10 Things To See in Shanghai: Shanghai Itinerary Builder
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Discover Shanghai's rich mix of history and modernity by exploring its top ten attractions. From the iconic Bund to the massive Shanghai Tower, these experiences capture the essence of this Chinese metropolis.
Located at the estuary of the Yangtze, the longest river in Asia, Shanghai has been an important port city for generations. Colonization and modernization throughout the 20th century shaped the city that originated as a small fishing town. Shanghai has grown to become a center of international commerce and trade and the second-most populous urban area in the world.
We planned a short four days in Shanghai, packing in as much as we could see. It turned out to be plenty of time to see the city and to take a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town on the outskirts of the city. We also made time for two theme parks, Shanghai Disney (more below) and the quaint and bizarre Jinjiang Action Park.
Here are ten of our favorite stops during our trip to Shanghai.
Tianzifang
Creative lanes, cafés, and indie shops make Tianzifang an easy add to any Shanghai itinerary, especially if you want a contrast to the city’s mega-malls and glass towers. If you’re mapping a 3-day Shanghai itinerary, plan an hour or two here for photos, gifts, and snacks—solid “things in Shanghai” content that feels local.
The French Concession area of Shanghai is filled with distinct buildings from its colonial past. Tianzifang is a unique shopping destination in the heart of the concession.
Shops, restaurants, galleries, and artisan craftspeople line the narrow alleys and pedestrian streets. The shopping here is a distinct contrast to other shopping areas in Shanghai that have modernized in the last decades.
Fuxing Park
Morning tai chi, dancing, and music circles turn Fuxing Park into a living snapshot of daily life and a useful anchor for a Shanghai, China itinerary focused on the Former French Concession. It’s an effortless stop to fold into 3-day or 5-day Shanghai itinerary plans between café breaks and nearby streets.
Fuxing Park, also located in the French Concession, was laid out in 1909 in a French style. The park has botanical gardens, fountains, ponds, and colorful landscaping.
When we visited on Sunday morning the park had come alive with elderly residents participating in their favorite hobbies. Each area seemed to have a theme. As we entered there were men practicing Tai chi, around the corner couples were square dancing, there was a group playing saxophones a large group gathered to sing together in the bandshell. It was amazing to see everyone happy and outside together.
The Bund
The Bund’s riverfront promenade delivers the classic skyline view you came for and belongs on every Shanghai itinerary. Come at dusk to pair heritage façades with the neon of Lujiazui—prime things in Shanghai footage for your trip notes.
The Bund is probably the most popular tourist destination on the list. Running along the western bank of the Huangpu River the elevated paved platform is a great place to walk. Its location across from the iconic Shanghai skyline is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Architecture buffs will love the modern skyline and the myriad historical buildings along the Bund, most famously The Customs House.
Shanghai Tower
Ride to the observation deck for a wild perspective over neighboring skyscrapers, a high-impact highlight for any 3-day Shanghai itinerary. If you’re stretching to a 5-day Shanghai itinerary, consider a night visit for reflections on the river and time-lapse worthy scenes.
The second tallest building in the world is home to the highest viewing platform on the planet. A horrifyingly overpriced ticket will get you a high-speed, ear-popping ride to the top. You’ll step out onto the 118th floor to a view that seems almost impossible. Being so close to other buildings that seem immeasurably tall then looking down at them from above is an experience like no other.
We took the trip up at night. We gazed in awe at the glow of the city lights surrounding us and the view up and down the river as a parade of well-lit boats floated by.
Jing'an Temple
Gold halls, incense, and carved details provide a quiet counterpoint to modern malls, which is why Jing’an Temple fits so well in a balanced Shanghai, China itinerary. It’s central, photogenic, and easy to pair with nearby eats—perfect things in Shanghai coverage without losing time.
Originally built in 247 AD the Jing'an Temple has had a sorted history of destruction, rebuilding, relocating, and rebirth. Its current location and buildings were constructed at different points between 1880 and 2010.
Inside the peaceful walls of the temple are three main halls. The halls house a large jade Buddha, an exhibition hall of art and calligraphy, and a Ming Dynasty bronze bell. I enjoyed walking the wooden platforms and walkways that circle the courtyard.
People’s Park
Between sculpted gardens and weekend Marriage Market umbrellas, People’s Park gives you people-watching and culture in one stop that slots neatly into a 3-day Shanghai itinerary. It’s also a quick walk to museums and Nanjing Road, making it efficient for any Shanghai itinerary.
People’s Park was built on the site of a horse racing track that was closed after gambling was banned in the late 1940s. The park is home to museums, a small park with janky carnival rides, and plenty of space to walk and enjoy the outdoors. The beauty of the park comes from the flowers and intricate landscaping juxtaposed with the high towering skyscrapers that surround the park.
We happened to visit on the weekend during the Marriage Market. On Saturdays and Sundays, parents of unwed children gather to help their children find a suitable partner. Parents list their child's stats, including things like height, weight, zodiac sign, occupation, and income, on a piece of paper and tape it to an umbrella to advertise.
Nanjing Road Shopping District
This pedestrian artery checks the things in Shanghai box for flagship stores, street snacks, and neon after dark. Use it as a backbone in your Shanghai, China itinerary to connect People’s Park, the Bund, and evening plans.
Nanjing Road is a pedestrian thoroughfare that is home to Shanghai’s most popular shopping district. Here you will find a combination of Western brands and Chinese culture. There are over 600 stores to explore on the 3.4-mile-long road.
Yu Garden and City God Temple
Classic pavilions, stone bridges, and the zigzag walkway make Yu Garden a staple of any 3-day Shanghai itinerary. Add the City God Temple next door for a tidy cultural duo that works in both short stays and a 5-day Shanghai itinerary.
The City of God Temple is dedicated to gods tasked with the protection of the city. Inside the small temple are golden statues and a very large golden gong. After exiting the temple you'll find Yu Garden. A central pond with fountains is home to a tea house and a famous crooked bridge. Traditionally, bad spirits are unable to navigate the crooked bridge. By crossing the bridge can to shake off your troubles. There is also an important giant piece of jade on display.
The area around the garden and temple offers some unique trinket and souvenir shopping choices.
Shanghai Disneyland
Exclusive rides like the Pirates reimagining make Shanghai Disneyland a standout day in a longer 5-day Shanghai itinerary. If you’re tight on time, reserve it as a bonus in your 3-day Shanghai itinerary and focus on headliners early.
The newest of the Disney parks opened in June of 2016. The park has modern updates of the Disney classics that you know and love and some amazing new and exclusive attractions. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride is spectacular, combining screen projections with set-pieces and animatronics in a completely immersive ride experience.
The surrounding Disneytown has dining that caters to the local culinary tastes in an approachable way for Western pallets. There are also some shopping options for your Disney must-haves.
Shanghai Food Tour
A guided night food tour is the fastest way to sample regional specialties and should be penciled into every practical Shanghai itinerary. It’s an easy win for things in Shanghai that blends dinner with storytelling and neighborhood exploring.
We took the Shanghai Night Eats tour with UnTour Food Tours. This was a great experience worth every penny. We joined a group of about ten and spent a few hours walking around Shanghai tasting local dishes. The dishes change all the time but we were able to try some local donuts, soup dumplings, rabbit brains, and some local beers and wines.
The tour combined some dishes that were outside my comfort zone with things that were easy to consume. I came hungry and I left full. Our guide gave us tons of great information about the history and preparation of the dishes along with relevant historical information as we walked.
Best Things To See in Shanghai:
Tianzifang
Fuxing Park
The Bund
Shanghai Tower
Jing'an Temple
People’s Park
Nanjing Road Shopping District
Yu Garden and City God Temple
Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Food Tour
An easy subway ride to the outskirts of the city you’ll find Zhujiajiao Water Town. A great day trip from Shanghai. Check it out!
