Things to do in Shanghai

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Shanghai showing heritage elements and a temple or place of worship
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai
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Shanghai 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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China, Shanghai, The Bund, The Customs House

2. 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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Shanghai, China - July 25, 2014: Downtown of Shanghai from the People's Square

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. 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

5. Former French Concession

The French Concession was one of Shanghai’s major European enclaves from the mid 19th century to just before World War II. Today, the district is again a sought-after address for expats living in Shanghai, as well as being a popular tourist destination and the hub of the city’s upmarket shopping scene.
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A residential area of Shanghai once designated for the French, the French Concession is now very popular with tourists and expats, and appreciated for its cafes, bars and tree-lined avenues, and tudor houses.

6. Xintiandi Style Shopping 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 Style Shoppping Centre

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

8. Yu Garden

Yu Yuan Garden was lovingly created in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents. Yu Yuan means “peace and comfort,” and despite the popularity of the attraction, the gardens remain a serene sanctuary. Set aside an hour or two to explore the gardens, pavilions, courtyards, chambers and halls. The ponds, bridges and streams also provide perfect spots for reflection, while the protective dragon wall that encircles the garden keeps Shanghai’s bustling Old Town at bay.
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Yu Garden

What to do in Shanghai

Discover the most popular places to visit in Shanghai

A Fun place to visit with friends and family while living or visiting Shanghai.

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©
The Bund featuring a city and flowers

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
People\'s Square showing a garden and flowers

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
Nanjing Road Shopping District featuring street scenes, a city and signage

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
Oriental Pearl Tower which includes skyline, a city and modern architecture

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
French Concession featuring street scenes and a city

Former French Concession

4.5/5(345 reviews)

Wealthy European families created an art deco oasis in Shanghai's heart. The area is now full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Former French Concession
Xintiandi featuring street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

Xintiandi Style Shopping 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 Shopping Centre
Jing An Temple which includes a city and a temple or place of worship

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
Yu Garden

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 Shanghai

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 Three on the Bund and Huxinting Tea House, 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)

Home to iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower, this district boasts the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone and Shanghai Disney Resort. Easily accessible via multiple metro lines, bridges, and tunnels.

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

Jing'an

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

Ancient Jing'an Temple and bustling West Nanjing Road offer a mix of history and premier shopping, while Daning Lingshi Park provides a green oasis. Easily explore with nine metro lines available.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(575 area reviews)

Central Shanghai's bustling hub, Huangpu District boasts popular shopping areas like Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Xintiandi. Explore key attractions such as The Bund, Old City God Temple, and leafy streets lined with cafes, high-end retail, and historical houses.

Huangpu
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Xuhui

4.5/5(75 area reviews)

Discover a bustling financial center and shopping haven with malls like Grand Gateway Shanghai and Pacific Sogo. Explore St. Ignatius Cathedral, Xujiahui Observatory, and French-style districts, all easily accessible via seven metro lines.

Xuhui
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Climb the innovative towers in this financial district for unobstructed views of Shanghai’s mesmerizing cityscape and stroll along the riverside.

Lujiazui

Popular day trips from Shanghai

Photo by Roger Knau

Nantong

Humble Administrator\'s Garden showing a bridge and a pond

Suzhou

Photo by Beautiful Guangxi

Kunshan

Jiaxing which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

Jiaxing

Zhoushan

Zhoushan

Photo by Charles DO

Fengjing

Frequently asked questions

Is Shanghai worth visiting?
Renowned for its views and history, discovering cool things to do in Shanghai is a breeze. Be sure to add Former French Concession to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Shanghai?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Former French Concession and Shanghai Tower. Then, check out other areas of Shanghai for local restaurants and some retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Shanghai?
You can't go home without exploring Former French Concession, rated the top tourist attraction in Shanghai.
Is three days enough to stay in Shanghai?
You can easily visit leading sights like Former French Concession, Shanghai Tower and Shanghai Museum with a three-day getaway in Shanghai. On average, many travelers book three days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a while longer and check out Pengpu.
Is Shanghai a walkable city?
With popular neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Shanghai is a great destination to see on foot. Have fun wandering between Former French Concession and Shanghai Tower. Then take a stroll around Huangpu, located 2 kilometers from the center, and Lujiazui, which is about 3 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Shanghai with kids?
Deciding what to do in Shanghai with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're getting away with toddlers or teenagers, there's a range of family-friendly sights to keep them busy here.

What to do in Shanghai for adults?
Three on the Bund and Xianxia Road are just a couple of the things to do in Shanghai. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Shanghai?
From enjoying parks to wandering around hip neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Shanghai. If you need inspiration, ask a local tour guide for some tips. Former French Concession is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their travel adventures.

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