Things to do in East China

Find and book 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

If you're ready to hit the streets of East China, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and let an expert show you the most popular tourist attractions. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {104 fun activities in East China fun activities in East China} are also worth browsing through.


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East China must see attractions

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 featuring street scenes, a city and signage

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. 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

6. 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

7. 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.

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

9. 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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Jing An Temple which includes a city and a temple or place of worship

What to do in East China

Things to Do in East China with Kids

There's fun for the whole family in East China. Here are a few family friendly experiences to enjoy together that are bound to make your escape memorable:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in East China? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in East China

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in East China

Xintiandi featuring street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

Downtown Shanghai

4.5/5(65 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 a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Jing'an

4.5/5(154 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 featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(575 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(75 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(73 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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Frequently asked questions

What to do in East China on a sunny day?
What to do in East China on a rainy day?
What is East China famous for?
No trip to East China is truly complete without exploring The Bund and Jing'an Temple.
What should I not miss in East China?
If you're eager to experience the best of this place, add these sights to your schedule:

  • Nanjing Road Shopping District
  • West Lake
  • People's Square
  • Yu Garden

Are there cheap things to do in East China?
What can you do in East China for free?
You could store your cash in the hotel safe for the day, because these attractions won't cost you a thing:

  • The Bund
  • Nanjing Road Shopping District
  • People's Square
  • Former Site of the International Mixed Court for the French Concession