25 Best Things to Do in Shanghai (2026): The Complete List

The Bund — Shanghai's riverside promenade of colonial-era buildings facing Pudong's futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River; free, and best at dusk when both sides light up.

Shanghai Tower — the world's second-tallest building, with an observation deck near the top floor and the fastest elevators of any building when it opened.

Huangpu River night cruise — the single most efficient way to see both the historic Bund and modern Pudong skylines from the water in one trip.

Oriental Pearl Tower — the older, more retro-futuristic Pudong landmark, still a solid viewpoint and genuinely photogenic from across the river.

Yu Garden — a Ming dynasty classical garden surrounded by a lively bazaar; go early to see the garden itself before the bazaar crowds peak.

French Concession — Shanghai's former French colonial district, now the city's best neighborhood for tree-lined streets, independent cafes and boutique shopping; Wukang Road is its most photographed corner.

City God Temple — a Taoist temple adjoining Yu Garden, genuinely active rather than purely a tourist stop.

Jing'an Temple — a gold-roofed Buddhist temple that feels startlingly out of place amid Jing'an district's glass office towers, which is exactly why it's worth the stop.

Zhujiajiao water town — a canal town around an hour from the city, the easiest authentic water-town day trip without the longer haul to Suzhou.

Suzhou — a bullet train away (roughly 25-40 minutes depending on the service), home to UNESCO-listed classical gardens and generally considered the better day-trip option if you only have time for one.

Shanghai Disneyland — the first Disney park on the Chinese mainland, genuinely worth a dedicated day rather than a half-day add-on.

ERA Intersection of Time — Shanghai's resident acrobatics show, a long-running and consistently well-reviewed evening activity.