Shanghai, China: Best Things To Do
Shanghai is one of those cities that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. From its glittering skyline reflected in the Huangpu River to its labyrinthine old lanes hiding century-old teahouses, this metropolis of 24 million people delivers an experience unlike anywhere else on earth. Whether you have three days or three weeks, here is everything you need to make the most of it.
Overview
Shanghai sits on China's central eastern coast, straddling the Huangpu River at its confluence with the Yangtze Delta. It is the country's financial capital and its most cosmopolitan city, shaped by waves of international influence dating back to the 19th-century treaty port era. Today it blends Art Deco grandeur, futuristic architecture, and living hutong culture into something completely its own. The best time to visit is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when temperatures sit comfortably between 55°F and 75°F. Summer is hot and humid; winters are mild but grey. The currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY); expect roughly 7.2 CNY to the US dollar.
Top 10 Things To Do in Shanghai
- Walk the Bund: This mile-long riverside promenade facing Pudong's skyline is Shanghai's signature image. Come twice — once during the day and once after dark when every tower is lit up. Entry is free.
- Explore Lujiazui: Cross to the east bank of the Huangpu and ride the elevator to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower (the world's second tallest building). Tickets cost around $22 USD and the 360-degree views are worth every cent.
- Wander the French Concession: The tree-lined streets of Xuhui and Luwan districts are perfect for an afternoon on foot. Browse independent boutiques, stop for a flat white at a lane-side café, and look for hidden Art Deco villas between the sycamore trees.
- Visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan): This classical Ming Dynasty garden in the Old City is a genuine gem, with rockeries, koi ponds, and zigzag bridges. Arrive early (it opens at 8:30 a.m.) to beat the crowds. Admission is around $7 USD.
- Stroll Tianzifang: This warren of shikumen (stone-gate) alleyways in Xuhui has been transformed into a maze of artisan studios, vintage shops, and street food stalls. It is touristy but charming, and the xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) from the stalls here are excellent.
- Eat at a Din Tai Fung or a local hole-in-the-wall: Speaking of soup dumplings — try them everywhere. A basket of eight at a local spot costs under $3 USD. For a more polished experience, Din Tai Fung in Xintiandi is a reliable splurge at around $20 USD per person.
- Take the Maglev from the airport: Not just transport, it is genuinely an attraction. The magnetic levitation train from Pudong International Airport hits 267 mph. A single ticket costs about $8 USD and the seven-minute ride is thrilling.
- Visit the Shanghai Museum: Located on People's Square, this free museum holds one of the finest collections of Chinese bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy in the world. Allow at least two hours.
- Day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town: About an hour from the city center by bus or metro, this ancient water town of canals and stone bridges gives you a slice of old Jiangnan life. Entry to the main scenic area costs around $6 USD.
- Experience the nightlife on Yongkang Lu: This short street in the French Concession transforms into an outdoor bar district after 9 p.m. It is local, affordable (beers from $4 USD), and far more relaxed than the tourist bars along the Bund.
Practical Tips
- Get a VPN before you arrive — Google, Instagram, and WhatsApp are blocked in China. Download one on your phone before you leave home.
- WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate payments. Many vendors do not accept cash or foreign credit cards. Set up Alipay's international version before your trip and link it to a Visa or Mastercard.
- The metro system is world-class, clean, and cheap. A single journey rarely costs more than $0.70 USD. Buy a rechargeable transit card at any station.
- Learn a handful of Mandarin phrases or download a translation app that works offline. English is spoken in tourist areas but not widely elsewhere.
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is available everywhere for under $0.50 USD.
Getting There
Plan your trip to Shanghai
Shanghai is served by two international airports. Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles most long-haul flights and is the one you will likely use. Hongqiao Airport (SHA) covers domestic routes and some regional Asian flights. Direct flights to PVG operate from major US cities including Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco, with typical flight times of 13 to 15 hours. Round-trip fares from the US generally range from $600 to $1,400 USD depending on season and how far in advance you book. Airlines including Air China, United, and Delta all serve the route. From Europe, expect 11 to 13 hours with carriers such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Air France.
Accommodation Options
- Budget ($30–$70/night): The Generator Shanghai and various well-reviewed hostels in the