Things to do in Shanghai

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Shanghai showing heritage elements and a temple or place of worship
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai

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.


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Most popular activities in Shanghai

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What to do in Shanghai

Free Things to Do in Shanghai

There's no need to run your credit card hot in Shanghai. The following won't even cost a dollar.

Liuli China Museum - Stroll around and admire the fascinating exhibits and carefully curated collections at this respected museum.

Deke Erh Art Centre - When it's time to get cultured, stop here and appreciate the creative talent on show.

People's Square - Drop by this modern landmark and be inspired by its unique design.

Former Residence of Mao Zedong - Spend time at this historic site and discover a few things about the region's cultural heritage.

Shanghai Times Square - This is a bustling location where you can soak in the vibe and join in on local life.

Wujiang Road Food Street - If you're eager to check out a few of the more important or unique places in the community, start here.

Holy Trinity Church - Toss some spirituality into your travels with a visit to this religious site.

People’s Park - Work on your green thumb and appreciate the wide range of plants on display.


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Shanghai? 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 Shanghai

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Shanghai

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
Oriental Pearl Tower which includes skyline, a city and modern architecture

Pudong

4/5(642 area reviews)

Home to iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, this district boasts the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and Shanghai Disney Resort. Easily accessible via multiple metro lines, bridges, and tunnels.

Pudong
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
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Climb the innovative towers in this financial district for unobstructed views of Shanghai’s mesmerizing cityscape and stroll along the riverside.

Lujiazui
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Hongqiao

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Hongqiao. Top attractions like Hongqiao Int'l Pearl City and Laowai Street 101 are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hechuan Road Station or Longbai Xincun Station to see more of the city.

Hongqiao

 

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.

 


 

Popular day trips from Shanghai

Frequently asked questions

Is Shanghai worth visiting?
Known for its views and history, discovering cool things to do in Shanghai is easy. Remember to add Former French Concession to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Shanghai?
Former French Concession and Shanghai Tower are two awesome places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Remember to check out the dining and retail options in Shanghai while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Shanghai?
Don't go home without checking out Former French Concession, ranked the top tourist attraction in Shanghai.
Is three days enough to stay in Shanghai?
Three days in Shanghai is more than enough to visit the city's major highlights. Many travelers stay for three days on average. Former French Concession, Shanghai Tower and Shanghai Museum are highly rated sights. Like to see more? Stick around a while longer to check off nearby hotspots like Pengpu.
Is Shanghai a walkable city?
Some top sights in Shanghai, including Former French Concession and Shanghai Tower, are within walking distance. You can also explore several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 1 mile from central Shanghai is Huangpu and Lujiazui is 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Shanghai with kids?
Deciding what to do in Shanghai with kids is easier than ever. Whether you have teenagers or little ones, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them busy here.

What to do in Shanghai for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Shanghai, with experiences for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Laowai Street 101 or Hengshan Road.
Are there free things to do in Shanghai?
One of the best ways to find free things to do in Shanghai is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider views on exciting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Former French Concession is one place that doesn't have an entrance fee.