Looking for the best things to see and do in Shanghai?
Get my top recommendations on what to see and do in the biggest Chinese city. This list is perfect for first-timers and returning visitors alike seeking a Shanghai itinerary that includes a blend of popular and the-beaten-track city gems.
And as you plan your Shanghai itinerary, don’t forget to check out my other guides for more insights into things to do in Beijing, must-have China travel apps, and everything you need to know before visiting China. And if you’re heading to other cities like Yangshuo or Guangzhou, there are also plenty of unique things to do there, too.
Table of Contents
The 19 Best Things to See and Do in Shanghai
1. Visit the Bund, the Symbol of Shanghai
One of the most iconic places to visit in Shanghai, The Bund is a stunning waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. On one side, you’ll see the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center—symbols of China’s economic rise. On the other, you’ll find beautifully preserved colonial buildings in various architectural styles, such as Art Deco, Gothic, and Baroque, representing the city’s history as an international trade hub in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Make sure to check out the Customs House and The Peace Hotel, two of the most iconic buildings in Shanghai.
For a quieter experience, head to the North Bund Garden, where you can enjoy the same stunning views. While still somewhat of a hidden gem, this area is gaining popularity, especially among locals so don’t expect to be just by yourself. From here, you can also walk to the ferry that can take you to the other side of the river to Pudong.
2. Explore the Beautiful Yu Garden
No list of things to do in Shanghai is complete without a visit to Yu Garden. This beautiful classical garden, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, features lush landscapes, koi-filled ponds, and intricate rockeries. It was initially built by a government official named Pan Yunduan as a peaceful retreat for his elderly parents but today, it stands as one of Shanghai’s most important cultural treasures and one of the most visited Shanghai attractions.
Nowadays, you won’t find much peace at the Yu Garden as it is one of the busiest Shanghai attractions, however, you can beat the crowds by going as early as possible and on weekdays.
3. Check Out the Histroic Wukang Building
The historic Wukang Building is a favorite spot for architecture enthusiasts and photographers alike. Located on the iconic Wukang Road, it’s one of the most recognizable buildings in Shanghai’s former French Concession. Strolling down Wukang Road itself is a must, as the street is lined with lush trees and beautiful old mansions that exude old Shanghai charm.
Apart from its architecture resembling a ship, the Wukand Building is famous for its French Renaissance style and is the oldest veranda-style apartment building in Shanghai. Many Chinese celebrities are known to have lived there and due to the number of suicides that occurred there, the building is alleged to be haunted by many ghosts.
4. Stroll Nanjing Pedestrian Street
Nanjing Pedestrian Street is a shopping mecca, teeming with stores, restaurants, and entertainment. The neon lights and bustling atmosphere are alive both during the day and in the evening, making it one of the most exciting things to do in Shanghai for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.
It wasn’t personally my favorite thing to do, but it is worth checking out. You can get some street food, ride the tourist train, shop for some luxury goods, and go for a massage, there really are tons of things to see and do on Nanjing Street.
One of the ends of the streets is at People’s Park and near the Shanghai Museum so it is a good idea to combine your visit to these three places of interest.
5. … and Wukang Road
One of the most scenic streets in Shanghai, Wukang Road is lined with elegant mansions, cafes, and boutique shops. Walking down this tree-shaded avenue in the former French Concession is a peaceful experience, offering a glimpse into old Shanghai’s charm.
6. Explore Tianzifang Crafts Area
For those interested in Shanghai’s artistic side, Tianzifang is a maze of narrow alleyways packed with boutique shops, art galleries, and cafes. Located in the French Concession, this area combines traditional architecture with modern creativity, making it a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. It’s an ideal place to pick up unique souvenirs or simply explore.
Exploring Tianzifang was one of my favorite things to do in Shanghai and there we so many cute, beautiful, and unique things to buy there, I could have honestly spent all my money in this charming crafts area.
7. Wander Around Xintiandi
Among the best places to visit in Shanghai, Xintiandi offers a mix of old-world charm and modern luxury. Famous for its well-preserved Shikumen houses, this district is now filled with upscale restaurants, shops, and cafes. It’s a great place for an afternoon or evening out, whether you’re grabbing a meal, shopping, or just people-watching.
8. Relax at People’s Park
A visit to People’s Park is both relaxing and culturally interesting. Known for its “Marriage Market” on weekends—where parents gather to find partners for their children—it’s also a peaceful green space to take a break. The park’s serene atmosphere and nearby cafes make it one of the best spots to pause during a busy day of sightseeing.
9. Enjoy Shanghai Disney Resort
If you’re traveling with family or just enjoy Disney World and theme parks, then a visit to the Disney Resort must be on the list of your thighs to do in Shanghai. Featuring a unique blend of Disney magic with Chinese cultural elements, highlights include the TRON Lightcycle Power Run and the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle in the world.
Disney is not my thing so we skipped it, but you should prepare an entire day if you want to visit and be ready to wait a lot.
10. Marvel at the Shanghai Skyline
For unbeatable views of the city, visiting the observation decks of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, or the Shanghai World Financial Center is one of the top things to do in Shanghai. These towering skyscrapers give you a panoramic look at the city’s mix of old and new, from the colonial Bund to the modern skyscrapers of Pudong.
Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the 3rd tallest building in the whole world, after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and the Merdeka 118 Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Named Top of Shanghai, the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower is situated on the 118th floor of the building at a height of 546 meters.
The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower is 468 meters high and connected by 11 spheres of different sizes. In my opinion, is one of the modern buildings in China with the most unique design. On the top of the tower, there is a sightseeing deck and a restaurant.
Shanghai World Financial Center is a mixed-use skyscraper, consisting of offices, hotels, conference rooms, and a ground-floor shopping mall. It also offers an observation deck from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai.
11. Appreciate Traditional Chinese Culture at Yuyuan Old Street
Yuyuan Old Street offers an authentic taste of traditional Shanghai with its narrow streets, historical buildings, and bustling markets where you can shop for souvenirs or try local snacks. The street’s history stretches back to the Ming and Qing dynasties when it served as a bustling marketplace. Even today, the area retains much of its original charm, and you can explore winding alleyways that have remained unchanged for centuries.
Walking through this historic district feels like stepping back in time, offering a window into what life was like in old Shanghai. The intricate rooflines of the buildings and narrow alleys provide a striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers elsewhere in the city.
12. Get Away from the Crowds in Gucheng Park
If you’re looking for quieter places to visit in Shanghai, Gucheng Park is a peaceful that we randomly stumbled upon on our way to Yu Garden. Although it is a very small park, it is super charming and very quiet so it definitely makes for a relaxing stroll or just a place to escape to away from the crowds.
There is a coffee/ tea shop from which you can grab a drink, a bamboo forest, narrow and lovely alleys, a museum featuring an introduction to the life of the old gentleman, and some calligraphy and painting displays.
13. Admire the Modern ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon’
One of the most unique Shanghai attractions, 1000 Trees is a shopping and cultural complex designed to resemble the Ancient Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The building is topped with actual trees and plants, blending nature with architecture. Inside, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and cafes. There’s not really much to do there than shopping or grabbing something to eat or drink, but in my opinion is worth the visit to appreciate the architecture of the building. The area where the 1000 trees complex is located is nice to stroll around and you can also take more nice Insta-worthy shots there.
14. Experience Shanghai Xingkong Art Museum
Located a short stroll away from Nanjing Road, Shanghai Xingkong Art Museum is one of the most interactive places to visit in Shanghai. It’s not big, so it doesn’t take a lot of time to visit. It is also not as popular, so it isn’t also crowded which is always a bonus. It also means that you can take your time and take some Instagrammable shots without strangers popping in the back of your photographs.
*The museum is in a mall and can be a little confusing to find, so make sure to ask at the reception in the mall for navigation.
15. Shopping in Shanghai
Shanghai is known as a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from high-end luxury brands to unique local markets, catering to all budgets and tastes. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion, high-tech gadgets, traditional Chinese handicrafts, or quirky souvenirs, you’ll find it in one of the many shopping districts or malls across the city.
Here are some places to check out:
- Nanjing Road, Tianzifang, Xintiandi, and 1000 trees
- The Fabric Market – Here you can pick your fabric and have custom suits, dresses, or traditional Chinese cheongsams made.
- Dongtai Road Antique Market – Perfect for vintage lovers, this market offers antiques, old coins, Mao memorabilia, and traditional Chinese curios.
- Qipu Road Market – This might not be for everyone but is a market where you can find designer clothes, bags, perfumes, etc. I’m not an expert but to me, they look very real although for the prices they ask for these items, they must be dupes I guess. You can also find traditional Chinese clothes here, too.
16. Visit the Shanghai Museum
For art and history lovers, the Shanghai Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Chinese artifacts. Its vast collection includes bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings, offering insight into China’s rich cultural heritage. Visiting this museum is one of the best things to do in Shanghai if you’re interested in learning more about China’s past. It is located on People’s Square and is good to know that the museum is closed on Tuesdays (except national holidays).
17. Sip Cocktails at One of Shanghai’s Rooftop Bars
Shanghai’s nightlife is just as exciting as its daytime attractions. Enjoying a drink at one of the city’s many rooftop bars is one of the best things to do in Shanghai and a fantastic way to experience the city after dark. Bars like Bar Rouge and Flair Rooftop Bar at The Ritz-Carlton offer spectacular views of The Bund and the Pudong skyline, perfect for some relaxation, or a little party after a day of sightseeing.
18. Spoil Yourself with Affordable Beauty Procedures
Beyond the numerous attractions, history, culture, and exciting nightlife, Shanghai is also a hotspot for beauty procedures. From traditional Chinese medicine-inspired procedures to modern beauty services like lash extensions, gel nail polish, and such, Shanghai offers high-quality services at a fraction of the cost you might pay in Western countries.
I only got a facial while in Shanghai so it is the only beauty procedure I can speak about from experience. I was very satisfied with it and if I had more time in Shanghai or had discovered the place earlier, I would have gone for more. So, ladies and gentlemen, when you’re planning your Shanghai itinerary, make sure to also allow yourself a day or two for pampering.
19. Enjoy a Traditional Chinese Massage or Foot Massage
One of the most relaxing things to do in Shanghai after a long day of walking and exploring the city’s attractions is to indulge in a Chinese massage. Foot massages are especially popular and part of the local wellness culture. I love them and they come with my highest recommendations. Traditional Chinese medicine techniques are used to relieve stress and improve circulation.
You can also try the traditional Chinese massage known as “Tui Na” in China which involves various techniques and movements aimed at improving the flow of Qi (life force) in the body. The one that we tried didn’t include any type of oil and was done through something like pajamas that they gave us at the studio. It was really good and relaxing and it was also very affordable.
I hope that this article gave you a good overview of the best things to do in Shanghai. If you have any additional questions or comments, please let me know in the comment section below, and don’t hesitate to contact me.
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Thank you for reading,
Bilyana
