Ultimate Guide to Shanghai: 7 AMAZING Things to See in 2025

Shanghai hits you like a triple shot of espresso: fast, intense, and completely exhilarating. After two trips to this neon-lit metropolis, I’ve learned that no guidebook quite captures the feeling of standing on the Bund at sunset, watching centuries of architecture face off across the Huangpu River while trying (and failing) to resist another round of soup dumplings.

This isn’t your standard “must-see” list of tourist spots. Sure, I’ll tell you where to find the best view of the Pudong skyline, but also why you should skip the tourist-packed Yu Garden at noon and come back at 8 AM instead. From getting wonderfully lost in the French Concession’s plane tree-lined streets to knowing exactly which xiaolongbao spot will change your life forever, here are my seven tried-and-tested experiences that’ll help you crack the code to this magnificent chaos of a city.

📌 Visiting Shanghai at a Glance

Shanghai is a city of a superlatives. With over 24 million people, Shanghai is the largest city in China and the second largest city proper in the world. It has the world’s fastest passenger train, the Shanghai Maglev, zipping at 267 miles/hour (430 kilometers/hour). Shanghai also has the second tallest building in the world, the Shanghai Tower, which stands 2,073 feet (632 meters) tall. Here are some highlights:

🌟 Top 7 Must-See Attractions in Shanghai:

🔹 The Bund – Iconic waterfront with stunning skyline views.
🔹 Yu Garden – A classical Chinese garden with intricate pavilions.
🔹 Tianzifang & Xintiandi – Trendy shopping & dining spots in the French Concession.
🔹 Shanghai Museum – China’s finest collection of ancient art and artifacts.
🔹 Oriental Pearl Tower – A futuristic tower with glass-bottomed observation decks.
🔹 Jing’an Temple – A stunning Buddhist temple amidst skyscrapers.
🔹 Nanjing Road – One of the world’s busiest shopping streets.

🗓️ Essential Shanghai Travel Info

✔ Best Time to Visit Shanghai – A breakdown of seasons, weather, and events to help you plan your trip.
✔ Shanghai Travel Pass & Budgeting Tips – A guide to saving money on transport, attractions, and food.
✔ Day Trips from Shanghai – The best short trips within 1-2 hours, including Hangzhou, Suzhou, and ancient water towns.
✔ China Travel Tips & Advice – Essential visa info, cultural tips, and key Mandarin phrases.

As a commercial and cultural center, Shanghai offers a variety of impressive tourist sites. Based on my recent trip to Shanghai, here are the top 7 attractions and things to do that you can’t miss!

Shanghai attractions map

Here’s a map with the top attractions in Shanghai.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai in 2025

Shanghai is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of weather, crowds, and key events to help you choose the best time to visit.

🌸 Spring (March – May) – Best Overall Weather & Cherry Blossoms

✅ Why Visit? Spring in Shanghai is mild, pleasant, and colorful, with blooming cherry blossoms and comfortable sightseeing weather.

🌡️ Temperature: 50-75°F (10-24°C)
🚶 Crowds: Moderate (busier in April due to local holidays)
🎭 Key Events:

• Shanghai International Film Festival (March) – Asia’s version of Cannes.
• Peach Blossom Festival (March-April) – Best viewed in Nanhui Peach Blossom Village.
• Qingming Festival (Early April) – “Tomb Sweeping Day” when locals honor ancestors.

🛑 Avoid: The first week of April (Qingming Festival) when locals travel.

☀️ Summer (June – August) – Hot, Humid & Typhoon Season

✅ Why Visit? This is peak travel season with extended daylight hours, lively nightlife, and major festivals. However, heat and humidity are intense, and prices are higher.

🌡️ Temperature: 80-100°F (27-38°C)
🚶 Crowds: Very High (especially July-August)
🎭 Key Events:

• Dragon Boat Festival (June) – Watch traditional boat races on Suzhou Creek.
• Shanghai Book Fair (August) – A huge literary event for book lovers.

🛑 Avoid: July & August if you dislike extreme humidity (~80%) and sudden summer downpours. Typhoons can hit Shanghai in late summer, disrupting flights.

💡 Tip: Explore air-conditioned spots like museums (Shanghai Museum, Power Station of Art) or indoor food courts like Global Harbor Mall.

🍁 Fall (September – November) – Best for Festivals & Mild Weather

✅ Why Visit? Crisp air, golden leaves, and fewer tourists make this a fantastic time to visit. Sightseeing is easy, and it’s less crowded than spring.

🌡️ Temperature: 55-80°F (13-27°C)
🚶 Crowds: Moderate (busiest during Golden Week)
🎭 Key Events:

• Mid-Autumn Festival (September-October) – Time for mooncakes and lantern displays.
• Golden Week (Oct 1-7) – A massive national holiday; expect extreme crowds at attractions.
• Shanghai Jazz Festival (October) – A must for music lovers.

🛑 Avoid: October 1-7 (Golden Week) – Domestic tourism skyrockets, making flights, hotels, and attractions insanely packed.

💡 Tip: Visit parks like Fuxing Park or Century Park for golden autumn foliage and a peaceful retreat.

❄️ Winter (December – February) – Cold & Least Crowded

✅ Why Visit? If you want cheaper hotels, empty tourist sites, and cozy winter food, this is your season. Expect cold but rare snowfall.

🌡️ Temperature: 35-50°F (2-10°C)
🚶 Crowds: Lowest of the year (except during Chinese New Year)
🎭 Key Events:

• Christmas & New Year’s Eve Celebrations – Shanghai’s expat bars & malls go all out.
• Chinese New Year (late Jan/early Feb) – Huge fireworks, temple fairs, and lion dances.

🛑 Avoid: Chinese New Year if you don’t like closed businesses & crowded train stations.

💡 Tip: Try hotpot restaurants (Haidilao or Little Sheep) to warm up and experience local culture.

Shanghai Travel Pass & Budgeting Tips 💳

Shanghai is one of the most affordable major cities in the world for public transportation, but costs can vary depending on your travel style. Here’s a detailed breakdown of expenses and money-saving hacks to help you budget smartly while exploring the city.

💰 Daily Budget Estimates for Travelers

🚇 Shanghai Public Transport Card (Jiaotong Card) – The Best Way to Get Around

If you plan to use public transport often, get a Shanghai Public Transport Card (SPTC), also called a Jiaotong Card (交通卡). It works on:
✅ Metro 🚇 (Shanghai Metro – 20 lines)
✅ Buses 🚌 (Extensive network, useful for outer districts)
✅ Ferries ⛴️ (Across the Huangpu River)
✅ Taxis 🚖 (Can pay with the card in most cabs)

💳 Where to Buy It?

• Metro stations, convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson), and Pudong Airport.
• Deposit: ¥20 ($3 USD), refundable when returning the card.
• Top-Up Amount: Minimum ¥10 (~$1.40), but load at least ¥50 ($7 USD) for a few days.

💡 Pro Tip: The Jiaotong Card saves you from fumbling with cash and offers small fare discounts on multiple rides.

💵 Cost of Transportation in Shanghai

🚇 Shanghai Metro (Best for tourists)

• Fare Range: ¥3-6 ($0.50-$1 USD) per ride
• Hours: 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
• Best Lines for Tourists:
  • Line 2 (Connects Pudong Airport to downtown)
  • Line 10 (French Concession, Yu Garden, Xintiandi)
  • Line 11 (Disneyland)

🚖 Taxis & Didi (China’s Uber)

• Starting Fare: ¥14 ($2 USD) for first 3 km
• Per KM Rate: ¥2.5 ($0.35 USD) after 3 km
• Night Surcharge (11 PM-5 AM): 30% extra
• Didi App: Similar to Uber, but cheaper than taxis. Download Didi (滴滴出行) and use WeChat Pay or Alipay for payment.

🚌 Buses

• Fare: ¥2 ($0.30 USD) per ride
• Slower than metro, but useful for scenic routes (e.g., sightseeing along the Bund).

⛴️ Huangpu River Ferry (Cheapest Way to See the Skyline)

• Fare: ¥2-5 ($0.30-$0.70 USD)
• Route: Crosses the Huangpu River, great for budget travelers who want Bund views for cheap.

🍜 Budgeting for Food in Shanghai

🔥 Must-Try Cheap Eats:

• Jia Jia Tang Bao (佳家汤包) – Legendary soup dumplings, ¥20 ($3 USD).
• Yang’s Fried Dumplings (小杨生煎) – Crispy-bottomed dumplings, ¥10-15 ($2 USD).
• Shengjian Bao (生煎包) – Fried pork buns, ¥8-12 ($1.50 USD).

💡 Pro Tip: Want to eat like a local? Visit food courts in malls (like Super Brand Mall in Pudong) for cheap, delicious meals in a clean setting.

🎟️ Cost of Attractions & Experiences

💡 Pro Tip: City Pass Bundles – Websites like Klook or GetYourGuide offer attraction bundles that save 10-20% compared to buying tickets individually.

💳 Money-Saving Tips for Shanghai

✅ Get a Jiaotong Card – Saves time & offers small fare discounts.
✅ Use Metro Over Taxis – Taxis get stuck in traffic, metro is faster & cheaper.
✅ Eat at Local Spots – Avoid expensive tourist traps near Nanjing Road.
✅ Avoid Peak Season Prices – Hotel & flight prices skyrocket during Golden Week & Chinese New Year.
✅ Use WeChat Pay or Alipay – Cash isn’t used much in Shanghai; digital payments are king.

Final Budget Breakdown for 3 Days in Shanghai

Shanghai on a Budget? Here’s Your $50/Day Plan:

• 🛌 Stay in a clean hostel (~$15).
• 🍜 Eat dumplings & street food (~$10).
• 🚇 Get a Jiaotong Card & use metro (~$3).
• 🎟️ Pick one main attraction per day (~$10).
• Enjoy free activities (walking the Bund, French Concession, temples).

1. The Bund

Nestled along the Huangpu River, the Bund boasts the most spectacular views of Shanghai’s skyline. This waterfront promenade is lined with colonial-era buildings, restaurants, and hotels. As a result, the Bund is an enchanting place for photographers and sightseers alike. After taking a stroll, consider hopping on a Huangpu river cruise for the best views of the cityscape.

2. Yu Garden

Just south of the Bund lies a magnificent display of classical Chinese architecture—the Yu Garden. The Yu Garden is a collection of ponds, rockeries, and shops in a Chinese-style bazaar. This garden dates back to the 1500s, during the golden years of the Ming Dynasty. I also bought my favorite souvenir, an engraved pair of chopsticks, at the bazaar.

3. Tianzifang and Xintiandi

Located in the French Concession of Shanghai, Tianzifang and Xintiandi are trendy neighborhoods with boutique shops, bars, and restaurants. Tianzifang is known for its bustling narrow streets and Shanghai Shikumen buildings.

Xintiandi, another pedestrian-friendly zone, is a more modern, but equally lively, neighborhood in the heart of Shanghai. Together, both Tianzifang and Xintiandi reflect the city’s French influence.

4. Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is China’s premier museum of classical Chinese art. This free museum in the People’s Square offers a glimpse of China’s ancient civilization and rich culture. With over 120,000 historical artifacts—including ancient sculptures, paintings, and bronzeware—the Shanghai Museum is a must-visit in Shanghai!

5. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower is the most iconic structure of Shanghai’s skyline. Standing 1,535 feet (468 meters) tall, this tower serves as a broadcasting center, observation deck, and hotel. If you wish to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower observation decks, I strongly recommend booking online in advance.

6. Jing’an Temple

The Jing’an Temple is a Buddhist temple complex built nearly 800 years ago. Inside, you will find traditional Chinese structures, white jaded halls, and monks that bring the temple to life. It also has the largest sitting jade Buddha statue in China (fun fact).

Surrounded by luxury shopping malls and skyscrapers, this historic temple stands as a sharp contrast to the modern and bustling city.

7. Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is the main pedestrian street in Shanghai and one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Spanning 3 miles (5 kilometers) between the Jing’an District and the Bund, Nanjing Road contains hundreds of high-end shops, hotels, and restaurants. This street is also home to several historic shops tracing back to the Qing Dynasty— including clock, medicine, and jewelry boutiques.

Words of advice: this street can be extremely packed, especially during holidays and weekends. If you wish to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting during lunchtime (noon to 1pm).

Shanghai is truly a state-of-the-art city

Contrary to Western perceptions from decades past, China is not merely a nation of remote villages traversed by three-wheeled carts. Shanghai is a modern, innovative, and bustling city.

With so many unique cultural, commercial, and cosmopolitan elements, Shanghai is a wonderful place for locals, expats, and tourists alike. During my recent trip, I was enthralled by the interesting attractions and lively neighborhoods that define this city. Shanghai is certainly a city that the Chinese people can be proud of.

China travel tips and advice

• Choosing a Tour Operator: China is not particularly a backpacking or do-it-yourself type of destination. As such, I recommend booking your trip through a tour company or travel agency that specializes in China. Remote Lands is a top provider of luxury travel in Asia, and curates excellent itineraries for travelers seeking to experience China’s culture and charm.
• Processing Your Visa in Advance: Be sure to refer to the Chinese Embassy and consulate websites for visa information and requirements. I recommend utilizing a visa processing service in order to ensure reliable and timely processing. In order to obtain a 10-year visa, I went through Orient Destinations, an efficient and trustworthy agency that is a registered visa agent by the New York Chinese Consulate.
• Planning Your Itinerary: For first time visitors to China, most travel experts will recommend that you visit Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi’an. Each of these destinations contain established tourism industries, and are safe and easily accessible.

Day Trips from Shanghai

Shanghai is an incredible city, but if you have extra time, taking a day trip adds a whole new dimension to your experience. Within 1-2 hours, you can explore ancient water towns, scenic lakes, historic temples, and cultural hubs—all offering a refreshing contrast to Shanghai’s modern skyline.

Here are the best day trips from Shanghai, how to get there, and what to do when you arrive.

1. Zhujiajiao Water Town – The “Venice of Shanghai” 🏯

🚆 Travel Time: ~1 hour
🚄 How to Get There: Metro Line 17 → Zhujiajiao Station, then a short walk.

Zhujiajiao is one of the best-preserved water towns in China, with 400-year-old stone bridges, canals, and traditional houses. If you want a scenic escape from Shanghai’s skyscrapers, this is the spot.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Zhujiajiao:

✅ Take a Wooden Boat Ride – Drift along ancient canals for ¥100 (~$14 USD per boat, fits 6 people).
✅ Walk Across Fangsheng Bridge – The largest stone bridge in Zhujiajiao with panoramic canal views.
✅ Try Local Street Food – Freshwater crab, Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and smoked fish.
✅ Explore Kezhi Garden – A beautiful private garden & pavilion from the Qing Dynasty.
✅ Shop on North Street – A bustling old street with tea houses, trinkets, and hand-painted fans.

💡 Pro Tip: Visit early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

2. Hangzhou – West Lake & Tea Plantations 🌿

🚆 Travel Time: ~1 hour by bullet train
🚄 How to Get There: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station → Hangzhou East Railway Station

Hangzhou is famous for West Lake (a UNESCO site), lush tea plantations, and ancient temples. It’s one of China’s most scenic cities, perfect for nature lovers.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Hangzhou:

✅ Explore West Lake 🚣 – Walk, rent a bike, or take a boat ride across the lake for unreal sunset views.
✅ Visit the Longjing (Dragon Well) Tea Plantations 🍵 – Tour tea fields & sip fresh Longjing tea in the hills.
✅ See Leifeng Pagoda 🏯 – Climb for breathtaking views of West Lake & Hangzhou skyline.
✅ Check Out Lingyin Temple – One of China’s most important Buddhist temples, with intricate rock carvings.
✅ Eat “Beggar’s Chicken” 🍗 – A famous Hangzhou dish where a whole chicken is wrapped in lotus leaves and baked in clay.

💡 Pro Tip: If you only have a half-day, stick to West Lake & the tea plantations.

3. Suzhou – The City of Classical Gardens & Silk 🎋

🚆 Travel Time: ~30 minutes by bullet train
🚄 How to Get There: Shanghai Railway Station → Suzhou Railway Station

Suzhou is famous for its classical Chinese gardens, ancient canals, and silk production. It’s often called the “Venice of the East” and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Suzhou:

✅ Stroll Through the Humble Administrator’s Garden – The largest classical garden in Suzhou.
✅ Visit Tiger Hill Pagoda – A leaning pagoda over 1,000 years old (Suzhou’s version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa).
✅ Take a Boat Ride on the Grand Canal – Cruise through ancient waterways lined with traditional houses.
✅ Explore Shantang Street – A historic street with silk shops, lantern-lit teahouses, and canal views.
✅ Learn About Silk at Suzhou Silk Museum – Discover China’s silk-making history & buy authentic silk scarves.

💡 Pro Tip: Rent a bike to explore Suzhou’s gardens & canals at your own pace.

4. Nanjing – History, Temples & Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum 🏯

🚆 Travel Time: ~1.5 hours by bullet train
🚄 How to Get There: Shanghai Railway Station → Nanjing South Railway Station

Nanjing is China’s former capital with deep historical significance, including ancient temples, museums, and the stunning Purple Mountain area.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Nanjing:

✅ Visit the Sun Yat-Sen Mausoleum – A huge memorial complex dedicated to China’s founding father.
✅ Explore the Nanjing Massacre Memorial – A powerful WWII history museum (a must for history buffs).
✅ Climb the Ming City Wall – Walk along the best-preserved Ming Dynasty wall in China.
✅ Visit the Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao) – A beautiful temple with scenic river views & street food.
✅ Hike Purple Mountain – A nature escape with temples, pagodas, and forested trails.

💡 Pro Tip: Spend a night in Nanjing if you want to hike Purple Mountain & see more sights.

5. Wuzhen Water Town – A Fairytale-Like Ancient Town 🌊

🚆 Travel Time: ~1.5 hours by bullet train + short taxi ride
🚄 How to Get There: Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station → Tongxiang Railway Station → Taxi to Wuzhen

Wuzhen is one of China’s most picturesque water towns, with cobblestone streets, arched bridges, and lantern-lit canals. It has a slower, more peaceful vibe than Zhujiajiao.

🌟 Top Things to Do in Wuzhen:

✅ Wander the East & West Scenic Areas – Charming canals, old houses, and photo-perfect bridges.
✅ See the Night Lanterns – The entire town glows with lanterns at night—super romantic!
✅ Visit the Hundred-Bed Museum – Showcases elaborate ancient Chinese beds & furniture.
✅ Check Out the Footbinding Culture Museum – Learn about China’s controversial past tradition.
✅ Eat Wuzhen-Style Braised Pork – A savory local dish, perfect with a bowl of rice.

💡 Pro Tip: Wuzhen is best for an overnight stay because of its magical nighttime atmosphere.

Learning a Few Key Phrases for Your Trip to Shanghai:

Just like in any foreign country, it’s important to come equipped with some basic understanding of the language. Below are 5 key phrases used for basic greetings, questions, and, of course, bartering:

• Nǐ hǎo – Hello
• Xiè xiè – Thank you
• Nǐ huì shuō yīng yǔ ma? – Do you speak English?
• Duō shao qián? – How much is this?
• Tài guile – Too expensive

Last advice for your trip to China: soak it all in

China is a fascinating country with a rich culture and heritage. With its civilization dating back over 3,500 years, China has the longest continuous history of any country in the world. Be sure to take lots of pictures, and also live in the moment by soaking in the remarkable culture and scenery.

Visiting Shanghai anytime soon? Check out this awesome video guide of Shanghai!