Planning to visit China’s largest and most prosperous city, Shanghai? Here are 30 of the best things to do in the Pearl of Asia!
If all that XiaoHongShu and DouYin got you craving xiao long bao while admiring ancient water towns, then there’s no better time to visit Shanghai! Make the most of your trip with this extensive guide featuring the best things to do in Shanghai — from iconic food and tourist hotspots to hidden gems and unique experiences.
💜 Stay Up To Date:
– Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama: Tickets, Activities, Nearby Attractions (2025)
– Best Travel Agency in Singapore For Stress-Free Travel (2025)
– Tokyo DisneySea Guide: Rides, Tickets, Tips & What’s New In 2025
Overview of the best things to do in Shanghai:
Iconic Shanghai Attractions & Landmarks 🏙️
- Shanghai Tower
- The Bund
- Yu Garden
- Longhua Temple
- Shanghai Museum
- Museum of Art Pudong (MAP)
- Shanghai Disneyland
- Huangpu River Cruise
Unique Shanghai Experiences & Tours 🎭
- Ride the Maglev
- Shanghai Circus World
- Shanghai Breakfast Street Food Tours
- Shanghai Marriage Market
Shanghai Food & Culinary Highlights 🥟
- Xiao Long Baos at Guyi Garden Restaurant
- Steamed Hairy Crabs at Wang Bao He
- Pan-fried Buns at Shu Cai Ji (hidden gem)
- Xie San Bao
- Hu Xi Lao Long Tang
- Shui Guo Tang Quan (Wujiaochang)
- Xian Yun Wu Di Chui Zi Hotpot
- Apoli Itabakery
- Butterfull and Creamorous
Trendy Shanghai Neighbourhoods & Hidden Gems 🎨
- Tianzifang
- XinTianDi
- M50 Creative Park (hidden gem)
- Zhang Yuan (hidden gem)
- Changle Road
- Anfu and Wukang Road
- Shanghai Greenhouse Garden
- Coffee Cube at Lujiazui Green Space
Shanghai Day Trips & Water Towns 🚣♂️
- Zhu Jia Jiao Water Town
- Day trip to Suzhou
For more Shanghai travel content: Save this guide!
Follow our TikTok (@YouTripSG) for more content like this!
Iconic Shanghai Attractions & Landmarks:
1. Shanghai Tower
Image credits: @Rnazz on Pintrest
At 128 stories tall, the Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building and the world’s third-tallest at 632 meters. Ride the world’s fastest elevator up to the 119th floor, where you’ll find the second-highest observation deck globally, offering stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline, including the Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower.
On a clear day, catch views of the Suzhou River meeting the Huangpu River and the Yellow Sea estuary.
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 10 PM
Address: 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China 200120
Entry Fee: 180 CNY (~S$32.25)
Protip: Book tickets online via Trip.com on YouTrip Perks to skip the queues while getting up to 7% cashback!
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here’s how you can add your YouTrip card to Alipay for seamless payments
2. The Bund
Image credits: Freepik
Y’know stock images that appear when you search for Shanghai? This is THE spot to take that iconic photo of Shanghai’s skyline.
The Bund is the iconic waterfront promenade famous for Shanghai’s skyline shots. Here, colonial-era buildings stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower.
Walk along the Huangpu River, spotting landmarks like the Customs House and Peace Hotel. For a different perspective, take a Huangpu River cruise to see the city lights from the water.
Address: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Travelling to China? Read: Can YouTrip Be Used in China?
3. Yu Garden
Image credits: Viator
Believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty more than 400 years ago, Yu Garden stands tall in the centre of Shanghai’s Old City. Once a private garden to the Pan family, Yu Garden comprises six scenic areas — Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden.
Enjoy classical Chinese architecture, exquisite sculptures, and carvings. Take a walk across the Jiu Qu Bridge (the Nine-Turn Bridge), which is believed to bring people good luck as they cross from one side to the other!
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, Huang Pu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China 200000
Entrance Fee:
Peak season (April – June, September): 40 CNY (~S$7.17)
Off-peak season (July – August, December): 30 CNY (~S$5.37)
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Check out this guide for the best things to do in Beijing
4. Longhua Temple
Image credits: Stefan Fussan on Wikipedia Commons
Escape Shanghai’s busy streets at Longhua Temple (龙华寺), the city’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple with stunning halls, golden statues, and a seven-story pagoda. Visit during the annual temple fair to experience traditional performances. Dress modestly as it is an active place of worship!
Price: 10 CNY (S$1.79)
Address: 2853 Longhua Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200232
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Check out this WeChat Pay For Foreigners In China Guide 2025
5. Shanghai Museum
Image credits: China Daily
Located in People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum houses over 120,000 artifacts showcasing Chinese art and history, including jade carvings, paintings, and bronzes. Entry is free and a must-visit for art and history lovers.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 201 Renmin Ave, People’s Square, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Price: Free entry
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Discover 20 Best Things To Do In Chengdu, China (2025)
6. Museum of Art Pudong (MAP)
Image credits: ArchDaily
A stone’s throw from the iconic Pearl Tower, MAP is a sleek, modern museum designed by French architect Atelier Jean Nouvel. Inside, you’ll find blockbuster exhibitions featuring global and Chinese artists across multimedia formats.
Check the official website before you go, as tickets to headline exhibitions tend to sell out quickly.
Bonus: The rooftop terrace offers unbeatable skyline views of Lujiazui.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM, daily.
Address: No.2777 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, China
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here’s How to Use DiDi in China (2025): Full Guide for Foreigners
7. Shanghai Disneyland
Image credits: TripSavvy
For new and veteran Disneyland goers, trust me when I say that there is no other park like Shanghai Disneyland. As the second biggest Disney park in the world, there’s something for everyone in the happiest place on Earth.
Based on being a futuristic city, Shanghai Disneyland offers a maglev train across the entire park instead of a monorail. Unlike its American counterpart, the park has fewer lands as areas such as New Orleans Square and Frontierland have no context in China.
For visitors who are nervous about visiting a Chinese theme park, don’t fret, as all cast members converse fluently in English and Mandarin.
Image Credits: KKday
While most have commented that they’re able to finish the park in a day, note that families with little kids should opt to split the experience into two separate days to fully enjoy all attractions and performances.
Opening Hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
Address: 4MV5+945, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shanghai Shi, China, 201205
Entrance Fee: From 475 CNY (~S$85.10). Ticket prices differ by type and season, check the official website for more details
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here’s the ultimate Universal Studios Japan (USJ) guide to prep you for Japan
8. Huangpu River Cruise
Image credits: Klook
A must-do in Shanghai, the Huangpu River cruise offers 45 minutes of scenic views of the city’s skyline, including the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower. Choose from various cruise options (30 minutes to three-and-a-half hours), with varying boat sizes, or opt for a dinner cruise (book in advance).
Address: 291 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, Shanghai, China
Price: From 150 CNY (~S$26.87)
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here’s how you can Add Your YouTrip Card To Alipay And WeChat Pay
Unique Shanghai Experiences & Tours:
9. Ride the Maglev
Image credits: Global Times
Experience the world’s fastest train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h. The 30 km journey takes just 8 minutes and offers a unique and eco-friendly start to your Shanghai visit. Discounts are available for same-day flight passengers, and free rides for children under 130 cm.
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Address: 2100 Longyang Road, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 201204
Ticket Prices:
| Type | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Single Trip | 1 single trip of the day | 50 CNY (~S$8.96) |
| Round Trip | 7-day ordinary round-trip ticket | 80 CNY (~S$14.33) |
| Single Trip with same-day air ticket presented | Single trip for passengers who have arrived in Shanghai on the same day | 40 CNY (~S$7.17) |
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Check out the Best SGD to CNY Rate in Singapore (2025 Guide)
10. Shanghai Circus World
Image credits: Expedia
Enjoy an exhilarating mix of martial arts, acrobatics, and Chinese culture at the ERA Intersection of Time show. Highlights include motorcycle stunts inside a metal sphere and gravity-defying backflips. A great night out for families, friends, or couples.
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 9 PM
Address: ERA Castle, 2801 Gong He Xin Road, Shanghai
Entrance Fee: From 380 CNY per adult (~S$78.08)
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here are 14 Best Money Changers In Singapore (2025 Guide)
11. Shanghai Breakfast Street Food Tours
Image credits: Nomfuence
Ditch that fancy intercontinental breakfast platter and head out to the streets for the best Chinese breakfast ever. Try Jianbing or Chinese crepes made from wheat and mung bean flour. They’re typically filled with eggs, coriander, scallions, pickles, chilli, and bean sauce. You can even choose to add a deep-fried dough fritter (You Tiao) into it as well.
Image credits: Taste Cooking
Another breakfast item you have to try is the fried dough stick and soy milk combo (Dou Jiang You Tiao). The dough stick is dipped into the warm soy milk — making it a hearty yet simple breakfast for those who can’t stomach heavy foods in the morning.
Lastly, you have to try Cong You Bing or Scallion Pancakes. Possibly the most famous street food in Shanghai, the Scallion Pancakes are pan-fried with oil and scallions. They’re crispy, flaky, chewy, and oily with a hint of freshness.
For those who are concerned about navigating the streets in the morning, you can try out one of the many Shanghai breakfast street food tours provided by UnTour. These three-hour public tours will take you to some of the best vendors for tastings and you can even visit the wet market afterwards! Price for food tour:
- 525 Yuan per adult,
- 395 Yuan per child
Address: Near Shaanxi Road (South) Metro
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Looking to send money overseas from Singapore? Check out this guide!
12. Shanghai Marriage Market
Image credits: Fiona Travels From Asia
Held in People’s Park on weekends, this market isn’t for flowers or food — it’s for future in-laws. Parents gather here armed with handwritten bios, listing everything from their child’s height and income to star sign and alma mater.
While everything’s in Chinese, it’s a fascinating (and slightly surreal) cultural experience to witness. Who knows? Your forever love might just be a banner away.
Opening Hours: Open daily, but best to visit from 11AM – 6PM on Saturdays!
Address: Shanghai People’s Park
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Discover the Best Singapore Credit Card For Overseas Spending (2025)
Shanghai Food & Culinary Highlights:
13. Xiao Long Baos at Guyi Garden Restaurant
Image credits: Thatsmags.com
We all know a trip to Shanghai isn’t complete without tasting some delicious XLBs (or Xiao Long Bao) but do you know where the best ones are at? Known as soup dumplings, Xiao Long Bao are thinly wrapped Shanghainese parcels of minced meat and hot soup delivered in a wooden basket.
Image credits: Nomfluence
The best soup dumplings in town have got to be at Guyi Garden Restaurant. Known to be the place where xiao long bao originated, the store specialises in handmade made-to-order dumplings with several different fillings including pure minced pork and crab roe with minced pork. Located in Nanxiang, it’s a must-try for dumpling lovers.
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 9:30 PM
Address: 218 Huyi Hwy, Jiading District, Shanghai, China 201802
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here’s everything you need to know about the Beijing Subway Guide: Lines, Key Stops, Ticket Prices
14. Steamed Hairy Crabs at Wang Bao He
Image credits: Culture Trip
Although hairy crabs might be an acquired taste for some, no one can disagree that the roe of these crustaceans is simply out of this world. Unlike your typical crabs, the hairy crab does not have much meat but instead boasts a large amount of delicious buttery roe — enough to make any crab connoisseur an addict.
At Wang Bao He, the crabs are poached in water rather than steamed to prevent the roe from overflowing out of the crab during the process.
Don’t fancy a hairy steamed crab by itself? Wang Bao He offers multiple dishes incorporating this lovely crustacean from mung noodles with crab to crab sesame buns!
Opening Hours: 11 AM – 1:30 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
Address: Wang Bao He Central Hotel, 555 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Need more travel inspo? Here are The Best Things To Do In Tokyo (2025): Temples, Food, Shopping, More
15. Pan-Fried Buns at Shu Cai Ji (Hidden Gem)
Image credits: Nomfluence
Relish the mouthwatering delicacy that is Shengjian Bao (生煎包), or pan-fried buns at Shu Cai Ji (舒蔡记). This popular street food is famous for its crispy, golden exterior that bursts open to reveal a savoury, juicy steaming pork filling. Served hot, these buns are a must-try for street food enthusiasts visiting Shanghai.
Tip: Queue early! This shop is a longstanding establishment that’s often frequented by locals and can get pretty crowded at peak meal times.
Address: 146 Yunnan Zhong Lu, near Shantou Lu, Huangpu District 云南中路142-146号, 近汕头路, 邮政编码: 200003
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here are 10 affordable leisure farmstays in Taiwan
16. Xie San Bao
Image credits: Dianping
Crab roe lovers, assemble. While Shanghai is famous for its hairy crabs, Xie San Bao turns the decadence up a notch. Their crab roe rice and crab roe noodles are unassuming but deeply umami-packed.
Pair it with their crab roe xiaolongbao for a meal so rich it borders on sinful. Come hungry and prepare to nap after.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 11AM – 10PM, Sat & Sun, 10AM – 10PM
Address: 388 Madang Road, SOHO Fuxing Plaza, Block D, F1-D110 , Huaihai Middle Road Street, Huangpu District
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Check out 15 Things To Do In The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey JB (2025)
17. Hu Xi Lao Long Tang
Image credits: Dianping
This no-frills noodle joint is always packed — and for good reason! Locals and savvy tourists flock here for their rich intestine and pork liver noodles, crispy chicken cutlets, and that charmingly chaotic seating arrangement where everyone passes sauces to strangers, all without missing a beat.
It’s messy, loud, and delicious, and everything we love. Arrive early; they sell out fast!
Opening Hours: 10AM – 2.30PM, 3.30PM – 8.30PM, open daily.
Address: 685 Dingxi Road, Changning District, Shanghai 101
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Discover 34 Best Things To Do In Seoul In 2025: Attractions, Hidden Gems, Local Favourites
18. Shui Guo Tang Quan (Wujiaochang)
Image credits: Dianping
A multi-storey wellness wonderland, Shui Guo Tang Quan is your go-to for a full-on R&R escape. Think hot springs, saunas, massage treatments, sleep pods, free-flow ice cream, and movie screens all under one roof.
Located near Fudan University, it’s conveniently located, and transports you into an otherworldly space where self-care reigns supreme. Come for the wellness, stay for the skewers (which we hear are super addictive).
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Address: 111 Songhu Road, Shanghai
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Discover 20 Best Things To Do In Dubai (2025 Guide)
19. Xian Yun Wu Di Chui Zi Hotpot
Image credits: Dianping
Claypot + charcoal + hotpot = a trio that slaaaps. This hidden gem takes traditional hotpot up a notch by slow-simmering your soup over real fire.
With broths starting from just ~S$4 and an extensive menu of meats, seafood and veg, this spot combines old-school charm with unbeatable prices. A must for hotpot fans who want something that tastes like a warm hug, but at a fraction of the price they’re usually paying in Singapore.
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri, 11AM – 2PM, 4.30PM – 2AM, Sat & Sun, 11AM – 2AM
Address: 1100 Dingxi Road, Changning District , Shanghai
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here are the Best Things To Do In Jeju (2025): 4-Day Itinerary + Travel Tips
20. Apoli Itabakery
Image credits: travelaholicstory
There’s magic in the air here. Literally. Apoli Itabakery is what you’d get if a wizard opened a boulangerie. The interiors channel Hogwarts energy with arched windows, warm lighting, and stained glass detailing — but the real magic happens in the oven.
Standouts include the pistachio puff pastry tart, Italian cheese-strawberry chocolate cake, and their rich pork chop curry tamagoyaki bread. Now we’re getting hungry.
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM, daily.
Address: 380 Xingguo Road, Changning District, Shanghai
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Check out 21 Things To Do In Mount Austin JB | Food & Activities (2025)
21. Butterfull and Creamorous
Image credits:Trip.com
If you’ve ever seen someone lugging a massive neon green paper bag in Shanghai, this is where it came from. Butterfull and Creamorous is a pastry paradise where nothing is too extra.
Expect to queue, and also expect to struggle choosing between their French coconut hazelnut puffs, fig breads, burnt cheesecakes and gooey apple cinnamon rolls. The portions are generous and the calories, worth every bite.
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM, daily.
Address: Xintiandi Style (Also in multiple locations)
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here are 25 Best Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City (2025)
Trendy Shanghai Neighbourhoods & Hidden Gems:
22. Tianzifang
Image credits: CultureTrip
Tucked away in the former French Concession, Tianzifang (田子坊) is a charming maze of narrow alleyways filled with independent boutiques, art studios, and cosy cafes. It’s an ideal spot for souvenir shopping or discovering local art and crafts.
Don’t miss out on indulging in street food here that offers a mix of traditional Shanghai snacks and international flavours. Arrive early to enjoy a quieter and more leisurely exploration.
Address: 210 Taikang Rd, Huangpu, China, 200023
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Discover the Top 15 Things To Do In Krabi, Thailand Right Now (2025)
23. XinTianDi
Image credits: Shanghai Tours
Xintiandi (新天地) is a trendy district known for its restored Shikumen houses—a unique blend of Western and Chinese architecture. Now home to boutiques, cafes, and fine dining, it’s also where you’ll find the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.
Perfect for relaxing after sightseeing, you can enjoy local treats or rooftop cocktails here. Xintiandi also hosts events like Shanghai Fashion Week and the Lighting Festival.
Price: Free to enter (costs vary by activity)
Address: Lane 181, Taicang Road, Huangpu, Shanghai
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Check out 22 Best Things To Do In Jakarta, Indonesia (2025)
24. M50 Creative Park (Hidden Gem)
Image credits: Shanghai Observer
Art lovers should make a trip to the M50 Creative Park, a hub of contemporary art housed in repurposed factory buildings. This vibrant space features galleries, artist studios, and street art that provide insight into Shanghai’s modern art scene.
Explore installations by local and international artists, or purchase unique pieces to take home. Admission is free, but consider joining a guided tour for a better understanding of the exhibits.
Address: 50 Moganshan Rd, Putuo, Shanghai, China, 200071
Price: Free
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here are 15 Best Things To Do In Naples (2025 Edition)
25. Zhang Yuan (Hidden Gem)
Image credits: International Services Shanghai
Step into the cultural revival of Zhang Yuan (张园), a historic neighbourhood over 140 years old, transformed into the heart of Shanghai’s creative scene. Once a colonial-era residential area, it now hosts contemporary art exhibits, luxury brand boutiques, cafes, galleries and many other varieties of vibrant shops.
Address: ZhangYuan, Lane 588, Weihai Road, Jing ‘an District, Shanghai
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Discover 15 Best Things To Do In Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2025)
26. Changle Road
Image credits: Hanatsubaki Shiseido
If Shanghai had its own Ann Siang Hill or Telok Ayer, this would be it. Changle Road is a buzzy, bar-dotted stretch that blends quiet romantic corners with chaotic fun. From hidden speakeasies to sleek cocktail dens, you’ll find yourself easily hopping from one joint to another.
The ones we keep going back to? Yin Jiu (a clever pun on “Enjoy”), which nails its drinks and ambience, DrinKuaidi for a quiet, more localised flair, and Plan B for a no-fuss night out with fantastic cocktails.
Whether you’re kickstarting the evening or winding down, Changle Road definitely knows how to set the mood.
Opening Hours: Varies across shops
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here are the Best Things To Do In Hanoi For 3D2N (2025)
27. Anfu and Wukang Road
Image credits: Shanghai Daily
Winding through the former French Concession, this iconic stretch is an explorer’s dream. It’s part leafy boulevard, part shopping haven, and 100% photogenic. Along Anfu Road, you’ll find thrift stores, minimalist boutiques, fragrance ateliers, and third-wave coffee joints.
Hit Wiggle Wiggle for eclectic accessories, Deja Vu for thrifted gems, Harmay for travel-sized luxury, and Looknow&Flow for possibly the largest collection of Jellycats this side of the globe. It’s equal parts retail therapy and cultural voyeurism — with perfect cafe pit stops in between.
Opening Hours: Varies across shops
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Check out 14 Best Things To Do In Busan, South Korea (2025 Edition)
28. Shanghai Greenhouse Garden
Image credits: Bollinger + Grohmann
Tucked away from the urban din is a lush escape that feels more Studio Ghibli than city centre. Shanghai Greenhouse Garden is a dreamy glasshouse-meets-botanical sanctuary where art, nature, and architecture converge.
Expect winding paths framed by tropical plants, sun-dappled corners perfect for photos, and the occasional quiet corners amidst the greenery. It’s a breath of fresh air — literally and aesthetically. Great for couples, solo wanderers, or anyone seeking a quiet reset.
Opening Hours: Tues – Sun, 9AM – 5PM. Closed on Mondays.
Address: 100 Jikun Lu, inside Shanghai Expo Culture Park, near Tongyao Lu, Pudong District
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Read: 13 Best Things To Do In Bintan For A Short Getaway (2025)
29. Coffee Cube at Lujiazui Green Space
Image credits: CGTN
Yes, you’re in the CBD. No, you won’t feel like it. Nestled within the Lujiazui Green Space is Coffee Cube, a cosy little space surrounded by manicured lawns and skyline views.
The draw? A rotating collaboration with local and international cafes every two months, which means every visit offers something new. Grab a seasonal pour-over and sprawl on the lawn — you’ll forget you’re minutes from the finance bros and the rat race.
Opening Hours: Varies across shops
Address: 717 Lujiazui Ring Rd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200086
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Here are 15 Best Things To Do In Sydney (2025 Insider Guide)
🌟 Bonus: Shanghai Day Trips & Water Towns 🌟
30. Zhu Jia Jiao Water Town
Image credits: Zhu Jia Jiao
Step back in time to Zhu Jia Jiao (朱家角), a charming water town over 1,700 years old. Known as the “Venice of Shanghai,” it features arched stone bridges, beautiful gardens, and well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings.
Wander cobblestone streets or take a peaceful gondola ride along the canals. Be sure to try local delicacies at the lively open-air markets!
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
Address: No. 180, Xinxi Road, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Price: Entrance is free but certain buildings/sites may charge. Prices for boat rides differ.
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Read: 16 Fun Things To Do In Malacca (Melaka)
31. Day trip to Suzhou
Image credits: Luxury Travel Advisor
Got extra time to spare? Hop on a 30-minute high-speed train (business class optional, but recommended) and escape the Shanghai bustle for a day. Suzhou is often called the “Venice of the East,” and for good reason.
Wander through the canals at Xietang Laojie, shop and eat at Centre Mall, or watch the sunset at Jinji Lake. It’s calm, cultural, and a beautiful breather from Shanghai’s city chaos.
31 Things To Do In Shanghai 2025: Top Attractions, Local Food — Read: Best Things To Do In Ipoh For 3D2N
Explore the Pearl of Asia to your heart’s content
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Shanghai in the palm of your hands, you’re ready to explore the Pearl of Asia! Don’t forget to add your YouTrip card to Alipay and Wechat for seamless payments and the best CNY rates all day.
Singapore’s go-to multi-currency wallet helps you save with great FX rates and zero fees. Skip the money changer and get a free YouTrip card + S$5 YouTrip credits with code <YTBLOG5>.
Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. Join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and Community Group (@YouTripSquad) for travel tips, event invites, and more!
Happy travels!
Related Articles
WeChat Pay For Foreigners In China Guide 2025
Alipay For Foreigners: How To Use Alipay In China
20 Best Things To Do In Chengdu, China (2025)
