Discover Shanghai's iconic skyline, historic waterfront, traditional gardens, fascinating museums, lively shopping streets and neighbourhoods full of food, culture and entertainment.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend, relocating to China or already living in the city, use this guide to plan sightseeing, outdoor activities, cultural experiences and family-friendly days out.
Shanghai brings together historic Chinese neighbourhoods, waterfront architecture, modern skyscrapers, traditional gardens, international culture and a diverse food scene. The city offers different experiences depending on where you go: the Bund for historic architecture and river views, Pudong for the modern skyline, and the Old City for traditional gardens and local street life.
Visitors can spend their time exploring museums, browsing independent shops, tasting Shanghai specialities, walking along the Huangpu River, visiting parks or taking excursions to traditional water towns around the wider Shanghai region.
The best itinerary depends on your interests, the weather, travel time between attractions and whether you prefer museums, shopping, architecture, nature or entertainment.
Walk along Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade and see historic buildings facing the Huangpu River, with the modern skyscrapers of Pudong across the water. The Bund is particularly popular around sunset and after dark.
Good for: Architecture, photography, walking and skyline views.
Official Shanghai tourism guide →Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden featuring traditional pavilions, rockeries, ponds and carefully arranged landscapes. Nearby streets and the surrounding Old City offer opportunities to explore traditional architecture, snacks and souvenir shops.
Good for: Chinese garden design, culture, photography and local food.
Explore Shanghai attractions →Visit Pudong's financial district to see Shanghai's distinctive skyline. The Oriental Pearl Tower offers observation experiences, while nearby waterfront paths provide views across the river towards the historic Bund.
Good for: City views, skyline photography and modern architecture.
Oriental Pearl Tower information →Explore one of Shanghai's best-known shopping streets, with department stores, restaurants, shops and crowds throughout the day. It is also convenient to combine with People's Square and a walk towards the Bund.
Good for: Shopping, people-watching, dining and city walks.
Shanghai travel information →Explore Chinese art and cultural heritage through museum collections and exhibitions. Check which Shanghai Museum location and exhibitions suit your itinerary, and confirm the current entry and reservation arrangements.
Good for: History, Chinese art, ceramics, sculpture and cultural learning.
Official museum directory →Spend a full day exploring themed lands, rides, shows, entertainment and dining at Shanghai Disneyland. Plan ahead for tickets, popular attractions and the park's current operating schedule.
Good for: Families, theme-park rides and entertainment.
Shanghai Disney Resort official website →Explore tree-lined streets, historic residential buildings, cafes, boutiques and independent shops in parts of the former French Concession. Walking is a useful way to discover its different streets and architectural details.
Good for: Architecture, cafes, relaxed walks and photography.
Shanghai visitor guide →Xintiandi combines restored shikumen-style architecture with restaurants, cafes, shops and entertainment venues. It is a convenient stop for visitors interested in Shanghai's architectural heritage and contemporary dining scene.
Good for: Dining, architecture, socialising and evening outings.
Discover Shanghai →For current cultural events and visitor information, consult the official Shanghai tourism website.
Enjoy open green spaces, landscaped areas and walking routes in Pudong. It is a useful option for a break from busy commercial districts.
Explore landscaped public spaces and walking areas in a district shaped by the city's World Expo legacy. Check which sections and facilities are open when you visit.
Walk along selected riverside promenades for views of Shanghai's waterfront, bridges, boats and contrasting historic and modern architecture.
This large park is known for seasonal scenery and cherry blossoms. Flowering periods vary with the weather, so check current seasonal updates before planning a visit.
Consider a longer excursion for wetlands, rural landscapes and nature-focused activities. Travel time depends on your starting point and transport arrangements.
Explore canals, bridges, traditional buildings and waterways on a trip beyond central Shanghai. Allow extra time for transport and walking through the historic area.
Find more parks, scenic areas and outdoor ideas through the Shanghai government travel guide.
Food is an important part of experiencing Shanghai. You can try traditional local dishes, explore regional Chinese cuisines or visit international restaurants and contemporary dining venues.
The Bund is popular for night views of the illuminated skyline. Xintiandi offers dining and social venues, while other neighbourhoods have bars, live music, late-night food and entertainment. Check age restrictions, opening times, booking conditions and transport options before going out.
| Interest | Places and activities to consider | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| First-time sightseeing | The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road and Lujiazui | Group nearby attractions together to reduce travel time. |
| History and culture | Shanghai Museum, historic neighbourhoods and traditional gardens | Check museum reservations and exhibition schedules. |
| Photography | The Bund, Pudong skyline, Yu Garden and Wukang Road | Early mornings and evenings offer different lighting conditions. |
| Family activities | Shanghai Disneyland, science museums, aquariums and parks | Check age suitability, ticket prices and opening hours. |
| Food experiences | Local restaurants, food streets, cafes and traditional snacks | Check ingredients and communicate dietary restrictions clearly. |
| Outdoor recreation | City parks, riverside walks and nature areas | Consider heat, rain, air quality and seasonal conditions. |
| Evening activities | The Bund, river cruises, performances and dining areas | Confirm the final departure time for public transport. |
| Day trips | Zhujiajiao, Chongming and other nearby destinations | Allow extra time for travel outside central Shanghai. |
For official visitor information, attraction updates and seasonal activities, visit Travel in Shanghai or the Shanghai tourism website.
Popular options include walking along the Bund, visiting Yu Garden, exploring Nanjing Road, seeing the Pudong skyline, visiting museums and discovering historic neighbourhoods. Your priorities may differ depending on your interests and the length of your stay.
Two or three days can cover several central attractions. Four or more days provide extra time for museums, parks, neighbourhood walks, Shanghai Disneyland or a trip outside the city centre.
Walking along the Bund, exploring many historic streets, visiting public parks and browsing neighbourhoods can be low-cost or free. Some museums and attractions are free under certain conditions, while special exhibitions and other experiences may charge admission.
The Bund is popular after dark because visitors can see the illuminated buildings along the waterfront and the modern Pudong skyline. Check local conditions and transport schedules before planning a late visit.
Shanghai has theme parks, aquariums, science museums, public parks and interactive attractions. Check ticket policies, age suitability and travel time when planning a family itinerary.
Shanghai is known for its historic Bund waterfront, modern Pudong skyline, traditional gardens, shopping streets, museums, local cuisine and neighbourhoods combining historic and contemporary architecture.
Spring and autumn are often attractive for walking and outdoor sightseeing, although conditions vary from year to year. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold. Check forecasts and seasonal events for your dates.
Yes, but it usually needs a substantial part of a day. If you have only one or two days in Shanghai, decide whether a theme-park visit is a priority before planning the rest of your sightseeing.
Nearby options include traditional water towns such as Zhujiajiao and nature-oriented destinations around the wider Shanghai region. Check transport arrangements and allow enough time for the return journey.
Start with the Shanghai government travel portal and the official Shanghai tourism website for destination information, cultural programmes and visitor updates.
Continue planning your stay with these related guides on IsShanghai.com.
Editorial note: This guide is for general travel planning. Attraction opening hours, admission fees, reservation policies, events and transport arrangements can change. Confirm details with official attraction websites or Shanghai tourism authorities before travelling.