The 14 Best Things to do in Shanghai 2025: Your Shanghai Travel Guide

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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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Flights to Shanghai

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

the Shanghai EDITION
Day 1 • Schedule: Airport - Hakkasan - The Bund - Huangpu River Cruise • Transportation: Taxi • Accommodation: Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road, an IHG Hotel Day 2 • Schedule: 1000 Trees - Panlong Tiandi - Su Dim Sum - Henzhou Yiqian • Transportation: Taxi • Accommodation: Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road, an IHG Hotel Day 3 • Schedule: YONE - Xintiandi - Le Labo Café • Transportation: Taxi • Accommodation: The Shanghai EDITION Day 4 • Schedule: Wukang Mansion - Airport • Transportation: Taxi
West Nanjing Road
During my trip to Shanghai, I visited 'The Louis Vuitton Voyager,' which has been the talk of the town lately. From afar, the shimmering silver exterior caught my eye, and as I got closer, I was awestruck by its scale and grandeur. The entire ship-shaped building is covered in Louis Vuitton's monogram pattern, and in the evening, when the lights come on, the reflected glow is truly a spectacle. Inside, there's an exhibition space where you can feel the history and essence of Louis Vuitton. Photo zones adorned with Louis Vuitton bags and trunks were scattered throughout, attracting crowds eager to snap pictures. What impressed me the most was the opportunity to watch an artisan craft bags up close. The meticulous handling of leather by the artisan felt like witnessing a piece of art. Each floor of the exhibition has a different theme, making it more than just a brand showcase—it felt like an 'art space created by Louis Vuitton.' Amidst the opulence, there was a refined elegance, and it was clear that Louis Vuitton is not just a fashion brand but an icon that encompasses culture and art. Although the waiting line to enter was long, it was well worth it, and it was so popular that there were more tourists than locals. Encountering such a visually stunning building amidst the bustling streets of Shanghai felt almost surreal. If you're finding typical tourist spots a bit dull, consider spending a day at Louis Ho during your Shanghai trip. It's a unique experience where you can simultaneously feel luxury, style, and artistic inspiration. ✨
Shanghai Greenhouse Garden
Right in the heart of Shanghai, there’s a museum that’s totally next-level—hidden among skyscrapers in Expo Culture Park! Step into the Greenhouse Garden and it’s like teleporting straight into a tropical dreamland. The glass doors open and—BOOM—you’re surrounded by lush greenery, funky cacti 🌵, breadfruit trees, and chonky succulents. If the heat catches up, don’t worry—walk over those quirky manhole covers (trust me, they’re unexpectedly cool to touch!). Venture deeper and the whole vibe shifts into a wild rainforest paradise. Rare plants peek out everywhere 🌳 and the Underwater Forest zone is the real MVP here. It’s stacked with crazy aquatic plants and a rainbow of fish 🐟—some totally chill, some absolute weirdos, all mesmerizing to watch! Getting a people-free photo is next to impossible (this spot is Insta-famous 😂), but silhouette shots turn out so dreamy. Next, hit up the Cloud Corridor and BAM—you’re surrounded by flower power! Huge flower columns loaded with Phalaenopsis orchids stretch high above, with misty palms 🌴 below setting the vibe. Sneak around the “seating” and you’ll catch stunning butterfly specimens 🦋—fun surprise for all you curious explorers! ⭐️Here’s the 411 on the Greenhouse Garden’s three themed zones: • Sea Sandbar—Tropical Arid Plants • Cloud Forest—Tropical Rainforest Plants • Misty Gorge—Tropical Flowering Plants ⭐️these 5 check-in spots are must-shoot: • Giant Cactus • Underwater Gallery • Underwater Forest • Sky Flower Column • Palm Blossom Stream 🕦 Hours: 9:00-21:00 (last entry 20:30) 📍Address: 199 Jiming Road, Expo Culture Park, Greenhouse Garden, Shanghai 🎫Ticket Options: Multiple types available! • How long to stay: At least 2 hours if you wanna see every corner #shanghai #greenhouse #shanghaiadventures
Shanghai
It's hard to believe such a hidden gem exists in Shanghai! The Italian-style town "Zhongou Street," built with a whopping 1.5 billion yuan, gives you the illusion of being in Milan the moment you step in 🏛️ The Baroque-style buildings and colorful stained glass domes look as if they were directly transplanted from Milan's arcade streets. Surprisingly, it's not crowded at the moment, making it a perfect spot for quiet photography 📸 Ideal for photography enthusiasts and wedding shoots! Capture the arcade dome in its entirety with a wide-angle lens, or use the arches of the church-like buildings as a foreground for your composition. The fountain area also offers a perfect backdrop for atmospheric photos ✨ Enjoy an Italian travel vibe here during the day, and in the evening, head to the nearby Luheng Road Night Market for a food tour—it's the best plan 🌙 🚇 Access: Right by Exit 5 of Luheng Road Station on Metro Line 8 ⏰ Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Shanghai Zhongou Street (No. 567, Puxing Road, Minhang District, Shanghai)
The Bund
Sharing itineraries, accommodations, restaurants, attractions, and tips 🧡 Shanghai is a perfect getaway thanks to its short flight times! That's why I usually only stay for 2-3 nights, but 🥺 Based on my own experiences, I'm sharing a comprehensive 3-day, 3-night Shanghai itinerary, accommodations, and restaurants to make the most of your trip. 🤓🧡 🛫 Flight Recommendations ▫️Departure (Incheon → PVG) Board an evening flight → Arrive in Shanghai at midnight ✈️ ▫️Return (PVG → Incheon): Depart at 12:30 AM ✈️ → Arrive at 3:30 AM (operated by Eastar Jet, etc.) *Use an overnight flight to make the most of your last night! 🏨 Accommodation ▫️Shanghai Deco Hotel (Pudong) Airport and Disney pick-up and drop-off service available (free) ▫️Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel (Hennan Road) Good value for money/good location ▫️Disney Hotel Disney fanatics should definitely try this place *Review coming soon 🕰️ Itinerary Day 0 (Friday - Departure) ▫️Depart Incheon evening → Arrive Shanghai at 11:45 PM → Hotel check-in 🛏️ Day 1 (Saturday - Disneyland🎢) ▫️8:30 AM Disneyland entrance (opening hours) *Opening hours may vary daily, so check the app carefully. ▫️🎡Recommended attractions: Tron, Zootopia Hot Pursuit, Rex Racer, Seven Dwarfs Roller Coaster *Disneyland full review coming soon ▫️9:30 PM Hotel after closing Return Day 2 (Sun – City Tour) ▫️Morning: Shanghai Provisional Government 🇰🇷 ▫️Lunch: Xintiandi Cafe Tour (The Living Room, Le Labo Cafe) ▫️Afternoon: Wukang Mansion Stroll 📸, Nanjing Road Shopping ▫️Dinner: Shanghai Tower Observatory → Bund Night View 🌃 Day 3 (Mon – Traditional & Night View) ▫️Morning: Lu Xun Park Stroll ▫️Lunch: Traditional Shanghai Cuisine (Lailai Xiaolong, Shanghai Grand Mother) ▫️Afternoon: Oriental Pearl Tower / Jin Mao Tower ▫️Dinner: Yu Garden Night Visit 🌙 + Dinner ▫️Night: Transfer to the airport → 12:30 AM Night Flight Back Home ✈️ 🍽️Restaurants List 🥟Xiaolongbao & Dim Sum ▫️Lai Lai Xiaolong: Best value for money xiaolongbao ▫️Jeom Do Deok: Clean dim sum chain ▫️Nam Sang Mandu: The signature xiaolongbao 🍜Hot Pot & Mala Cuisine ▫️Hong Jie Lao Hot Pot: A hot pot restaurant with a long wait ▫️Ju Gwang Ok Hot Pot: Popular chain ▫️Red Lips Mala Ban: Mala Ban specialty chain * Great value for money with the feel of making your own food ▫️Hun Jiu Yi Qian Lamb Skewers: Highly recommended by locals +If you don't feel like trying something new, go to Hai Di Lao...lol 🍚Home Cuisine & Fusion ▫️Shanghai Grand Mother: Traditional Shanghainese home cooking ▫️Waloro Wa: Chinese fusion ▫️Dongbei Inga: Northeastern home cooking ▫️Yeongsang Hai: A new world Peking Duck 🌆 Tourist Attractions ▫️Shanghai Disneyland ▫️The Bund & Pudong Night Views ▫️Shanghai Tower / Oriental Pearl Tower / Jin Mao Tower ▫️Wukang Mansion (Mukangda Road) ▫️Xintiandi, East Nanjing Road ▫️Yu Garden (recommended at night) ▫️Lu Xun Park
Shanghai Marriott Hotel Yangpu Riverside
📍Shanghai Yangpu Riverside Marriott Hotel The hotel we're introducing today offers value, luxury, and accessibility. Featuring city views of the Oriental Pearl Tower, convenient access to major tourist attractions within 5-10km, and a pleasant stay, the 5-star premium Shanghai Yangpu Riverside Marriott Hotel opened in 2024. #OverseasHotel
The Bund
#hellohalloween 1. 🌉 The Bund * Classic for a reason — stroll along the riverside, enjoy the skyline, and capture Shanghai’s night lights. 2. 🏯 Yu Garden & Old Town * Traditional architecture, lantern-lit streets, tea houses, and local snacks. Perfect for photos and souvenirs 🥮. 3. 🌿 French Concession * Tree-lined streets, European-style villas, boutique shops, and cozy cafés — a perfect blend of history and modern lifestyle. 4. 🏙️ Shanghai Tower & Pudong Skyline * Head to observation decks for panoramic views of the city, especially magical at sunset or night 🌇. 5. 🎮 Akihabara-Style Arcades (Shanghai Pop Culture Spots) * Gaming centers, anime-inspired shops, VR experiences, and themed cafés — fun for all ages 🎮. 6. ☕ Xintiandi * Pedestrian streets with restored Shikumen houses, chic cafés, restaurants, and bars — great for dining and evening strolls 🍷. 7. 🖼️ M50 Art District * Contemporary galleries in a converted industrial area — street art, studios, and exhibitions make it a creative hotspot 🎨. 8. 🚤 Huangpu River Cruise * See both the historic Bund and futuristic Pudong lights from the water — especially stunning at night ✨. 9. 🛍️ Nanjing Road & Huaihai Road * Shopping meccas from luxury malls to quirky boutiques. Neon lights at night make it a must-see for energy and ambiance 🛍️. 10. 🌸 Jing’an Temple & Jade Buddha Temple * Tranquil temples in the middle of the city — admire architecture, peaceful courtyards, and beautiful Buddha statues 🕊️. 11. 🌙 Nightlife in Shikumen Bars & Rooftops * Golden hours and neon nights: rooftop bars like Flair or Bar Rouge offer cocktails with unforgettable skyline views 🍸. 12. 🎶 Live Music & Hidden Cafés * Discover cozy jazz bars, indie music spots, or themed cafés tucked in alleys around the French Concession and Jing’an. 💛 Shanghai mixes modern skyscrapers, historical streets, and hidden cultural gems. From neon nights to peaceful gardens, it’s a city where every corner has a story and every street offers something unique.
TASTE OF CHINA Immersive Dining
DAY 1: Historic Charm & Immersive Dining 📍 Yuyuan Garden 🎟️ ¥40 | ⏰ 8:00-16:30 Ming Dynasty garden + iconic zigzag bridge. So photogenic! 📍 The Bund 🎟️ Free | 🌙 Best at night Classic skyline view ✨ Historic architecture glowup! 📍 TASTE of CHINA Panda chef BaoBao’s journey 🐼 Interactive dining with philosophy dishes. Hanfu dressup available! DAY 2: Disney Magic All Day 🏰 📍 Shanghai Disneyland 🎟️ ¥399+ | ⏰ 8:30-21:30 Mustrides: TRON & Pirates of Caribbean! Fireworks at night = pure magic 💫 DAY 3: Temple Serenity & Aesthetic Streets 📍 Jing‘an Temple 🎟️ ¥50 | ⏰ 7:30-17:00 Golden temple in the city center. Peaceful & powerful vibes. 📍 Wukang Road 🎟️ Free Iconic flatiron building + chic cafes. Perfect for a slow stroll 📸 DAY 4: Urban Heart & Futuristic Skyline 📍 People’s Square 🎟️ Free Cultural hub + green park 🌳 Great start to the day. 📍 Lujiazui 🎟️ Observation decks from ¥180 Skyscraper views from Shanghai Tower! Breathtaking day or night 🌃 💡 Pro Tips: Use Metro to get around 🚇 Book Disney & TASTE of China in advance Wear comfy shoes – you’ll walk a lot! Let me know if you want food recs! 😉 #ShanghaiTravel #EastMeetsWest #CityGuide #TravelChina #tasteofchina

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 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
Book Your Tickets Now

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

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

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
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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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things to do in shanghai