Top Things to Do in Shanghai

The Bund and Nanjing Road (外滩和南京路 )

When people search for Shanghai on the Internet, many pictures of the Bund will be displayed. To some extent, the Bund represents Shanghai the development of this old city to a China’s modern face.

The 1.5 km long avenue is the setting for more than 50 western building from Shanghai’s colonial past and known as Bund International Architecture Exhibition. When the night falls, the Bund is at its best illuminated by colorful lights. The night scene is dazzling. A Bund visit should be combined with Nanjing Road, the busiest pedestrian street in Shanghai, which is near the Bund. 2-3 hours would be enough time for a good expereince.
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: All day
Add: 5 blocks of Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu between Jinling Lu and Suzhou Creek, Shanghai
地址：上海市中山东一路15弄

Suggestions: Join our 3-Day Essence of Shanghai Tour (Visa Free) to see all the highlights of Shanghai from only USD $ 299 P/P.

Shanghai Financial Center (环球金融中心)

Currently the tallest building in Shanghai and the third tallest in the world at 492 meters tall the Shanghai Financial Center is famous as an observation tower for tourists to get a spectacular view of the city.

The 94th, 97th and 100th floors offer observation decks with the best experience coming on the 100th floor. If you are unlucky to have a foggy or hazy day you will see nothing. The lifts will take you to the top at a speed of 10 m/s which is really exciting.

Entrance Admission: 100 Yuan/person
Opening Hours: 8:00-23:00
Add: Building 1, No.100 Shiji Avenue, Pudongxinqu, Shanghai, China
地址：上海市浦东新区世纪大道100号1座
Tel: 021-68777878

Suggestions: Join our 3-Day Essence of Shanghai Tour (Visa Free) to see all the highlights of Shanghai from only USD $ 299 P/P.

Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆 )

Opened in 1996, Shanghai Museum is one of the Best Four Museums in China. Among the many displays are bronzes, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jade and Ming and Qing dynasty furniture. If you are into Chinese culture, you could spend a whole day there. Usual visiting time is 2-3 hours.

Add: 201 Ren Min Da Dao, Shanghai,
地址：上海市人民大道201号
Tel：021-63723500
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00

Suggestions: Join our 3-Day Essence of Shanghai Tour (Visa Free) to see all the highlights of Shanghai from only USD $ 299 P/P.

Old French Concession (上海旧法租界)

A residential area once for the French, nowadays it is full of cafes, restaurants and shops selling local handicrafts. Both Chinese and foreign people like to visit there for a leisurely afternoon. The many old buildings and the park are wonderful to wander around.
Add: Puxi Central, Huangpu District, Shanghai
地点：上海黄浦区浦西中心
Admission: Free

Suggestions: Join our 3-Day Essence of Shanghai Tour (Visa Free) to see all the highlights of Shanghai from only USD $ 299 P/P.

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center (宣传画艺术中心 )

This center is not famous as other Shanghai attractions, yet it gives a fascinating insight into life in Communist China in the old days. It has a remarkable collection of propaganda posters from the Mao era. This unique political culture museum is especially popular among foreign tourists and expats.

Though it is a bit difficult to find, it worth visiting if you have 1-2 hours to spare.

Add：Rm BOC, Basement, Block B, No.868 Huashan Road, Shanghai
地址：上海华山路868号B0C室(近复兴西路)
Tel: 021-62111845

Suggestions: Join our 3-Day Essence of Shanghai Tour (Visa Free) to see all the highlights of Shanghai from only USD $ 299 P/P.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (上海城市规划展示馆)

The exhibition hall is very near Shanghai Museum, located in the People’s Square. The hall has models of the Shanghai old streets as well as the plan of shangahi now and in the future. A walkway provides a great way to see the huge models at the exhibition.

1-2 hours should be enough time to see all of the exhibitions.

Add: No.100 Renmin Main Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai
地址：上海市黄浦区人民大道100号
Tel: 021-63184477
Admission: 25 Yuan/person

Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00

Suggestions: Join our 3-Day Essence of Shanghai Tour (Visa Free) to see all the highlights of Shanghai from only USD $ 299 P/P.

Tian Zi Fang (田子坊)

The traditional Shanghai style buildings have been remodeled in the Tian Zi Fang. Cafes but it is a unique place to see The Shanghai of yesterday year. Because it is still a residential area the atmosphere is warm and homely.

The good place is the Esther Bears Teddy Bear Shop/Museum/ Thai Café. A table on the balcony will provide a view of the hustle and bustle. The local shops have everything. You could easily spend a day there.

Add：No.210 Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
地址：上海市卢湾区泰康路210弄
Admission: Free

Opening Hours：All day

Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠)

Oriental Pearl Tower is the landmark of Shanghai on the Huangpu River bank in Pudong District. The Tower is well-known for its shape which resembles three pearls.

Ascending to the top for a bird’s eye view of Shanghai is considered to be one of most popular things to do when traveling to Shanghai. At the top there is a restaurant where customers can enjoy the view while having a meal.

Add: No. 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
地址：上海市浦东新区世纪大道1号
Tel: 8:00-18:00
Admission: 160 Yuan/person

Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00

Yuyuan Garden (豫园)

With a history of 400 years, Yuyuan Garden is a classical southern garden located like an oasis in the city. There are 6 sections in the garden—Grand Rockery, Ten Thousand-Flower Pavilion, Hall of Heralding Spring, Hall of Jade Magnificence, Inner Garden and Lotus Pool. All have their own unique characteristics.
If you are a first-time traveler to Shanghai, then this is worth visiting.

Surrounding the garden is the busy local market—Temple of City God, which has lots of cheap souvenirs for sale. Remember to bargain!

Add：No.137 Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai
地址：上海市黄浦区安仁街137号
Tel: 021-63260830
Admission: 30 Yuan/person (Nov.1-Mar. 31); 40 Yuan/person (Apr.1-Oct. 31)

Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (朱家角水乡)

For those with limited time and wantinmg to see one of Shanghai’s famous water towns Zhujiajiao is a good choise. Just 1 hours drive time from the city center. This water village is famous for its bridges which were built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Walking around the small canal streets of the village makes a peaceful interlude.

Add: No.36 Meizhou Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
地址：上海市青浦区朱家角镇美周路36号
Admission: 60 Yuan/person

Opening Hours: All day

Xiao Yang Sheng Jian （小杨生煎）

Ranked#5 of 6,636 Shanghai restaurants on Trip Advisor is open from the early morning to late at night. Eat in or take them away, this is the place to try Sheng Jian it though you may need to spend time waiting in the queue.

Add: No.54 -60 Wujiang Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai
地址: 上海静安区武江路 54－60 号
Tel: 021-62676025

Price range: $2-$5/person

Din Tai Fung （鼎泰丰）

Though a little bit pricey, this Taiwanese Chain Restaurant still attracts lots of people every day for its Xiao Long Bao. Located in Xin Tian Di on the 2nd Floor of the mall it also offers a good view while trying the food. It provides breakfast, lunch and dinner. So whenever you go, you won’t miss out.

Add: NO 123 Xing Ye Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市兴业路123号
Tel: 021-63858378
Price Range: $10-$15/person

Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet

Though it is pricy, it is not just a restaurant for to taste the food but an experience for food, feeling and creativity. Having just 10 seats, customers will be asked to arrive at NO 18 of the Bund where they are picked up in a van with tinted windows. No one knows the location of the dining room. If you are looking for a completely different in experience this could be for you.
Add: NO.18, the Bund, Shanghai
地址：上海市外滩18号

Price: $400/person

Hai Di Lao Hotpot （海底捞火锅）

People go to Hai Di Lao to enjoying the creative service and the delicious food.
However, what makes Hai Di Lao special is its service. If its crowded and a long wait, which often happens, the staff have games, drinks and snacks prepared to make the wait more pleasent. What’s more, all things are ordered on an Ipad. Staffs are all friendly and ready to serve. By the way the food is great.

Add: 6F,588 Zhangyang Road, Shanghai
地址：上海市张扬路588号，6楼
Tel: 021-38713936

Price range: $20-$30/Person

Lost Heaven （花马天堂云南餐厅）

Yunnan food served in an environment more like Southeast Asian style is what you can expect at Lost Heaven. Food there is real Yunnan cuisine with spicy flavor, including fresh meats and vegetables. Everything is full of fresh and flavorful, and there a good wine selection. Dali chicken with spring onions is very popular both among expats and tourists.

Add: 38 Gaoyou Rd (south of West Fuxing Rd), Shanghai
地址：上海市黄浦区延安东路17号甲(近四川南路)
Tel: 021-63300967

Price Range: $20-$40/person

Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle 边三轮

Vintage Sidecar Motorcycle is a new way to see Shanghai’s off the beaten paths and Recommended by Time magazine, National Geographic Traveler, Vogue & ELLE magazine. Taking a motorcycle to explore Shanghai’s with food and sights is a excellent to see Shanghai in a different way.

Add:上海市中心
地址：Downtown, Shanghai

Tel: 13817616975

Contact Us to plan a trip with Vintage Side Motorcycle.

Huangpu River Cruise at Night 黄浦江游轮夜游

A night Cruise on the Huangpu River is a brilliant way to see the Bund and spectacular city lights, one of the most spectacular night scenes in China. Some tourists even believe it tops the night view of Hong Kong by night. Departing from Pudong district, the cruise lasts about 1 hour with the most beautiful sites included.

Add: NO 171, Zhongshan South Road, Shanghai City
地址：上海市中山南路171号
Tel: 021-61028992 

Price: 100 Yuan/person

Contact Us to plan a trip with Huangpu River Cruise at Night .

Era Time 时空之旅

This acrobatic show tells a love story interweaved with the development of Shanghai. It combines a number of difficult and amazing items including multiple motorcycles. At least 7 riders do tricks in big steel sphere. The view is good from all seats.

Add: No.2266 Gonghexin Road, Shanghai

地址：上海市共和新路 2266号

Tel: 021-66525468

Price: Type A (380 Yuan/person), Type B (280 Yuan/person), Type C (180 Yuan/person)

Contact Us to plan a trip with Era Time.

South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market 南外滩轻纺面料市场

This market is a good place for tailor made clothes, belts, scarves and other clothing. There are many shops there selling the same, so make sure you bargain and to get the best price. Jimmy in shop 218 is terrific for jeans and Judy in shop 267 is fabulous for suits and pants.

Add: No.399 Liujabang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai,

地址：上海市黄浦区刘家浜路399号

Contact Us to plan a trip with South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market .

Shanghai Hongqiao Pearl Market 上海虹桥国际水晶珠宝城

If you want to buy pearls or gifts, this is a good place for you to stop by. Many beautiful jewels are on sale in different shops. Wander around patiently and choose the one you like most before you pay. There is the possibility that they are fake though beautiful, so if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Add: No.3721 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai

地址：上海长宁区虹桥路3721号

Contact Us to plan a trip with Shanghai Hongqiao Pearl Market.

Shanghai Green Antiques 上海阁棂古董市场

Located in Qingpu district, Green Antiques is quiet popular among expats and tourists. The biggest and most spectacular antique shop in Shanghai, it is a heaven for interior designers. It has a 100,000 sq.ft. show room containing literally thousands of antique cabinets. Wander around is an interesting experience even if you do not buy.

Add: 4877 Middle Jiasong Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai

地址：上海市青浦区嘉淞中路4877号 Opening Hours: 10:00－20:00

Contact Us to plan a trip with Shanghai Green Antiques.