Top 10 Must-See Shanghai Attractions & Things to Do

Shanghai is a city of fantastic contrasts, and the modern world meets ancient Chinese traditions in inspiring ways. Visiting these top must-see Shanghai attractions will allow you to fully take in the city's scope and revel in its multicultural offerings.

Shanghai has been a global hotspot since the Ming Dynasty, when its silk and cotton industries put it firmly on the ancient map between 1368 and 1644. In modernity, the skyline of Shanghai has been enhanced with fantastic buildings like the Shanghai World Financial Center and the ultra-cosmopolitan Former French Concession. This mix of old and new drives tourists to Shanghai and makes it a memorable part of any vacation in China.

Popular attractions in Shanghai

These top ten attractions and great things to do are on top of any great Shanghai itinerary, and we can help you see them all with a personalized itinerary that fully meets your needs.

1. The Bund

The Bund

The Bund is a fabulous mix of legacy colonial structures and modern infrastructure across the Huangpu River. It is an excellent place to get an understanding of what the city looked like in the 1800s. Many of these preserved places are excellent for photographing.

One of the best ways to fully appreciate the Bund is to stroll south from Waibaidu Bridge down the river for some truly astonishing views of Shanghai's skyline. You can also cross the river to visit the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower, both offering an eagle's-eye view of Shanghai from their observation platforms.

A night-time river cruise on the Huangpu River is another excellent option, and it allows you to appreciate a whole different side of this important Shanghai district.

Best Things To Do

• Take a night-time cruise on the Huangpu River
• Walk along The Bund
• See some of the historical buildings

Cost & Recommended Duration

• You'll need between two and three hours to visit The Bund
• The Bund is free to visit, but river excursions and entrance fees to buildings vary

2. Yu Garden

Yu Garden

Yu Garden is an excellent choice if seeing a traditional and lovely Shanghai garden is on your must-do list. Created during the Ming Dynasty, it's the height of tranquility and an oasis in the otherwise bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Since it's over 400 years old, Yu Garden is also an excellent place to appreciate Ming architecture and history, and you'll find delightful pavilions and carvings around every corner.

It's also centrally located near Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can taste authentic food and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The Shanghai City God Temple is nearby, too. It's another example of Ming architecture and costs 10 RMB per person to visit.

Best Things To Do

• Visit the historic Shanghai City God Temple and nearby Yuyuan Bazaar
• Discover the garden's highlights, such as Sansui Hall, an ancient ceremonial space with five distinctive halls, and the impressive Great Rockery

Cost & Recommended Duration

• Cost 30-40 RMB (about 4.2-5.7 USD) per person, plus additional fees to enter the Shanghai City God Temple
• Two hours to see the gardens, a few additional hours to visit nearby attractions
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3. Oriental Pearl TV Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower lights up in pink at night

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is an example of newer Shanghai architecture. It has several observation decks and a streamlined, modern design that makes it stand out on the skyline. Constructed in 1995, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower stands a full 468 meters and features a revolving restaurant and a sky gallery. The exterior of this building is fascinating, too, with a shape that plays on the image of dragons and pearls twisting high into the sky.

Best Things To Do

• Photograph the tower from the outside
• Visit the sky gallery
• Eat at the revolving restaurant
• See the “Future Shanghai Multimedia Show”

Cost & Recommended Duration

• Ticket packages vary but start around 199 RMB (about 28.4 USD)
• Two to three hours

4. Shanghai Disneyland Park

Step into a world of wonder at Shanghai Disney Land Park, which has six different lands that will unlock your inner child and delight every visitor. From the whimsical Enchanted Storybook Castle to the Gardens of Imagination, an immersive and enchanting green space that gives you a break from the hustle and bustle of the park, this state-of-the-art park is well worth a visit. It's also an excellent option for families with children. Visit our guide to Shanghai Disney Land Park for more information on how to make the most of the day.

Best Things To Do

• Visit all six themed lands
• Spend some time in the Enchanted Storybook Castle
• Ride the Fantasia-inspired carousel

Cost & Recommended Duration

• Plan to spend all day at the park and arrive early to avoid the lines
• Tickets start at 399 RMB (about 57 USD) for adults
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5. Shanghai Museum

Exhibition in Shanghai Museum

If you're interested in ancient Chinese art, the Shanghai Museum is a must-see, with thirty-three categories of rare and unique pieces that span some of the most important eras in Chinese history. The Shanghai museum contains a full 140,00 national treasures and is a robust collection that gives visitors deep insight into how Chinese culture and art changed over the years and the vital relics that still define a people today. This museum is completely free to visit and centrally located at People's Square Station.

Best Things To Do

• Visit the thirty-three categories of art spanning the centuries
• Ask about any special exhibits the museum may be hosting (additional fees might apply for special exhibits)

Cost & Recommended Duration

• Free, although you might need to pay for special exhibits
• Three hours

6. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Just a short day trip away from Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is a water village that's beautiful at any time of day or night. The village is free to visit, but you might need to pay to enter historic residences or to take cruises. We recommend ending your day in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town with an evening water cruise where you can appreciate the splendor in a whole new way.

With thirty-three bridges crisscrossing the village, busting North Street full of Qing and Ming architectural structures, and plenty of authentic Chinese cuisine to sample, this town will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Best Things To Do

• Take an evening cruise to appreciate the town from the water fully
• Visit North Street for Ming and Qing architecture
• Take photographs of the town's many bridges

Cost & Recommended Duration

• Visiting the town is free, but specific excursions and attractions within Zhujijiao Ancient Town will vary
• Plan to spend about half the day
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7. Former French Concession & Tianzifang

Former French Concession

The Former French Concession is one of the most cosmopolitan spots in Shanghai and an excellent example of European architecture and Chinese style. Dating back to 1849, the district was once a popular residential area and now contains many prominent historic homes, like the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen and Moller Villa.

It's also home to Tianzifang, one of the trendiest and most interesting areas of the city, where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or some boutique hopping. Fuxing Park is another draw, and you'll find local residents exercising in the morning, playing a game of mah-jong, or simply soaking in the tranquility of the park.

Best Things To Do

• Grab a cup of coffee and do some boutique shopping in Tianzifang
• Visit Fuxing Park
• See some of the local historic residences, including the Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen and Moller Villa

Cost & Recommended Duration

• About three hours if you're strolling leisurely and stopping for coffee
• The Former French Concession is free to visit, but historical homes might have entrance costs

8. Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha

The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most important religious structures in the city. It contains two impressive artifacts that survived the fall of the Qing Dynasty. This temple, which was destroyed but rebuilt in 1928, has two white jade Buddha statues, plenty of porcelain artifacts and ancient paintings, and an impressive interior and exterior design dominated by rich reds and golds.

Best Things To Do

• See the white jade Buddha statues
• Photograph the exterior of the temple

Cost & Recommended Duration

• Visiting the temple costs 20 RMB (about 2.8 USD), with an extra 10 RMB fee (about 1.4 USD) to see the jade statues
• Visitors should plan to spend about an hour in the temple

9. Shanghai Tower

You can see Shanghai Tower in Yu Garden

This 632-meter-tall building is the tallest tower in China and the third tallest in the world. It is a fantastic example of modern development and ingenuity with ultra-fast elevators, plenty of community space, and an eco-friendly high-tech glass exterior. The Shanghai Tower represents Shanghai's place as a global financial leader and offers some of the most spectacular views of the city from the observation deck. It is an excellent place to visit at sunset.

Nearby stands the Jin Mao Tower, which has a five-star hotel and a glass skywalk that makes visitors feel like they're strolling on air.

Best Things To Do

• See Shanghai's cityscape at sunset from the observation deck
• Ride the ultra-fast elevators
• Photograph the modern exterior and interior spaces

Cost & Recommended Duration

• The observation deck costs 180 RMB (about 25.7 USD) to visit
• Plan for one to one and a half hours
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10. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

The vast Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall sits in People's Square and is an exceptional place to learn about how the city's urban planning has developed over the centuries. One of the biggest draws is the “City, People, Environment and Development” exhibition, which features a sprawling city model that shows what Shanghai has looked like over the years. This 3D model is easily the biggest draw, but you can also enjoy interactive exhibits and see where Shanghai is heading in the years to come.

Best Things To Do

• See the 3D model of Shanghai
• Enjoy a guided tour
• Watch a movie or attend a lecture about the city's history and infrastructure

Cost & Recommended Duration

• The cost to visit is 20 RMB (about 2.8 USD) for a rented audio guide
• Plan to spend two to three hours

Enjoy a Customized Itinerary for All of Shanghai's Attractions

While visiting Shanghai will certainly be an experience that you'll never forget, the city can be a little bit intimidating, both in sheer size and the many things to do. We can help organize an itinerary that helps you see these ten top Shanghai attractions and more, with a personalized plan that speaks to your needs. Our expert guides and 24/7 support team are here to help you make your vacation dreams a reality. Contact China Odyssey Tours and get started today.