Shanghai is one of China’s largest and most vibrant cities, and there are countless things to do and see here. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or entertainment, you’re sure to find something that will pique your interest. Here are some of the top things to do in Shanghai:
Explore the Bund – The Bund is a waterfront area that is famous for its stunning views of the city skyline. You can take a leisurely walk along the Bund and learn about its history and significance.
Visit Yu Garden – Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The garden features pavilions, rock formations, and water features, and you can stroll through the garden and admire its beauty.
See the Shanghai Tower – The Shanghai Tower is one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, and it offers stunning views of the city. You can take an elevator to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Shanghai. Whether you’re here for a short visit or a longer stay, there’s always something new to explore and discover in this exciting city.
Best Things to do in Shanghai
| Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining | Shanghai: Craft Beer Tasting in Former French Concession | From Shanghai: Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Day Tour | |
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| Duration | 3 hours | 3 hours | 7 hours |
| Starting Time | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | 3:00 PM | 7:00 AM - 11:00 AM |
| Meeting Point | From hotel | Huangpu District, Shanghai | From hotel |
| Includes | Shanghai River Cruise Ticket Xinjiang style halal dinner, Soft Drink or Beer, Guide | 6 glasses of beer, Shanghai dumplings, Rice wine tasting, Soft drinks, Guide | Entrance ticket to the Zhouzhuang Chinese-style gondola ride, Bottled water, Guide |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 9 Best Things to do in Shanghai For [2024]
- Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining
- Shanghai: Craft Beer Tasting in Former French Concession
- From Shanghai: Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Day Tour
- Real Shanghai: Zhujiajiao and Downtown 3-Day Tour
- Shanghai: Xintiandi, CCP Museum and French Concession Tour
- Shanghai 3-Hour Afternoon Tea Tasting and Dessert Tour
- Shanghai: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
- From Shanghai: Private Full-Day Suzhou Gardens
- Private Day Tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake
Best Things to do in Shanghai Reviews
#1. Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining
A night river cruise tour with Xinjiang style dining in Shanghai would be a wonderful way to experience the city’s beautiful skyline and diverse cuisine. Shanghai’s Huangpu River is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and a river cruise offers stunning views of both the modern skyscrapers on the Pudong side and the historical buildings on the Puxi side.
Xinjiang cuisine is known for its bold flavors and use of spices, such as cumin and chili peppers. It’s a fusion of Chinese, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences, and is a popular cuisine in Shanghai due to the city’s large Xinjiang population. A Xinjiang style dining experience on a night river cruise would be a unique way to sample this cuisine while enjoying the sights and sounds of the city.
There are several tour operators that offer night river cruise tours with Xinjiang style dining in Shanghai. The tours typically last around 2-3 hours and include a buffet-style dinner with Xinjiang specialties such as lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and roasted eggplant. Guests can also enjoy live music and entertainment during the cruise.
Overall, a night river cruise tour with Xinjiang style dining in Shanghai would be a memorable experience that combines the city’s stunning views with its diverse culinary offerings.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Shanghai: Craft Beer Tasting in Former French Concession
Shanghai’s Former French Concession is a charming area with tree-lined streets and colonial architecture. It’s also home to a growing craft beer scene, with several local breweries and taprooms offering unique and delicious brews.
A craft beer tasting in the Former French Concession would be a great way to experience the area’s beer culture. Many breweries and taprooms offer tasting flights of their beers, allowing visitors to sample a variety of styles and flavors. Some popular breweries and taprooms in the area include Boxing Cat Brewery, Liquid Laundry, and Funkadeli.
In addition to tasting flights, some breweries and taprooms offer tours and classes where visitors can learn about the brewing process and the history of craft beer in Shanghai. Many of these establishments also offer food, with menus that pair well with their beers.
Visitors can also explore the neighborhood while enjoying their craft beers, with many breweries and taprooms located in close proximity to each other. The Former French Concession is a great area to stroll around, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to discover.
Overall, a craft beer tasting in the Former French Concession is a fun and unique way to experience Shanghai’s growing craft beer scene while exploring a charming and historic neighborhood.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. From Shanghai: Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Day Tour
Zhouzhuang is a beautiful water town located near Shanghai, known for its picturesque canals, traditional architecture, and tranquil atmosphere. A private day tour to Zhouzhuang from Shanghai is a great way to experience this charming town and learn about its rich history and culture.
The tour typically begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Shanghai, followed by a scenic drive to Zhouzhuang. Upon arrival, you’ll be able to explore the town’s narrow streets and alleys, lined with traditional white-washed buildings and crossed by ancient stone bridges. You can also take a boat ride along the canals, which offers a unique perspective of the town and its surrounding landscape.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Shen House, a well-preserved mansion that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The house features beautiful gardens, courtyards, and intricate wood carvings, providing insight into the life of the wealthy families who lived in the town during ancient times.
Another attraction worth visiting is the Zhouzhuang Museum, which showcases the town’s history and culture through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. The museum provides a great introduction to the town and its significance in Chinese history and culture.
The tour also includes lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample delicious local specialties such as “Wansan Pork Knuckles” and “Shrimp with Tofu”. After lunch, you’ll have some free time to explore the town at your leisure before returning to Shanghai.
Overall, a private day tour to Zhouzhuang from Shanghai is a great way to experience a beautiful water town and learn about its history and culture. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a great way to immerse yourself in China’s rich cultural heritage.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Real Shanghai: Zhujiajiao and Downtown 3-Day Tour
A 3-day tour that covers both Zhujiajiao and downtown Shanghai offers visitors a chance to experience the real Shanghai by exploring both the city’s historic and modern areas.
Day 1: Zhujiajiao Water Town
The tour typically starts with a visit to Zhujiajiao, one of the most well-preserved water towns near Shanghai. Here, visitors can stroll along the ancient canals and bridges, explore local shops and restaurants, and marvel at the well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. The tour usually includes a boat ride along the canal to get a unique perspective of the town.
Day 2: Downtown Shanghai
The second day of the tour is dedicated to exploring the vibrant and modern downtown area of Shanghai. Visitors can explore popular landmarks such as the Bund, a famous waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of the city skyline, and the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. The tour can also include visits to other famous attractions like Yuyuan Garden, the Shanghai Museum, and the French Concession.
Day 3: Deep Dive into Shanghai
On the third day of the tour, visitors can delve deeper into Shanghai’s local culture and lifestyle. The tour can include a visit to the famous Shanghai Food Street, where visitors can sample local delicacies such as xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) and shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings). Visitors can also explore local markets, such as the Dongtai Antique Market and the Fabric Market, where they can shop for souvenirs and traditional Chinese clothing.
Throughout the tour, visitors can enjoy authentic Shanghai-style cuisine, ranging from street food to fine dining. The tour can also include visits to local tea houses, where visitors can sample different varieties of Chinese tea and learn about the art of tea-making.
Overall, a 3-day tour that covers both Zhujiajiao and downtown Shanghai offers visitors a comprehensive and authentic experience of the city’s history, culture, and modern lifestyle. It’s a great way to explore the many facets of this fascinating city and discover what makes Shanghai so unique.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Shanghai: Xintiandi, CCP Museum and French Concession Tour
A tour of Xintiandi, the CCP Museum, and the French Concession in Shanghai offers visitors a chance to explore the city’s history, culture, and architecture.
Xintiandi is a trendy and upscale area that features a mix of traditional Shikumen-style architecture and modern buildings. The tour can start here, where visitors can stroll along the pedestrian-only streets and admire the unique architecture. Xintiandi is also home to many fashionable shops, restaurants, and cafes, where visitors can indulge in some shopping and dining.
Next, visitors can explore the CCP Museum, which tells the story of the Communist Party of China and its role in shaping modern Chinese history. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays that showcase the party’s history and ideology. Visitors can learn about the party’s origins, its leaders, and its role in the Chinese Revolution and the country’s subsequent development.
After the museum, visitors can explore the historic French Concession, an area known for its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and charming cafes. The tour can include a visit to the former residence of Sun Yat-sen, a prominent figure in Chinese history who played a key role in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty. Visitors can also explore local markets, such as the Tianzifang and Sinan Mansions, where they can shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Throughout the tour, visitors can enjoy authentic Shanghai-style cuisine, ranging from street food to fine dining. The tour can also include visits to local tea houses, where visitors can sample different varieties of Chinese tea and learn about the art of tea-making.
Overall, a tour of Xintiandi, the CCP Museum, and the French Concession offers visitors a comprehensive and fascinating experience of Shanghai’s history, culture, and modern lifestyle. It’s a great way to explore the many facets of this dynamic and vibrant city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Shanghai 3-Hour Afternoon Tea Tasting and Dessert Tour
A 3-hour afternoon tea tasting and dessert tour in Shanghai offers visitors a chance to indulge in some of the city’s most delicious and unique treats.
The tour typically starts with a visit to a traditional Chinese tea house, where visitors can sample a variety of teas, learn about tea culture, and discover the art of tea-making. The tea house can be located in one of Shanghai’s historic neighborhoods, such as the French Concession or the Old City.
Next, visitors can explore local bakeries, patisseries, and dessert shops, where they can indulge in a range of sweet treats, from classic Chinese desserts to modern twists on Western favorites. Some popular desserts include mooncakes, pineapple cakes, egg tarts, and mango sago pudding.
Throughout the tour, visitors can learn about the history and cultural significance of each dessert, as well as how to prepare them. The tour can also include visits to local markets, such as the Dongtai Antique Market, where visitors can shop for souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Overall, a 3-hour afternoon tea tasting and dessert tour in Shanghai offers visitors a delicious and delightful way to experience the city’s culinary scene and learn about its culture and history. It’s a great way to indulge in some of Shanghai’s most iconic and mouth-watering treats and discover what makes the city’s food culture so unique.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Shanghai: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour with Lunch
A full-day sightseeing tour in Shanghai typically includes visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, cultural sites, and historic neighborhoods. The tour usually starts in the morning and includes lunch at a local restaurant.
Some popular attractions that can be included in the tour are:
- The Bund: a famous waterfront promenade that offers stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline and iconic colonial buildings.
- Yu Garden: a beautiful classical Chinese garden that features traditional architecture, winding paths, and tranquil ponds.
- People’s Square: a large public square that features a mix of modern and historic buildings, such as the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theater, and the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.
- Nanjing Road: one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, known for its luxury boutiques, department stores, and restaurants.
- Tianzifang: a charming and bohemian neighborhood that features narrow alleyways, quirky boutiques, and street art.
- Jing’an Temple: a famous Buddhist temple that dates back to the 3rd century AD and features stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and beautiful gardens.
The lunch included in the tour can be at a local restaurant that serves authentic Shanghai-style cuisine, such as xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), or hairy crab. Visitors can also try other Chinese specialties, such as mapo tofu, kung pao chicken, or hotpot.
Throughout the tour, visitors can learn about Shanghai’s history, culture, and lifestyle from a knowledgeable guide who can offer insights and interesting facts about each attraction. The tour can be tailored to suit visitors’ interests and preferences, making it a great way to discover the many facets of this dynamic and vibrant city.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#8. From Shanghai: Private Full-Day Suzhou Gardens
A private full-day tour from Shanghai to Suzhou Gardens offers visitors a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and historic gardens in China.
Suzhou, located about 100 kilometers west of Shanghai, is known as the “Venice of the East” and is famous for its classical gardens, which have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Some popular gardens that can be included in the tour are:
- Humble Administrator’s Garden: one of the largest and most famous gardens in Suzhou, featuring stunning pavilions, bridges, and water features.
- Lingering Garden: a picturesque garden that features a mix of traditional Chinese and Western architecture, with winding paths, rock formations, and beautiful flowers.
- Master of the Nets Garden: a small but elegant garden that showcases the essence of classical Chinese garden design, with its intricate rock formations, ponds, and pavilions.
- Garden of the Couple’s Retreat: a romantic and peaceful garden that features a lotus pool, a bamboo forest, and a variety of rare plants and flowers.
The tour can also include a visit to Suzhou’s historic center, where visitors can explore the old streets, markets, and temples. Visitors can also try local specialties, such as Suzhou-style mooncakes, silk embroidery, or bamboo handicrafts.
Throughout the tour, visitors can learn about the history and cultural significance of each garden from a knowledgeable guide who can offer insights and interesting facts about each attraction. The tour can be tailored to suit visitors’ interests and preferences, making it a great way to discover the beauty and charm of Suzhou’s classical gardens.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#9. Private Day Tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake
A private day tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake from Shanghai offers visitors a chance to explore two of the most scenic and important landmarks in the region.
The tour usually starts in the morning with a drive to Lingshan Grand Buddha, a 88-meter-high bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Visitors can climb up to the Buddha’s head for panoramic views of the surrounding area and explore the nearby temples and pagodas.
Next, the tour can continue to Tai Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China, known for its stunning scenery and cultural significance. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the tranquil waters and scenic landscapes, or visit one of the nearby islands, such as the Turtle Head Island or the Three Kingdoms City.
The tour can also include a visit to a local tea plantation, where visitors can learn about the production process of some of China’s most famous teas, such as Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, and enjoy a tea-tasting session.
Throughout the tour, visitors can learn about the history, culture, and traditions of the region from a knowledgeable guide who can offer insights and interesting facts about each attraction. The tour can be tailored to suit visitors’ interests and preferences, making it a great way to discover the natural and cultural beauty of Wuxi and its surroundings.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.