Things to do in East China

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East China must see attractions

1. The Bund

In the early 19th century, The Bund was merely a narrow, muddy towpath on the banks of Huangpu River. Within a hundred years, European and American investors had created a lavish boulevard that rivaled the great avenues of the West. After decades of post-revolution neglect, this grand street is back in business. Many of its 52 architectural treasures have been lovingly restored and the once traffic-clogged, multilane street has been remodeled into a pedestrian-friendly promenade.
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The Bund featuring a city and flowers

2. West Lake

West Lake is a vast freshwater lake close to downtown Hangzhou. The lake is divided into five sections by three causeways. It also has various gardens, pagodas and temples. This is where Hangzhou locals come to find peace and visitors to the city come to capture the perfect souvenir photograph.
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West Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

3. Nanjing Road Shopping District

The Nanjing Road Shopping District, one of the city’s busiest shopping areas, has a history stretching back more than 100 years. The district is now a mix of towering department stores and colonial-era buildings along a pedestrian mall. Find luxury brands, international fast-food chains, and shops selling silk and jade.
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Nanjing Road Shopping District featuring street scenes, a city and signage

4. People's Square

People's Square, or Renmin Square, is Shanghai’s massive central square. This popular public gathering place is home to the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and the Grand Theater, among other attractions. Admire the towering modern buildings that surround the square and watch local residents chatting and flying ornate kites over the grassy lawn areas.
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People\'s Square showing a garden and flowers

5. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the world’s highest transmission towers. Since its completion in 1994, the tower has become Shanghai’s most recognizable landmark. More than just a TV tower, this multifunction marvel offers unique shopping, an informative museum, a revolving restaurant and some of the best views in Shanghai.
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Oriental Pearl Tower which includes skyline, a city and modern architecture

6. Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre

Located in the heart of Shanghai, historic Xintiandi (which translates to “New Heaven and Earth”) is a car-free, inner-city paradise for those seeking open-air dining, chic bars and boutique shopping. Most importantly, however, this redevelopment preserves a style of architecture unique to Shanghai, and gives a window into the community which once inhabited the area’s narrow lanes.
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Xintiandi featuring street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

7. Jing'an Temple

Jing’an Temple has a fitting name. It translates to “Temple of Peace and Tranquility” and this complex on one of the city’s main shopping streets does indeed offer an oasis of calm. Built in the third century, the Buddhist temple has a checkered past. It was relocated during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), converted into a plastics factory during the Cultural Revolution and destroyed by fire in 1972. Today’s reconstructed temple, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, is a perfect place to escape the busy streets of downtown Shanghai. It also offers a fascinating window into the spiritual lives of Shanghai’s people.
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Jing An Temple which includes a city and a temple or place of worship

Discover the most popular places to visit in East China

Image for Shanghai Disneyland©

Shanghai Disneyland©

4.5/5(77 reviews)

Have a fun-filled day at Shanghai Disneyland© and find out why this is a popular theme park in Shanghai. Wander the picturesque gardens and riverfront in this vibrant area.

Shanghai Disneyland©
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The Bund

4.5/5(638 reviews)

Despite years of war and revolution, the soul and skyline of one of the world’s great waterfront boulevards has risen to even greater heights.

The Bund
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West Lake

4.5/5(65 reviews)

Shimmering waters, misty mountains and large pagodas characterize this area of outstanding natural beauty that has inspired many poets and artists.

West Lake
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Nanjing Road Shopping District

4.5/5(440 reviews)

Experience the bustling energy of Shanghai’s most famous commercial street, with a pedestrian mall surrounded by traditional and luxury shopping opportunities.

Nanjing Road Shopping District
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People's Square

4.5/5(361 reviews)

To see the modern heart of Shanghai, visit this square, a vast green space surrounded by museums and a grand theater.

People's Square
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Oriental Pearl Tower

4.5/5(267 reviews)

This towering symbol of Shanghai’s modern renaissance offers history lessons, fine dining and stunning city views.

Oriental Pearl Tower
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Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre

4.5/5(244 reviews)

One of the city’s first urban renewal projects preserves a historic neighborhood, while serving up some of Shanghai's best dinning, entertainment and shopping.

Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre
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Jing'an Temple

4.5/5(260 reviews)

This centuries-old, downtown Shanghai temple is home to the largest pure jade statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in mainland China.

Jing'an Temple
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Yu Garden

4.5/5(358 reviews)

Step through the gate of Shanghai’s premier classical gardens and into a tranquil world of bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions.

Yu Garden

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in East China

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)

Shanghai Wild Animal Park and Shanghai Disneyland© are top sights in Pudong, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Huinan Station or Safari Park Station to see more sights in the area.

Pudong
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Chengyang District

4/5(19 area reviews)

Chengyang District is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Chengyang Century Park and Qingdao Olympic Sculpture Park.

Chengyang District
Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and religious elements

Jing'an

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Daning Lingshi Park while getting to know Jing'an, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station to see more of the area.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(575 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Huangpu. Check out top attractions like Old Chinese City and Yuyuan Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.

Huangpu
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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