Planning your Shanghai trip? Discover the city’s must-see attractions, including iconic landmarks, lesser-known neighborhoods, art districts, historic temples, and scenic day trips nearby—plus practical insider advice to help you get the most out of every visit.

Things to Do in Shanghai | Basic info about Shanghai Tourism

Shanghai, China’s largest city, blends soaring modern skyscrapers with quaint historic neighborhoods.

Top attractions include The Bund, Shanghai Tower, and Yu Garden. Explore vibrant creative hubs like M50 Art District or take a day trip to nearby water towns such as Zhujiajiao.

Be sure to sample local specialties like Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) and Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried buns).

With an efficient metro system and plentiful taxis, getting around is simple, making Shanghai perfect for both first-time and returning visitors.

Things to Do in Shanghai | Shanghai's best experience

Shanghai is full of unmissable attractions and distinctive experiences that every visitor should explore.

Things to Do in Shanghai | Top Iconic Landmarks

Things to Do in Shanghai：iconic modern landmark

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower, an iconic symbol of 1990s Shanghai, may no longer be the tallest, but its distinctive spherical design makes it instantly recognizable. Its 259-meter-high glass observation deck provides panoramic views of both sides of the Huangpu River, making it a must-visit for nearly every first-time traveler.

🕘Opening hours: 09:00-21:00 (admission ends at 20:30)

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours

📍 Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Buy Tower Sightseeing Ticket from $27.45

Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower, standing at 632 meters, is China’s tallest building and the third tallest worldwide. Its spiraling, dragon-inspired design is both visually striking and engineered to resist typhoons. The tower also features one of the fastest elevators on the planet.

🕘Opening hours: 8:30 AM–10:00 PM (admission ends at 9:30 PM)

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours

📍 Location: No. 501, Yincheng Middle Road, Lujiazu i, Pudong New Area

Buy Shanghai Tower Ticket from $25.32

Shanghai World Financial Center

The Shanghai World Financial Center, nicknamed the "Bottle Opener," rises 492 meters and features a distinctive trapezoidal opening at its top. Its 100th-floor skywalk has a transparent glass floor, providing a thrilling experience for visitors.

🕘Opening hours: : 7:00 AM–9:00 PM

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours

📍 Location: NO.100 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai City

Buy Adult Ticket from $18.04

Jinmao Tower

The Jin Mao Tower rises 420.5 meters with 88 floors, featuring a design inspired by traditional Chinese pagodas. It also offers the “Walking in the Clouds” skywalk, a standout experience for visitors.

🕘 Opening hours: 8:30 AM–9:30 PM (admission ends at 9:30 PM)

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours

📍 LocationRecommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours

Buy Jinmao Tower Ticket from $13.78

Things to Do in Shanghai：Historical and cultural landmarks

The Bund

The Bund features 52 buildings showcasing Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and mixed Chinese-Western architectural styles. These historic facades reflect Shanghai’s prominence as the financial hub of the Far East in the early 20th century.

🕘 Open year-round, 24/7

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 1–3 hours

📍 Location: Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (Close to Huangpu River)

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Yu Garden

Yu Garden, a classical Jiangnan garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, sits beside the City God Temple. Its pavilions, rockeries, and ponds are carefully arranged, creating a peaceful retreat amid Shanghai’s busy streets. The refined garden design, paired with the nearby Yu Garden Bazaar, gives visitors a chance to enjoy traditional Shanghai snacks and local flavors.

🕘 Opening hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (admission ends at 4:00 PM)

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours

📍 Location: Shanghai Yuyuan Tourism Business District (the main entrance of Yuyuan Garden on the north side of Huxin Pavilion Jiuqu Bridge)

Buy Yu Garden Ticket from $5.63

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum, designed around the concept of “a round heaven and a square earth,” carries deep cultural meaning. It holds close to one million artifacts, with its bronzes, ceramics, and traditional calligraphy and paintings especially celebrated worldwide.

🕘 Opening hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (admission ends at 4:00 PM)

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 3–6 hours

📍 Location: : 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District,Shanghai

Buy Shanghai Museum Ticket From $9.62

Things to Do in Shanghai：Modern cultural and artistic landmark

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is home to the largest and tallest castle of any Disney park, designed with features inspired by every Disney princess story. It stands as a major symbol of fantasy and imagination, making it a highlight for visitors of all ages.

🕘Opening hours: 8:30 AM–9:30 PM

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days

📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Buy Shanghai Disneyland Tickets from $56.09

China Art Museum

The China Art Museum, once the China Pavilion of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, is known for its striking “Oriental Crown” design, featuring layered brackets and a bold Chinese-red exterior. Today, it stands as one of the city’s major venues for art exhibitions.

🕘 Opening hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (admission ends at 5:00 PM)

💡Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours

📍 Location:205 Shangnan Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Buy China Art Museum Individual Ticket from $67.14

Things to Do in Shanghai | Best Time to Visit

Things to Do in Shanghai | Recommended family trips

Shanghai is one of the most convenient cities in China for families, offering a safe, clean environment and plenty of attractions designed for kids. The city blends culture, fun activities, and interactive learning spaces, making it an easy and enjoyable destination for parents traveling with children.

• Shanghai Disney Resort – A full day of attractions, character parades, and evening entertainment, suitable for children of any age.
• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium – Features one of the globe’s longest underwater tunnels and is an excellent indoor choice for wet or hot days.
• Shanghai Natural History Museum – With fossils, dinosaur displays, and immersive galleries, it’s a hit with kids who love science.
• Century Park – The city’s biggest green space, offering boating, cycling paths, wide lawns, and multiple play areas.
• The Bund River Cruise – A comfortable way for families to enjoy the skyline views without much walking.

Things to Do in Shanghai | Day trip around Shanghai

Things to Do in Shanghai | Food Recommendations

Shanghai is a food lover’s paradise, featuring a lively mix of traditional cuisine, street-side snacks, and contemporary dining options.

Must-try local dishes in Shanghai

• Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) – Juicy dumplings filled with savory broth; must-try at authentic spots such as Din Tai Fung or Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
• Sheng Jian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns) – Crispy on the bottom and tender inside; a favorite for breakfast or a quick snack.
• Shanghai-Style Noodles & Braised Pork – Hearty, flavorful comfort dishes commonly found at local eateries.
• Scallion Pancakes & Street Snacks – Ideal for sampling while exploring food markets like Wujiang Road or Yuyuan Bazaar.
• Fresh Seafood & River Prawns – Best enjoyed at riverside restaurants or seafood markets for an authentic taste of Shanghai.

Popular food streets and districts in Shanghai

• Yunnan Road & Wujiang Road – A street food haven offering dumplings, buns, skewers, and other local snacks.
• Xintiandi & French Concession – Trendy neighborhoods with stylish cafes, fusion restaurants, and dessert bars.
• Old City & Yuyuan Bazaar – Home to traditional treats, local sweets, and edible souvenirs.
• Lujiazui / Pudong – Upscale dining options with stunning skyline views for a memorable culinary experience.

[8% Off] Shanghai Hotel Recommendations

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