Top 12 Things to Do in Shanghai
Shanghai is a multi-cultural city in China. With the Affluence of Western culture in the 19th century, mixed with Chinese culture in the south of the Yangtze River Delta (Jiangnan Culture), the city offers a great mix of old and new. Our picks of the best things to do in Shanghai will illustrate the charming features of this city.
There are three places where you can get panoramic views of Shanghai and all are located in Lujiazui Trade Zone, Pudong District:
1. Observe Shanghai from the World Financial Center
With a height of 492 meters (1,615 feet), Shanghai World Financial Center offers a great spot to view the Shanghai skyline. Its 100th floor has a viewing lounge with a glass walkway which will give you a breathtaking experience.
- Admission: RMB 180 for 94F+97F+100F; RMB 120 for 94F
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM (no entry after 9:30 PM)
- Tour idea: Shanghai Classic Tour

2. Bird's-Eye View the City from the Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is 632 meters (2,073 feet) high with 127 stories, currently the fourth-tallest building in the world. The sightseeing route includes the “Top of Shanghai Exhibition Hall” on floor B1, “Top of Shanghai Observatory” on floor 118, and “Top 632” exhibition area on floors 125 and 126.
- Admission: RMB 180
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tour idea: contact us for a customized tour to Shanghai Tower

3. Observe the City from the Oriental Pearl Tower
Oriental Pearl Tower – As the icon of Shanghai, there are always long lines to get in for sightseeing on national holidays. This 468-meter (1535-foot) tower has two highlight attractions: one is the 259-Meter Transparent Observatory and the other is the 267-Meter Revolving Restaurant, where is the perfect place to get the panoramic night views of the prosperous Shanghai.
- Admission: RMB 180 for 94F+97F+100F; RMB 120 for 94F
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM (no entry after 9:30 PM)
- Tour idea: One-Day Shanghai Highlights Tour

4. Visit the Bund and Its Buildings
The Bund (Wai Tan) in Shanghai is an iconic place that has witnessed Shanghai’s growth. With picturesque waterfront views, you can see the amazing views of colonial buildings on the Puxi side and new skyscrapers on the Pudong side. Walking along this 1.5-kilometer bund, you can find out how the old Shanghai still co-exists with the modern, bustling, and high-tech new world.
- Add: East of Zhongshan Road
- Related attractions: Peace Hotel Museum, Old HSBC Building, Nanjing East Road
- Best time to go: daytime- admire the dozens of well-preserved old European-style buildings; at night- appreciate the gleaming skyline with buildings lit by dreamlike lights.
- Getting there: take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 and get off at East of Nanjing Road Station(Nanjing Dong Lu 南京东路站)
- Tour idea: Evening Huangpu River Cruise and the Bund City Lights Tour

5. Walk Through or Cycle in Former French Concession
The Former French Concession in Shanghai is a large area that had once been designated to the French from 1849 to 1943. The residents included French, Americans, British, and Russians at that time, so today you can feel and experience the exotic cultures and history here.
Considered the epitome of colonial area, the former concession is surrounded by trees and houses many Western-style buildings. Strolling around its villas, churches, and cathedrals, you may see the old Shanghai in the 19th and 20th centuries. There are also all kinds of restaurants, cafés, and stores in the area, where you can enjoy some exquisite dining and shopping.
- Add: Between Huangpu and Xuhui districts
- Related attractions: Xintiandi, Tianzifang, the Former Residence of Sun Yat-Sen, Fuxing Park
- Suggested time for visit: 4 hours
- Getting there: take bus nos. 167, 320, 42, 911, 920, or 926 and get off at Middle of Huaihai Rd. station(淮海中路) or South of Shanxi Rd. Station 陕西南路站).
- Recommended walking route: Song Ching-ling Memorial Residence → Wukang Mansion → Xuhui old house art center → Wukang Road (coffee time) → Propaganda Poster Museum
- Tour idea: Half-Day Trip to Shanghai Former French Concession or contact us for a customized tour to Shanghai Former French Concession

6. Immerse Yourself in Nature at Yu Garden
Located northeast of Shanghai Old Street and first built in 1559, Yu Garden (Yuyuan) is a Chinese classical private garden. It has been largely restored and now you can see its well-preserved wooden pavilions, bridges, rocks, and lovely potted plants. Outside the garden, there is a Shanghai old district, where you can find many shops lining the streets.
- Add: located northeast of Shanghai’s Old City, near Shanghai Temple of the Town God
- Admission: 40 Yuan during April-June and September-November; 30 Yuan during July-August and December-March.
- Opening hours: 8:30-17:30 (March to October); 8:30-17:00 (November to February)
- Getting there: Metro Line 10 or bus to Yuyuan Station (豫园站).
- Tour idea: Shanghai Classical Day Tour

7. Take a Ride on Shanghai Maglev Train
Running from 2003, the Shanghai Maglev Train is the world’s fastest commercially operating train, with a maximum speed of over 430 kph (267 mi/hour). The train runs very fast but passengers can barely feel it because it runs smooth.
The maglev in Shanghai shuttles between the Pudong Airport and Longyang Rd. Station. With a distance of 30 km (18.6 mi), the journey only takes 7 minutes, making it very convenient for people to catch the plane or transfer to downtown. If you are really into trains or high-speed technology, don’t miss the Shanghai Maglev Museum. It is right below the Longyang Maglev Station and free of charge to visit with a maglev ticket.
- Operation hours: Longyang Rd. Station to Pudong International Airport Station - 6:45 to 21:40; Pudong International Airport Station to Longyang Road Station - 7:02 to 21:42.
- Ticket price: CNY50 per single trip ticket, CNY80 per round trip ticket (valid in 7 days). A passenger can get a maglev ticket with a 20% discount based on a flight ticket on the same day.
- Tour idea: contact us to add a maglev experience to your Shanghai tour.

8. Visit Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum is a huge museum of Chinese ancient art. It houses 12 art galleries and over 120,000 pieces of precious collections, including bronzes, sculpture, seals, coins, paintings, jade, and more, some of which can be traced back to the Neolithic Period. It often cooperates with foreign museums and regularly holds special exhibitions. Luckily, it is free to visit.
- Add: 201 Renmin Ave, right next to Shanghai People’s Square
- Admission: free
- Opening hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (No admission after 4:00 pm, closed on Mondays)
- Getting there: take metro line 1, 2, or 8, or bus nos. 112, 312, 145, or 46 and get off at People’s Square Station.

9. Have Fun at Disneyland Park
Located in Chuansha New Town in Pudong District, Shanghai Disneyland Park is part of the Shanghai Disneyland Resort.
Opened in 2016, it is the first Disneyland Park in mainland China. Shanghai Disneyland covers an area of 1.16 square kilometers. There are several rides including Mickey Street, Fantasy Garden, Adventure Island, Treasure Bay, Dream World, and Disney Pixar Toy Story. Has Disney Castle, and Marvel Hero Headquarters, etc. In 2020, the number of tourists reached 5.5 million.
- Add: 310 Huangzhao Road, Pudong District, Shanghai
- Admission: CNY375-485
- Opening hours: 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Getting there: take metro line 11 to Disneyland Station

10. Enjoy Performances at the Shanghai Circus World
Shanghai Circus World is a large indoor circus located in Jing'an District of Shanghai City. It is situated opposite the Zhabei Stadium to the south and Guangzhong Park to the north.
The 100-minute show "ERA Intersection of Time" is a must-see. The show combines Chinese history, martial arts, and incredible special effects throughout the unique spectacle. It is entertaining and suitable for all ages.
- Add: Rm BOC, Basement, Block B, No. 868 Huashan Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai
- Admission: CNY25
- Opening hours: daily 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Getting there: get the metro line 10 to Shanghai Library and there will be a half-mile walk to the museum.
11. Stroll Around Bustling Alleys at Tianzifang
Tianzifang is a fashionable landmark creative industry cluster formed after the reconstruction of the Shikumen complex. It is also the creative work base for many artists.
The biggest feature of Tianzifang is that it still has many residents living here. It is a good place to experience the criss-cross small lanes. Walking in the lanes of Tianzifang, you will find little shops with many interesting products, art galleries, various photo exhibitions, cafes, and restaurants.
- Add: 210 Lane, Taikang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
- Admission: free of charge
- Opening hours: open all day
- Getting there: take bus nos. 18, 49 or 167 to People’s Square (Fuzhou Rd.) Station; or, get the metro line 1, 2, or 8 to People’s Square Station.

12. See Traditional Architecture at Zhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town is a quaint and lovely old town that is 1-hour drive from the Bund, Shanghai. It has a completely different lifestyle from Shanghai, making it a great place for escaping the city’s hustle and bustle.
Going through the town’s small alleys to the end, you may see local people washing clothes on the river bank. You can also just linger at a coffee shop watching people go to and fro. The best way to view the water town is to take a gondola trip. Try to get there in the mornings, when there are not many visitors.

- Add: 36 Meizhou Rd, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
- Opening hours: 24/7, the sites in the town opening during 08:30-16:30
- Admission: RMB 80 (including the entrance tickets for 8 scenic spots and one gondola trip); RMB 60 (including the entrance tickets for 8 scenic spots).
- Suggested time for visit: 4 hours
- Getting there from Shanghai: take metro line 17 from Shanghai Hongqiao Subway Station to Zhujiajiao Subway Station, or take Shanghai-Zhujiajiao Express Line from People’s Square to Zhujiajiao Bus Station.
- Tour idea: One-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour from Shanghai
Join in a Trip to Experience These Top Things in Shanghai
If you want to visit these attractions above or any other places you are interested in Shanghai, China Travel can tailor-make a tour based on your own needs and requirements, which will save your time, money, and trouble. Please feel free to contact us and tell us your tour ideas.