What to do in East China

Activities, attractions and tours

Nine Dragons Intersection in Shanghai China. According to the legend, a dragon lives beneath this intersection. Its construction awoke the dragon and brought it to an abrupt halt. It was impossible for the workers to drill any deeper, and even the best engineers couldn't explain the situation. It caused several delays and mysterious issues. A priest was consulted who explained that dragons are proud creatures, so a simple yet noble gesture in its honor could restore its slumber allowing construction to continue. #stormsgallery #WeekendGetaway
Nine Dragons Intersection in Shanghai China. According to the legend, a dragon lives beneath this intersection. Its construction awoke the dragon and brought it to an abrupt halt. It was impossible for the workers to drill any deeper, and even the best engineers couldn't explain the situation. It caused several delays and mysterious issues. A priest was consulted who explained that dragons are proud creatures, so a simple yet noble gesture in its honor could restore its slumber allowing construction to continue. #stormsgallery #WeekendGetaway
The Chinese countryside. Pujiang county, Zhejiang province.
Strolling around the West Lake at night. Hangzhou's West Lake is considered one of the most romantic places in the whole of China!
Hongcun Village was a 40 minute drive from Yellow Mountain so we included it in our Yellow Mountain adventure. It is an ancient village that is well-preserved and very photogenic. It's very common to see along the banks of the small lake artists painting their own version of it The village dates back to the Ming dynasty with some buildings still standing from that time, most of them seemed to be from the Qing dynasty though and only America-old and not China-old. Hongcun may be familiar to people because it is also one of the locations where Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was filmed.

East China Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that East China has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

East China is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in East China to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

East China Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of East China.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to East China attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

1. The Bund

In the early 19th century, The Bund was merely a narrow, muddy towpath on the banks of Huangpu River. Within a hundred years, European and American investors had created a lavish boulevard that rivaled the great avenues of the West. After decades of post-revolution neglect, this grand street is back in business. Many of its 52 architectural treasures have been lovingly restored and the once traffic-clogged, multilane street has been remodeled into a pedestrian-friendly promenade.
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China, Shanghai, The Bund, The Customs House

2. Nanjing Road Shopping District

The Nanjing Road Shopping District, one of the city’s busiest shopping areas, has a history stretching back more than 100 years. The district is now a mix of towering department stores and colonial-era buildings along a pedestrian mall. Find luxury brands, international fast-food chains, and shops selling silk and jade.
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Nanjing Road Shopping District which includes signage, street scenes and central business district

3. West Lake

West Lake is a vast freshwater lake close to downtown Hangzhou. The lake is divided into five sections by three causeways. It also has various gardens, pagodas and temples. This is where Hangzhou locals come to find peace and visitors to the city come to capture the perfect souvenir photograph.
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West Lake which includes night scenes and a river or creek

4. People's Square

People's Square, or Renmin Square, is Shanghai’s massive central square. This popular public gathering place is home to the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and the Grand Theater, among other attractions. Admire the towering modern buildings that surround the square and watch local residents chatting and flying ornate kites over the grassy lawn areas.
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Shanghai, China - July 25, 2014: Downtown of Shanghai from the People's Square

5. Yu Garden

Yu Yuan Garden was lovingly created in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents. Yu Yuan means “peace and comfort,” and despite the popularity of the attraction, the gardens remain a serene sanctuary. Set aside an hour or two to explore the gardens, pavilions, courtyards, chambers and halls. The ponds, bridges and streams also provide perfect spots for reflection, while the protective dragon wall that encircles the garden keeps Shanghai’s bustling Old Town at bay.
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Yu Garden

6. Former French Concession

The French Concession was one of Shanghai’s major European enclaves from the mid 19th century to just before World War II. Today, the district is again a sought-after address for expats living in Shanghai, as well as being a popular tourist destination and the hub of the city’s upmarket shopping scene.
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A residential area of Shanghai once designated for the French, the French Concession is now very popular with tourists and expats, and appreciated for its cafes, bars and tree-lined avenues, and tudor houses.

7. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the world’s highest transmission towers. Since its completion in 1994, the tower has become Shanghai’s most recognizable landmark. More than just a TV tower, this multifunction marvel offers unique shopping, an informative museum, a revolving restaurant and some of the best views in Shanghai.
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Oriental Pearl Tower

8. Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Located in the heart of Shanghai, historic Xintiandi (which translates to “New Heaven and Earth”) is a car-free, inner-city paradise for those seeking open-air dining, chic bars and boutique shopping. Most importantly, however, this redevelopment preserves a style of architecture unique to Shanghai, and gives a window into the community which once inhabited the area’s narrow lanes.
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Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre

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Recommended things to do in East China

Number of things to do
121
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Custom Private Guangzhou Tour with Local Guide and Private Car: CA $89
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in East China

Discover the most popular places to visit in East China

Miner's beach and Miner's Castle on Lake Superior. Using the Roam Inn in Munising, MI as your home base, kayak to Grand Island, hike through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and eat at Johnny Dogs. #upperpeninsula #lifeatexpedia

Shanghai Disneyland©

4.5/5(20 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day at Shanghai Disneyland© and find out why this is a popular theme park in Shanghai. Wander the picturesque gardens and riverfront in this vibrant area.

Shanghai Disneyland©
The Bund which includes a city and flowers

The Bund

4.5/5(167 reviews)

Despite years of war and revolution, the soul and skyline of one of the world’s great waterfront boulevards has risen to even greater heights.

The Bund
Nanjing Road Shopping District which includes signage, street scenes and central business district

Nanjing Road Shopping District

4.5/5(110 reviews)

Experience the bustling energy of Shanghai’s most famous commercial street, with a pedestrian mall surrounded by traditional and luxury shopping opportunities.

Nanjing Road Shopping District
West Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

West Lake

5/5(12 reviews)

Shimmering waters, misty mountains and large pagodas characterize this area of outstanding natural beauty that has inspired many poets and artists.

West Lake
People\'s Square showing a park and flowers

People's Square

4.5/5(87 reviews)

To see the modern heart of Shanghai, visit this square, a vast green space surrounded by museums and a grand theater.

People's Square
Yu Garden

Yu Garden

4.5/5(78 reviews)

Step through the gate of Shanghai’s premier classical gardens and into a tranquil world of bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions.

Yu Garden
French Concession which includes a city and street scenes

Former French Concession

4.5/5(76 reviews)

Wealthy European families created an art deco oasis in Shanghai's heart. The area is now full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Former French Concession
Oriental Pearl Tower showing a city, modern architecture and a river or creek

Oriental Pearl Tower

4.5/5(66 reviews)

This towering symbol of Shanghai’s modern renaissance offers history lessons, fine dining and stunning city views.

Oriental Pearl Tower
Xintiandi showing street scenes, a bar and a city

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

4.5/5(54 reviews)

One of the city’s first urban renewal projects preserves a historic neighborhood, while serving up some of Shanghai's best dinning, entertainment and shopping.

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Explore areas of East China

Xintiandi showing street scenes, a bar and a city

Downtown Shanghai

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Shanghai. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Three on the Bund, and jump on the metro at East Nanjing Road Station or Yuyuan Garden Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Shanghai
Jing An Temple featuring religious elements and a temple or place of worship

Jing'an

4.5/5(22 area reviews)

Ancient Jing'an Temple and bustling West Nanjing Road offer a mix of history and premier shopping, while Daning Lingshi Park provides a green oasis. Easily explore with nine metro lines available.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum showing modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(129 area reviews)

Central Shanghai's bustling hub, Huangpu District boasts popular shopping areas like Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Xintiandi. Explore key attractions such as The Bund, Old City God Temple, and leafy streets lined with cafes, high-end retail, and historical houses.

Huangpu
St. Ignatius Cathedral, also called Xujiahui Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic cathedral, located in Xujiahui district, Shanghai, The church is overlooking a nice ornamental garden.

Xuhui

4.5/5(6 area reviews)

Discover a bustling financial center and shopping haven with malls like Grand Gateway Shanghai and Pacific Sogo. Explore St. Ignatius Cathedral, Xujiahui Observatory, and French-style districts, all easily accessible via seven metro lines.

Xuhui
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Climb the innovative towers in this financial district for unobstructed views of Shanghai’s mesmerizing cityscape and stroll along the riverside.

Lujiazui
Love the history of this old town! Quaint alleys filled with musicians, tea shops, coffee shops, handmade wood items, boat rides, cafes....just a great place to indulge in culture!

Minhang

4/5(13 area reviews)

Minhang is well-liked for its breweries and spas. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Qi Zhong Stadium and Qibao Old Street are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Shujian Road Station or Shuangbai Road Station to get around.

Minhang

 

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