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The 14 Best Things to do in Shanghai 2026: Your Shanghai Travel Guide

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by Yuan Wu

December 12, 2024

Best Things to do in Shanghai

Planning to travel to Shanghai but at a loss about what to do and what to eat? This guide helps you explore the most fun parts and the most delicacies in Shanghai. You'll find everything you need to know about touring around Shanghai.👇

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Shanghai Fun Facts

Boasting more skyscrapers than any other city in the world, Shanghai is now one of the most captivating cities in China.

In this video, we provide an overview of what's the city like and share some intriguing facts that are not widely known. We will aslo highlight the top 4 must-visit places for first-time visitors to Shanghai. Let's explore this incredible city, starting with Yu Garden Old Street, The Bund, and Nanjing Road!✨

Top Things to do in Shanghai

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Explore Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort
Carousel: How to skip the lines at Shanghai Disneyland? 🏰 How to skip the lines at Shanghai Disneyland? 7 practical strategies to save 3–4 hours a day When to buy tickets and how to choose the best date · Avoid: weekends, holidays (Chinese New Year, Golden Week) · Best days: Tuesday–Thursday during the off-season (March, November) · Buy online in advance: official website or Trip.com → QR code for entry · "Early Entry" option: for hotel partner guests — access one hour before opening Morning strategy — the first 90 minutes are crucial · Arrive at 7:30–8:00 AM (park opens at 8:30–9:00 AM) · Head straight to the top attractions: – TRON Lightcycle Power Run (Tomorrowland area) – Soaring Over the Horizon (Adventure Isle) · By 10:00 AM, lines for these rides grow 2–3 times longer How the Standby / Premier Access system works · Standby: free queue, wait times visible in the app · Premier Access: paid pass for a specific time slot (similar to FastPass) – Purchase via the Shanghai Disney Resort app – Price: ¥80–180 per ride, package deals are more cost-effective · Tip: buy Premier Access for 1–2 of the most popular rides, use Standby for the rest Which attractions to prioritize first and which to save for later 🔥 In the first 2 hours: · TRON Lightcycle Power Run · Soaring Over the Horizon · Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure ⏳ After 2:00 PM or in the evening: · Seven Dwarfs Mine Train · Peter Pan's Flight · Shows and parades (lines for rides decrease during these times) Where to take photos without crowds near the castle · Enchanted Storybook Castle: best angles – From the bridge in front of the castle at sunrise – From the area behind the lake (fewer people, reflection in the water) · During parades or shows: main alleys clear out → perfect photo opportunity · Evening lighting: 8:00–9:00 PM, fewer crowds, magical fire and projection effects Food and break hacks · Eat outside peak hours: lunch at 11:00 AM or after 2:00 PM → shorter lines at cafes · Mobile ordering: use the app to pre-order food and pick it up without waiting · Snack in rest areas: Royal Banquet Hall (with characters) or Quick Service in Fantasyland What to check in the Shanghai Disney Resort app · Real-time queue updates: refreshed every 10–15 minutes · Park map with filters: attractions, food, restrooms, shows · Show and character meet reservations: some require advance booking · Notifications for parades and weather changes ✅ Quick checklist: Arrive at opening Head straight to TRON + Soaring Buy 1–2 Premier Access passes Eat outside peak hours Take photos during shows
Sanyu_ch
Shanghai
🇨🇳 SHOPPING IN CHINA: A GUIDE TO THE BEST PURCHASES 🛍️ Planning a trip to China? Get your bags ready! China isn't just an ancient culture, it's also a true shopaholic's paradise. We spent over 3 months there and compiled a guide to the brands that are WORTH your money. 💄 BEAUTY FINDS: Chinese cosmetics offer quality, trends, and irresistible prices. · Judydoll — cute designs, most items under 100 yuan · HARMAY — mini-stores for those who love to try everything · WOW Beauty / The Colorist — a huge mix of local and international brands 👟 SPORTSWEAR: Local brands that give their Western counterparts a run for their money. · Bosideng — down jackets that are warmer and cheaper than European ones · Li-Ning — stylish sneakers and activewear with character · Anta — reliable quality at an affordable price · 361 Degrees — budget sports gear 👜 BAGS: · Songmont — minimalism and elegance without overpaying for luxury · Muva — youthful chic under 500 yuan with premium quality 👗 TRENDY CLOTHING: · Beneunder — the "Chinese Lululemon" with UV protection · Basement FG — Beijing minimalism in the spirit of Brandy Melville · W. Management — Korean motifs and Y2K aesthetics 🌍 INTERNATIONAL BRANDS: In China, they are often cheaper and more interesting: · Uniqlo — prices like in Japan, ideal for basics · Nike / Adidas — exclusive Models and collaborations · Brandy Melville — cheaper than in the US, wider selection 📱 TECH: Xiaomi, Huawei, Honor — flagships at competitive prices! ⚠️ Important: Chinese smartphones usually DO NOT support eSIM. 🔥 KEY TAKEAWAY: Shopping in China is worth it if you focus on local brands and functional items. It's a chance to discover cool brands before the rest of the world! 📲 Save this post — it'll come in handy on your trip! What do YOU ​​like to buy in China? Share in the comments! 👇
Sanyu_ch
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
#OverseasTravelGuide I'm Matsumura, a travel writer who enjoys travel and gourmet food! I tried flying JAL #BusinessClass affordably without using #JALMiles. I'll reveal some smart ways to use miles that you might not know about. I'll also introduce the number of miles needed and the cost, so save it for future reference. This time, the flight was from Shanghai Pudong to Haneda. Normally, a one-way ticket would cost around 200,000 yen. It was great to be able to use the China Eastern Airlines lounge. This time, I used #BAmiles instead of JAL miles. BA miles can be easily exchanged from #Amex points. You can get lots of Amex points with sign-up campaigns. The great thing about BA miles is that you can also use them for award tickets for your lover or friends, not just family. Enjoy business class affordably with your loved ones. This time, it cost 59,000 miles and about 20,000 yen for two people. (When I created my BA account while living in India, it was converted to Indian rupees lol) If you want to know the secrets to traveling affordably and elegantly like this, follow me. Helpful! I want to go! If you agree, please give me a "like" 😊............................................…I'm #travelingwriterMatsumura, a certified Eiken Grade 1 and national licensed tour guide who has visited all 47 prefectures of Japan ✈️ I've also studied in Thailand and worked in India 🇹🇭🇮🇳 I introduce spots both domestically and internationally, mainly focusing on tourist destinations, hotels, and gourmet food! I also reveal the secrets to traveling on a budget! If you think it looks fun or useful, please follow me 📣 Comments are very welcome, so I look forward to hearing from you 🙆♂️ I hope you find a place you want to visit next 🙏/..........................................…
旅する作家まつむら
Shanghai
DISTRICTS OF SHANGHAI. A guide to attractions ## How to navigate the top spots · -- 📍 **1. HUANGPU** The historical heart of the city · The Bund — a waterfront promenade with views of skyscrapers · Yu Garden — a classic Chinese garden · Nanjing Road — the main shopping street · City God Temple — a temple complex · People's Square — the city center · -- 📍 **2. PUDONG** A futuristic district of skyscrapers · Shanghai Tower — 632m tall with an observation deck · Oriental Pearl Tower — a symbol of the city · Shanghai World Financial Center — glass observation deck · Jin Mao Tower — an 88-story skyscraper · Shanghai Ocean Aquarium — one of the largest in the world · -- 📍 **3. FRENCH CONCESSION** The atmosphere of old Europe · Wukang Road — historic architecture · Xintiandi — a trendy area with restaurants · Tianzifang — bohemian alleys and shops · Fuxing Park — a green oasis · Huaihai Road — shopping and cafes · -- 📍 **4. JING'AN** Temples and modern shopping · Jing'an Temple — a golden Buddhist temple · Plaza 66 — luxury shopping · Jing'an Park — relaxation in the city center · West Nanjing Road — shops and restaurants · Shanghai Exhibition Center — exhibitions and events · -- 📍 **5. HONGKOU** A cultural and historical district · Hongkou Park (Hongkou Football Stadium area) · Jewish Quarter — historical heritage · Duolun Road — cultural street · Lu Xun Park — park with a writer's museum · -- 📍 **6. XUHUI** Art and culture · Longhua Temple · Shanghai Art Museum · Shanghai Botanical Garden · Xujiahui Park · Shanghai Film Museum
Sanyu_ch
LEGOLAND® Shanghai Resort
READY?! 💥 The ICONIC Legoland has opened in Shanghai! Just imagine: the LARGEST Legoland in the world has opened. It's an entire brick city measuring 318,000 m² (that's the size of 45 football fields! ⚽️). What awaits you inside this wonder? 🇨🇳 But the real gem is the stunning Miniland, where all of China is recreated from... 85,000,000 (!!) LEGO pieces! It's simply out of this world! ✨ 8 themed worlds: let your imagination run wild with LEGO Ninjago, LEGO Castle, LEGO Friends, and many more! Lifehack: Buy tickets online in advance! Why stand in line when you can immerse yourself in the magic right away? 💫 ⏳ 🇨🇳LEGOLAND in Shanghai! How to get there?! Save it so you don't lose it 👌 🚝The most convenient way is by metro and train. 1️⃣Get to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, which is the intersection of lines 2, 10, and 17. Or to Shanghai South Railway Station, which is the intersection of lines 1, 3, and 15. Follow the signs to the desired train station. There's no need to go above ground; all transfers are underground. Tickets can be purchased on site, but I recommend buying them in advance. You need to buy a ticket to Jinshan North. The price is 22-27 yuan for a second-class seat. Travel time is 18-20 minutes; this is the next stop on the train. 2️⃣Upon arrival at Jinshan North Station, exit the station through the main exit. You can also take the Legoland shuttle. Look for the sign for the Legoland Loop us stop; the journey takes 5 minutes. Or walk about 800 meters (10-12 minutes). And you're there ❤️ Travel 🚝 #Legolandshanghai #shanghai #chinatrip #Shanghai #Lego #China
Natali_sadovaia
1000 Trees
If you're traveling to Shanghai, one of the must-visit spots these days is 1000 Trees (天安千树). The building's exterior is adorned with tree pots arranged like steps, creating a unique appearance that resembles a forest growing on the building. 🌳 Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, this multi-functional cultural space includes a shopping mall, exhibition areas, cafes, and more. The "1000 Trees" mural in the plaza in front of the building is a famous photo spot, attracting many visitors who love to take pictures here. I also snapped a photo, and thanks to the building's distinctive background, the pictures turn out great! Inside the building, there are cafes, restaurants, and exhibition spaces, making it a perfect place to explore and relax. As one of Shanghai's emerging landmarks, it's definitely worth a visit during your trip. 📍 Location 1000 Trees (天安千树 / 1000 Trees) Near Moganshan Rd, Shanghai 💡 Travel Tips · The "1000 Trees" mural in front of the building is the iconic photo spot. · M50 Art District is nearby, making it convenient to visit both. · Visit during the day for better views of the building's structure and great photo opportunities.
SIANOTES
Shanghai Disney Resort
I always thought overseas Disneyland was expensive, but did you know there's one you can go to for just ¥30,000 round-trip? #OverseasDisney #ShanghaiDisney #HongKongDisney
マイルちゃん
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
Shanghai Wild Animal Park (上海野生动物园) opened in 1995 and became China's first national-level wildlife park. One of the park's highlights is the safari zone, where visitors ride on a special bus. In this area, lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes roam freely across vast open spaces, allowing visitors to observe them without traditional fences or cages. (Highly recommended to visit the park early in the morning and head straight to the safari zone, as it gets crowded later in the day!😁) The park also features interactive zones where visitors can feed giraffes, alpacas, deer, goats, and other herbivores (for 20-30 yuan). Additionally, there are water routes where you can enjoy boat rides among the ponds. Other attractions include a circus, dolphinarium, amusement park, shops, and a food court! You can easily spend an entire day here! 🌟🌟 ✨️Address: 178 Nanliu Highway, Pudong New Area, Shanghai ✨️Address in Chinese: 上海市浦东新区南六公路178号 ✨️Metro: Take Shanghai Metro Line 16 and get off at Wild Animal Park Station (野生动物园站 / Wild Animal Park Station). From Exit 2, the park is about 1.5 km away, and you can take a bus or call a taxi!🚕🚖
mariaganshina

Top 6 Attractions in Shanghai

The Bund

The Bund in Shanghai

The Bund: No need to recommend. The most iconic landmark in Shanghai! A magical combination of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers here. Every time you stroll along the bund, you'll have a totally different mindset! Such an amazing place.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
  • 💰 Ticket Price: Free
  • 📍 Location: Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort

Disneyland in Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort: A place has nothing but innocence, fun and dreams! Eye-catching giant castle, various performance by true-to-life characters, spectacular leaping horizon that brings you adrenaline rush, and beautiful firework show that imprints itself in your mind forever...

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 08:30-20:30, Saturday-Sunday: 08:30-21:30 (Current Time)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $54.88
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Yu Garden

Yu Garden in Shanghai

Yu Garden: It was originally a private garden from Ming Dynasty. The owner of the garden, the governor of Sichuan Province then, built it in order to let his father enjoy his retirement age. Now it's a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Megacity. The pavilions, bricks, tiles, trees reveal exquisite and rich historical heritage of Ming Dynasty.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Closed on Mondays)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $3.93
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Yuyuan Tourism Business District (the main entrance of Yuyuan Garden on the north side of Huxin Pavilion Jiuqu Bridge)
Yu
Yu Garden
Garden
ancient architecture

Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai

Oriental Pearl Tower: Located at No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower stands on the bank of the Huangpu River, left behind it countless modern skyscrapers. It has a layer of full glass floor, and the air corridor is absolutely worth seeing.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 (Latest entry time: 20:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $27.37
  • 📍 Location: No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Oriental
Oriental Pearl Tower
Modern Architecture
Observation Decks
From $41.19
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Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao Water Town in Shanghai

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: The town has 36 ancient bridges, 9 long streets and more than 1,000 Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings, exuding strong water town vibes. For hundreds of years, the water town has bred countless heroes and rich cultrual heritage. Strolling along the stone slabs or taking a boat on the rippling waterways, you can feel an utmost tranquility.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-20:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $7.56
  • 📍 Location: No. 555, Kezhiyuan Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Zhujiajiao
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Ancient Towns
Water Town
From $7.57
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Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Road in Shanghai

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: One of Shanghai's most iconic shopping blocks. Stretching over five kilometers, it’s packed with modern malls, traditional stores, and street vendors offering a variety of goods. Gathering well-known international and domestic brands, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street also houses countless historial and cultural heriatge. Walking on the street, you can feel the prosperity, energy and historical vibes of the city at the same time.

  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 24/7
  • 💰 Ticket Price: Free
  • 📍 Location: Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Day Trip in Shanghai

Shanghai Disney Resort

Disneyland in Shanghai
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 08:30-20:30
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $54.88
  • 📍 Location: Shanghai Disney Resort, Chuansha New Town, Pudong New Area
Shanghai
Shanghai Disney Resort
Theme parks
Nighttime sightseeing

Shanghai Disneyland Hotel

FromTHB 11,805
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Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park

Haichang Ocean Park in Shanghai
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: Monday-Friday: 09:30-17:00 (Latest entry time:16:00)· Saturday-Sunday: 09:30-18:30 (Latest entry time:17:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $50.76
  • 📍 Location: No.166 Yinfei Road, Nanhui New Town, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park
Aquariums
Theme Parks
From $50.76
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Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Resort Hotel

FromTHB 4,789
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Shanghai Wild Animal Park

Shanghai Wild Animal Park
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Latest entry time:15:30; Tickets available until:15:30)
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $22.7
  • 📍 Location: No.178, Nanliu Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai Wild Animal Park
zoo
wild animals

Madison Hotel Shanghai Wild Animal Park

FromTHB 1,503
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Shanghai Natural History Museum

Shanghai Natural History Museum
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $12.29
  • 📍 Location: No. 510, Beijing West Road, Jing'an District, Shanghai (in Jing'an Sculpture Park)
Shanghai
Shanghai Natural History Museum
animal fossil
museum

GEM Hotel (Shanghai Bund Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street shop)

FromTHB 1,531
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Huangpu River Cruise

Huangpu River Cruise
  • 🕒 Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00
  • 💰 Ticket Price: From $12.38
  • 📍 Location: Shiliupu Pier,Terminal 2,No.551 Zhongshandonger Road,Huangpu,Shanghai
Huangpu
Huangpu River Cruise
Boat Tours
Nighttime sightseeing

Street food in Shanghai

Shanghai Food #1 Xiao Long Bao (soup dumpling)

Street food in Shanghai

When it comes to Shanghainese cuisine, the first classic dish popping up in my mind is xiao long bao. Cubes of pork jelly, minced shrimp and pork with some vegetables are mixed up and wrapped in a thin layer made of dough. They will then be steamed in a bamboo cage. Just a little bite into their thin skin, the sweet and fresh meat soup spews out wildly, making you crave for more.

万寿斋(山阴路店)
Wan Shou Zhai (Shanyin Road)
Snacks
Time-honored brand

Shanghai Food #2 Sheng Jian Bao (pan fried bun) at Xu Ji shengjian

Street food in Shanghai

To make Sheng Jian Bao, the chef adds oil to a huge pan and fries the bottom of the buns until they are crisp and golden brown while the rest of the bun stay soft. Before they’re served on table, toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions are sprinkled over for fragrance enhancement.

Address: 585 Zunyi Rd, Changning District, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Food #3 Crab Roe Noodle

Street food in Shanghai

Six male crabs plus six female crabs! It takes hours of delicate hand labor for a bowl of crab roe and meat. They are heaped up high on the noodles. The crab roe and meat are giving off such a rich, flavorful crab aroma. The noodles are bouncy and chewy, complementing the richness of the crab roe.

Address: 142 Yuyuan Rd, Jing'An, Shanghai, China

Shanghai Food #4 Chopped Cold Chicken

Street food in Shanghai

The chicken skin is soft and tender, with a thin layer of jelly texture between the skin and the meat, and a beautiful pink color on the cut surface of the bones. The chicken is always served together with special made soy sauce and scallion oil. Dip the chicken with some sauce, enjoy the rich flavor blending. It’s one of the greatest pleasures of life!

Tai
Tai Huang Ji
tender chicken
Shanghai flavor

Top attractions around Shanghai

The
The West Lake
lakes
Nighttime sightseeing
Lingyin
Lingyin Temple
temple
pray
Moganshan
Moganshan National Park
Moutains
Noutain Climbing
From $40.99
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Hello
Hello Kitty Park
Theme Park
Hello Kitty
From $28.89
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Sky
Sky Land
Grasslands
Mountain Climbing
From $24.76
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FAQs about Shanghai Travel

  • What are the must-see attractions in Shanghai?

    The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Disneyland, Yu Garden, etc.

  • What is the best time to visit Shanghai?

    Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

  • How to get around Shanghai? Do I need to rent a car?

    Shanghai has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is often the fastest way to get around.

  • How many days should I spend in travelling Shanghai?

    Most people find that 3 to 4 days are sufficient.
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Jeffery

Jeffery

Trip.com Blogger

Hi, I’m Jeffery. I love visiting new cities, trying local food and finding fun, off-the-beaten-path spots. I share my real travel stories, easy itineraries and honest tips from my own trips. I hope my posts can help you plan better.

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