shanghai Circus World.
Show |
Performance Time |
Duration |
Ticket Price |
ERA – The Time Travel 2 (ERA 2) |
Weekdays: 19:30 (1 show) Weekends: 14:00 / 19:30 (2 shows) |
~60–100 min |
CNY 238–1,080 (USD 34–152) |
Happy Circus |
Tue / Thu / Sat / Sun: 10:00 / 14:00 / 19:30 |
~90 min + 15 min intermission |
CNY 120–260 (USD 17–37) |
Best Water Towns Near Shanghai
17. Discover Zhujiajiao Water Town: A Timeless Canal Town
- Ticket price: the town is free, some sites may charge extra.
- Opening Hours: all day (most attractions open from 8:30 to 18:00)
- Time needed: 2-4 hours
- Best time to visit: 15:00-19:00
Shanghai is near some of the best water towns in China. Zhujiajiao Water Town is located on the outskirts of the city. It’s an ancient town built on water. You can explore it by walking down the small alleyways lined with traditional stone residential houses. Walk over the stone bridges to see shops run by locals: make sure you try the local street snacks. It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Shanghai.
Alternatively, you can also hop on a traditional wooden boat, glide along the ancient canal in the middle of the town, and see the charming riverside architecture and daily life unfold from a unique perspective.
Recommended Tour:
18. Admire Traditional Architecture in Qibao Town
- Ticket price: the town is free, some sites may charge extra.
- Opening Hours: all day (most attractions open from 9:00 to 21:00)
- Time needed:2-3 hours
- Best time to visit: after 16:00
Qibao Ancient Town, also known as Seven Treasures Old Town, is a thousand-year-old Jiangnan water town, located about 18 km from Shanghai. The town was founded in the Northern Song Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Today, it still preserves its original Song Dynasty street layout and Ming-Qing architectural style.
For those who want to experience authentic water town scenery and life without traveling far to Suzhou or Hangzhou, Qibao Ancient Town is a great alternative. Expect to immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere, small bridges, lines of ancient architecture with white walls and dark tiles, and authentic cuisines here during your visit.
How to Plan a Shanghai Tour
It usually takes 3 days to visit most highlights in the city. If your time allows, you can add an extra 2 days to your journey and explore nearby cities and towns.
Recommended 5-day Itinerary:
Day 1: Shanghai arrival
Day 2: Shanghai Museum, Jinmao Tower, Nanjing Road, the Bund
Day 3: Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Market, Shanghai Old Street, Former French Concession, Xintiandi
Day 4: Travel to Suzhou, Net Master Garden, Ancient City Wall, Zhouzhuang water town
Day 5: Depart from Shanghai
Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour
Shanghai is a city full of historical and cultural treasures. And it’s also the greatest example of China’s economic and cultural progress, the largest commercial and financial center, and an important international hub in the western Pacific.
This time, let China Xian Tour customize your perfect Shanghai itinerary. Our experienced local guides will lead you to explore most of the city. We’ll provide everything that can make your trip smooth and pleasant, such as private transportation and ticket booking service. With us, your Shanghai tour will have happy and fulfilling memories.
