Things to do in Shanghai

Activities, attractions and tours

Shanghai showing heritage elements and a temple or place of worship
Shanghai showing heritage elements and a temple or place of worship
Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai showing a lake or waterhole and heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Shanghai
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Most popular experiences in Shanghai

Tours & day trips

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Take Bullet Train to visit Badaling Great Wall with guide ticket.

Take Bullet Train to visit Badaling Great Wall with guide ticket.

Activity duration is 6 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$507 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 402 activities
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 10 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$4,285 per adult*
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Best of Shanghai Day Tour

Best of Shanghai Day Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
7.8 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$617 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 59 activities
Wonderful day trip to Shanghai

Wonderful day trip to Shanghai

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$1,171 per traveller*
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Classes & workshops

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Birth-Themed Crystal Bracelet Workshop in Shanghai

Birth-Themed Crystal Bracelet Workshop in Shanghai

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is HK$500 per adult
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What to do in Shanghai

Popular places to visit

Miner's beach and Miner's Castle on Lake Superior. Using the Roam Inn in Munising, MI as your home base, kayak to Grand Island, hike through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and eat at Johnny Dogs. #upperpeninsula #lifeatexpedia

Shanghai Disneyland©

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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 featuring a city and flowers

The Bund

4.5/5(96 reviews)

Despite years of war and revolution, the soul and skyline of one of the world’s great waterfront boulevards has risen to even greater heights.

The Bund
Nanjing Road Shopping District which includes signage, cbd and street scenes

Nanjing Road Shopping District

4/5(89 reviews)

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 which includes a garden and flowers

People's Square

4/5(60 reviews)

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

People's Square
Yu Garden

Yu Garden

4.5/5(60 reviews)

Step through the gate of Shanghai’s premier classical gardens and into a tranquil world of bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions.

Yu Garden
French Concession showing a city and street scenes

Former French Concession

4.5/5(48 reviews)

Wealthy European families created an art deco oasis in Shanghai's heart. The area is now full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Former French Concession
Xintiandi featuring a city, outdoor eating and a bar

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

4.5/5(44 reviews)

One of the city’s first urban renewal projects preserves a historic neighborhood, while serving up some of Shanghai's best dinning, entertainment and shopping.

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre
Oriental Pearl Tower showing modern architecture, a city and a river or creek

Oriental Pearl Tower

4.5/5(60 reviews)

This towering symbol of Shanghai’s modern renaissance offers history lessons, fine dining and stunning city views.

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

Jing'an Temple

4.5/5(38 reviews)

This centuries-old, downtown Shanghai temple is home to the largest pure jade statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in mainland China.

Jing'an Temple

Areas of Shanghai

Xintiandi featuring a city, 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 showing modern architecture, a city and a river or creek

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
Shanghai Museum which includes 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 Old Chinese City, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.

Huangpu
Jing An Temple showing 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 Daning Lingshi Park.

Jing'an
St. Ignatius Cathedral, also called Xujiahui Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic cathedral, located in Xujiahui district, Shanghai, The church is overlooking a nice ornamental garden.

Xuhui

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers choose Xuhui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Stadium Station or Xujiahui Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Stadium.

Xuhui
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

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

Lujiazui
Urban environment of Nantong Central Business District, Jiangsu Province

Nantong

Humble Administrator\'s Garden showing a bridge and a pond

Suzhou

Aerial photography of Jinxi Ancient Town in China

Kunshan

Jiaxing which includes heritage architecture and street scenes

Jiaxing

Adobe

Zhoushan

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.

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