Shanghai is an electric city of staggering contrasts—a place where traditional history and hyper-modern ambition collide. Whether you have three days or a week, this definitive guide covers the absolute essentials and the most rewarding cultural gems. Here are the Top 20 things to do in Shanghai, organized to help you plan your perfect trip.
The Iconic Must-Sees
These are the unforgettable landmarks that define Shanghai’s place on the world stage.
1. Stroll along The Bund (Wai Tan)
No visit to Shanghai is complete without walking this legendary waterfront promenade. The Bund showcases a magnificent architectural “museum,” featuring 52 stately European-style buildings from the colonial era on the west bank of the Huangpu River. Across the water, you’ll witness the spectacular, futuristic skyline of the Pudong district.
- Tip: Visit just before sunset and stay to see the Pudong towers illuminate (usually 7 PM – 10 PM) for the best photographs.
2. Ascend the Shanghai Tower
Experience the incredible scale of modern China by visiting the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower. At 632 meters, it’s the tallest building in China. You’ll take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the Top of Shanghai Observation Deck (118th floor).
- Tip: From this vantage point, you’ll look down upon the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) and the Jin Mao Tower, truly grasping the density of the Lujiazui financial district.
3. Explore Yu Garden (Yuyuan) and Bazaar
Step into the tranquility of a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Yu Garden is an oasis of peace, meticulously designed with winding paths, ornamental rockeries, arched bridges, and koi-filled ponds.
- Tip: The surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and try local street snacks. Don’t miss the chance to taste authentic Shanghai Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
4. Walk the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
This is the city’s premier shopping destination. East Nanjing Road is a bustling, neon-lit thoroughfare—a shopper’s paradise packed with department stores, international boutiques, and local shops.
- Tip: It’s a sensory overload of sound, light, and commerce, ideal for people-watching and soaking up the energy of modern Shanghai.
5. Take a Huangpu River Night Cruise
A cruise offers the most dynamic perspective of Shanghai’s architecture. Sailing down the Huangpu River provides a constantly changing, 360-degree view, moving seamlessly between the historical buildings of The Bund and the illuminated high-rises of Pudong.
- Tip: Book an evening cruise to witness the city at its most glamorous and dazzling.
6. Wander the Former French Concession (FFC)
This beautiful, European-style residential district is characterized by quiet, leafy streets and well-preserved Art Deco and Shikumen architecture. The FFC is perfect for a relaxing afternoon walk.
- Must-See Streets: Explore Wukang Road to see the famous wedge-shaped Wukang Building and enjoy the area’s trendy cafes and independent boutiques.
7. See the Giant Pandas at the Shanghai Zoo
A popular choice for families and wildlife lovers. The Shanghai Zoo is home to thousands of animals, but the main attraction is undoubtedly the iconic Giant Panda exhibit.
- Tip: Arrive early, especially on weekends, to see the pandas when they are most active.
8. Find Serenity at the Jade Buddha Temple
A functioning Buddhist monastery, this temple is famous for two magnificent statues of the Buddha carved from rare white jade, imported from Myanmar.
- Tip: It’s a spiritual sanctuary providing a stark, peaceful contrast to the commerce of the nearby Jing’an district. Observe local worshippers lighting incense and participating in prayers.
9. Dive into History at the Shanghai Museum
Located in People’s Square, this museum is revered for housing one of the country’s most significant collections of ancient Chinese art.
- Tip: Explore galleries dedicated to bronzes, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and ancient coins, spanning millennia of Chinese history and culture. Entry is free, but timed tickets are usually required.
10. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower
This instantly recognizable, spherical tower dominates the Pudong skyline. While the Shanghai Tower is taller, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower remains an essential and photogenic landmark.
- Tip: It features a lower observation deck with a glass-bottomed walkway, offering a unique, vertigo-inducing experience.
Cultural Gems & Hidden Experiences
These deeper dives offer insight into Shanghai’s local life, arts, and unique flavor.
11. Watch a World-Class Acrobatics Show
Shanghai is globally renowned for its contemporary acrobatics. Shows like ERA Intersection of Time at the Shanghai Circus World feature dazzling feats, motorcycle stunts, and stunning costumes paired with high-tech multimedia effects.
- Tip: This is a spectacular, high-energy event and a must-do for entertainment seekers.
12. Day Trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town
Escape the city bustle with a visit to Zhujiajiao, a charming, well-preserved ancient water town about an hour from downtown. It’s known for its crisscrossing canals and 36 ancient stone bridges.
- Must-Do: Hire a small gondola for a relaxing ride under the picturesque bridges and through the narrow waterways.
13. Explore Xintiandi
Meaning “New Heaven and Earth,” Xintiandi is a redevelopment area that preserved the original Shikumen structures but transformed the interiors into upscale dining, shopping, and entertainment venues.
- Culture: It offers a polished look at Shanghai’s past and is a great spot for an evening meal or drink.
14. Wander the Alleyways of Tianzifang
Unlike the commercialized Xintiandi, Tianzifang offers a more bohemian and artsy atmosphere within its narrow, winding Shikumen alleyways.
- Vibe: It’s a delightful maze of small art studios, quirky handicraft shops, local fashion designers, and tiny cafes—a true creative hub.
15. Discover the M50 Art District (Moganshan Road)
For contemporary art lovers, the M50 Art District is Shanghai’s answer to New York’s SOHO or Beijing’s 798. Located in a complex of former textile factories, it now houses over 100 galleries, studios, and exhibition spaces showcasing emerging and established Chinese artists.
- Interest: A fantastic place to see the cutting edge of Chinese modern art and photography.
16. Relax in Jing’an Temple
Located in the heart of Shanghai’s upscale central business district, the Jing’an Temple is a striking sight. Its traditional architecture, complete with a massive golden roof, contrasts dramatically with the modern skyscrapers surrounding it.
- Location: Its central location on West Nanjing Road makes it easy to combine with a shopping trip.
17. Stroll through People’s Square and Park
The historical and cultural nexus of downtown Shanghai. The park itself is a popular green space, but it holds a unique cultural event.
- Unique Sight: Visit People’s Park on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to observe the famous Marriage Market, where parents post details of their unmarried children in hopes of finding them a suitable partner.
18. Indulge in Authentic Local Street Food
Shanghai’s culinary scene is a star attraction. Go beyond the restaurants and savor the local street delicacies.
- Must-Eats: Seek out Shengjian Bao (pan-fried pork buns with crispy bottoms), Cifantuan (savory sticky rice balls), and Cong You Ban Mian (scallion oil noodles).
19. Attend a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony
Experience a moment of calm and mindfulness by participating in a formal tea ceremony. You’ll learn the intricate rituals, proper brewing techniques, and the cultural significance of tea in China.
- Tip: Look for tea houses in the Yuyuan area or the tranquil French Concession.
20. Appreciate the Architecture on Wukang Road
Beyond just seeing the Wukang Building, dedicate time to walking this picturesque road. Lined with beautiful old mansions and plane trees, it showcases some of the finest examples of early 20th-century European and Art Deco residential architecture in Shanghai.
- Must- Do: It’s one of the best locations for a classic Shanghai citywalk and photography.
Essential Shanghai Planning Guide
- Payment is Digital: Shanghai operates almost entirely on mobile payment. Ensure you link an international card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival, as cash and credit cards are rarely accepted outside of major hotels and luxury stores.
- Transportation: The Shanghai Metro is fast, efficient, and cheap. Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for seamless travel across the city and on buses.
- Itinerary Pace: To comfortably cover these 20 major attractions and experiences, plan for a trip lasting at least 5 to 7 full days.
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Shanghai truly earns its reputation as the “Pearl of the Orient.” By exploring this list of the Top 20 things to do in Shanghai, you’re not just scratching the surface; you’re engaging with a city that flawlessly merges ancient traditions with futuristic ambition.
From standing atop the Shanghai Tower to strolling through the quiet, leafy streets of the Former French Concession, every corner of this city offers a compelling story. Whether you choose to savor a bowl of hot Xiaolongbao in the local lanes or witness the dazzling light show on The Bund, your journey through this dynamic metropolis is guaranteed to be unforgettable.
