Shanghai Bucket List: 14 Things to See and Do
Get ready for Shanghai, a city that will fire up all your senses! This megacity is China’s most populous, with almost 30 million people. It’s a dazzling mix of modern skyscrapers and historic charm, wrapped around a bustling port city.
Imagine towering buildings, like the Oriental Pearl Tower lighting up the night sky, while down below you can enjoy traditional tea houses and street food stalls. Shanghai is buzzing with constant energy, but there are also serene gardens and peaceful temples to explore for a break.
In this blog, we’ll take you on a whirlwind tour of must-see sights, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that await in Shanghai!
Best Time To Travel
For the most comfortable exploration, aim for Shanghai’s shoulder seasons: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These months boast pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and the perk of avoiding peak tourist crowds.
Safety
While Shanghai boasts a low crime rate, particularly in tourist areas, keep a watchful eye for pickpockets in crowded spaces. Despite the visible police presence and overall safety of the city, staying vigilant with your belongings is key.
Always have travel insurance. We use Safety Wing for cover during our trip.
Currency
The currency used in China, is the Renminbi (RMB), also known as the Yuan. $1 USD is currently equivalent to ¥7.24.
In China, cash is becoming increasingly obsolete, with locals favouring cashless transactions using mobile apps like Alipay and WeChat. While cash is still accepted, don’t be surprised if the notes you use undergo scrutiny.
Make sure to download these apps and register your details before your trip to ensure seamless payments via your smartphone.
Fortunately, ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and Bank Of China ATMs don’t impose withdrawal fees.
Transport
Shanghai is a relatively easy city to navigate. Whilst it’s the largest city in China, it is very well connected with public transport.
The Shanghai Metro is one of the largest and most modern metro systems in the world. It’s clean, fast, and affordable, with stations located near most major tourist attractions. Signs are in both English and Chinese.
Forget flagging down cabs on the street! Shanghai uses Didi, a super convenient ride-hailing app similar to Uber or Grab. Bonus: If you access Didi through the Alipay app, you can easily switch the interface to English for a smooth booking experience.
The Shanghai Maglev Train is a super-fast magnetic levitation train. It connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes. It’s a great way to experience cutting-edge technology and enjoy some amazing views of the city skyline. It’s also the most expensive public transport option in Shanghai.
Google maps will not work whilst in Shanghai therefore for navigation purposes you can use either Apple Maps or Maps.Me.
Budget
Shanghai caters to travellers across all budget rangers, but being China’s largest city, prices tend to be slightly elevated. To optimise your experience, consider booking group tours. Visit attractions in advance, avoiding weekends and public holidays for a smoother experience. While eateries in tourist hotspots may have slightly higher prices, the increase isn’t significant.
Transportation choices between public transit and taxis offer flexibility, impacting your budget accordingly. Expect higher accommodation costs in the city centre and near tourist spots, with prices rising notably on weekends.
Securing a SIM card for your phone is essential in Shanghai, where you’ll heavily depend on translation, navigation, and mobile payment services. We opted for China Mobile, conveniently available for purchase at the airport upon presenting your passport. Choose from a range of packages tailored to your length of stay and data requirements.
To book any activities in advance we used Get Your Guide.
Below is an example of our daily budget for Shanghai in USD for 2 people:
Accommodation: $25-35
Food: $20-25
Activities: $10
Public Transport: $2.50
14 Things to do in Shanghai China
1. The Bund
Free Entry (No Tickets Required)
A visit to the Bund in Shanghai is a must for any traveller exploring this vibrant metropolis. As one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the Bund offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity.
Stroll along the waterfront promenade and marvel at the architectural marvels that line the Huangpu River, from grandiose colonial buildings to sleek skyscrapers.
As day turns to night, witness the Bund come alive with dazzling lights, creating a mesmerizing skyline that’s synonymous with Shanghai’s cosmopolitan allure. Whether you’re soaking in the views from the riverside or hopping on a sightseeing cruise, the Bund promises an unforgettable experience that encapsulates the essence of Shanghai.
2. Nanjing Road
Free Entry (No Tickets Required)
This iconic shopping thoroughfare stretches for over a mile. It offers an eclectic mix of luxury boutiques, department stores, and traditional Chinese shops.
As you wander along the bustling promenade, soak in the lively atmosphere filled with street performers, vendors, and enthusiastic shoppers. From sampling local street food delicacies to finding unique souvenirs, it’s a sensory overload in the best way possible!
During the day, you’ll be enchanted by the elegant architecture of the buildings around you. As night falls, prepare to be mesmerized by the glowing logos and brand names adorning the avenue.
3. Yu Garden
40 Yuan (RMB) (Tickets Required)
With roots tracing back to the 16th century, Yu Garden stands as Shanghai’s most esteemed green haven. This centuries-old classical Chinese garden is a sanctuary of serenity, where winding pathways lead you through lush greenery, ornate pavilions, and tranquil ponds.
Dubbed the “Mountains and Forest within the City,” it teems with visitors daily, yet retains an aura of tranquillity. Marvel at the intricate architecture and delicate details of traditional Ming Dynasty design as you explore the intricately landscaped gardens. Highlights include the majestic Heralding Spring Hall, the exquisite Jade Magnificent Hall, and the serene Lotus Pool.
Be sure to visit the bustling market outside the garden’s walls, where you can shop for souvenirs, detailed crafted traditional Chinese handicrafts, and tantalizing street food.
4. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Free Entry (Tickets Required for certain attractions)
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town offers a serene escape from the bustling streets of Shanghai. It transports visitors back in time to a bygone era of traditional Chinese life. Situated approximately 48 km west of downtown Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is one of the region’s best-preserved ancient water towns. Often referred to as the “Venice of Shanghai.”
As you wander through the narrow lanes and cobblestone streets of Zhujiajiao, you’ll encounter picturesque canals lined with historic buildings, arched stone bridges, and charming waterfront residences. Each corner reveals a new scene straight out of a traditional Chinese painting. Waiting to be discovered are quaint tea houses, handicraft shops, and ancient temples.
One of the highlights of Zhujiajiao is its iconic Fangsheng Bridge, an elegant stone bridge adorned with carved dragon motifs and offering panoramic views of the town’s tranquil waterways. Visitors can also explore attractions such as the Kezhi Garden. It’s a classical Chinese garden featuring pavilions, rockeries, and lotus ponds. Take a leisurely boat ride along the canals to soak in the town’s timeless beauty from a different perspective.
It’s a perfect day trip destination for travellers seeking a taste of traditional Chinese life outside the bustling cityscape of Shanghai.
5. Oriental Pearl Tower
Starts from 199 Yuan (RMB) (Advance Purchase Tickets Required)
Nestled among Shanghai’s iconic skyline, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands as a renowned landmark, though it may be the shortest of the three towers, its allure is undeniable.
Discover delightful cafes, captivating exhibitions, eclectic shops, dazzling shows, and restaurants, including the esteemed title holder of Asia’s largest sky revolving restaurant. Ascend to the lofty heights of the Space Capsule, perched at an impressive 351 meters, where the mystique of the universe envelopes you in its spell.
Alternatively, venture to the Sightseeing Galleria at 263 meters. Here sweeping views unveil Shanghai’s splendour, with the Huangpu River meandering below, the historic Bund in the foreground, and a forest of skyscrapers to the left.
The ever-changing hues of the city’s neon lights create a mesmerizing display, especially as night falls, casting a magical glow over the bustling streets and winding waterways. The Oriental Pearl Tower not only provides a breath-taking vista but also a glimpse into the modern marvel that is Shanghai.
6. Shanghai Disney Land
415 Yuan (RMB) (Early Bird Tickets in Advance)
Explore the enchanting world of Shanghai Disneyland. Thrilling rides, captivating live entertainment, and beloved Disney characters await at every turn.
Feel your heart race on adrenaline-pumping attractions, from high-speed roller coasters to immersive dark rides. Be dazzled by spectacular stage shows featuring iconic Disney characters and marvel at vibrant parades that fill the streets with magic and music.
Don’t miss the chance to meet your favourite Disney heroes and heroines for photos and autographs, creating memories to cherish forever. And be sure to indulge in delicious Disney-themed treats and shop for unique souvenirs to commemorate your unforgettable day in the happiest place on earth.
7. Jade Buddha Temple
20 Yuan (RMB) (Additional 10 Yuan Ticket for Tourists Required)
The renowned Jade Buddha Temple beckons with its esteemed reputation, inviting exploration and discovery. Named for the sacred Jade Buddha sculptures it houses, this temple seamlessly blends ancient architectural charm with the modern skyline of Shanghai.
These two invaluable jade Buddhist statues serve not only as rare cultural treasures but also as exquisite porcelain masterpieces. Crafted entirely from white jade, both the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha exude a radiance that enhances their sacred beauty, imbuing them with a sense of vividness and sanctity.
Within its serene halls, visitors encounter the exquisite reclining Jade Buddha and a revered sitting Jade Buddha, both cherished relics brought from Burma by a revered monk over a century ago.
8. Former French Concession
Free Entry (No Ticket Required)
Explore the leafy streets and historic buildings of the Shanghai French Concession, a former foreign settlement known for its European charm, trendy cafes, and modern boutiques.
Unlike the modern skyline of skyscrapers, this historic district reveals a different facet of Shanghai’s rich heritage, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Established in 1849, the French Concession flourished into the largest and most prosperous French concession in China by the early 20th century, becoming the epitome of luxury living in Shanghai during the 1920s.
Though its official status as a French concession ended nearly a century later in 1943, its legacy lives on through its architectural charm and cultural significance.
9. Xintiandi District
Free Entry (No Ticket Required)
Situated in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling centre, Xintiandi blends old-world charm with modern elegance.
Wander its fashionable streets lined with traditional Shikumen residences and contemporary architecture, offering a taste of both 1920s Shanghai and 21st-century urban living.
Indulge in diverse international cuisine at upscale restaurants and explore stylish boutiques in the modern South Block, while the historic North Block preserves Shikumen architecture’s nostalgic allure. As night falls, Xintiandi comes alive with vibrant open-air bars, beckoning visitors to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere and European-inspired ambiance.
10. Tianzifang
Free Entry (No Ticket Required)
Get lost in the labyrinthine lanes of Tianzifang, a bohemian arts and crafts enclave filled with quirky shops, galleries, cafes, and bars.
Unbeknownst to many longtime residents of Shanghai, Tianzifang has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from its origins as a collection of historic residential buildings and factories into a vibrant arts and entertainment district.
Today, it is a haven for creativity, boasting a diverse array of bars, cafes, craft shops, design studios, galleries, and boutiques. Embraced by a burgeoning community of young professionals, trendsetters, designers, and expatriates, Tianzifang’s allure lies in its preservation of old Shikumen houses and labyrinthine lanes brimming with endless surprises and novelties.
11. AP Plaza – Underground ‘Fake’ Market
Free Entry (No Ticket Required)
AP Plaza stands as Pudong’s premier “fake market,” conveniently nestled underground within the Science & Technology Museum station along Metro Line 2.
Boasting the title of Shanghai’s largest imitation goods market, this bustling plaza offers a treasure trove of counterfeit delights, from Balenciaga t-shirts to the latest Nike trainers.
For those unaccustomed to the art of bargaining, here are some helpful pointers: Begin by perusing various stalls to gauge pricing trends, then initiate negotiations by aiming for a discount of 20-40% below the average observed.
12. Peoples Park & Marriage Market
Free Entry (No Ticket Required)
The People’s Park, also referred to as Renmin Park, offers a multitude of attractions within its expansive grounds.
Explore notable features such as the Antarctic Stone, the marriage market, the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art, a charming teahouse, an outdoor theatre, and a lively dance hall located in the central area. Unwind on the stone tables and stools scattered throughout the park’s lush greenery, perfect for enjoying a leisurely game of chess or a picnic.
One of the park’s highlights is the Marriage Market, a bustling gathering spot attracting crowds, particularly on weekends, where parents often convene to seek potential spouses for their children. Notes containing personal details, including gender, age, occupation, income, photos, telephone numbers, and educational backgrounds, adorn the area as hopeful individuals search for companionship.
In the western section of the park lies the tranquil Lotus Pond, comprising two pools—while the eastern pool is adorned with delicate lotus flowers, the western pool is home to vibrant goldfish, creating a serene oasis amidst the urban bustle.
13. Longhua Temple
10 Yuan (RMB) (Ticket Required)
Discover the oldest and largest temple in Shanghai, Longhua Temple, which dates back over 1,700 years and features beautiful pagodas, gardens, and ancient relics.
Longhua Park boasts renowned landmarks such as the ancient Longhua Temple, Longhua Pagoda, the Evening Bell-Striking Ceremony, and the picturesque peach blossoms.
Dating back to 242 AD, during the Three Kingdoms period, Longhua Temple holds the distinction of being Shanghai’s oldest temple, with a rich history spanning over 1,700 years. Despite enduring several wartime devastations, many of the temple’s structures were meticulously reconstructed during the reigns of Emperors Tongzhi and Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty.
14. Shanghai Museum
Free Entry (Reserve Time Slot in Advance)
Shanghai Museum comprises two locations: one situated on People’s Square and a newly constructed venue on Century Avenue, welcoming visitors since February 2, 2024.
The museum stands as a large museum of ancient Chinese art. The Shanghai Museum serves as a significant repository housing an extensive collection of nearly one million cultural relics, offering a captivating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese history and artistry.
Among its most remarkable exhibits are its unparalleled collections of bronzes, pottery, paintings, and calligraphy. The museum’s architectural design, embodying the ancient Chinese philosophy of “round sky, square earth,” adds to its allure, blending seamlessly with the city’s modern skyline.
Despite Shanghai’s status as a youthful metropolis, the Shanghai Museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of China’s storied past.
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