China is filled with magic. Some of the best places to visit here are the bustling metropolis that is Hong Kong, and Beijing, the country’s capital that tells the story of its wondrous past. Then you’ve got Shanghai, China’s biggest city that’s also been hailed as a worldwide financial hub. So many things to do in Shanghai!

Ostentatiously glitzy and glamorous, Shanghai is just one of the few cities in the world with so much history, mystique, and exoticism all rolled together in this destination. From the rickety charm of the city’s Old Town to the futuristic architecture of Pudong, Shanghai is truly difficult to silence and pin down. So many things going on around! 

First-timers in Shanghai may feel overwhelmed by its skyscrapers and its uber sumptuous culinary scene, such as eating the xiaolongbao or soup dumplings right, but with this guide to the best things to do in Shanghai, you will sure find your way. Ni hao! Make yourself feel at home.

12 Unforgettable Things To Do In Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s biggest city. Being so, you’ll be treated to several things to do in Shanghai from every corner. Here is the rundown. 

1. Capture Photos Of The Skyline At The Bund, The Heart Of The City

The heart of Shanghai is the Bund, the city’s version of America’s Wall Street, whether businesses and investors make it or break it in trading. So, on your things to do in Shanghai list, this must be a priority to visit. Interestingly, the Bund – which is also an Anglo-Indian term that means “the embankment of a muddy waterfront” – was originally a towpath for dragging rice barges. Gradually, this place has transformed into where the city’s most powerful banks, trading houses, and important institutions lie. 

Viewing photos of Shanghai, many of them are captured here at Bund. The Shanghai World Financial Center and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, together with other imposing skyscrapers, stand proud across the Huangpu River. Behind you, you’ll see exquisite European-style buildings that house restaurants and shops lining the waterfront boulevard. 

To skip visiting the Bund is like forgetting to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris. If you want to see the most eclectic views, visit the Bund at night because after sunset, its skyscrapers light up in different colors, creating the perfect subject for your photos. 

2. Feel The Charm Of Yuyuan Gardens And Bazaar, Shanghai’s Most Revered Green Space

If you think that Shanghai is just about the glamorous skyscrapers and city life, think again. It also has green spaces that will reconnect you with nature. One of them is the Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar. As one of the city’s premier attractions, the Yuyuan Gardens has everything that will make you call it a paradise – shaded alcoves, pavilions, pines, and glittering pools with fish. Plus, during the spring and summer seasons, the place blooms with floral beauty, particularly giving rise to Shanghai’s flower, the Magnolia grandiflora. 

There are a lot of things to do in Shanghai while you are here. In these gardens, you will find six main scenic areas, and a whopping 30 pavilions outfitted with ornate structures like decorated bridges and vibrant pagodas, as well as enclaves divided by “dragon walls” or partitions with stone dragons on top.

3. Shanghai Tower: Stand On The World’s Highest Skydeck, And Ride The World’s Fastest Elevator

You’re in Shanghai and we know you are curious about that twisting skyscraper that you see in photos. Well, that’s no other than Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China that dramatically twists skywards from its footing in Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial district known for its futuristic skyscrapers. The twist is introduced by its outer skin of glass swiveling as it rises. It also has sky gardens sandwiched between the two layers of glass that open up a large volume of the building for public use.

This twisted tower that comprises 121 floors houses office spaces, entertainment venues, shops, a conference center, a luxury hotel, and a skydeck. We know you can’t wait to explore the things to do in Shanghai in this place. Tourists can visit its 118th floor where you will be on the world’s highest skydeck above ground level. Completing the experience is riding the world’s fastest elevators and the world’s tallest single-lift elevator designed by Mitsubishi, ferrying you skywards toward the viewing deck. The views from this floor are remarkably stunning.

Let this “things to do in Shanghai” guide take your breath away, and more stories about Shanghai from our website. 

4. Did You Say You Visited Shanghai For Shopping? Discover The Best!

Being one of the world’s most developed cities where the economy speeds up like a bullet train, it is no wonder that several brands are clamoring to get their hands on Shanghai’s market. Thus, the city is among the best destinations for endless shopping. 

Shanghai is a renowned paradise for shoppers, as the city is also dubbed as “the Paris of the East.” Some visitors head to Shanghai to see its radiating energy and history, while others want to shop this place ‘til they drop. The city offers several shopping centers that sell electronics, designer clothes, food, souvenirs, sporting goods, name it. You’ll surely find what exactly you are looking for.

Some of the best places where to shop in Shanghai are the Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai IFC Mall, Shanghai Huanmao IAPM Mall, and Shanghai Times Square. 

5. Go On A VIP Cruise Along Huangpu River

Huangpu River is the largest river in central Shanghai, and there’s no better way to explore the dramatic scenery it offers than by going on a cruise. And it’s not just any river cruise, it is a VIP cruise. 

This tour lets you see the city light up as the night falls, taking you to the top attractions like the French Concession and the Zig-Zag Bridge. You can choose to be dropped off to your hotel, or continue the evening in the town. This is definitely one of the not-to-miss things to do in Shanghai.

6. Participate In An Authentic Shanghai Food Tour

While Shanghai’s culinary scene follows its home country’s, China’s recipes, it still has its own uniqueness. The city’s food scene is a vibrant fusion of traditional Chinese flavors and foreign influences. From mouth-watering food stalls that serve the freshest dumplings and the most savory noodles, to high-end restaurants that offer their take of Chinese cuisine, Shanghai is a food lover’s haven.

Nothing beats discovering Shanghai’s culinary scene than by participating in an authentic local food tour. This tour takes you through the famous Yunnan Road, stopping at various restaurants that are rated great by the locals. You’ll also be able to try popular Shanghai dishes like steamed buns, scallion oil noodles, parched chicken, and soup dumplings with black vinegar. You’ll also be learning the history and culture of this rapidly changing city from a culinary perspective through your tour guide’s informed commentary.

Things to do in Shanghai are wonderful that you may want to take your travel further to others destinations in China, such as Beijing. 

7. Hop From One Skyscraper To The Next At Pudong

Located directly east across the Huangpu River from the central business district of Puxi is the Pudong district, founded during the 19th century as one of the earliest industrial areas. Today, Pudong is sprawling with astounding – and mostly overwhelming – skyscrapers, some of which are the tallest in the world. But before, did you know that this district was mostly farmland? 

There are several things to do in Shanghai while you’re here. You can visit the sophisticated stores located at the base of Pudong’s skyscrapers where you can also head your way up to their observation decks. It’s very easy to explore Pudong as the district provides an elevated pathway between the buildings, making it effortless to explore the skyscrapers one after the other.

8. Find Yourself In The Happiest Place On Earth, The Shanghai Way, At Shanghai Disneyland

Also situated within the Pudong district is Shanghai’s version of the “Happiest Place on Earth,” Shanghai Disneyland. Especially if you are traveling to Shanghai with your family, this is one of the best things to do in Shanghai. 

Shanghai’s version of Disneyland may be from the Western-born The Walt Disney Company, but it is filled with the unique elements of China, spread across its various themed areas, such as Fantasyland, Treasure Cover, and Tomorrowland. There are lots of things to do in Shanghai while you are here. 

You can visit Mickey Avenue to meet and greet with Disney’s most beloved characters, walk along the Chinese gardens, or ride the world’s fastest roller coaster if you are a thrill seeker. Plus, Shanghai Disneyland also offers attractions for live entertainment and world-class dining. The magic of China meets the magic of Walt Disney.

9. Marvel At The Unique Architecture Of Oriental Pearl TV Tower And View The City From This Vantage Point

As what has been said, Shanghai is an ostentatious city. It’s got towers built with unique architecture and design. You’ve got the twisted Shanghai Tower, then you have the Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its three legs. 

A TV and radio tower that services some of the city’s TV and radio channels, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Shanghai. Also standing tall in Pudong, the structure also houses a revolving restaurant, 11 spheres, and multiple observation levels. 

You can view the city from this tower, and the most thrilling viewpoint here is the Space Module, the tower’s highest observation deck sitting at a staggering 1,148 feet from above the ground. This is certainly one of the things to do in Shanghai that you shouldn’t dare miss. 

Loving this “things to do in Shanghai” guide so far? How about exploring Hong Kong, another destination in China? 

10. See More Than A Million Artifacts Housed At Shanghai Museum

Shanghai truly loves unique and impressive architecture, doesn’t it? Another eccentric building is that of Shanghai Museum, but not in Pudong exactly. Located on the People’s Square nearby Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum is hard to miss because of its architecture of being a circular building on top of a square foundation. Plus, it is also massive. You shouldn’t really skip this on your things to do in Shanghai list. 

Oftentimes called one of the best museums across China, Shanghai Museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts, more than a million to be exact – artifacts that chart the country’s history. Some of the best showcases here are intricate calligraphy, beautiful jade carvings, traditional Chinese grab, and century-old bronze works. Come and visit. 

11. Shanghai World Financial Center: More Unique Skyscrapers!

Shanghai won’t really stop mesmerizing the world with its unique architectures. The list is seemingly endless! This time, we have the Shanghai World Financial Center that appears to resemble a giant bottle opener. 

Also one of the world’s tallest buildings glittering majestically on the skyline, and competing with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for the best bird’s-eye views of Shanghai, Shanghai World Financial Center illustrates the city’s rapid transformation. And this is just on the lower floor. 

Tourists can ride one of the fastest elevators in the world, which only takes 49 seconds toward the 94th and 97th floor where you’ll be treated to a jaw-dropping panorama of the city. But, the best is yet to come. The true highlight here is on the 100th floor where the world’s highest observatory is. Known as the Sky Walk, this provides an area where tourists can marvel at the city from 1,555 feet above the ground. Truly one of the most spectacular things to do in Shanghai. 

12. Drop By Longhua Temple, Shanghai’s Oldest Religious Complex

Last but definitely not least on this list of the best things to do in Shanghai is visiting Longhua Temple, Shanghai’s oldest and largest religious complex. You don’t have to be a practitioner of Buddhism to get the chance to explore this temple. 

Longhua Temple was constructed as early as the 10th century, and is named after the pipal tree where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. Its staggering seven-story pagoda imposes from a distance, but what lies within is even more astounding. Explore the five main halls each filled with ornate sculptures and several Buddhas. 

Plus, near the complex’s entrance, take some time to drop by the more than 14,000-pound bell located in Longhua Temple’s bell and drum tower. That’s not all. Every spring, peach blossoms bloom in the area, perfect for photographs and some appreciable sightseeing.

Thank you for reading this “things to do in Shanghai” guide. We hope this helped you in preparation of your visit. We have more stories from our blog that you may also want to check out. 

Things To Do In Shanghai: Know These Travel Tips Before You Visit

Just like all other destinations in the world, you will be in a foreign land once you are in this Chinese city. The cultures, customers, and norms in your hometown are different from those here. This is why it is important to know certain things before your visit. This way, you can enjoy the things to do in Shanghai without the hassle. 

• The best seasons to visit Shanghai are during spring and autumn. 
• If you are looking for an action-packed nightlife, visit the city’s Puxi district. 
• Public transportation in Shanghai is not what you usually know. Instead of Uber, the city has Didi. Or, you can take the speedy Maglev or hail a cab to bring you to your destinations. 
• If you wish to share your travel experiences on Facebook or Twitter, you might find it difficult here in Shanghai. The country’s government blocks the likes of Twitter and Facebook, so you may need to have a VPN to access these platforms. 
• Tipping is not a thing in Shanghai, or in other parts of China.

Shanghai, The Paris Of The East

Shanghai is the world’s financial hub. The city has one of the most successful economies in the world. No wonder the world’s biggest businesses clamor to land on Shanghai and touch on its markets. For tourists, Shanghai is full of wonder.

The city offers a dazzling array of experiences that won’t only captivate, but also inspire. Its many unique architectural wonders never fail to impress, but there are more to the city, such as its vibrant culinary scene and nightlife. Whether you want history, adventure, thrill, or extravaganza, Shanghai dynamic energy and endless possibilities are spellbinding. Like Paris’, you will also surely fall in love with the things to do in Shanghai.