Things to do in Shanghai

Of course! The Bund is a must visit and there are few visitors to Shanghai who wouldn’t make the time to explore this Shanghai icon. Located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai on the bank of the Huangpu River, the Bund is nothing short of impressive. Extending 1.5 kilometres, the Bund is historically significant for the stately European style buildings, synonymous of the commerce and trade that put Shanghai on the international map. Among the highlights are the old HSBC Building, Customs House, the Bund Bull (you’ll know it when you see it), and the Bund sightseeing tunnel. Our team’s favorite? For us the Peace Hotel is a winner. Like other buildings designed and built in the same era, the Peace Hotel offers a step back in time, reflecting art deco design and glamor. Walk the entire length or from a distance simply enjoy the view encompassing the now famous Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, the Jin Mao Tower, and constant parade of locals and visitors.

Yuyuan is perhaps the city’s most celebrated garden, originally constructed in 1559 as the private property of a local dignitary. Beautifully restored and maintained, the Yu Garden is a peaceful reprieve from Shanghai’s otherwise bustling pace, fulfilling the intention of its creator who wanted to create a place of comfort for his parents. Spend a pleasant hour or two wandering the many pathways, perfectly kept gardens, and elaborate pavilions constructed in line with traditional Chinese philosophical and design principles.

Completed in 1994, the Oriental Pearl Tower, standing at a gravity-defying 468 meters, is one of the city’s legendary landmarks. The tower’s poetically inspired design has resulted in a city icon with massive spheres that sparkle like floating pearls against the skyline. Hop on the lightning-fast elevator and shoot up to the 350-meter-high observation deck for a jaw-dropping 360° view of Shanghai. And if you’re not put off by heights, step onto the glass-bottomed skywalk and experience the ultimate adrenaline rush as the city sprawls out beneath your feet like a rolling wave. Ideal visiting times are the golden hours of sunset or under the dazzling city lights at night. Regardless of when you make the ascent, you can be guaranteed an unforgettable view of a magnificent city.

A visit to Shanghai would be incomplete without time spent exploring Shanghai’s busiest thoroughfare, Nanjing Road. Stretching east to west for more than five kilometers, Nanjing Road throbs with people day and night. Think of it as New Year’s Eve – every day of the year! Of course you’ll find shopping here – some of the finest in Shanghai – but there’s more to discover on Nanjing Road. Expect everything from luxury label flagship stores and high street fashion in malls like Plaza 66, Jing An Kerry Center, and HKRI Taikoo Hui on West Nanjing Road. Enjoy a drop in the intensity when you start at the East Nanjing Road end, where food and souvenirs are more the focus. Be taken in by the aroma of local snacks like crispy scallion pancakes, juicy soup dumplings, and sugar-coated hawthorn skewers. Done with walking after a day of discovery? Climb aboard the mini sightseeing tram and cruise down this 24/7 avenue of shops, neon lights, fashion, and food.

In every major city in China (and all smaller urban hubs) you will find a museum or two which showcases ancient Chinese history and traditional culture. With a heritage that spans millennia, it must be difficult for curators to narrow their selection of artefacts to provide the greatest insights into China’s incredible history. With that said, the team at the Shanghai Museum and Shanghai Museum East have done a fine job. A storehouse for more than 140,000 artefacts of ancient Chinese culture – many of which have been generously donated or purchased by the government, it will take some serious dedication to make your way through the entire collection in a single visit. The more recently opened Shanghai Museum East in Pudong is an extension of the original museum. Designed to enhance the visitor’s experience of the artfully designed 20 exhibition halls, it offers interactive experience spaces that showcase the beautifully rich heritage found in Chinese craftsmanship.

Among the many cultures that have left their mark on Shanghai, the French feature prominently. Influences are seen in design, food, and fashion, and notably, in architecture too. To experience this influence there is no better destination than the Former French Concession, a district appreciated for its heritage reflected in distinctive architecture, which melds French art deco and neoclassical design with Chinese cultural influences. Any wonder buyers compete for properties that come up for sale. Authorities too are at pains to preserve the district’s appeal under stringent building regulations. Another area to set aside for an entire morning or afternoon, allowing ample time to meander through the lanes, see up close how locals live, and enjoy the boutique cafes and shops that cater to more refined tastes.

With plenty of ancient town options in harking distance to Shanghai, including Zhujiajiao, Qibao, Nanxiang, Fengjing, Xinchang and Chuansha. Travelers might wonder where they should invest their limited time while on tour, as ancient towns will require additional travel, however, they are well worth the trek. When it comes to Shanghai’s ancient towns, their appeal is found in the stark contrast they offer to the overwhelming fast pace, noise, and crowds of the inner city. Time in China’s ancient towns provides a window into traditional Chinese culture and the chance to connect at a personal level with business owners, craftsmen, and local people.

A day or two in China and you’ll quickly recognise that Chinese takeaway and tea is nothing like the real deal found in China. Gain deeper appreciation of tea’s significance as an integral part of Chinese culture, or take a cooking class to learn how to make Xiaolongbao and signature Shanghai dishes. Those who are more artistic will enjoy visiting a dedicated studio to try their hand at Shanghai-style papercutting, Chinese calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, or making their own ceramic artwork. If it’s a deeper connection to the culture that inspires you, be sure to speak with our team who can help bring just about any Chinese cultural experience to life.

With a reputation as China’s theme park capital, your time in Shanghai is perfect for unleashing your inner child. Visit Shanghai Disneyland with its Chinese cultural elements showcasing unique attractions and rides, or make your way to Legoland Shanghai Resort, which opened in July 2025. The largest in the world and first of its kind in China, over 85 million LEGO bricks were used to create the detailed – and in many cases, lifelike models on display.

For something a little different, experience a culinary journey like no other at Mermaid Restaurant in Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park. Remarkably, this theme park is home to over 100,000 rare marine animals. Another option is Happy Valley, once the largest theme park in Shanghai, as an ideal choice for families and adventure lovers. If you’re a regular Shanghai visitor, keep an eye out for the future opening of Harry Potter Studio Tour and Peppa Pig amusement park, both scheduled to open in 2027.

If there’s one thing Shanghai does better than any other city in China it’s tailor made fashion. Forget the stereotypical mass produced ‘made in China’ production lines and shift to a more refined approach. Whether you’re set on a bespoke qipao made with the finest damasque silk, a copycat Princess Kate special, or a designer suit that means business, you can have it made to measure. Shanghai’s tailors are definitely worth a visit for a full blown wardrobe overhaul or a top up. Try your luck with a boutique or tailor on the street, or work your way through A.P Plaza or South Bund Fabric Market, where you can find a tailor to satisfy every whim. Travelers can also top up on prescription eyewear at the glasses markets. Expect lower pricing and a super slick turnaround.

Our team loves nothing more than getting amongst it with locals, and we know our travelers share the same enthusiasm. It’s one reason we recommend taking the opportunity to experience life in Shanghai, with a visit to local markets, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Avoid multinational food chains and be adventurous by trying an authentic street food breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Wave your driver on and take advantage of Shanghai’s fabulous and convenient public transport. Whether you opt for the Shanghai Metro, Shanghai Ferry, City Sightseeing Bus, you will not be disappointed. For a quieter start to the day, visit a local park and join locals for morning exercises, then follow it up with a tea or coffee at a local teahouse or café in the park. For the curious and romantic at heart, be sure to explore Shanghai’s famous Marriage Market located at People’s Park. It is said that many a union has been made here in the hope of creating a long, happy life.

Uncover hidden treasures on Julu or Yongkang Road, both home to all things vintage Shanghai. Or make the trek to the underground vintage market, REDZEPI, on Kangding Road. Booklovers can indulge their love of the written word at Shanghai Ancient Bookstore, famous for its vintage books, while those in search of a treasure with a little twist, explore all that’s on offer at Lu Gong Coin and Stamp Collectors Market. Shanghai’s architectural history is rich and diverse and you can learn more when you’re on tour by visiting local heritage protected theaters for a glimpse into Shanghai’s architectural and cultural history.

Art aficionado? We have you covered. Shanghai is home to a thriving art scene of 100 diverse art museums and galleries. Nothing less than heaven for art enthusiasts, Shanghai takes the prize for the city with the most art galleries in China. Choose from a veritable feast that includes China Art Museum, Power Station of Art, Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum, Long Museum, Fosun Foundation, Shanghai Guanfu Museum, Chinese Printed Blue Nankeen Exhibition Hall. For the modern art lovers, visit M50 (50 Moganshan Road), a former industrial area turned into a hub for contemporary artists, designers and photographers. The numerous studios and galleries showcase cutting-edge work across a wide range of media.

Catering to an international audience, Shanghai has no shortage of venues and experiences that focus on providing the finer things in life. On the food front, there are over 140 Michelin restaurants in Shanghai and 64 restaurants that have made it into the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide; China’s answer to the Michelin Guide. For a taste of luxury and a little indulgence, spoil yourself at any one of the ‘listed’ restaurants during your stay in Shanghai. For an unparalleled hotel experience, we recommend booking a night or two at Capella Shanghai Jian Ye Li to experience the old Shanghai lifestyle in a Shikumen building. Alternatively, immerse yourself in The PuLi Hotel and Spa, an urban resort in Jing’an District.

While all across China cities are competing for tech dominance, Shanghai is an unquestioned tech and innovation leader. See how high tech is shaping advances in drones at DJI Shanghai Flagship Store, or take the famous Shanghai Maglev Train，the fastest train in the world for public transport to Pudong International Airport. Step into the future during a visit to Z.Pilot store, where you can explore and experiment with devices of the future. A showcase of Chinese technology innovations, it will bend your mind just how close we are to a new age.