The 12 things to do in Shanghai

Visit Shanghai: what are the best things to do and see in the most populous city of China?

China is already synonymous with adventures, curiosity, exoticism for all Western countries and when we have to evoke the great cities of this immense country, we speak of course Beijing (Beijing) but also from Shanghai.

Another 15 or 20 years ago, Shanghai seemed almost to abandon, frozen in a past century and outdated, but today it is a growing city, in the middle of an explosion where buildings and skyscrapers seem to emerge from earth day after day. Economic activity is very flourishing and thanks to its location close to the sea, it attracts the population, whether Chinese residents, expatriates from all over the world or tourists.

But what to do in Shanghai ? To help you organize upstream, we have listed the main monuments and activities to visit in Shanghai but also other small curiosities specific to this cosmopolitan city that reserves many surprises.

1. The Temple of the Jade Buddha

The Temple of the Jade Buddha houses three imposing statues that were cut to the jade that was brought back from Burma. This temple exists since the end of the 19th century and even though the original temple was destroyed during the Chinese revolution during the fall of the Qing Dynasty, a new temple was born in 1928 with the two statues of the Jade Buddha. The roofs of the temple are richly decorated with sculptures and bells to flee the evil spirits. The interior is sumptuous with a decoration resting on the shades of red and yellow and the silk bands suspended to the ceiling represent prayers.

2. Tianzi Fang

Tianzi Fang is the artistic district of the city. In all these little streets, you will travel in time: indeed, you will have the opportunity to see houses of the 30s and art shops that seem to come out of an album-photo. A very pleasant area where you can walk a glass by hand and eat at the terrace of the cafés. A very popular place of people and tourists should soon know.

3. Yuyuan Garden

In the heart of Shanghai is the oldest garden in the city. Yu Garden is a typical Chinese garden where each thing is in its place, no place at random in this arrangement that is faithful to the rules of Chinese geomantic. And yet, when we enter this garden, we have a clear impression that nature has managed to regain its rights and evolve as good as it seemed. To be discovered, if possible, early enough in the day for a peaceful walk because this garden is quickly stormed.

4. The Maglev

The Maglev is absolutely to try if you come to visit Shanghai! This train is unique in the world and you are sure to only find it in Shanghai. The Maglev is a magnetic-lift train, that is, it does not touch the rails, as if it were in levitation. It’s an amazing experience that to travel almost by flying to the ground. There is currently only one ride but when you know that it can have a tip at 430 km/h, the trip lasts only 7 minutes to connect the Longyang bus station to Pudong International Airport. Once you’re installed, watch the cars circulate at 120 km/h next to you, you’ll feel like they’re moving very slowly.

5. La Jin Mao Tower

The Jin Mao Tower is surely one of the most impressive skyscrapers in all of Shanghai. With its 88 floors, a height of 420 meters (higher than the Eiffel Tower ), she was in sixth place in the global skyscraper classification during her opening in 1999. You will surely have one of the best views and a fantastic panorama across the city. Its art deco façade and elevators are ultra-fast.

6. The In Point puzzle shop

This strange store specializes in puzzles, it is located in the Point Wujiang Shopping Centre, right in the city centre. Most of the themes represented in their puzzles are of Western origin and one can notice their affection for the paintings of van Gogh, for Picasso, etc. This unique store also offers gigantic 3D puzzles that represent the main buildings in Shanghai.

7. Shanghai Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)

These two imposing buildings are located in Pudong, and are respectively the two highest buildings in the city. The Shanghai Tower is even today the second highest tower in the world behind round Burj Khalifa .

With its 492 meters high, the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) is best known for its particular shape that features an orifice in its upper part, a kind of spectacular mirador open to the public. This building contains offices but also hotel rooms and restaurants. There are three points of view but the most incredible remains that at 440 m high.

8. Nanjing Street

It is one of the main arteries of the city that connects the great walk of the Bund with the People’s Square (People’s Square). Very well known for all its shops, its multicolored neon signs, the rides and arrivals of people by bike, we feel that the street never closes. A high place of entertainment, especially during holidays where one can no longer distinguish the day of the night.

9. Pudong district

There are still few, this area was an agricultural area and today it is surely the most lively area in all of Shanghai with its skyscrapers, luxury hotels, shopping centres and high-quality restaurants. Resembling US or Australian CBDs, in this neighborhood everything is impressive, and there is the taste of the Chinese challenge.

10. Qibao

Not far from Shanghai, Qibao is to be discovered because this small town has still preserved all its ancient charm with traditional Chinese houses. Two things characterize this city: one of its canals where it is possible to rent a boat to sway the city; but also the opportunity to shop quietly to find typical products such as textiles, tea, crafts and food. Don’t forget to trade, it’s entered the morals!

11. People’s Square

It is one of the city’s key centres. The People’s Square is located west of the Huangpu River: it is possible to see restaurants, fashion shops, skyscrapers but also a park, the Urban Planning Museum, the great theatre and the Shanghai Contemporary Art Museum. A huge place, far from the city's brouha, which does not leave indifferent.

12. Other things to do in Shanghai

• Go to the Jiashan Market
• Cross the old French concession by bike
• Eat one night at the Bund
• Also get out at the Bund, Red Bar, for example

How to get to Shanghai?

From France, Air France and Air China provide direct flights every day to Shanghai. Located 30 km southeast of Shanghai, Pudong International Airport is connected to Shanghai by Maglev train, taxi, metro or bus. It is possible to book your airport shuttle via the button above. To find cheap flights to Shanghai, you can search our partner's website Skyscanner .

Where to stay in Shanghai?

The four main areas where to stay in Shanghai are Jing’an, Xuhui, Luwan and Huangpu. These four districts are central and are close to the things to see and do in Shanghai. It is not very recommended to stay in Pudong. You can find a cheap hotel in Shanghai by searching for this Compare hotels .

Have you visited Shanghai? What would you recommend?

Main photo credit: Flickr – Bernd Thaller