The Best Things To do in Shanghai: Attractions, Hotels & One Day Trip

Shanghai boasts both bustling pedestrian streets and the serene and artistic former French Concession, as well as the modern Oriental Pearl Tower. It can be said that the city's attractions encompass most of the standard tags for urban travel. Here are must-visit attractions in Shanghai selected for you, making it easier for you to plan a trip to Shanghai!

Shanghai Basic Info

Basic Information​​

• ​​Abbreviation:​​ Hu (沪) / Shen (申)
• ​​Administrative Status:​​ Municipality directly under the Central Government
• ​​Population:​​ The second most populous city in China

For travellers from Southeast Asia, Shanghai is not only a modern metropolis full of charm, but also a window to Chinese history and culture:

• From the towering Oriental Pearl Tower to the ancient Yu Garden, Shanghai, with its unique blend of Eastern and Western charm.
• Whether you want to taste the authentic xiaolongbao or stroll along the Bund full of historical stories.

Shanghai can meet your expectations and allow you to experience the urban charm that is completely different from that of Southeast Asia.

Top Things to do in Shanghai

Things to do in Shanghai | The Bund

The Bund is the NO.1 must-visit scenic spot in Shanghai. It is a landmark of Shanghai and also its calling card. Here, there is an old wharf brimming with artistic atmosphere, as well as the historic Peace Hotel and Waldorf Astoria. There is also the dazzling Bund Light Show and the Huangpu River cruise ship offering a panoramic view of the charm of the Huangpu River. Here, during the day, it is bustling and prosperous, and at night, it is ablaze with lights and colors. I recommend that you come here during the day to see the buildings of the Republic of China era and at night to enjoy the lights of the Bund.

【 Location 】 : No. 1 Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai

【 Time 】 : 24 hours

Things to do in Shanghai | Yu Garden

Yuyuan Garden is located near the City God Temple and has very convenient transportation. It is the one among the five major gardens in Shanghai that is closest to the city center. This place was originally the official residence of officials in the Ming Dynasty. The layout is elegant and refined, with blue tiles and white walls, exquisitely carved and ingeniously designed. It's well worth a look. Wandering in the Yu Garden, one can walk along the winding corridors or take a look at the koi fish under the Bridges. Every step reveals a new scene, and each scene is full of twists and turns. One can't help but admire the landscaping skills of Suzhou-style gardens. Every snap of the camera is breathtaking.

【 Location 】 : North side of Jiuku Bridge, Huangpu District, Shanghai

【 Time 】 : 08:30-17:30

Things to do in Shanghai | Shanghai Disneyland

Since I'm in Shanghai, I can't help but mention the newly-built Shanghai Disneyland. Although it has been open for business for a short time, it has become a dark horse among Shanghai's scenic spots and has become a reason for many people to visit Shanghai. This is the latest theme park that Disney has devoted all its efforts to creating. Besides retaining the attractions from all over the place, it has also added many new activities. We strongly recommend that everyone try the Horizon Leap! I will never be disappointed. Besides, there are a wide variety of delicious foods to choose from in Disneytown. You don't have to have a set meal in the park at all!

【 Location 】 : No. 310, Huangzhao Road, Chuansha Town, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

【 Time 】 : 08:30-21:30

What's the Best Shanghai One-Day Trip?

If you only have one day and want to visit the most essential parts of Shanghai, it is recommended that you refer to the following itinerary

Tourist attractions: Visit the Shanghai World Financial Center - China Pavilion - City God Temple - Yu Garden - Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street - The Bund - Oriental Pearl Tower

Attraction Introduction:

1. Board the World Financial Center

The Shanghai World Financial Center is a skyscraper located in Lujiazui, Shanghai, China. It was completed on August 29, 2008. Standing at 492 meters tall with 101 floors above ground, it is currently the third tallest building in China (as of 2014) and the world's tallest flat-roofed building. The developer of the Shanghai World Financial Center is "Shanghai World Financial Center Co., LTD." It was constructed in 1995 under the leadership of Mori Building Co., Ltd. of Japan.

• Ticket prices: 160 yuan, 180 yuan
• Opening hours: 8:00-23:00 (Latest entry at 22:00)
• Transportation: Shanghai Metro Line 8 Zhonghua Art Palace Station

2. China National Pavilion

The China National Pavilion, also known as the Chinese Art Museum, takes "Searching" as its main theme. It leads visitors through three exhibition areas: "Oriental Footprints", "Searching Journey", and "Low-Carbon Actions", where they discover and appreciate the wisdom of China in urban development in the process of "searching".

• Admission: Free admission. The Qingming Shanghe Tu Museum charges 20 yuan
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-18:00 (Admission stops at 17:00)
• Transportation: Shanghai Metro Line 8, Zhonghua Art Palace Station

3. The Old City God Temple

"If you go to Shanghai and don't visit the City God Temple, it's as if you haven't been to the big city of Shanghai." " It is evident that the Old Town God Temple holds a significant position and has considerable influence in Shanghai. The City God is the protective deity of the city in Taoism. There are currently nine halls in the temple, namely the Main Hall, the Jiazi Hall, the Wealth God Hall, the Ci Hang Hall, the City God Hall, the Lady Hall, the Parents Hall, the Guan Sheng Hall and the Wen Chang Hall. The snacks in the City God Temple are very famous. The most renowned ones are Nanxiang crab roe Xiaolongbao, five-spice beans and sweet rice balls. Shanghai Old Street: Also known as Little East Gate; It was originally an important venue for foreign trade and small commodity trading in Shanghai, witnessing the economic and social development of the city.

• Ticket price: 10 yuan for incense money.
• Opening hours: 8:30-16:30.
• Transportation Guide: The address is No. 1, Yicheng Road, Huangpu District. Buses No. 11, 42, 64, 66, 126 and 926 can get you there.

4. Yu Garden

Yu Garden is renowned as the "urban mountain forest" and is also said to be "the most beautiful and unique in the southeast". It is a famous classical garden in the south of the Yangtze River in Shanghai, with a history of over 400 years and is a key national cultural relic protection unit. The Yuyuan Garden referred to nowadays usually includes several bustling streets leading into the garden as well as its landmarks such as the Nine-Bend Bridge and the Pavilion in the middle of the lake.

• Ticket price: 40 yuan. Each primary and secondary school student and child under 1.4 meters tall is charged 10 yuan.
• Opening hours: 8:30-17:00. Ticket sales stop at 16:40.
• Transportation Guide: Yuyuan Garden is located to the north of Chenghuang Temple, at No. 132, Anren Street, Huangpu District. Buses No. 11, 26, 64, 66, 920, 926, 929, 930, etc. can get you there.

5. The Bund

The Bund, located on the banks of the Huangpu River in the central area of Shanghai, is a scenic spot in the city and a must-visit place for tourists coming to Shanghai for sightseeing. The Bund, also known as Zhongshan East First Road, is approximately 1.5 kilometers long. It is located east of the Huangpu River and west of 52 buildings of various styles, including Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Sino-Western combined styles, and is known as the "Exhibition Complex of International Architecture".

• Ticket: Free
• Opening hours: All day
• Location: Huangpu District and Hongkou District, Shanghai, on the west bank of the Huangpu River
• Transportation: Subway: Line 2 and Line 10; Bus routes 37, 55, 65, 71, 123, 135, 145, 576, 868, 926, 576, 317 and 868 can reach the Bund

Shanghai Top 4 Itinerary Tour Recommendations​​

​​Recommended Itinerary 1: Shanghai Landmarks Explorer​​

Oriental Pearl Tower + City God Temple Area + The Bund

​​Recommended Itinerary 2: Huangpu River Night Adventure​​

Oriental Pearl Tower + River Cruise + Illuminated Bund

​​Recommended Itinerary 3: Zhujiajiao Water Village Discovery​​

Private Ancient Canal Tour + City Highlights

​​Recommended Itinerary 4: Shanghai Layover Tour

Trip.com Group proudly offers international transit passengers at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) a complimentary sightseeing experience during Shanghai layover tours. Enjoy transportation, entrance tickets, an English-speaking guide, and internet service – all provided at no cost.

​​3 Free Tour Routes (Daily Departures):​​

1. Highlights Half-Day City Tour (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Local Time GMT+8):​

• ​Visit ​​Yu Garden​​ (traditional Chinese architecture & gardens).
• See ​​The Bund​​ (iconic Shanghai skyline).
  Perfect for a quick taste of classic Shanghai.

2. ​Local Lifestyle Citywalk Tour (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Local Time GMT+8):​​

• Details not fully specified, but focuses on authentic local experiences (Check availability at the counter).

3. Huangpu River Cruise Sightseeing Night Tour (6:00 PM - 11:00 PM Local Time GMT+8):​​

• Experience Shanghai's stunning illuminated skyline from the river.
• Ideal for evening layovers.

​​How to Join (It's Easy & On-the-Spot):​​

1. ​Arrive at PVG:​​ Land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Terminal 1).
2. ​Find the Counter:​​ Go to the ​​Shanghai Tourist Information & Service Store​​, located on the ​​1st Floor, International Arrival Hall, Terminal 1 (between Gate 6 and Gate 7)​​.
3. ​Sign Up:​​ Register ​​in person upon arrival​​. ​​NO online booking or prior registration is needed or possible.​​
4. ​First-Come, First-Served:​​ Tours are limited to ​​10 people max​​ per group for a quality experience. Spots fill quickly!
5. ​Meet Your Guide:​​ Once registered, your professional English-speaking guide will meet you at the counter and handle everything.

Shanghai Hotel Recommodations