A Complete Guide to Things to Try in Shanghai

Shanghai is a city of striking contrasts. Ancient temples sit beside futuristic skyscrapers, quiet tree-lined streets lead to buzzing shopping districts, and traditional cuisine thrives alongside refined modern dining. Whether it is your first visit or a return trip, Shanghai rewards curiosity and careful pacing. This guide covers the city’s essential experiences, from historical landmarks to neighbourhood walks and unforgettable food.

Historical and Cultural Landmarks

The Bund (Waitan)

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The Bund is Shanghai’s most recognisable waterfront promenade and a natural starting point for any itinerary. Stretching along the Huangpu River, it presents a remarkable collection of early twentieth-century buildings influenced by Gothic, Baroque, Art Deco and Romanesque styles. These structures reflect Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past during its treaty port era.

What makes the Bund truly memorable is the visual contrast. On one side stand stately heritage buildings, while across the river in Lujiazui rise glass and steel skyscrapers that symbolise modern China. Together, they encapsulate Shanghai’s layered identity in a single view.

What travellers enjoy

Visitors consistently highlight the scenery, particularly after dark when both sides of the river are illuminated. The promenade is considered one of the best places in the city for photography, casual strolling and soaking in the atmosphere.

Things to note

The Bund becomes extremely crowded in the evenings and on weekends. Pedestrian traffic may be controlled during peak hours. Early mornings are ideal for a calmer experience and offer the chance to see locals practising Tai Chi. Late afternoons provide good daylight views without the evening rush.

Yu Garden (Yu Yuan)

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Yu Garden dates back to the Ming Dynasty and remains one of Shanghai’s finest examples of classical Chinese garden design. Covering approximately five acres, the garden features rockeries, ponds, pavilions and carved dragon walls that create a sense of seclusion despite its central location.

Outside the garden lies the Yu Garden Bazaar, where traditional snacks, crafts and souvenirs add to the historic atmosphere.

Visitors appreciate the intricate design and the peaceful moments found within its winding paths. The Nine Bend Bridge, especially when lanterns are lit in the evening, is a popular highlight. Weekend evenings often include street performances that add to the ambience.

Things to note

Yu Garden is busy most of the time, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Arriving early in the morning offers softer light and fewer crowds. Expect a fair amount of walking on stone paths, so comfortable footwear is essential. As much of the garden is outdoors, weather conditions should be considered.

Jade Buddha Temple

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Founded in 1882, the Jade Buddha Temple provides a welcome sense of calm away from the city’s intensity. Its most treasured features are two jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar: a standing Buddha and a reclining Buddha, both adorned with gold leaf and jewels.

Many visitors value the temple’s tranquillity and spiritual atmosphere. The architecture, incense-filled halls and active worship practices offer insight into local Buddhist traditions.

Things to note

The temple is busier during religious festivals and holidays. While general entry is free, there is a small fee to visit the Jade Buddha Tower. Visitors should dress modestly and remain respectful, as the temple remains an active place of worship.

Modern Architectural Marvels

Lujiazui Skyscrapers and Observation Decks

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Lujiazui is the financial heart of Shanghai and home to its most dramatic skyline. The area features the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Centre and the Shanghai Tower, which stands at 632 metres.

Observation decks provide panoramic views that help visitors grasp the sheer scale of the city.

Sunset visits are especially popular, allowing visitors to witness the city transition from daylight to night. The Jin Mao Tower’s skywalk appeals to those seeking a more adventurous experience.

Things to note

Observation decks can be crowded during peak hours. Visiting earlier in the afternoon or on weekdays offers a more comfortable experience.

Museums and Cultural Institutions

Shanghai Museum

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Shanghai Museum operates two major locations. The original museum at People’s Square is designed to resemble an ancient bronze vessel, while the newer Shanghai Museum East opened in 2024 with a sleek, contemporary design inspired by white jade.

Together, they house thousands of artefacts spanning over 5,000 years of Chinese history. Highlights include Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture galleries and extensive collections of ceramics, calligraphy, jade and bronzes.

Visitors appreciate the depth and clarity of the exhibitions, particularly the reconstructed interiors that illustrate how historical elites lived. The museums provide valuable context for understanding Chinese art and craftsmanship.

Things to note

Complimentary guided tours are available and are worth joining, especially for the furniture galleries. Allow at least two to three hours for a meaningful visit, or focus on specific sections if time is limited.

Shanghai City History Development Museum

Located beneath the Oriental Pearl Tower, this museum uses models, immersive scenes and lifelike wax figures to trace Shanghai’s transformation from a fishing village into a global metropolis.

The visual storytelling makes the museum engaging and accessible, particularly for those who prefer interactive displays over traditional text-heavy exhibitions.

Things to note

The theatrical presentation makes this museum especially suitable for families and first-time visitors seeking an overview of the city’s past.

Neighbourhoods and Shopping Districts

Tianzifang

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Tianzifang is a network of narrow alleyways within the Former French Concession, built around traditional shikumen houses. It hosts small boutiques, art studios, cafés and craft shops, many of which are independently run.

Visitors like the relaxed, creative atmosphere and the feeling of exploring a lived-in neighbourhood rather than a curated attraction. It is ideal for unhurried wandering and discovering small local businesses.

Things to note

The area can still become crowded on weekends. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and visitors should remain mindful that residents continue to live in these alleys.

Xintiandi

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Xintiandi offers a more polished take on shikumen redevelopment. Historic buildings have been restored and repurposed into restaurants, bars and upscale retail outlets.

Those seeking refined dining and stylish surroundings appreciate Xintiandi’s clean layout and high-quality venues. It is particularly popular in the evenings.

Things to note

Prices are noticeably higher than in neighbouring districts, and some travellers find the area less representative of everyday Shanghai life.

Former French Concession

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Beyond Tianzifang and Xintiandi lies the wider Former French Concession, characterised by plane tree-lined streets, historic residences and a strong café culture. It is one of the best areas in Shanghai for walking.

Visitors enjoy the slower pace, architectural variety and sense of local life. Hidden cafés and independent shops reward those who explore beyond main roads.

Things to note

The district is large, and attempting to cover it entirely on foot can be tiring. Planning a partial route or combining walking with short taxi rides works best. Weekdays are quieter and more enjoyable.

Culinary Experiences

Xiao Long Bao

Xiao Long Bao, or soup dumplings, are synonymous with Shanghai cuisine. These delicate dumplings are filled with pork and rich broth, encased in thin, pleated wrappers.

The balance of texture and flavour, along with the ritual of carefully eating the dumplings, makes this a memorable experience. Ginger vinegar is traditionally used to cut through the richness.

Things to note

Dumplings are served extremely hot and should be eaten with care. High-quality establishments prepare them fresh, which may involve waiting. Popular venues attract queues, particularly at meal times.

Shanghai Cuisine and Dining

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Shanghai cuisine is known for subtle sweetness, fresh ingredients and careful presentation. Signature dishes include scallion oil noodles, braised pork belly, roasted duck and lightly seasoned seafood.

What travellers enjoy

Visitors often praise restaurants that combine traditional flavours with refined execution. Attentive service and clear digital menus make dining more accessible for non-Mandarin speakers.

Things to note

Some upscale restaurants price seafood per person rather than per dish, so checking menus in advance is wise. Street food areas such as Huanghe Road offer more affordable alternatives without sacrificing authenticity.

Unique Experiences and Day Trips

Huangpu River Cruise

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An evening river cruise offers sweeping views of both the Bund and Lujiazui, highlighting Shanghai’s architectural contrasts.

What travellers enjoy

The illuminated skyline seen from the water provides a memorable perspective, particularly after sunset.

Things to note

Evening cruises are the most popular and can sell out during busy seasons.

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is spacious and well-designed, with exclusive attractions such as TRON Lightcycle Power Run.

Families appreciate the wide walkways and efficient crowd management, which make the park feel less overwhelming than other Disney resorts.

Things to note

Arriving early and using the official app to monitor queue times helps maximise the visit.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

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Zhujiajiao is an ancient canal town located about an hour from central Shanghai. Stone bridges, narrow lanes and waterside teahouses offer a glimpse of traditional life.

The slower pace and historic setting provide a refreshing contrast to the city’s modern energy.

Things to note

Weekends are busy with tour groups. Visiting on a weekday or early in the morning allows for a more peaceful experience.

Shanghai is a city that rewards balance. By mixing iconic sights with neighbourhood exploration and local food, visitors gain a deeper appreciation of its complexity and character.