Ask a QuestionShanghai, as the most thriving metropolis in China, always presents its irresistible charm with both modern ambience and ancient cultural style, no matter those well-designed skyscrapers, historical architectures or colorful nightlife. What to do in Shanghai? What should you do in Shanghai? Among countless things you could do in Shanghai, top 15 things to do in Shanghai listed below may be the best choices for your Shanghai trip.
The Bund must be on the top of your Shanghai visiting list, visiting The Bund is definitely a must-do thing to have a wonderful time in Shanghai. As incredible as you can imagine, Huangpu River has divided two worlds along the side, one world of ancient architectures from colonial times while the other world is covered with modern skyscrapers such as Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, but that’s the most charming feature of The Bund.
Take a stroll along the way to The Bund is a great experience to enjoy the night view, you can also take a night cruise on Huangpu River, in order to get closer to the spectacular beauty of Shanghai at night.
Yuyuan Garden, situated near Chenghuang Temple, is the only well-preserved classic garden in Shanghai. Built in Ming Dynasty, walking in the garden seems like going back to ancient China, where you could enjoy the revered green space in this modern city. Except for traditional Chinese style architectures, you could also get the chance to appreciate some calligraphy inscriptions and art work from ancient times.
Go around Chenghuang Temple since Yuyuan Garden is really nearby, it is also called the City God Temple. You can enjoy a leisure time along Chenghuangmiao Old Street, find something interesting to buy and get something delicious to taste.
Jade Buddha Temple, famous for the jade buddha statue worshiping in the temple, is one of the most famous attractions in Shanghai. As more and more tourists around the world come to visit, Jade Buddha Temple has been one of the must-see attractions in Shanghai. Located in the crowded area, the tranquil atmosphere inside the temple give you a chance to stay away from the hustle world for a ceremony to your soul.
If you are interested in Buddhism culture, Longhua Temple is also a good choice for you to explore, which is the largest and oldest temple in Shanghai.
Nanjing Road is the most famous commercial street in Shanghai, with its old-fashioned style, leading the main fashion in Shanghai. Take a stroll along this old shopping street is one of the top things to do at night in Shanghai. Come at dawn and walk to The Bund, what an amazing trip to admire numerous ancient buildings along your way.
Read Famous Shopping Street in Shanghai.
Shanghai Museum will be an ideal place for you to explore the ancient Chinese culture and art. With all kinds of exhibition halls, the number of cultural relics in Shanghai Museum are more than 120,000, including bronzes, sculptures, paintings and calligraphies. Furthermore, Shanghai Museum opens to the public for free, exploring Shanghai Museum will be one of the top free things to do in Shanghai.
Tianzifang may not be the most famous place you have heard about in Shanghai, but it may be one of the most impressive places when you call back your memory. Walk along the alleys around Tianzifang, you may find it so enjoyable among varieties of restaurants, featured little shops galleries and also cafés. Want to do some unusual things in Shanghai? Go walk around Tianzifang to seek for something special will be one of the top free things to do in Shanghai.
Shanghai Maglev Train, the fastest train in the world with the speed of 430 km per hour, showing the rapid developing technology of China to the whole world. Riding on the Maglev Train is no wonder the most unusual thing that only can do in Shanghai. The train runs between Longyang Road and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you’d better not miss this amazing experience during your trip in Shanghai.
Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of the most famous historical and cultural towns in China, offers you an indifferent experience in modern Shanghai. As the nearest water town of Shanghai, you can have a day tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town to enjoy a leisure time by walking along the stone paved road, or taking a boat to explore the natural beauty mixed with ancient architectures.
Read How to Get to Zhujiajiao Water Town from Shanghai.
If you are considering to find out the best things to do at night in Shanghai, what we have to mention is the excellent Acrobatics Show in Shanghai. Just choose a show in Shanghai Centre Theatre or Shanghai Circus World and enjoy every fantastic moment during the show.
Read Best Places to Watch Acrobatics Show in Shanghai.
Xiao Long Bao is no doubt what we always hear about Shanghai food. The appearance of Xiao Long Bao really looks like Baozi, white bun with fillings inside. But what makes Xiao Long Bao so special is the broth, when you take a bite, the broth will flow out immediately from the thinner bun skin, which is as thin as the stuffed dumpling skin. By the way, Shengjian is also worth trying, this pan-fried Baozi has become a symbolic food in Shanghai.
Read Famous Food in Shanghai.
At the Oriental Pearl TV Tower Skywalk, you can observe Shanghai in 360 degree. Walking on the transparent glass sightseeing corridor is like walking on the air. On the 263-meter observatory, you can have a panoramic view of the both sides of the Huangpu River. On your side, skyscrapers of Lujiazui shows the modernity and development of Shanghai. On the other side, the exotic building clusters reflects the Shanghai in the 19th century, a period of great change.
Shanghai Disney Resort is the first Disney Resort in China mainland and sixth Disney Resort in the world. Shanghai Disney Resort will be taken into consideration for families. At the Hot Pursuit of Zootopia, you can experience the trackless amusement facility. ILLUMINATE provides you immersive experience of fireworks, fountains and lighting.
Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in Shanghai and China, which is 632 meters. Top of Shanghai Observatory is located in the 118 floor of Shanghai Tower, where you can overlook Shanghai in the height of 546 meters. At day, you can see the prosperous metropolis. At night, you can see the gorgeous and impressive Shanghai with the lights on. To get to the Top of Shanghai Observatory, you can take the elevator, whose speed can reach 18meters/second. And it just takes 55 seconds to get to the 118F.
Shanghai History Museum is one of the best places to know about the history of Shanghai. Shanghai History Museum is also known as Shanghai Resolution Museum. And it is also one of the most significant museums in Shanghai.
Shanghai History Museum has a total collection of about 110,000 pieces in 15 categories: painting, metal, ceramics, crafts, certificates & seals, literature, printing, textiles, stone carvings, coins, photographs, paper-cuts, stamps, records and other miscellaneous items.
The design of Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center combines traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern look. At Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, you can know about Shanghai’s urban planning in humanity, creativity and ecology.
There are permanent exhibitions and theme exhibitions at Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. You can know about the urban master plans of Shanghai and concern about the prospect of Shanghai 2035, the latest master plan.
Just want to visit attractions inside Shanghai city? Take tours below for some inspiration, make a plan first and choose those you like the most to visit.
►One Day Shanghai City Highlights Tour: Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Nanjing Road, the Bund
►3 Days Best Shanghai Tour: Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Nanjing Road
If you are planning to stay a longer time in Shanghai, you can consider connect your Shanghai tour with places nearby Shanghai, such as Putuoshan Island, Suzhou and Hangzhou, very convenient to get to from Shanghai.
►4 Days Shanghai to Putuoshan Island Tour: Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Financial Center, the Bund, Xintiandi, Putuoshan Island
►5 Days Shanghai and Suzhou Tour: Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, Humble Administrator Garden, Silk Factory, Tongli water town
►5 Days Shanghai and Hangzhou Tour: Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, West Lake, Linyin Temple, Six Harmonious Pagoda, Qinghefang Street, Meijiawu Tea Village
Feel free to contact us if you have any doubts, we’re pleased to help you with your Shanghai travel plan. You can also tailor-made your own Shanghai tour at Free Online Tailor-made Tour to create your unique Shanghai tour.
Read more Shanghai tours.
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