“There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.”
– Robert Louis Stevenson
Shanghai, a bustling modern metropolis, is China’s financial center and second largest city. Its unique culture combines Chinese and Western elements. Shanghai’s ultramodern Pudong business district lies directly across the Huangpu River and busy Bund waterfront promenade.
Fun Shanghai Attractions
Tour Shanghai’s historic temples and famous gardens. Visit fine museums and historical palaces. Cruise on the Huangpu River and Grand Canal. Fun Shanghai attractions include:
-
The Bund
Admire the magnificent architecture as you stroll along the Bund. Popular with tourists and locals alike, seniors perform Tai Chi exercises and dance to traditional Chinese music each morning at sunrise. At night, colorful neon lights illuminate the Bund and Pudong. -
Children’s Palace
Following the Cultural Revolution, Children’s Palaces were created all over China, providing after-school education for gifted children. -
Grand Canal
Take a scenic boat ride through the narrow waterways of Shanghai’s Grand Canal. See interesting sights along the way, including old houses, stone arched bridges, historical relics and the friendly locals. -
Huangpu River
During the day, enjoy a leisurely ferry ride across the scenic Huangpu River and visit Shanghai’s ultramodern Pudong business district. At night, take a Huangpu River Cruise and Bund City Lights Evening Tour of Shanghai. -
Jade Buddha Temple
The temple houses two exquisite Buddha statues – a White Burmese Jade reclining Buddha and a giant seated Jade Buddha. In addition, the temple has a complete set of Buddhist scripture printed in the Qing Dynasty about 200 years ago. -
Orient Pearl TV Tower
This is the tallest TV tower in Asia. Visit its Observation Deck and revolving restaurant. The water and Shanghai city views are stunning, especially at night. -
Shanghai Museum
This must-see museum is one of four major museums in China. It’s famous for its 123,000-piece collection of ancient Chinese cultural relics. The spacious museum houses ultra-modern galleries and a spectacular skylight. The galleries include a vast collection of jade, ivory carvings, sculpture, furniture, oracle bones, seals, coins, wood, lacquerware and bamboo.Â
-
Shanghai Zoo
Shanghai Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals, including South China Tigers, Golden Monkeys and Giant Pandas. -
Shopping at Nanjing Road
Shop along “Pedestrians Only” Nanjing Road. This famous shopping mecca is visited by millions of tourists each year. It’s a fun place for shopping, sightseeing and people-watching. -
Silk Spinning Factory
Take a guided tour of the Silk Factory and see firsthand how Chinese silk has been produced since the 14th century – from live silk worms to the cocoon stage and spinning. -
Suzhou
Suzhou is one of the oldest towns in the Yangtze basin. With its interconnected waterways, it’s often referred to as “China’s Venice of the East.” The historic city is renowned for its ancient canals, stone bridges, historic temples and classical gardens. -
Suzhou Gardens
Of all the gardens south of the Yangtze River, Suzhou is the most remarkable amongst them. It contains the essential “four elements” of the Chinese garden – pavilions, water, vegetation and rocks. Tour the beautiful pavilions. Admire the furnishings and artwork. Stroll along the tranquil lotus-filled ponds and pathways lined with bamboo trees. -
Yu Yuan Bazaar
This is Shanghai’s largest Flea Market. Its narrow lanes are dotted with over 100 shops, as well as teahouses, wine houses, snack bars, restaurants, a lotus pond, and a zigzag bridge. It’s also home to the famous Yu Yuan Gardens and China’s oldest teahouse. -
Yu Yuan Gardens and Old Teahouse
Yu Yuan is a famous 16th century Ming period ancient garden, located in the Chinese Quarter of the old city, south of the Yangtze River. It was built in 1559 by a high official to honor his mother, Today, it is the most famous classical garden in Shanghai. The gardens houses China’s most visited and oldest Tea House. It dates back to 1784.
Book Shanghai Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do
Take a fun Shanghai Day Tour and visit the Jade Buddha Temple, The Bund and Yu Yuan Gardens. See the charming and picturesque water towns of Suzhou and Zhouzhuang. Experience the rich culinary culture of Shanghai on a Tasting Tour that includes a Dumpling Cooking Class. Enjoy a Shanghai Night River Cruise.Â
Find City Sightseeing Tours, Day Trips and Fun Things To Do in Shanghai
Book Your Shanghai Business Trip or Vacation
Get the best travel deals, airfares, car rentals, hotels or vacation apartments from our top Travel Partners.
The Best Time To Visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is in the Spring (March-May) and Fall (October-November) when temperatures are mild and there are less crowds. Peak tourist season is summer which is also rainy season. Winters can be overcast and cold. We visited Shanghai in October and the weather was perfect. 🙂