What to do in Shanghai

Activities, attractions and tours

A traditional Chinese courtyard with ornate buildings and a modern cityscape in the background.
A crowded street lined with traditional red buildings and shops.
A traditional Chinese courtyard with ornate buildings, a bridge over water, and a statue.
A narrow alley with shops, a 3DJP sign, and a Story in the Box store.
A traditional multi-tiered pagoda with ornate wooden railings and golden accents.

Shanghai Attractions

Also known as the "Paris of the East", Shanghai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. With a population of over 23 million people, this city is alive 24 hours a day, three hundred sixty-five days a year. There are so many Shanghai activities that it will be hard for you to prioritize the ones you want to see the most.

One of the must see attractions in Shanghai is the Yu Yuan Garden. This spectacular garden covers over five acres of land and was built in the 16th century. The Grand Rockery is the most famous structure located inside the garden, primarily because it is made up of over 30,000 yellow stones and stands at 46 feet high. The attraction is popular among both local Shanghai citizens and tourists alike.

After exploring the wonderful Yu Yuan Garden, head over to the Huang Pu River Cruise. The cruise offers daily Shanghai tours on the Huang Pu River through the city. From the boat, tourists can enjoy wonderful views of the city skyline behind local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day. This is one of the top things to do in Shanghai because it offers an easy way to see the entire city in one day.

Shanghai excursions aren't complete without a visit to Nanjing Road. This road is one of the top spots for locals and tourists alike who are looking for cheap places to buy quality items from street vendors. The road stands at over 5 kilometers long and is currently the longest shopping road in the world. When visiting this area, it's best to bring a map, should you get lost among the hustle and bustle of bargain shoppers and business people.

Shanghai is known for its historical wonders and modern marvels, and is the perfect destination for your next vacation.

Things to do

Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More

Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More

CA $14
per adult
Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More
Shanghai: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions

Shanghai: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket

CA $18
per adult
Shanghai: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket
Award-winning Shanghai Acrobatics Show in Shanghai

Chinese Acrobatics and Shanghai Evening Tour

CA $192
per adult
78% of travellers recommend
Chinese Acrobatics and Shanghai Evening Tour
Shanghai Day Tour to Yu Garden,Bazaar,Bund,Zhujiajiao Water Town

Shanghai Day Tour to Yu Garden,Bazaar,Bund,Zhujiajiao Water Town

CA $77
per adult
Shanghai Day Tour to Yu Garden,Bazaar,Bund,Zhujiajiao Water Town
Evening Huangpu River Cruise & Bund City Lights Tour

Evening Huangpu River Cruise & Bund City Lights Tour

CA $112
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
Evening Huangpu River Cruise & Bund City Lights Tour
Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking

Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking

CA $17
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking
Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking

Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking

CA $16
per adult
Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking
Pan fried dumplings

Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai

CA $112
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai
Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket

Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket

CA $13
per adult
Shanghai Yu Garden Admission Ticket
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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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A large, historic building with a clock tower and a dome, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and a busy square with pedestrians.

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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A busy urban street with tall buildings, billboards, and traffic lights.

3. 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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A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a large park with trees, and a distinctive building with a unique roof design.

4. Jing'an Temple

Jing’an Temple has a fitting name. It translates to “Temple of Peace and Tranquility” and this complex on one of the city’s main shopping streets does indeed offer an oasis of calm. Built in the third century, the Buddhist temple has a checkered past. It was relocated during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), converted into a plastics factory during the Cultural Revolution and destroyed by fire in 1972. Today’s reconstructed temple, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, is a perfect place to escape the busy streets of downtown Shanghai. It also offers a fascinating window into the spiritual lives of Shanghai’s people.
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A traditional Chinese temple with golden roofs and intricate designs, surrounded by modern skyscrapers.

5. 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 tree-lined urban street with outdoor cafes and restaurants.

6. 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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An outdoor cafe with brick arches, red umbrellas, and trees.

7. 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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A traditional Chinese pavilion over a pond with tourists, surrounded by modern skyscrapers.

8. 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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Recommended things to do in Shanghai

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
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Top 5 things to do
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With kids

What to do in Shanghai

Stay near popular Shanghai attractions

A large, historic building with a clock tower and a dome, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and a busy square with pedestrians.

The Bund

9.2/10 (2,555 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.
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Where to stay in Shanghai

Find the best Shanghai areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Shanghai
Learn more about Shanghai
A panoramic view of a densely built city with modern skyscrapers, a prominent tower, and a river.

The North Bund

While you're in The North Bund, take in top sights like Shanghai International Cruise Ship Terminal or Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Tilanqiao Station or International Cruise Terminal Station.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a calm pond, and well-maintained greenery.

Lujiazui

Travelers choose Lujiazui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Shangcheng Road Station or Dongchang Road Station and check out top sights like Huarun Times Square.
An outdoor cafe with brick arches, red umbrellas, and trees.

Xintiandi

Xintiandi might not have many top sights, but People's Square and Nanjing Road Shopping District are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
A city skyline at night with illuminated buildings and a prominent tower with colorful lights.

Downtown Shanghai

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

Shanghai Disneyland© and The Bund are top sights in Pudong, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Huinan Station or Safari Park Station to see more sights in the area.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Shanghai

A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a large stadium, and a river.

Nantong

A traditional Chinese pavilion over a calm pond with a red bridge.

Suzhou

A riverside town with traditional architecture, a bridge, and a large body of water.

Kunshan

A narrow street lined with traditional wooden buildings, red lanterns, and potted plants.

Jiaxing

Frequently asked questions

Is Shanghai worth visiting?
Renowned for its views and history, discovering cool things to do in Shanghai is a breeze. Be sure to add Former French Concession to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Shanghai?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Former French Concession and Shanghai Tower. Then, check out other areas of Shanghai for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Shanghai?
You can't go home without exploring Former French Concession, rated the top tourist attraction in Shanghai.
Is three days enough to stay in Shanghai?
You can easily visit leading sights like Former French Concession, Shanghai Tower and Shanghai Museum with a three-day getaway in Shanghai. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Pengpu.
Is Shanghai a walkable city?
With popular neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Shanghai is a great destination to see on foot. Have fun wandering between Former French Concession and Shanghai Tower. Then take a stroll around Huangpu, located 2 kilometres from the centre, and Lujiazui, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Shanghai with kids?
Deciding what to do in Shanghai with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep them busy here.
What to do in Shanghai for adults?
Three on the Bund and Xianxia Road are just a couple of the things to do in Shanghai. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Shanghai?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighbourhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Shanghai. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Former French Concession is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.