The Bund (Wai Tan)
#11.5km waterfront promenade; Western colonial buildings + Pudong skyline.
Free Always open 1-2 hours
Local tip: Sunset 18:00-20:00 + nighttime light show 19:00-22:00 most magical. Avoid noon (heat + crowds).
TripPick
China
China Things to Do in Shanghai
3 attractions across 1 categories
Shanghai blends historic landmarks, natural scenery, and local food experiences. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories. Each attraction card includes entry fees, opening hours, and local tips so you can plan straight from the page. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite category.
Highlights
3 spotsShanghai Tower SkyDeck (632m)
#2World's 2nd tallest building; 118th floor observation deck.
CNY 180 ($25) 9:00-22:00 1.5 hours
Local tip: Pre-book online to skip queue. Sunset/dusk visit best for both day + night views.
Yu Garden + Old City
#31577 Ming dynasty classical garden + 9-zigzag bridge + Huxinting Tea House.
CNY 30 ($4.15) 8:30-17:00 2 hours
Local tip: Visit weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Bazaar shopping outside is touristy + overpriced.
Practical Tips
Local know-how that saves you time and money on the ground.
1
Install VPN BEFORE arrival — Google + Facebook blocked.
2
Maglev train Pudong Airport ¥50 (8 min at 430 km/h) — ride once for experience.
3
The Bund night light show 19:00-22:00 + sunset most photogenic.
4
Din Tai Fung xiaolongbao canonical, but Jia Jia Tang Bao locally famous + cheaper.
5
Suzhou high-speed train day trip 30min + UNESCO classical gardens worth $90.
Getting Around
Subway ¥3-9 per ride. Didi for taxis. Walking in Bund + French Concession.
Book Tours & Activities in Shanghai
Booking online is typically cheaper than walk-up rates and reserves your spot.
Shanghai Highlights Day Tour
BookBund + Yu Garden + Shanghai Tower + lunch
$80
Suzhou + Zhouzhuang Day Tour
BookClassical gardens + water town from Shanghai
$90
Shanghai Disneyland 1-Day Pass
BookSkip-line + character experience + parade
$95
Bund + Pudong Skyline Cruise
Book1-hour Huangpu River cruise at sunset
$25
Shanghai Foodie Tour
Book3-hour evening xiaolongbao + scallion pancakes + soup dumplings
$60
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about attractions and activities in Shanghai.
What are the must-see attractions in Shanghai?
Shanghai's most popular attractions include The Bund (Wai Tan), Shanghai Tower SkyDeck (632m), Yu Garden + Old City, among others. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories below — see details for hours, prices, and local tips.
What free things can I do in Shanghai?
Free entry attractions include The Bund (Wai Tan), among others. Parks, plazas, and public museums let you experience Shanghai without spending — perfect for budget travelers.
Which attractions in Shanghai are most expensive?
Notable paid attractions include Shanghai Tower SkyDeck (632m) (CNY 180 ($25)), Yu Garden + Old City (CNY 30 ($4.15)). Booking online in advance is often cheaper than walk-up rates and lets you skip queues.
What are good day trips from Shanghai?
Shanghai has several day-trip-friendly destinations within 1-3 hours by train, bus, or organized tour. Check the tour booking widget below for popular day-trip packages.
What can families with kids do in Shanghai?
Shanghai offers parks, aquariums, hands-on museums, and themed attractions for families. Look for "family" or "interactive" keywords in the descriptions below.
Where can I see the best night views in Shanghai?
Top night-view spots include The Bund (Wai Tan), Shanghai Tower SkyDeck (632m). Visit after sunset or join a night tour.
What scams should I watch for in Shanghai?
Common tourist scams include overpriced taxis, fake tour sellers, and aggressive street vendors. Buy tickets at official counters and use hotel-recommended or app-based transport for safety.
Where do locals recommend that tourists miss?
Check the "Local tip" sections of each attraction below for insights you won't find in standard guidebooks. Outlying neighborhoods and local markets are often the best hidden gems.
More on Shanghai
Cost guide, itineraries, hotel picks — everything in one place.
Why you can trust things-to-do guide
Jimmy Kong
TripPick founder · Travel content creator
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.
8+ years analyzing travel data
30+ countries visited
Live exchange rate verified
📅 Published: 🔄 Last updated: