Shanghai on the east coast of China is the country’s largest city by population. It is the greatest example of China’s economic and cultural progress, as the largest commercial and financial center and an important international port city in the western Pacific. Shanghai is definitely one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in China.
Although Shanghai is best known as an international metropolis of China, as you will discover in this article, it is so much more than just that. We will take you through the top 15 best things to do in Shanghai, including a journey into the past, wonders of modernity, cultural experiences, and other fun activities. Whether it’s your first time traveling to China or not, you will find Shanghai full of surprises.
Exploring Historical Landmarks
1. The Bund: A Riverside Stroll through History
The Bund is an iconic walkway along the Huangpu River. It is 1.5 kilometers, about a mile long. Walking along the Bund is the top free thing to do in Shanghai. Across the river, you can see the world-famous Shanghai skyline with towering skyscrapers.
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. Yu Garden: A Different Side of the City
Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that showcases a very different side of Shanghai than the busy walkway of the Bund. It was built during Ming Dynasty, more than 450 years ago. You can admire classical Chinese architecture with pavilions, rockeries, and water features. Find a moment away from the bustling city center and walk about the serene garden.
3. Shanghai Old Street: A Glimpse of the Past
Shanghai old street, also known as “small east gate,” is located in Huangpu district. It preserves the architectural style and business layout from the historical old Shanghai in Ming and Qing dynasties. You can experience the traditional folk culture of Shanghai together with fusions of western culture. There’re the earliest banks in Shanghai, gold stores, jewelry shops, tea houses, and theatre stages.
Seeing its culture and history in the bustling alleyways is one of the unique things to do in Shanghai. You can visit City God Temple, one of the three major temples of the Yangtze River region. It has become a must-visit destination for those who travel to Shanghai. You can experience the city’s religious scene while finding the most authentic cuisines of Shanghai in the area.
✔ Recommended Historical Shanghai Tours:
4. Jade Buddha Temple: Incredible Buddhist Statues
Jade Buddha Temple is a busy Buddhist temple in the middle of Shanghai. 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
5. Zhujiajiao Water Town: A Timeless Canal Town
Shanghai is nearby 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.
✔ Recommended Shanghai Water Town Tours:
Modern Marvels
6. Oriental Pearl Tower: Iconic Landmark of Shanghai
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 the center stage in all the pictures of 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.
7. Nanjing Road: The Best Shopping Street in Shanghai
Nanjing Road is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. Whether you’re into shopping or not, visiting it is a top thing to do in Shanghai for visitors. It is divided into Nanjing East Road, mainly a fair-price commercial area, and Nanjing West Road, the most expensive fashion commercial block in Shanghai mainly for luxury items.
8. The Shanghai Maglev: The World’s Fastest Passenger Train
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 on a Shanghai layover tour.
✔ Recommended Modern Shanghai Tour: One Day Modern Shanghai Tour
Cultural Experiences
9. Shanghai Museum: Unveiling China’s Art and History
To gain an in-depth understanding of Chinese culture and history, you should visit 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.
10. Tianzifang and Xintiandi: Experience Shanghai Lifestyle
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.
11. Local Cuisine: Tasting the Flavors of Shanghai
Whether you’re in Shanghai for a layover at the airport or an extensive China tour, one of the top things to do in Shanghai is tasting the 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 other Chinese cuisines. At night, you’ll find street food stalls pop up across the city with delicious snacks. There’re different seasonal dishes throughout the year. Like in winter around Chinese New Year, people in Shanghai like to have spring rolls.
✔ Recommended Shanghai Food Tour: Half Day Shanghai Tour for Local Food and Zhujiajiao Water Town
Nightlife and Entertainment
12. The Former French Concession: Nightlife Hotspot
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: Stunning Night Views
Huangpu River is known as “the mother river of Shanghai.” You can get up close to 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.
✔ Recommended Shanghai Evening Tours:
- Shanghai Night Food Tour with Huangpu River Cruise
- Shanghai City Walk Tour at Night Market & Snack Street
Fun Activities for Families
14. Shanghai Disney Resort: Fun for the Entire Family
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. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: Underwater Exploration
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the largest ocean aquariums in the world with the longest submarine viewing tunnel. There’re 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 fishes.
✔ Recommended Shanghai Family Tours:
- Shanghai Family Day Tour to Disneyland Park
- 3 Days Shanghai Family Tour with Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
