Shanghai is a vibrant high-paced city of bright lights, towering skyscrapers, treasure chest of styles from its colonial period, bustling markets, and creative energy. As one of China’s largest cities, there is much to explore as the sprawl is massive.
Luckily the metro system is insanely efficient and there is so much to occupy your time whether it’s a look at the old, the new, or the mixing of the two in this dynamic metropolis.
Here are the top 10 things to do in Shanghai that you can’t miss.
Read More About Shanghai
- Where to stay in Shanghai – a neighbourhood guide
- 24 hours in Shanghai for less than $25
- How to get free wifi at the Shanghai International Airport
- Our China travel guide
Where to stay in Shanghai?
- If you’re looking for the best of the best, it’s gotta be the Radisson New World Shanghai.
In This Article
Top 10 Things To Do in Shanghai
Over these years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit every so often and have had a chance to explore every corner of this city in China.
As a first-timer, I can appreciate how overwhelming it can be to plan a trip to Shanghai. There are language barriers, cultural differences, transportation to figure out, where to stay, and of course, what to see, do, and eat in in the city.
Whether you only have one day or you’re looking to build a 7 day itinerary, here are the things to do in Shanghai you need to consider to give you a head start in your planning.
1. The Bund
Iconic waterfront viewing of the Pudong side of Shanghai with its enormous collection of ridiculous skyscrapers and the Huangpu River flowing through with its barges and cruise ships.
After or during sunset is probably when you want to go and when it’s most magical when the dizzy array of lights take over the night sky. Just be prepared to deal with the massive crowds that build up where eventually you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with other tourists and Chinese alike.
Make sure you check out the The Bund and the People’s Heroes Memorial to the left and even further down cross over the Waibaidu Bridge which offers up some beautiful views. The bridge changes colour too at night. Oh and speaking about cruise ships, take one along the river as it’s the best way to see both the Puxi (Bund) side and the Pudong side (all of the skyscrapers).
2. Zhujiajiao/Qibao
Many tourists come to China to experience what it would feel like to live during one of the Chinese dynasties. A lot of times that consists of water ways, old crumbling buildings, alleyways, temples and street food. Well you can have all of that by heading out to Zhujiajiao which is around an hour away from Shanghai.
To get there you can take a bus from People’s Square for 12 RMB or you can cab there for 150-200 RMB. This is that classic ancient water village that is a great day trip to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. However don’t expect the crowds to be any less.
Now if you’re looking for a bit of an alternative, it’s probably worthwhile to mention Qibao which is actually accessible by subway (Qibao) which is another ancient town where you feel like you’re transported to another world but of course on a smaller scale than Zhujiajiao. If you don’t want to commute too far, Qibao may be the choice for you!
BEFORE YOU CONTINUE
You need to read the Shanghai neighborhood guide that dives into regions of the city and recommendations for where to stay.
3. Yu Yuan & Cheng Huang Miao (Yu Yuan Garden and City God Temple)
A theme of tradition, culture, and ancient times is developing here and Yu Yuan and Cheng Huang Miao are one of the best travel destinations in Shanghai because it gives you a small sense of what it was like to live here in olden times despite how commercial it is today. In addition, this attraction is easily accessible from within the city via subway line #10 so there’s no reason not to go.
Where Zhujiajiao is an ancient water village, this gives you a feel for what a big market/godly temple area would be like. From the shopping aspect you get a ton of shops with handmade crafts, fake knock off stuff, folk art and other knick knacks. From a food perspective there are ton of street stalls with a random assortment of Chinese foods and snacks. Oh and don’t forget the huge signs for Starbucks and Dairy Queen there. There’s also a famous xiao long bao (Shanghai steamed soup dumpling) restaurant here called Nanxiang Mantou Dian.
From a sights perspective you’re surrounded by these tall ancient-looking well preserved area where you’re bombarded with temples, pavilions, halls, hanging lanterns. Towards the middle of the area, you’re graced with a beautiful zig-zagging pathway with a huge pond below with enormous Koi fish.
The Yu Yuan Garden is absolutely beautiful inside with its well-preserved zen, greenery, and delicate flowers. Over 400 years old at this point, this is the perfect escape to the city as you get a chance to walk through pavilions, corridors, streams, and open courtyards. It is well worth the admission fee.
The only thing I warn you with is that it is hyper touristy as with many places in Shanghai so brace yourself!
4. Tian Zi Fang
There’s a real charm about this place that keeps drawing me back every time I go to Shanghai. This is an arts and crafts neighbourhood that has developed from a renovated residential area in the French Concession area. What I love about it are the maze-like alleyways that take you around to see a bunch of boutique gift shops, clothing stores, cafes, galleries, studios and other random knick-knack stores.
It feels as if the neighbourhood itself was preserved to how it was back in the 1930’s with its traditional architecture and ambiance. It’s on a way smaller scale compared to Cheng Huang Miao, trendier and less touristy.
Always a winner here. Eat, shop, and get lost.
5. Science & Technology Subway Station Market (Xiangyang)
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Okay let’s take a break from all that traditional things and let’s get real about why you came to China – to buy cheap, fake, knock-off stuff of course!
I’ve checked out quite a few of these markets and I find that the one literally just outside the turnstiles of the Science and Technology subway station (on the Pudong side) is the best for foreigners. It’s the most organized, clean and easy to figure your way around. Great buys here include phone accessories, sports jerseys, popular clothing brands, shoes (i.e. Tom’s, Adidas, Uggs), women’s bags, and other tech gear (GoPro, drones, speakers, power banks, screen protectors etc.).
The best/worst part about a market like this is that you need to know how to bargain. Never take the listed price or the price that they give you when you ask. Don’t be afraid to counter-offer their initial price at 50% off or more. If they don’t bite, just walk away. The truth is that there are so many stores that sell the same thing in the market so if you don’t get it at one of them, you’ll find another just a block down.
What’s strange is thatTripAdvisor says the market is permanently closed but by all accounts, this market is still open.
6. Din Tai Fung for Xiao Long Bao
Shanghai is known for their xiao long bao (Shanghai steamed soup dumplings). There’s a bit of an art to eating them but essentially what you’re supposed to do is dip them in the soy vinegar first, place it on your spoon, bite a small corner out to let the soup leak out. Next, you slurp a bit of the soup to see how hot it is and then chow down on the rest of the dumping.
There are a ton of good food places in China and it would take forever to list all of them however coming from someone that’s spent a lot of time in Shanghai, you really can’t beat the Din Tai Fung franchise. Originally from Taiwan, they’ve expanded rapidly around the world including within the city itself.
You can find Din Tai Fung practically in every corner now. They’re not exactly the cheapest in the city but honestly I haven’t come across any other xiao long bao restaurant that can beat their quality, thin-ness of the dumpling skin, the amount of soup, and the tastiness of the meat inside. You really can’t go wrong with Din Tai Fung (sometimes spelled as Ding Tai Fung).
7. M1nt
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This may not be for everyone but Shanghai has an electric party scene that rivals cities like London, New York, Los Angeles, and others. Nightlife is something that Shanghai does well.
M1nt has consistently won awards and always draws solid international crowds on their big nights.
One of the key highlights is that they have an aquarium of sharks built in the venue. Being on the top floor of a skyscraper near the Bund also means it has sweet views.
Make sure you check out the top clubs in Shanghai and whether you go to M1nt or somewhere else, you’re going to have an amazing time.
8. Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)
Shanghai consistently outdoes itself when it comes to high-rise towers and skyscrapers. From the Bund, there’s a dazzling array of them lit up every night.
You almost have too many choices when it comes to observatories to visit in Shanghai:
- Oriental Pearl Tower – The OG tower and most iconic in Shanghai.
- Jin Mao – First of the trio of mega-towers in Shanghai.
- Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) – This is what I affectionately call the “bottle cap” skyscraper.
- Shanghai Tower – I know, the naming is confusing but this is the tallest of them (for now).
I’ve done them all and I have to say that my favourite is still SWFC.
The reason is that they have a really well-designed viewing platform that is quite long along that top part of the bottle-cap. This allows for people to be spaced out but also great top-down views of all of the other skyscrapers as well.
A word of warning, the views from up here will make your legs go jello if you’re afraid of heights like I am.
Looking for a guided experience?
Book your own private half day tour that takes you up to SWFC, French Concession and includes lunch as well!
9. Xintiandi
Xintiandi is an interesting spot in the city to check out that’s both glitzy and posh. This pedestrian-friendly district is built upon Shanghai’s old Shikumen houses and is now best known for its fine restaurants, upscale clubs, and shops.
The best time to come to the area is at night when it comes alive with lights, music, and energy.
When I was living in Shanghai, we came here to party but for visitors, it’s worth adding Xintiandi to your itinerary for their international restaurants, boutique (albeit expensive) shops, a history lesson (Shikumen Museum and Birthplace of Chinese Communist Party), and tons of great photography opportunities.
10. Nanjing Road East
Perhaps this is the best for last but just as iconic as the Bund is, Nanjing Road East is buzzing with activity all hours of the day. No cars are allowed on this street and everywhere you turn there’s some sort of shopping. It’s also unlikely that you’ll miss this area because the nearest subway station to the Bund is this one so you’ll be walking through it I guarantee.
Most of the big brands are represented on this street. On top of that, there are some hidden gems food-wise here so make sure you poke inside the various storefronts to see what’s happening.
I’m not going to lie, it’s definitely very touristy here but if you want to come see the mecca of Chinese consumerism, more bright lights than Times Square, a ton of people and potential for some decent finds for shopping, you’ll want to visit Nanjing Road East.
Where To Stay In Shanghai
If you’re also looking for accommodations in the city and not sure where to start, check out these properties that suit your travel style. For more detail, we have a Shanghai neighbourhood guide if you’re having trouble figuring out which area to be in.
Budget
- Green Court Serviced Apartment-People’s Square – While not a hotel, this apartment is in an extremely convenient location, only 10 minutes away from Nanjing Road East. At a fraction of the cost of brand-name hotels, this is a property that’s both highly rated and has the bonus of having a full kitchen to help you save even more money.
- Charms Hotel Shanghai – This hotel is right along Nanjing Road East which makes it desirable in terms of location. Now since it’s a budget property, it’s quite no frills and if you read the reviews, there’s definitely room for improvement. However, if you’re going to be out and about the whole day, the cost and location may be good enough for you to pull the trigger on this one.
Midrange
- Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel – As the name suggests, this is a hotel that is right by the Yu Yuan subway station which puts you right at one of the top attractions in the city. Don’t worry that it’s not by People’s Square because a quick subway hop over and you’re there.
- Pullman Shanghai Jingan – If you’re okay to be a bit further away in the area of Jingan, you’ll be able to save a lot of money. Jingan has quite a lot to explore including the famous temple and with the subway, you can get anywhere in the city.
Luxury
- Radisson New World Shanghai – Located in the heart of things and right across from People’s Square, it doesn’t get any more convenient than this.
- Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre – Another property that is right in the heart of the action and also only 5 minutes walk away from Nanjing Road East.
Map of Shanghai’s Top Attractions
What you should read next
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Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Tours and Activities
When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
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Hello Willian:
Very detailed information about Shanghai, keep going.
I’m planning a short trip to Luoyang and Shanghai in June, taking advantage that right now as Spanish citizen no need to apply for visa.
My enquiry is about how to pay in China.
Some places say can’t use cash, some you can, some can’t use your credit card unless you go with WeChat
Do you mind to quickly give me some advice about it?
Thanks in advance
Rafael
Hi Rafael, that sounds awesome! Will you be heading out to Xi’an as well? Make sure to read our Louyang and 14 day Xi’an itinerary if you haven’t yet.
In terms of paying, you’re totally right, things have swung quite drastically to the point where they most places assume you’ll be paying by WeChat Pay or AliPay. That said, from my experiences last year, most places can still take cash actually. You just have to let them know when you’re ordering. We also encountered many cafe-type places where no-one seemed to operate as a cashier because they were so busy fulfilling app orders so I learned to flag them down instead of awkwardly waiting for someone to come to the counter.
Hi William
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Ok let’s see how it goes. I’m not concerned only for food but to get entrance or train tickets.
I’m not going to Xi’an, already been there. In fact, this will be my fourth time to China
Regards
Rafael
That’s awesome! Yes, I’d say everywhere that we were a bit stressed out about not having cash, we were totally fine.
Hello
I liked what you wrote about Shanghai
Looking forward to visit soon
Regards
Pravin
Mumbai
I’m glad you enjoyed it :)
Love Shanghai! Probably one of my favorite Asian Cities. I’ve been there twice and there’s always something new to discover thanks for the wonderful article and valuable information.keep posting
Hey Tang,
Thank you so much for informative post. I’ll be traveling to Shanghai on 2nd March with my little family and staying at Renaissance Shanghai Yangtze Hotel, would you suggest me any street food nearby?
Hey Neil, I just took a look at the area and while I don’t know it too well, you’re going to find a lot of good food in the area. All you have to do is walk either down south towards Hongqiao Road or up towards Xianxia Road. One place that isn’t quite street food but check out Ding TaiFeng (Shang Jia Center) at Shop 311, 3/F, Shangjia Center, No.99 Xianxia Road!
Hi,
I am going to Shanghai in about 2 weeks on my way to Bali. I will have only about 12 hours there. What would you recommended as a few must do/see in that amount of time?. Thanks so much-needed kristi
Hey Kristi! Okay so with 12 hours you’re going to have to be pretty strategic with what you do there and it depends on what you’re interested in. I’d probably first factor in the time it takes to get in and out of the city. I usually account for a full hour to get from airport to downtown. Taxi is one option but Maglev + Line 2 Metro could also work very well especially if you’re there during rush hour. So 12 hours is down to 10 or less depending on time to get off the plane and check-in time. With that, then I’d focus on an area that will get you the most bang for buck and my vote would probably be to start at People’s Square, walk along the pedestrian street of Nanjing Road E and make your way to the Bund. There’s no subway at this end but you can take the The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel which will get you over to the Pudong district which is across the river. From here you can decide whether you want to go to the Pearl Tower or one of the other mega skyscrapers for a view of the city. At that point I’d mix in some food and perhaps a visit to Din Tai Fung. How does that sound??
Hello Mr Will Tang,
I planned to visit Shanghai this April 2018 . The purpose is to be at the Shanghai NYU area visiting my G/daughter 1st time. Already booked a hotel near the Nanjing East metro. What worries me is there any street food of “Halal food” at the Pedestrian mall area?
Thanks
Hey! So I took a look for you and you’re in luck, there is a halal restaurant near where you’re staying (there aren’t many unfortunately). Check it out >> https://goaw.pl/2BFqr8w
I have never been to Shanghai, but if I ever visit, I definitely need to check out some of the places on this list! I particularly enjoyed your description of Tian Zi Fang– I would love to wander these alleyways and explore the shops and cafes there.
Thanks! Tian Zi Fang is an awesome place to visit in Shanghai. I’ve been numerous times and love exploring the small little alleyways :)
Nice post. I have spent one year in Shanghai and I can confirm that these places are amazing. Something that cannot be missed in Shanghai is also to go to one of its rooftop bars, there is several but my favorite is the Bar Rouge. If you go by night you will be able to see all of Shanghai’s enlighten buildings. Now working in London for an events company that lists many bar / nightclub events, I can say that there is nothing such as Shanghai night life!
Thanks Juliette! Yes I actually went to Bar Rouge when I was studying in Shanghai and I can give that a +1 as well. Great views of Pudong and all the skyscrapers :)
Will,
I am planning to go there sometime this year with my kid. Where is the best place to stay to see the 10 places that you recommended? Cheap to moderate price :-) only if you have a list of places to stay, to eat and so on.
Hi Wils, thanks for dropping a line! If you’re looking for a place to stay, I would probably try to find a place that’s close to one of the big subway hubs in the city. Personally I’d say somewhere near People’s Square, Xujiahui, or West Nanjing Road if I had to choose. That being said, the subway system is so good and covers everywhere that you really can’t go wrong as long as you’re on the subway. Places to stay on the this side of Shanghai (Puxi) vs. new development area (Pudong) will be cheaper. If you’re staying for a long period of time, you can look at an Airbnb. Otherwise, use Agoda or Ctrip and you’ll find a ton of good and moderately priced hotels.
Hey Will,
Shanghai is one of my dream destination and I am planning to visit in next year, definitely that list really helpful for me. Eagerly waiting for test Chinese food, thanks for suggesting Ding Tai hotel. :)
Awesome Post Keep Sharing..
I recently visited Shanghai and these tips were very helpful! I had a great time and would love to go back again, my favorite part was jogging on The Bund in the morning.
Also, I ate some great food in Shanghai like duck feet and drunken shrimp.
You are right about the Nanjing East Road, that place was insane!
It was so much fun that I created a video of my experience
https://reformatt.com/shanghai
thank you China!
Great to hear you had an awesome time out there Matt! Where to next for you?
Shanghai is one of the best places to visit in China..it really is a interesting place to know about all things China…it’s food, it’s culture, and people…loved reading your ideas….I will love to do these wonderful things when I get a chance to visit this wonderful city in China
This was very useful! im moving for shangai for a couple of months and it was just what i needed!
Gorgeous photos! What a special place!
Thanks Maaike!
I have never been to Shanghai, but if I ever visit, I definitely need to check out some of the places on this list! I particularly enjoyed your description of Tian Zi Fang– I would love to wander these alleyways and explore the shops and cafes there.
Tianzifang is a great place to wander and literally get lost. There’s so much to take in and if you go beyond the boutique shops there, I always love paying attention to the old architecture there.
The picture of the dumplings are making me miss Shanghai again! The city is just full of wonder.
It’s really is an interesting place to visit!
Thanks for sharing Amy! Looked like you had a great experience as well :)
thanks for the hints. i am currently here and i can tell the science and technology market is overrated. go to yuan garden and skip the tourist spot bazar, just outside there is a market where you can get everything but cheaper, there is also this building somewhere around (sorry can not tell where exactly as we got lost and found it accidentally, but somewhere around yuan garden) where wholesale shops are located and you can get everything half or third the price you will pay at the touristy yuan garden bazar
Thanks for the tips! I live in China now and wasn’t sure where to start in Shanghai. This definitely helps :)
Happy that my post was able to help!
Hi grace, if yr living in China feel free to show me the sights
In shanghai right now, polluted, overcast, raining, hustlers everywhere trying to hawk massages, rude locals…cant wait to leave
Hey Johnny! Thanks for your thoughts. There are some things that aren’t as desirable in Shanghai but some of it you just have to deal with being in the territory. Just find the positive notes and enjoy the moment. If you’re a foodie, have some good cheap food!
I found the same thing. Can’t go shopping without being asked for massage, lady or sex.. Or people aggressively trying to laser lights, etc. They seem to pick on westerners, and I found a simple hand up and they get the message. The city is cool.. Food is great.. But yes, am ready to move onto another city. Shopping is very expensive.. and cheaper back in Australia for major brands, etc. All in all, no plans to come back so to someone else – Make the most of your time here. I also went to Beijing to see the Great Wall. That was simply amazing and something I will remember for the rest of my life.
Thanks for the tips Will! I’ll be visiting in April for 3 days and will def. take your recommendations. I love your pictures, what do you use?
I’m surprised Din Tai Fung has the best XLB in Shanghai!
Hey Steph,
Thanks for your comments. I hope you have a good time out there.
I shot most of those photos with my Canon 5D MK2.
For XLB I expected where more local to serve better ones but to be honest Din Tai Fung still beat out the rest. Done to perfection!
Does anyone know what the weather is like the first week of April?
xie xie ni !
The average for April is 59F and 15C so that should give you an idea of what it’ll be like.
Lowest last year was 3 deg C.
I was in Shanghai in mid April and during the day I was very comfortable with tshirt and jeans. It does get a bit chilly at night so a wind breaker suited me.
It was definitely a lot better than when I was there in July/Aug!
Have fun there :)
I loved my time in Shanghai! I only spent a weekend there and with so much to see and do I of coursed missed a few of these gems. The Bund was amazing and I loved the more traditional side as well. I need to go back and see more of the great city
My favourite place in Shanghai is Taikang Road. Its a fantastic area to wander about – nice restaurants and galleries.
I’d also add a visit to Xiao Yang Sheng Jian (Yang’s Fried Dumplings) for cheap and awesome crispy fried soup dumpings!
Agree!! I went to the location near People’s Square and it was pretty awesome :)
Like I said there were a ton of food places I could’ve mentioned but ten this would’ve become a Top 20 or 30 ;)