For many Americans visiting China, Shanghai is the perfect starting point. It combines futuristic architecture with ancient temples and gardens to create a dynamic city that is a great introduction to China. Here are the top things you must do when visiting Shanghai.
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Walk the Bund at Sunset
You will want to spend your first evening in Shanghai taking a walk along the Bund to see the sunset. This famous mile-long promenade stretches along the Huangpu River. On one side are historic European-style buildings. On the opposite you see Pudong, Shanghai’s financial district and one of the most iconic skylines in the world.
Embark on a Huangpu River Cruise
Even better, see the Bund and skyline on a Huangpu River cruise. Hop on a cruise from Shiliupu Wharf at any time of the day. A cruise lasts from 30 minutes to several hours. For the best views of the illuminated skyline, take a night cruise between 7-8 p.m. These often include dinner and last for several hours.
Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower Observation Deck
Oriental Pearl Tower is easily one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. The skyline of Shanghai depends on this tower featuring giant pink spheres. At 1,500 feet, this towering structure offers terrific views from its observation decks.
From the main observation deck, you see fantastic views of the city. There’s another observation deck that is higher up, but it’s an upcharge and offers the same views. A third observation deck is right below the main one. It’s special because it offers a transparent glass floor so you can see the city below you.
There is a revolving restaurant in one of the spheres offering buffet meals. The building also offers displays on the future of city planning in Shanghai, a VR roller coaster, and the Museum of the History of Shanghai.
Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines. For a less crowded experience, go in the morning just when it opens. Or go during Golden Hour and stay to see the sunset and the night lights. This will be around 4:30 p.m. in winter and 6:30 p.m. in summer.
Explore Yuyuan Garden
In the heart of Shanghai’s Old City is Yiyuan Garden. Established over 400 years ago during the Ming dynasty, the garden features classical Chinese landscape designs. Think stone bridges arching over koi ponds, lotus pools, and airy buildings. You can spend hours admiring the foliage and gorgeous Chinese architecture.
Right outside the garden you will find Yiyuan Old Street. This is a great place to find souvenirs and try some traditional cuisine.
Wander Through the French Concession
The French Concession in Shanghai served as a residential area for the French when they controlled Shanghai from 1849-1946. Today it is a popular neighborhood for art galleries, bars, and cafes. You will admire the mix of European and Chinese buildings, the tree-lined streets, and quiet atmosphere.
Some specific areas to explore include the shopping street Huaihai Road, Tianzifang alleyways, and Sinan Mansions. Also make sure to go by Wukang Mansion, and relax in Fuxing Park where you can see locals practicing tai chi. The Moller Residence features castle-like architecture and is now a hotel. To see inside one of the well-preserved houses, visit the Former Residence of Zhou Enlai. This area might be best visited via a walking tour.
Experience a Traditional Chinese Temple
Scattered among the towering skyscrapers are traditional Buddhist temples. You can go inside to see Buddhist worship practices like incense and chanting while admiring the intricately decorated walls and statues. Remember to dress modestly and speak quietly while inside.
Here are the top temples to visit in Shanghai:
- Jade Buddha Temple – this serene and intricate temple holds two imported white jade Buddha statues
- Longhua Temple – oldest and largest temple in Shanghai with a 7-story pagoda
- Jing’an Temple – known for its golden pagoda and roof
- City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) – Toaist temple in a busy market area
- Zhenru Temple – known for being one of the oldest wooden structures in Shanghai
Shop on Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s Times Square. It’s a great place to visit at night to enjoy the neon lights, street performers, and bustling vibe. Ride the Dangdang Trolley, a vintage sightseeing train. Then explore the massive shopping malls. Nanjing Road is also a great place to enjoy traditional snacks at places like Zhen Lao Da Fang and Shanghai First Food Hall.
Visit Shanghai Disneyland
I know, I know. Here I am recommending you visit yet another Disney park while abroad! (See my posts on Tokyo Disney and Disneyland Paris if you aren’t familiar with my obsession.) Opening in 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort is the newest park in the world. Designed for the Chinese market, it is familiar but yet a bit foreign for an American.
The park is incredibly designed. I spent one entire day of my visit just wandering around and admiring the details. There’s a pirate themed Treasure Cove area that is delightful. Another highly themed and delightful area is Adventure Island. And I loved walking through the Alice in Wonderland maze. Shanghai Disney’s version of Main Street is Mickey Avenue. Since the traditional 19th century USA Main Street would be lost on the Chinese, they made the entry area to the park the home town of Mickey, Minnie and friends.
The attractions are amazing, too. If you like Pirates of the Caribbean in domestic Disney parks, the one in Shanghai is next level. There’s a wonderful ropes course called Camp Discovery Trails that would never be allowed in the United States. And the shows feature some incredible technical effects, although they are in Chinese so you have to get by on context clues. To top it off, Shanghai Disney has the largest castle of all of the Disney parks in the world.
If you like theme parks, or just seeing a culture experience Americana, definitely make time in your itinerary for 1-2 days at Shanghai Disney!
Take a Day Trip to Zhouzhuang Water Town
Taking a day trip to Zhouzhuang Water Town from Shanghai is well worth your time. Zhouzhuang is famous for its centuries-old canals, stone bridges, narrow alleyways, and historic architecture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It’s located just 55 miles from Shanghai, so it’s an easy day trip.
Once there, you will want to wander through the town. Stop first at the Twin Bridges, two Ming dynasty bridges that are a symbol of the town. Then visit Shen House, a well-preserved 18th century merchant’s home. Take a ride on a traditional wooden canal paddle boat with an oarsman singing traditional folk songs. For the rest of the day, wander the streets and enjoy teahouses, local snacks, and shopping for silk and handicrafts.
Logistics
You can get there on your own via high speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to Kunshan. This will take about 20 minutes, then you can take a taxi or rideshare to Zhouzhuang which will take another 35-45 minutes. Or you can get there by bus from Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Terminal directly to Zhouzhuang in about 2 hours. If you want someone else to figure out the details, book this private transfer.
What tops your list of things to do in Shanghai?
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