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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

1000 Trees
Located along the Suzhou River, Tian An 1000 Trees is hailed as the modern Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its exterior features 1,000 columns, each topped with greenery. Combined with its mountain-like architectural design, it resembles a floating forest, making it a truly unique structure. Tian An 1000 Trees was designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, who also designed New York's floating park, Little Island. His studio is located here and is open to the public for free. Visitors can view models and photos of his other works, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts. After snapping some photos outside, take some time to explore the mall inside. The interior design is equally stunning. Address: 600 Moganshan Road, Putuo District, Shanghai (near Changhua Road Bridge along Suzhou River) Transportation Information: Take Metro Line 13 to Jiangning Road Station, Exit 1, and walk approximately 8 minutes.
喳喳
The Bund
1. The Bund | Shanghai A classic you can't miss. The view of futuristic Pudong from this side is a city landmark that never gets old. A must-see, day or night. 2. Shanghai World Exposition Museum | Shanghai World Exposition Museum Dive into the future. This museum is a grand archive of innovation and architectural thought that will tell you the history of the Expo and show you what our future will be like. 3. Shanghai Natural History Museum | Shanghai Natural History Museum Not just a museum, but an architectural masterpiece. Dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibits, and stunning light displays await you, sure to delight both children and adults. 4. Shanghai "Pyramids" - "Anthill" (Space Fruit Hotel / FRA Apartments) | Guangming Road Metro Station (Line 11), then take bus 100, 324, or 222. Get off at the third stop. A real architectural explosion for your feed! Futuristic residential complexes, reminiscent of giant beehives or pyramids, look like the set of a futuristic film. 5. Shanghai Wild Animal Park | Shanghai Wild Animal Park One of the best zoos in Asia. Here you can not only observe the animals from a distance, but also go on a safari bus to see lions, tigers, and bears in a setting as close to their natural habitat as possible. 6. Fuxing Artistic Center | Fuxing Artistic Center An organ-like building in the heart of the city. This architectural gem with its moving "curtains" on its façade is a major cultural venue, hosting leading international exhibitions. 7. Nanpu Bridge | Nanpu Bridge An iconic transport junction that is an art object in itself. The bridge's entrance is a grand spiral that looks like a surreal painting from above. The best shots are taken at sunset or at night, when the bridge is beautifully illuminated. Nanpu Bridge Metro Station (Line 4). 8. Shanghai InterContinental Wonderland | Shanghai City Hotel (Zhujiajiao Water City) A unique underground hotel built in an abandoned quarry. Even if you don't stay here, it's worth a visit to see this engineering marvel with your own eyes and take a photo from above against the backdrop of the "inverted skyscraper." 9. Zhujiajiao Water City | Zhujiajiao Water City Shanghai's Venice, located within the city. Canals, ancient stone bridges, and streets lined with eateries and shops—the perfect place to escape the metropolis for a day and soak up the atmosphere of old China. 10. Shanghai City God Temple | Shanghai City God Temple Immerse yourself in the heart of old Shanghai! This bustling Taoist temple complex is surrounded by a famous market where you can sample all kinds of traditional street food (xiaochi) and buy souvenirs. The noise, aromas, and vibrant colors truly pulsate the city here. #Shanghai #Shanghai #Tripcom #ChinaTravel #ShanghaiPlaces #ShanghaiArchitecture #TheBund #Zhujiajiao #Shanghai #China #shanghai
sashka_come_with_me
J Hotel Shanghai Tower
📌How to enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai and avoid tourist crowds? For this, I recommend heading to the world's tallest hotel, located in the heart of Shanghai at the Shanghai Tower - J Hotel. Here, in the lobby of this hotel on the 101st floor, you can order delicious snacks and drinks while admiring this incredibly beautiful city from a bird's-eye view. I suggest visiting at sunset🌅. Also, make sure to book a table in advance, as there is a chance that there might not be any available tables in the hotel lobby if you come without a reservation.
Alyona.shanghai
Space & Time Cube
Space & Time Cube (超级时空魔方) is an innovative interactive center in Shanghai where virtual reality meets cutting-edge technology. It's not just a museum or an exhibition, but a truly **futuristic interactive space** where you can immerse yourself in the digital world of the future in just one hour. ## Visit Format **Duration:** 1 hour (recommended 1 hour) **Price:** from **$13.89** (approximately 1000 rubles) — very affordable! **Entry until:** 9:00 PM **Opening hours:** Tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM ## What to Expect Inside? ### 🎮 Interactive Light Games During the one-hour visit, you will dive into a world of **various light and interactive games** that test your reaction and creativity. This is not passive viewing — you are an active participant here! ### 🥽 VR Zone In the virtual reality zone, you can wear VR equipment and immerse yourself in a completely new digital world. Scenarios range from **spacewalks to underwater adventures**. ### 📱 AR Technology In the augmented reality zone, you interact with virtual characters through AR technology, experiencing the amazing transformations brought by science. ### 🎨 Digital Art Exhibition The pavilion showcases cutting-edge works in the field of digital art, inspiring visitors to think about future forms of creativity. ### 🎯 Gaming Zone The interactive gaming zone allows you to participate in various games where you can test your reaction and creativity. ## Practical Information **Location:** Shanghai, Hongkou District (虹口区), 2.6 km from the city center Nearest metro station: **International Cruise Terminal Station-Exit 2** (21-minute walk) **Age Restrictions:** - Children under 0.8 m tall — **free** (accompanied by adults) - Children from 0.8 m to 1.4 m — must be accompanied by an adult My Experience I really enjoyed it! In one hour, I managed to try several interactive games where light projections reacted to movements, played AR games with virtual characters, and even "caught" a virtual fish on a digital lake. This is a great place for: ✨ Families with kids (from 5-6 years old) ✨ Youth interested in technology ✨ Those who want to understand the concept of the metaverse ## Tips Before Visiting 1. **Visit on weekdays** — fewer people, more opportunities to play peacefully 2. **Wear comfortable clothes** — you will be actively moving 3. **Bring a charged phone** — you'll want to take lots of videos **Verdict:** For $13, this is a great one-hour activity, especially if you're interested in future technologies. Perfect for a short but bright experience in Shanghai! 🚀
Sanyu_ch
Shanghai Maglev Train
Great news for those traveling to China! You no longer need to fill out paper forms upon arrival – you can now apply for your arrival card **completely online** before your trip or during your trip. ✅How it works (very easy!) You can fill out the card in one of the following ways: →Via an app or mini-program: Search for "移民局12367" in WeChat or Alipay (copy and paste the name into the search). →Via a QR code: Scan the code provided by your airline or posted at the airport. The app is available in Chinese and English. The process is very simple – follow the on-screen instructions to upload a photo of your passport (most of the information will be filled in automatically, but be sure to check) and manually enter your flight and arrival city information. Airline or airport staff will be happy to assist you if you have any questions. 💡 When can I start filling out the form? →Before departure: immediately after check-in—many airlines will remind you about this. →On board: everything you need is available on onboard screens and special instruction cards—fill it out in just a couple of minutes. →At the airport: scan the QR code or use the smart kiosks (paper forms are still available if needed). Arrived → straight to passport control → faster security! 💡 Especially convenient at Shanghai airports (PVG and SHA) Shanghai is China's leader in international arrivals (more than 4.9 million people have already passed through the city's airports this year). The new system makes entry even easier. 💡 Helpful tips for tourists - Fill out the form on your phone before departure—it only takes 2-3 minutes. - The system works with visa-free transit and reciprocal visa waiver agreements. - Save time and eliminate unnecessary hassle upon arrival! Welcome to China—it's now even easier! 🌆✨ #ChinaTravel #Shanghai #ChinaVisaFree #TravelTips
LocalGuides_RU
Yu Garden
Shanghai Yuyuan Garden just got a major glow-up! 💜 The legendary “Purple Cloud East” winter light show is LIVE for a limited time and it's totally mesmerizing. Imagine a dreamy Chinese aesthetic with a pop of modern vibes—it's a full-on light party that’s sooo beautiful in real life. Here's my go-to guide for scoring those epic photos and making the most of your visit! 📍 Where to Snap Those Viral Pics: 💜 Ninghui Road (凝晖路): Enter through Gate 5. Both sides of the street are lined with buildings that change colors non-stop. I’m obsessed with the warm gold glow and rich midnight blues! For max drama, tilt your phone up for those classic “sky-full-of-light” shots. 🩵 Nine Bend Bridge Square (九曲桥广场): Don’t just stay on the bridge—check out the stunning new look of the whole square! The buildings light up in dreamy pink and purple shades. Stand on the square, spin around, and grab pics facing all directions! 🧡 Central Square (中心广场): Just chill in the center and soak in the view! Surrounded by historic architecture, you’ll feel like you stepped into a fantasy. This spot is perf for wide-angle shots. ⏰ Winter Light Show Schedule: - Every night: 6:30pm – 10:00pm - Shows begin every 30 minutes, each lasting about 3 minutes ☀️ Regular lighting: - Lights come on daily from 5:00pm ‼️ Pro Tips: - Plan to watch 2-3 shows so you can catch all the color vibes! - Don’t stress about arriving late—the later it gets, the fewer people (which means easier solo shots for your feed 🤳). - Address: Yuyuan Garden, 279 Yuyuan Old Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai - Tickets & more info: Check trip.com for details! Get ready—this winter at Yuyuan Garden is just unreal. The pics are going to be next-level! #travel #thingstodo #china #shanghai
Lili⭐️
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
WHITE RABBIT White Rabbit is a Chinese confectionery brand of milk candies. Produced by Shanghai Guan Sheng Yuan Food, Ltd. 🤔 What are they? 🍬 Cylindrical, approximately 3 cm long and 1 cm in diameter. 🍬 Natural color: white. However, with the addition of flavors, the hue changes. 🍬 They resemble toffee. 🍬 They have a thin edible glutinous rice shell on the outside, protecting your hands from the sticky interior. 🍬 Each candy has a waxed paper wrapper with a colorful printed design. 🤔 Ingredients? Ingredients: maltose, sugar, whole milk powder, butter, gelatin, vanillin, edible rice paper, and flavored fillings. 🤔 Calories? 179 kcal per 100 g. These candies come in a variety of flavors, over a dozen of them. Many of the flavors are quite unusual. We decided to buy them in bulk and tried a variety. I recommend you do the same. When will you try durian or wasabi candies again? I loved them. Of course, there are also standard flavors: classic milk, mango, strawberry, coffee, chocolate, vanilla, banana, matcha, and much more. The selection is huge! This brand is often bought as gifts. After all, they are a national product. There are many packaging options for the candies, from standard bags to gift bags, from mini to extra-large. 😍 🧐Tip: Be a little careful! 😅 Some candies can be a bit hard, like frozen toffee. Especially at first. Then, as you chew, they soften. 🤔 Where to buy? All over Shanghai. There are many shops, both on the central East Nanjing Road (that's the one in the video), where you can buy White Rabbit souvenirs, toys, and magnets in addition to candy, and in popular spots around the city. This brand of candy is also available in other cities in China. Have you tried it? What were your favorite flavors? Share your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to hear your thoughts. 😅 East Nanjing Road How to get there: To Shanghai's central pedestrian street: Take metro lines 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station (exit 1 or 2). #shanghaichina #chinashanghai #whiterabbit #shanghai #souvenirsfromchina #EastNanjingRoad #Wheretofly #Travel #Vacation #EatingChina #eatingChina #useful
Svetka_krugosvetka
The Bund
Fly from Hong Kong to Shanghai in two hours and experience the European Christmas market vibe! Feel like you're in Europe! Market Dates: November 26, 2025, to December 28, 2025! Pre-order tickets via WeChat Mini Program for CNY30 or purchase on-site for CNY40. The market features dazzling lights, lavish decorations, and a festive Christmas atmosphere in the air. Enjoy a variety of attractions including a handicraft market, Christmas carol concerts, and an array of specialty snacks. Don't miss the giant Christmas tree cotton candy 🎄, warm mulled wine 🍷, German sausages 🍖, Belgian fries 🍟, and international delicacies 🍕🍔. Immerse yourself in the joy of the season and create cherished memories in this lively and heartwarming Christmas celebration.
M1ss U

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
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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

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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

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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

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)

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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
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JI Hotel (Shanghai The Bund Jinling East Road)

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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
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Lingyin Temple
temple
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From $40.99
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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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