If you are visiting China for the first time, then Shanghai is the perfect place to begin your trip. A city with a mix of modern attractions but also a lot of history, as well as a vibrant local culture.
As someone who lived in this city for over three years, here are the best things to do in Shanghai – the ultimate itinerary with popular tourist attractions along with some other hidden gems that a lot of tourists don’t know about!
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table of contents
- The Bund
- Yu Garden
- Former French Concession
- Tianzifang
- West Bund
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
- Shanghai Disneyland
The Bund
This iconic waterfront area is lined with European buildings on one side of the river, whilst overlooking the incredible futuristic skyline of Lujiazui. Here you can get the best view of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China (and the third tallest in the world!), along with Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the beautiful Oriental Pearl Tower. This is absolutely one of the best things to do in Shanghai and the perfect spot to begin your trip.
Yu Garden
Here you can see a glimpse into Shanghai’s rich heritage, with the classical garden combined with a bustling marketplace. The highlight is the Nine-Bend Bridge leading to the teahouse in the center, which is said to protect against evil spirits. If you are lucky enough to visit Shanghai during Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival, then you will have an unforgettable experience. The garden and surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar come alive with a stunning display of lanterns, music and festivities. I’ve been lucky enough to see this a few times and it might be one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced in China! The old streets and bazaar are free to enter, but you must buy a ticket to enter Yu Garden itself.
Former French Concession
One of Shanghai’s most enchanting and historic neighbourhoods, known for it’s tree-lined streets and charming European style architecture and bohemian flair. It’s one of my favourite areas to wander around and there is so much to explore! Start at Wukang Mansion and walk up Wukang Road to Anfu Road. These streets are incredibly beautiful with unique clothes shops, restaurants and so many coffee shops!
Tianzifang
Also located in the Former French Concession, is a maze-like network of narrow alleys and packed with artsy boutiques, galleries and cafes. There is a creative vibe here and it’s the perfect place to find souvenirs and handmade local crafts!
West Bund
A vibrant, modern waterfront area with the best vibes. I never see the West Bund recommended in guides to Shanghai, but this should be at the top of your list! Here you can find many art galleries, coffee shops, and cutting edge architecture. One of my favourite things to do in Shanghai is to sit and watch people skating, walking their cute dogs, and enjoy the sunset!
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
This water town with over 1700 years of history is located a little bit further out of the city, but it’s still accessible via the metro. As you walk around the narrow alleys and winding waterways, it feels like stepping into the past and experiencing real Chinese culture. You can try some traditional snacks like zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) or glutinous rice balls, and find unique handmade souvenirs in the shops.
Shanghai Disneyland
Offers a unique blend of classic Disney magic with Chinese cultural elements, and is also the biggest Disney park in the world! Some of my favourite things to do here include riding TRON: Lightcycle Power Run, a high speed rollercoaster, wandering through the newly opened Zootopia land, and watching Adventure of Rhythm, a new show that includes Mei from Turning Red. Tips: Buy tickets in advance and arrive early to make the most of your visit!
A Final Word
Many guides will suggest Nanjing Road as one of the best things to do in Shanghai, but this is just a large shopping street with many international brands that you can find anywhere in the world. Also, there are a few temples in Shanghai such as Longhua Temple, Jing’an Temple and Jade Buddha Temple. These are nice places to visit, but compared to other temples in China, these are not the best.
If you’re interested in exploring more of China’s incredible destinations, click here to check out my other guides! 🌏
