Visiting Shanghai for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Shanghai is one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities in China, so there’s plenty to see and do. But, while exciting, the city can also be overwhelming for first-time visitors. See below for a list of must-dos and must-sees for your first visit to Shanghai.
See the city highlights
Cover more ground on an organized tour.
Start with a guided tour to see the city’s main attractions in a short period of time, all with the benefit of insightful commentary. Choose a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a coach tour, bike tour, or walking tour to visit must-see sites such as the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, and Xin Tian Di in the former French Concession.
Explore the Bund
See the sea.
Shanghai’s iconic waterfront strip is a must-see destination. Stroll along the promenade to enjoy views of the heritage landmark buildings and the futuristic skyscrapers across the river. Visit in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi, then come back at night for glittering views and lively nightlife. You’ll find options for everything from fine dining to classic jazz to swanky rooftop bars.
Visit a Pudong skyscraper
For bird's-eye views.
Lujiazui in Pudong is home to the tallest and some of the most iconic buildings in Shanghai, including Shanghai Tower, the World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Visit one or more of these skyscrapers and take in panoramic views from their observation decks.
Explore a water town
Escape the hustle and bustle.
A popular day trip out of Shanghai is to visit one of the ancient water towns nearby, such as Zhujuajiao, Tongli, and Nanxun. These charming, historic towns are built around a complex and picturesque network of canals and waterways, offering a contrast to the urban sprawl of Shanghai.
Cruise the Huangpu River
Get a new perspective on the city.
The Huangpu River cuts through Shanghai, separating Pudong from Puxi. Set sail on a sightseeing cruise and enjoy a different perspective of both the Bund and the skyscrapers of Pudong. Cruises last from 30 minutes to more than three hours, and can include lunch, dinner, and live entertainment.
Sample the local cuisine
Unmissable foodie experiences.
No visit to Shanghai would be complete without trying the cuisine. Must-try local dishes include soup dumplings (xiao long bao), fried dumplings (sheng jiang bao), different types of noodles, and fresh seafood. Explore restaurants, markets, and food stalls on your own, or go off the beaten path on a guided food tour.
More things to do in Shanghai
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Jen is a Tahoe-based writer who loves traveling, food, and adventures. She has written about food and drink for the likes of Mashed, Tasting Table, and Getaway Reno/Tahoe. Jen spent 20 years living in China and Hong Kong, and has traveled to more than 75 countries. When she’s not out exploring the world or the great outdoors, you can find her curled up with a good book.