Things to do in Shanghai

Activities, attractions and tours

Shanghai
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai showing a lake or waterhole and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Shanghai
Shanghai

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Most popular experiences in Shanghai

Tours & day trips

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MyBus: Mutianyu Great Wall coach Tour with guide, lunch, ticket.

MyBus: Mutianyu Great Wall coach Tour with guide, lunch, ticket.

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 275 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

Shanghai: Southern Great Wall Day Trip by Bullet Train

Activity duration is 11 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 2,320 per adult*
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Adventure & outdoor

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Shanghai Night River Cruise and Light Tour with Yuyuan Bazaar

Shanghai Night River Cruise and Light Tour with Yuyuan Bazaar

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 731 per adult*
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Classes & workshops

See all 23 activities
China Calligraphy and Tea Art Experience in Shanghai City Center

China Calligraphy and Tea Art Experience in Shanghai City Center

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 418 per adult
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Shopping & fashion

See all 11 activities
Private Shanghai Ultimate Flexible Shopping Tour: 4 or 8-hour Options

Private Shanghai Ultimate Flexible Shopping Tour: 4 or 8-hour Options

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 545 per adult*
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What to do in Shanghai

Popular places to visit

Shanghai Disneyland©

Shanghai Disneyland©

Enjoy the excitement at Shanghai Disneyland© and see why people love this theme park in Shanghai. Wander through the picturesque gardens and riverfront in this vibrant area.

Shanghai Disneyland©
The Bund which includes a city and flowers

The Bund

The changing fortunes of this sprawling riverside walkway are symbolic of the evolution of Shanghai itself.

The Bund
Nanjing Road Shopping District showing signage, street scenes and central business district

Nanjing Road Shopping District

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
People\'s Square featuring a garden and flowers

People's Square

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

People's Square
Oriental Pearl Tower which includes a city, a high rise building and skyline

Oriental Pearl Tower

Combining artistic expression with technological innovation, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is a towering example of Shanghai’s recent resurgence.

Oriental Pearl Tower
Jing An Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and a city

Jing'an Temple

The Jing’an Temple is a cultural treasure trove, packed with Buddhist relics and maintaining the ancient tradition of the Temple Fair.

Jing'an Temple
Yu Garden

Yu Garden

Created as a place of sanctuary over 400 years ago, Yu Yuan Gardens still provide a soothing retreat from the bustling streets of the Old Town.

Yu Garden
French Concession which includes street scenes and a city

Former French Concession

Take a stroll along the shaded avenues of Shanghai’s historic French Concession before enjoying a spot of shopping in some of the city’s trendiest boutiques.

Former French Concession
Xintiandi which includes street scenes, outdoor eating and a bar

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Shanghai’s colonial past is displayed in the distinctive Shikumen architecture of Xintiandi, fusing influences from both East and West.

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Areas of Shanghai

Xintiandi which includes street scenes, outdoor eating and a bar

Downtown Shanghai

4.5/5(11 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 a city, a high rise building and skyline

Pudong

4/5(109 area reviews)

Shanghai Disneyland© and The Bund 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
Jing An Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

Jing'an

4/5(16 area reviews)

Travellers choose Jing'an for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station and check out top sights like Jade Buddha Temple.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum showing modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

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

Huangpu
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

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

Lujiazui
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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
Photo by Roger Knau

Nantong

Suzhou

Suzhou

Jiaxing showing street scenes and heritage architecture

Jiaxing

Zhoushan

Zhoushan

Photo by Trisha's Travels

Qibao

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 travellers 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 neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, 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 kilometres from the centre, and Lujiazui, which is about 3 kilometres 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 neighbourhoods, 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.