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.
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Things to Do in Shanghai | Shanghai's best experience
Shanghai is full of unmissable attractions and distinctive experiences that every visitor should explore.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Things to Do in Shanghai | Best Time to Visit
Season / Time | Weather & Comfort | Best For | Travel Tips |
Spring (Mar–May) | Mild, comfortable, lower humidity | Gardens, outdoor walks, French Concession, markets | Peak popularity—book hotels early |
Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hot, humid, crowded | Indoor attractions, museums, malls, nighttime outings | Bring sunscreen & stay hydrated |
Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Clear, dry, pleasant | Bund night views, skyline photos, river cruises | Best overall season for sightseeing |
Night Views (Oct–Dec) | Crisp air, better visibility | Bund skyline, Pudong towers, night cruises | Visit after 6 pm for full lights |
Winter (Dec–Feb) | Cold, occasionally rainy | Food tours, indoor sightseeing, fewer crowds | Good for budget travelers—lower hotel rates |
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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
Destination | Travel Time | Highlights | Suggested Itinerary |
Zhujiajiao Water Town | 40–60 min by car/metro | Ancient canals, stone bridges, wooden boats, street snacks | Walk the old town → Boat ride → Visit Kezhi Garden → Snack tasting |
Suzhou | 25–30 min by train + local transit | UNESCO classical gardens, silk culture, canals | Humble Administrator’s Garden → Pingjiang Road → Suzhou Museum |
Hangzhou | 45–60 min by train + transit | West Lake, tea villages, temples | West Lake boat → Longjing tea fields → Lingyin Temple |
Wuzhen | 1–1.5 hrs (train + car) | Traditional canals, night lanterns | Wuzhen East Gate → Workshops → West Gate night walk |
Xitang | 1.5 hrs (train + car) | Waterways, ancient alleys, evening views | Stroll old alleys → Bridges walk → Riverside dinner |
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.
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China Entry Requirements & Things to Prepare
- 24/240 China Visa-Free Transit: US citizens can stay up to 240 hours in 54 Chinese cities without a China visa when transiting.
- China Plug & Power: China plug uses Type A/C/F (220V). Bring a Type A/C adapter (US plugs sometimes work, but bring a universal adapter for safety).
- Internet Access in China: You need a China VPN for Google/Ins/YT/X, etc. But you can also use China eSIM with built-in access to overseas apps!
Getting Around & Top Destinations in China
- China Metro Guides: Shanghai Metro | Beijing Metro | Guangzhou Metro | HK Metro
- China Airport Guides: Shanghai Airport | Beijing Airport | Guangzhou Airport | HK Airport Express
- China City Maps: Beijing Map | Guangzhou Map | Shanghai Map | HK Map
- Top Destinations in China: Shanghai Attractions (Disneyland, Bund) | Beijing Attractions (Forbidden City, Great Wall) | HK Attractions (HK Disneyland)
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Map App: I love to use Gaode Map (English supported) or Baidu Map (limited English) for real-time transit and traffic. Or you can still use Google Maps in China, but some data may be outdated.
- China Transport App: Use DiDi (China's Uber) for English address input and cashless payment. I recommend to use the DiDi mini-program in Alipay for more convenience.
- China Payment App: Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (link foreign cards before arrival).
- China Booking App: Trip.com for high-speed trains (China HSR Guide), China hotels/flights. Use Trip.com promo codes for USA users.
FAQs about Things to Do in Shanghai
What not to miss in Shanghai?
Explore Shanghai’s must-see attractions, from The Bund (Wai Tan) and South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market to city tours and popular theme parks. For personalized tips and a tailored itinerary, use our AI-powered trip planning tool.What to do in 3 days in Shanghai?
For a three-day Shanghai trip, begin with The Bund and the towering skyscrapers of Pudong, then visit cultural and historic sites like Yu Garden, Jing’an Temple, and the Shanghai Museum. Experience modern attractions such as Shanghai Disneyland or shop along Nanjing Road, and round out your visit with a Huangpu River cruise and a stroll through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession.Is Shanghai worth visiting for tourists?
Shanghai is a must-see destination, offering a distinctive blend of modern and traditional attractions, traveler-friendly infrastructure, and a variety of experiences from dining to shopping. The city mixes futuristic skyscrapers with historic landmarks like The Bund and the French Concession, complemented by vibrant nightlife and world-class cuisine.What to avoid in Shanghai?
Stay vigilant in crowded areas to minimize the risk of pickpocketing. Avoid clothing or accessories that signal wealth—flashy jewelry, for example, can draw unwanted attention. Women should remain alert to purse snatchers, especially when walking in public or dining out.Is Shanghai a walkable city?
Shanghai is very walkable, particularly in central historic neighborhoods like the Former French Concession and Jing’an, where tree-lined streets are filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. While newer or more expansive districts may be less pedestrian-friendly, the city’s main areas are perfect for strolling, and improvements in places like The Bund have made walking even more enjoyable.