25 Best Things to Do in Shanghai, China

These best things to do in Shanghai, China cover the best attractions, historic sights, and museums, so you can see the best of this diverse city.

We loved living in China and enjoyed exploring the best places to visit in China, with Shanghai being very near the top of that list! The city is bustling, but if you look closely, you can see a glimpse of what ‘Old China’ once looked like.

From the incredible Yu Yuan Gardens to the fun Shanghai Disneyland, there is plenty to choose from, so let’s look at the best things to do in Shanghai!

Best Things to Do in Shanghai

1. Oriental Pearl Tower

Located in Pudong Park, the Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic structure of the Shanghai skyline. Climb to the top for amazing views across Shanghai and marvel at the tiny people through the see-through glass floor.

Tickets for the upper and lower spheres as well as the Shanghai Municipal History Museum (in the pedestrian of the tower) costs 199 CNY. The tower is open from 9 am to 9 pm

The city sightseeing bus line 2 takes you right to the steps of the tower or you can get the subway line 2 and get off at Lujiazui station.

For a more unusual route, you can take the Bund sightseeing tunnel that travels under the river.

2. People’s Square

In the heart of Shanghai, People’s Square is the home to the Government Mansion, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, and the Exhibition Hall, as well as some top restaurants, fast food stops, and fashion brands. It is worth having a stroll around the Square, taking in the odd-shaped buildings, and trying some street food.

Take the subway line 1, 2 or 8 to People’s Square Station.

3. The Bund

For the best view of Shanghai’s incredible skyline, head to the Bund. In the early morning, you’ll catch locals practicing tai chi whilst a nighttime stroll illuminates the city and makes for some great photos.

Open all day, every day, and of course, completely free, the Bund is a top choice for most tourists. Catch subway line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station then walk 10 minutes towards the Huangpu River.

4. Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is known as one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Split into two sections, Nanjing Road East, and Nanjing Road West, this street is the perfect place to see how busy Shanghai can truly be, and shop for both modern delights and traditional Chinese treasures.

5. YuYuan Gardens

Take a stroll through Yuyuan Garden and check out the Sansui Hall and Wanhua Chamber. Get some shots of this traditional Chinese garden and relax in nature.

The entrance costs 40 CNY, with the garden open from 8.30 am to 4.45 pm. Take subway line 10 to Yuyuan Station and take exit 1.

6. Jing’an temple

Perhaps the most famous temple in Shanghai, the Jing’an temple is over 780 years old. This reconstruction holds the Mahavira Hall – with the biggest pure jade portrait of Sakyamuni in China, the Hall of Heavenly Kinds, and The Three Sage Hall.

At 50 CNY for entrance, the temple is open 7.30 am – 5 pm. Take subway line 2 or 7 to Jing’an Temple Station, exit 1.

7. Jade Buddha temple

These precious Jade Buddhist statues are rare and culturally significant to China. The temple itself it fairly new, rebuilt in 1928 after the previous temple was destroyed during the revolution of the Qing Dynasty.

Entrance costs 30 CNY with the temple open from 8.30am to 5pm. Take subway line 7 to Changshou Road station, taking exit 5. Walk down Xinhui Road and take a right at Huangning Road, walking down until Anyuan Road and the temple will be to the right. Or catch the 19, 206, 316 or 738 bus to Jiangning Road Anyuan Road Station.

8. Shanghai Museum

Home to an abundance of Chinese art, the Shanghai Museum walks you through a history of the Chinese lifestyle through its textiles, pottery, sculptures, calligraphy and coinage.

The museum entrance is free however some special exhibitions may cost you 20 CNY. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm – take subway line 1,2 or 8 to People’s Square Station.

9. Old Street

Here you will find buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, with an array of shops selling everything from calligraphies to jewelry, teahouses to glass shops.

Take subway line 9 or Bus 930 to Laoximen Station or subway line 10 to Yuyuan Station.

10. Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is AMAZING! Yes, I am a super Disneyland fan but it is great fun and perfect for all travelers! This is the biggest Disney park in the world and has some of the most forward-thinking, innovative rides; make sure you ride the Pirates of the Caribbean and Tron! This is just one of the best things to do in Shanghai with kids.

 

11. Eat the local food

Shanghai is a paradise for food lovers, offering a mix of traditional flavors and modern twists.

One must-try dish is xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), best enjoyed at Jia Jia Tang Bao, known for its delicate wrappers and flavorful broth. For a taste of the city’s signature noodle dish, Shanghai scallion oil noodles (葱油拌面), head to Congyoubamian Dachangmian Guan, a small but famous spot that serves perfectly chewy noodles coated in aromatic scallion-infused oil.

Download some of the best apps for China travel to find local spots to eat, no matter where you visit.

If you’re craving a local breakfast, try Jianbing (savory Chinese crepe) from a street vendor near Yuyuan Garden, where vendors skillfully prepare this crispy, egg-filled delight. Living in Tianjin, this is a crepe made famous in the North but still a great option to try all over China.

Another must-try is the Shengjianbao (pan-fried soup dumplings) at Xiao Yang Shengjian, famous for their crispy bottoms and juicy pork filling. To explore old-school Shanghai flavors, visit Lao Zheng Xing for classic dishes like red-braised pork belly (红烧肉) and drunken chicken (醉鸡), both highlighting the city’s love for rich, umami-packed flavors.

Whether dining in a historic eatery or grabbing street food on the go, Shanghai’s culinary scene is full of unforgettable flavors.

12. City God Temple

Explore this historic temple near Yu Garden, dedicated to Taoist deities and bustling with local worshippers. As another one of the best things to do in Shanghai, this temple, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, serves as a spiritual and cultural hub.

Inside, you’ll find intricately designed halls with statues of the City God and other deities. The surrounding area is filled with traditional shops and street food vendors, making it an excellent place to sample local delicacies.

To visit, take Metro Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station and follow the signs leading to the temple. It is open daily, and an entrance fee is required for access to the main halls.

13. Tianzifang

Discover a maze of artsy alleyways filled with boutique shops, galleries, and trendy cafés in the former French Concession; another one of the best things to do in Shanghai, China.

The area preserves traditional Shikumen-style buildings while offering a vibrant mix of modern art, handmade crafts, and unique eateries. It’s a great spot for an afternoon of leisurely exploration and photography.

To reach this neighborhood, take Metro Line 9 to Dapuqiao Station and take Exit 1.

14. Longhua Temple

Explore Shanghai’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple, known for its striking pagoda and serene ambiance.

The temple complex is a tranquil retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle, featuring intricate wood carvings, impressive Buddha statues, and a bell tower where visitors can hear the deep resonant chimes.

This gorgeous best things to do in Shanghai temple can be reached by taking Metro Line 11 or Line 12 to Longhua Station.

15. Xintiandi

Enjoy a blend of old Shikumen architecture and modern dining, shopping, and entertainment in this vibrant area.

With a mix of high-end restaurants, boutique stores, and cultural venues, Xintiandi is especially lively in the evenings when visitors gather to enjoy fine dining and nightlife

To reach this shopping district, you can take Metro Line 10 or Line 13 to Xintiandi Station.

16. Propaganda Poster Art Centre

View a fascinating collection of Mao-era propaganda posters that offer a glimpse into China’s past. Tucked away in a residential building, this museum provides unique insights into the country’s political history through vibrant and thought-provoking artwork. 

To reach these unique things to do in Shanghai, take Metro Line 10 or Line 11 to Jiaotong University Station.

17. Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

Learn about the lives of Jewish refugees in Shanghai during World War II in our next interesting things to do in Shanghai item.

The museum, located in the Hongkou District, tells the story of thousands of Jewish refugees who found shelter in Shanghai, featuring personal stories, historical documents, and a preserved synagogue.

Take Metro Line 12 to Tilanqiao Station, to reach this fascinating museum.

18. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

Get a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai’s development and future projects through detailed models and exhibits. A massive scale model of the entire city is a highlight, showing its rapid urban transformation. 

To reach the exhibition center, take Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 to People’s Square Station.

19. China Art Museum

For art lovers, another one of the best things to do in Shanghai has to be the China Art Museum.

Admire impressive collections of modern Chinese art inside the transformed China Pavilion from the 2010 World Expo. Highlights include the enormous “Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival” digital painting. 

To get here take Metro Line 8 to the China Art Museum Station.

20. Fuxing Park

Observe locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing cards in this lively yet peaceful park. As one of the best things to do in Shanghai that is often overlooked, this is a wonderful place to witness everyday life in Shanghai. Plus, the park is surrounded by classical European-style landscaping to appreciate.

Take Metro Line 10 to Xintiandi Station for this busy park in the city.

21. Suzhou Creek Art District

Discover contemporary art galleries housed in repurposed industrial spaces. This up-and-coming creative hub hosts exhibitions, art installations, and workshops, making it a must-visit for art enthusiasts.

This district can be found along Jiangning Road, so you can head to the station of the same name via Line 13.

22. Zhujiajiao Water Town

One of the best day trips from Shanghai, as well as one of the best things to do in Shanghai, is Shanghai’s nearby Water Town.

Step back in time in this ancient water town, often called the ‘Venice of Shanghai,’ featuring arched stone bridges, traditional wooden houses, and scenic canals.

Visitors can take a boat ride along the waterways or explore centuries-old buildings. This is slightly further out of the city but you can take Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station and walk or take a short taxi ride to the town center.

23. Qibao Ancient Town

Experience an authentic taste of old Shanghai in this well-preserved water town. Stroll along narrow alleyways, sample street food like Qibao rice cakes, and visit the Shadow Puppet Museum for a cultural experience. 

To get to this China bucket list on your things to do in Shanghai list, take Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station and follow the signs to the old town.

24. Shanghai Circus World

Be amazed by world-class acrobatic performances, including aerial stunts, contortionists, and daring motorcycle cage acts in the ‘ERA: Intersection of Time’ show. 

 Take Metro Line 1 to Shanghai Circus World Station but give yourself plenty of time, as this station and area can get busy before a show.

25. Thames Town

Of course, being Brits we had to check out one of the more unique things to do in Shanghai during our visit.

Located in the Songjiang District, Thames Town is a fascinating English-style town complete with cobblestone streets, red telephone booths, and Gothic-style churches.

Built as part of Shanghai’s suburban development project, the area offers a quiet escape from the city, making it a popular spot for wedding photography and leisurely walks.

Visitors can explore the charming European architecture, enjoy a coffee at a quaint café, or stroll along the artificial riverbanks. 

You can take Metro Line 9 to Songjiang New City Station, then take a short taxi or bus ride to Thames Town. However, we found it easier to just book and take a Didi car to and from the neighborhood.

Shanghai Attractions F.A.Q

Is Shanghai worth visiting for tourists?

Shanghai is home to many famous historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and fascinating museums, making it worth visiting for local tourists and international visitors. 

What is Shanghai best known for?

Shanghai is the largest city in China, as well as a trading and economic hub. It is most known for its bustling markets and bright lights. 

Is Shanghai friendly to foreigners?

Shanghai has a large expat community, so you can expect plenty of Western restaurants and bars. The local people are also friendly and welcoming to foreigners, making Shanghai a great place to dip your toe into China travel. 

How long is enough in Shanghai?

You should plan at least 3 days in Shanghai to see the best sites on offer; add a day if you want to explore the best rides at Shanghai Disneyland too. 

Things to know before you go to Shanghai

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