Things to do & places to visit in Shanghai Region, China

Shanghai is the cool, confident face of modern China, and its energy is infectious. Go to the Bund to watch ships on the river and marvel at the huge variety of architectural styles on display, or watch the crowds go by in People’s Square. Shoppers should make a beeline for the Fabric Market, where you can have a suit or dress tailor-made for you at bargain prices. At night, explore all manner of fashionable restaurants, bars and nightclubs, or just stroll through the city enjoying the spectacular neon lights.

Shanghai Region #3 destination in China 2023. The average rating score is 4.39 based on 83.8k traveler reviews, of 60 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Shanghai, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 11:07.

Shanghai Region Weather Statistics view more »

Top things to do (29)

• Islands
• Beach & Pool Clubs
• Art Galleries
• Scenic Walking Areas
• Mountains
• Historic Walking Areas
• Lookouts
• Amusement & Theme Parks
• Architectural Buildings
• Speciality Museums
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Religious Sites
• Geologic Formations
• Monuments & Statues
• Observation Decks & Towers
• Farms
• History Museums
• Disney Parks & Activities
• Flea & Street Markets
• Neighborhoods
• Beaches
• Bodies of Water
• Historic Sites
• Parks
• Gardens
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife Areas
• Aquariums
• Shopping Malls

Top destinations in Shanghai Region 2

• Shanghai
• Chongming County

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

1. 5.0 South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market (1.312 reviews)
   - Jack & Candy Tailors 3F-351
   Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls
   
   
   A bespoke company based in Shanghai. Our main business is tailor-made men's and women's wear. Within more than ten years of experience in the bespoke industry, customers are all over the world. We have our own tailors and factories for both shirts and suits. See more..
   
2. 4.5 The Bund (Wai Tan) (19.5k reviews)
   - The bund, a must-see when in Shanghai
   Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
   
   
   This is a designated section of Shanghai’s port along the Huang Pu River lined with beautiful neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade that is packed with tourists, locals and street sellers. See more..
   
3. 4.5 Yu Garden (Yuyuan) (10.6k reviews) from $10.00
   - Beautiful and Relaxing
   Monday: 8:45 AM - 4:15 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens
   
   
   A classical garden complete with period style buildings. The Garden was created by Pan Yunduan a Government Officer for his family finishing in 1577. See more..
   
4. 4.5 Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu) (6.604 reviews) from $23.00
   - Pearl Tower
   Monday: 8:00 AM - 9:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Observation Decks & Towers
   
   
   Speed to the top of the world’s third tallest TV and radio tower for a spectacular view, or just gaze at this beautiful structure from afar, especially striking when lit up at night. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan) (4.847 reviews)
   - Amazing museum
   Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
   
   
   This elegant museum, opened in 1996, features eleven state-of-the-art galleries housing China’s international-standard exhibits of bronzes, paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jade and Ming and Qing dynasty furniture. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Shanghai World Financial Center (4.340 reviews)
   - Need a good weather day to benefit fully & glass walkway over rated
   Spent 1-2 hours Observation Decks & Towers
   
   
   Three observation decks offer different experiences at the 94th, 97th, and 100th floors. The 100th floor is the highest observatory in the world, with transparent glass-walled walkways. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Former French Concession (3.964 reviews)
   - One of The Must See in Shanghai
   Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Walking Areas
   
   
   A residential area of Shanghai once designated for the French, the French Concession is popular with tourists and expats, and appreciated for its cafes, tree-lined avenues, and tudor houses. See more..
   
8. 4.5 Huangpu River (2.101 reviews)
   - Take a stroll along the River
   Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water
   
   
   Morning, afternoon, evening, or at night the river area is worth some of your time. The city views change minute by minute. The sights, the sounds, and experiences change with each step you take. Plenty of places to stop and sit or grab a coffee. Both sides of the river offer several venues for eating, drinking, and shopping. Several river cruise opportunities as well (day or night). Our recommendation, go anytime you can; however, be aware that holidays and dinner time (17:00-21:00) can be rather busy along the river, so mass transit will be your best option. If you have only 24 hours in the city, spend 30 minutes along the river, but be aware one could un-knowingly walk for hours along the river. Enjoy. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (1.396 reviews)
   - A must See
   Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums
   
   
   This place gives you a glimpse of the city of Shanghai, how it was planned, constructed and how it was developed. Its importance in terms of minerals, business, etc. It has a huge model of the city. Also, it gives you a virtual tour of the city by 9 cameras explaining the highlights in animation format. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Riverside Promenade (Bingjiang Da Dao) (1.392 reviews)
    - Great View
    Spent 1-2 hours Scenic Walking Areas
    
    
    The riverside walk along the Bund may be busy and crowded during the day, but with good reason - it's simply a must when in Shanghai for people-watching and getting a good feel for the city. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Jin Mao Tower (1.215 reviews) from $18.00
    - The best view of the city!
    Monday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers
    
    
    Being the third tallest building to Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center in Shanghai, Jin Mao Tower is located in the center of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone in Pudong. This building includes modern offices, a deluxe 5-star hotel exhibition halls, banquet halls and entertainment facilities. The 88th floor-the highest floor, is reserved for the tower's observation deck, which can hold 1000 people at any one time. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Pudong New Area (1.188 reviews)
    - Shopping and financial hub
    Neighborhoods
    
    
    "Pudong, in its 13-year history, has surprisingly progressed in its economic strength and its urban development. This 556-sqaure-kilometer farmland 13 years ago is well on its way toward a modern metropolis. As the epitome of Shanghai' modernization and the symbol of China's reform and opening up drive, Pudong has become an ideal land for global investors." See more..
    
13. 4.5 Old Town (Nanshi) (1.153 reviews)
    - Great attraction.
    Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods
    
    
    Very nicely designed buildings. It is a good idea to set aside time to tour the area without rushing. Stalls selling souvenirs and small shops in the area. Overall a great looking place. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Bund International Architecture Exhibition (920 reviews)
    - Neo Classical buildings of the 1920's & 1930's preserved and working with all the bells and whistles
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    We deliberately stayed at a hotel nearby the Bund so we could walk and appreciate it more fully. We found something marked on a map indicating an Architecture Museum which we hunted for, nobody knew what we were speaking of when asked for whereabouts, till one guy pointed across the road and we went off in that direction only to return 15min later saying "where, we could not find it", the man laughed and said the whole street is the museum. We walked into the Waldorf Astoria hotel for a drink knowing the bill would punish us, it cost Rm250 for a single of gin+ tonic and a single of the cheapest whisky which was a 15yr Glenfiddich. The best experience of course is the night boat ride up the Haungpu River with all the old ladies lit to best advantage - quite spectacular. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (882 reviews)
    - Cool little gem of a museum
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Art Galleries • Speciality Museums • History Museums
    
    
    Didi navigation knows the place but it's a non-descriptive office building and the museum is located on 7th floor. Posters / pictures with Chinese and English context are provided and super interesting to see how these supported the various themes throughout China's 20th century history! Takes 30 min but worth visiting. I walked from Jing An temple here in 15 min. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Shanghai Development Exhibition Hall (748 reviews)
    - History of culture
    Monday: 9:07 AM - 5:02 PM History Museums
    
    
    You can find the culture of shanghai how was it and how to change in timeline, You can spend 2 hour here See more..
    
17. 4.5 Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum (722 reviews)
    - Wonderful history!
    Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums
    
    
    The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum contains the site of one of only two synagogues in Shanghai, the Ohel Moshe Synagogue, along with two exhibition halls. Volunteers offer informative tours of the museum. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Heping Fandian (703 reviews)
    - A fantastic holiday getaway
    Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    This is an absolutely a fantastic hotel, very old Shanghai style. Thanks for the hospitality by Zoe, Tom, Tony, Hattie and Figo, I appreciate your food and outstanding service. Every time when I get back to Shanghai, peace hotel is my first and only choice. Love you guys and have a great holiday :)! See more..
    
19. 4.5 Fuxing Park (565 reviews)
    - Beautiful in Spring
    Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Parks
    
    
    It is beautiful in Spring. Beautiful peony garden here. They have a huge rose garden too. Crowd is good here and you can see the seniors dancing and singing. There’s a children’s amusement park for families too. Pretty decent size park and entrance is free. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Longhua Temple (536 reviews)
    - An absolute must see
    Monday: 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    Built in the early Song Dynasty (960-1279), it is the oldest and largest temple in Shanghai. It is popularly believed that the temple gained its name Longhua from the legendary “Longhua” tree with branches extending some 20 kilometers, under which the Maitreya Buddha was enlightened. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Shanghai International Glasses Mall (175 reviews)
    - Excellent Lucy's Store
    Shopping Malls
    
    
    We went to Shanghai International glasses mall after reading a review on trip advisor about Qian Ye Optical. It was a great experience for us as well , Lucy was quick- to the point and was able to recommend great frames quickly. our glasses(3 sets) were ready in 30 minutes and everything was perfect . I'd highly recommend Lucy's shop for expats in Shanghai or travelers who are daunted by not knowing the local language- she speaks perfect English and is not pushy with sales unlike a lot of places here. Next time we need glasses , we are certainly heading to Lucy's shop again. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Mahota Farm (11 reviews)
    - A wonderful stay with plenty to do, even on a rainy day
    Farms
    
    
    Situated on Chongming Island, the Mahota Farm is a sustainable establishment with a focus on symbiosis. The Farm has a total land area of 43 hectares, with 28 hectares devoted to agronomic and horticultural crops. Waste to resource management facilities like waste lagoons, wetlands, and the wildlife sanctuary occupy 8 hectares of land. See more..
    
23. 4.5 Shou'an Temple (3 reviews)
    - Sacred. Large. Spiritual.
    Religious Sites
    
    
    Sacred. Large. Spiritual. Clean. Peaceful. Kind. Tranquil. Pleasant. Holy. Calm. Worth whatever time it takes you to arrive to this location. Be sure to look around, absorb, feel the history, the peace, the calmness. Regardless of what religion you practice, this space - the space within these walls is comfortable and tranquil. Be aware, should you visit on a weekend or a holiday, suspect the situation maybe a little different: more movement, people, noise but I visited on a week day, non-holiday and was so happy I did. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Chongming Yangtze River Delta National Geopark (2 reviews)
    - 公园的空气很清新，农家饭很好吃
    Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM National Parks • Geologic Formations
    农家饭很好吃，是当年领导人来吃过的，墙上挂着当时招待的照片。饭店里能吃到河豚，也很美味。公园里空气很清新，可以骑自行车游公园。 See more..
    
25. 4.0 Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road) (4.667 reviews)
    - Love the Urban Atmosphere
    Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    Modern, electric street filled with shops, eateries, and lovely restaurants tucked away up above the street level. Some can be tricky to find but are worth the effort. See more..
    
26. 4.0 Tian Zi Fang (3.004 reviews)
    - Cool place to spend time for a lazy afternoon
    Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Recommended place for an afternoon. Nice small streets with small shops lining both sides. Little streets to turn into that you can explore. Little bars that you can hop in for a drink or cafes for tea and coffee. Cool Knick knacks that can be picked up at affordable prices though it can get busy at times. The small streets may not be the easiest to roll a pram so young families beware See more..
    
27. 4.0 Shanghai Disneyland (2.283 reviews)
    - Not the best not the worst
    Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Disney Parks & Activities
    
    
    We purchased our tickets for Disneyland via Klook for a discounted rate around 75 USD each for peak times. For any international visitors you need to have your passport verified as they scan you in. There are plenty of areas to hangout and get photos of and around the castle as opposed to in Disneyland in Anaheim. However, we didn’t really find many cast members that day who take pictures or are around if you have questions. We love to eat so we enjoyed the different foods. We would recommend getting the Donald Waffle and cherry blossoms ice cream, checking out the pastries at Remy’s cafe, trying a barbecue turkey leg near pirates, and the food court in Pinocchio village. Of the rides we would suggest going on Pirates and Tron. We also highly suggest checking out the Tarzan show which is unlike any other Disney show. Because there aren’t many rides at the park the lines are long. They offer traditional fast passes but they sell out very quickly. The day we went all fastpasses for all rides were gone by 1PM. After that you can purchase fastpasses per ride or buy a pack for a handful of rides. On average each fastpass will cost around 10 USD. Lastly, the park unfortunately closes early so they have their main nightly show at 8:30PM and close the park at that time. This show much like the rides incorporates a lot of augmented reality and lights as opposed to a traditional firework show but we really enjoyed the change. For our first Disney experience outside of the US we had a great time and can’t wait to see other parks! - @wanderingwithustwo See more..
    
28. 4.0 Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (1.837 reviews) from $10.75
    - A small town away from the city
    Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town also known as the "pearl stream." Best known for its bridges, built during Ming and Qing Dynasties, the various spans are built of wood, marble and stone. See more..
    
29. 4.0 Xintiandi (1.685 reviews)
    - See this
    Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    This former neighborhood of old Shikumen has been reincarnated into Shanghai’s glitzy and contemporary district featuring fine restaurants, upscale clubs and boutiques. See more..
    
30. 4.0 Jade Buddha Temple (1.588 reviews)
    - Lovely Temple
    Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues
    
    
    This Chinese Buddhist Temple hosts two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma, along with many other cultural relics. It is a peaceful refuge from the modern bustle of Shanghai, where monks may be seen and heard conducting Buddhist ceremonies. See more..