Things to Do in Shanghai | Tower Views, River Cruises & Fun on The Bund

As China’s largest city, Shanghai has an almost endless number of attractions and activities, and with good planning, travelers can cover the city’s top places to visit in just a few days’ time. Some key things to do in Shanghai include visiting The Bund promenade along the banks of Huangpu River and getting a view of the city from Shanghai Tower in Pudong. While it’s impossible to conquer all the tourist attractions in Shanghai in one trip, these top five landmarks will give any DIY tour some great stopping points!

1. Shanghai Tower

Towering 127 stories over Huangpu River in Pudong District, Shanghai Tower is one of the city’s grandest attractions. Shanghai Tower not only includes two observation decks, but it also features a shopping center, museum, restaurants and even a 5-star hotel, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. As Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest building in the world, travelers will want to take some time to explore this modern marvel. Some can’t-miss things to see in Shanghai Tower are Shanghai Guanfu Museum and Half Garden on the 37th floor and the view from the Shanghai Eye observation decks on the 125th and 126th floors.

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Entry fee to observation deck: 180 RMB (28 USD)

While Shanghai Tower might be the tallest building in the country, it’s not the only impressive skyscraper in Pudong. Tourists who love shopping and panoramic views will want to explore the many high-rises in this metro area.

Can’t-miss skyscrapers near Shanghai Tower

• Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)
• Jin Mao Tower
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower

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2. Shanghai Disneyland Park

Just a 25-minute drive from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Disneyland Park is one of the top things to do in Shanghai – for obvious reasons! The park features seven themed areas, each with unique rides and activities, and of course, a whole cast of Disney characters. Tickets to Shanghai Disneyland Park are available through advanced reservation only, and daily tickets are limited to help reduce crowds. Visitors planning a trip to Shanghai should reserve tickets ahead of time on the park’s website.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Entry fee: 399 CNY (56 USD) for adults and 299 CNY (42 USD) for children and seniors

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3. The Bund

For travelers who just have a few hours to spend or are on short layovers, one of the best places to visit in Shanghai is The Bund. This riverfront area hosts some of the city’s most charming colonial buildings, shopping boutiques, cafes and restaurants along a promenade that follows the Huangpu River. At the north end of The Bund, visitors can take a romantic stroll across Waibaidu Bridge, which marks the crossroads of the Huangpu River and Suzhou River. Huangpu Park and Shanghai People’s Heros Memorial Tower also are popular stopping spots. Travelers who are lucky enough to visit The Bund in the evening shouldn’t miss the opportunity to take a cruise down Huangpu River. The cruise is awesome in the day time, but at night, the river comes to life with dancing reflections of the many dazzling illuminations cast from the skyscrapers that make up the Shanghai city skyline.

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4. French Concession

Leftover from a foreign residential area in the mid-1800s to the mid-1940s, the French Concession is a unique and totally diverse section of Shanghai for which tourists will want to set aside a few hours to explore. The quiet, tree-lined streets of the French Concession are completely opposite of the busy streets of Shanghai proper, and visitors can enjoy shopping at trendy boutiques, relaxing in shady parks and discovering the history of the area in modern museums.

Things to do in Shanghai’s French Concession

• Explore the streets – Shanghai’s French Concession is best seen on foot, and a great place to start is on Huaihai Road just outside Changshu Road Station. Huaihai Road runs through the center of the French Concession, so visitors can go in any direction to start exploring the quaint shops, restaurants and attractions that make this area so unique.
• Fuxing Park – join locals for a stroll through this scenic park that hosts entertainers, exercise groups, restaurants and even a few night clubs. Guests can also visit the Former Residence of Sun Yat-Sen and Afternoon Tea Museum while in the area.
• Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center – this “secret” basement gallery features historic posters and propaganda pieces that help document the founding and growth of the People’s Republic of China.

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5. Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple is a working Buddhist temple featuring exquisite architecture and two rare, white jade statues of the Buddha. Guests are welcome to view the statues and walk the grounds of the temple but should also keep in mind that Jade Buddha Temple is a religious site. Another notable attraction inside Jade Buddha Temple is the Daxiong Grand Hall, which features classic Buddhist architecture and other ornate statues of Buddha.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily
Entry fee: 20 CNY (2.80 USD) to enter and an additional 10 CNY (1.40 USD) for tourists to view the jade Buddhas.

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Where to Stay in Shanghai

Shanghai accommodations range from budget hotels to 5-star riverfront resorts. Visitors who appreciate history, culture and markets might want to book a luxury hotel in Shanghai Old Town. Whereas, backpackers on a budget should check hostels and homestays in Jing’an.

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Old Town

Visitors who stay in Old Town can get a taste of traditional Shanghai at the area’s antique markets and tea houses, plus be close to modern attractions like The Bund, Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden. Old Town also features some of the best hotels in Shanghai.

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French Concession

One of Shanghai’s most cultural icons, the French Concession is a preserved colonial neighborhood also known as Tianzifang. The narrow and winding streets in the area are quaint and refreshing to stroll, and visitors can browse through countless art studios, boutiques and historic hotels dotted down main roads and alleyways.

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The Bund & People’s Square

Considered the “Downtown of Shanghai,” this area is one of the most convenient places to stay in Shanghai as it is close to the city’s most popular attractions, busiest transportation hubs and top hotels.

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Pudong

Home to Shanghai Tower and the city’s business district, Pudong sits east of Huangpu River and extends clear to the eastern shore. Guests who fancy a stay in Pudong should consider booking a private homestay, apartment or condo for their time in Shanghai.

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Jing’an

Travelers looking for budget accommodations and cheap hotels that are still close to Shanghai’s best things to do should opt for a stay in Jing’an. Historic Jing’an Temple is next door to scenic Jing’an Park and just a 15-minute drive from The Bund.

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