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Shanghai

Things to Do in Shanghai in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated May 2025) | Trip.com

About Shanghai

Recommended trip: 2–5 day(s)

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Kangaroos with Well-defined Pectoral Muscles at Shanghai Wildlife Park Become Hot Attraction as Visitors Compare Them to Giant Cats@Shanghai Wild Animal Park

The Bund SWAT Team Goes Viral Again@The Bund

Sea of Tulip Ready to Make Waves in Shanghai

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Shanghai Local Travel Guide 2025

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Shanghai Brief Guide

Shanghai, the 'Paris of the East,' dazzles with a bold East-West blend. Straddling the Huangpu River, it pairs old-world charm with soaring ambition. The Bund’s historic glow rivals Pudong’s modern giants like the Oriental Pearl Tower. Alive with culture and modern spark, this sleepless city lures every traveler in. Stroll Yu Garden’s timeless beauty—pavilions and ponds stun amid the city’s roar. Xintiandi remixes old shikumen into swanky haunts. The Bund shines with riverside heritage, while the Shanghai Tower pierces the sky with flair. Shanghai Disneyland unleashes thrills for all ages. This is Shanghai—history and dazzle in a single breath.

Shanghai Must-try Local Experiences

1. Riverside Skyline Strolls Stroll the Bund along the Huangpu River—grand, historic facades line the waterfront, staring down Pudong’s neon skyline that sparks up at dusk; dawn’s quieter for snapping shots. A river cruise from the Bund’s piers dazzles after sunset, slicing through the city’s glow—grab a cheap public boat for the full ride. It’s Shanghai’s timeless artery, alive with light and legacy. 2. Towering City Views Climb Shanghai Tower in Pudong—632 meters up, its deck shrinks the city below, with fast elevators to 128 floors. Nearby, the Oriental Pearl Tower adds its own iconic view, while the Shanghai World Financial Center—aka the Bottle Opener—brings a 492-meter perch with a trapezoidal cutout framing the sky. A discount pass often bundles these towers for a full skyline sweep; aim for clear evenings—haze can blur the magic. 3. Old Town Wandering Step into Ming-era calm with Yu Garden’s pavilions and ponds, then spill into Yuyuan Bazaar’s snack-and-trinket labyrinth. It’s a 16th-century retreat turned bustling hub—mid-morning keeps it sane before it gets more crowded around lunchtime. 4. Dive into Museums & Galleries Shanghai Museum unpacks China’s past—bronzes, calligraphy, and jade glow under soft lights on People’s Square. Over at M50, an old mill turned art district along Suzhou Creek, galleries and studios pulse with edgy works—think M50’s ShanghART for a contemporary jolt. 5. Theme Park Escapades Dive into Shanghai’s thrill scene—Shanghai Disney Resort spins magic across seven lands, from Enchanted Storybook Castle to Zootopia’s recent debut; Tron zips fast, shows hook all ages, best on weekdays to skip the crush. Happy Valley Shanghai, an hour out in Songjiang, throws four big coasters—think Diving Coaster’s 65-meter drop—and a splashy water zone; summer weekends pack it, so hit early. 6. Taste Shanghai Cuisine Chase the Shanghainese delicious classics—xiaolongbao burst with broth, hongshao rou simmers rich and red, shengjian mantou fry up crisp and meaty. These dishes carry old home recipes, blending sweet soy with slow cooks. Street stalls sling shengjian sizzling hot, while hongshao rou hides in local restaurants—hunt them where lines spill out. 7. Jazz Night Vibes Shanghai’s jazz scene hums with variety—live horns fill spots from sleek Blue Note, opened in 2019 with global acts, to cozy dives like Heyday. The Fairmont Peace Hotel’s Jazz Bar, rocking since the 1930s, pairs classic tunes with an old-world vibe—think veteran players and vintage cocktails. Catch Blue Note on North Sichuan Road for a big-stage night, or hit Peace Hotel post-9 PM for that timeless kick. 8. Urban Outdoor Retreats Picnic or stroll at West Bund’s riverside—locals and expats dance, yoga, or chill with pets; late afternoon turns it social with sunset hues. An hour out, Zhujiajiao’s centuries-old canals and stone bridges offer Jiangnan calm—boats glide past teahouses; mornings keep it peaceful. Shanghai’s green and watery escapes collide here. 9. Shopping Sprees Hit West Nanjing Road—flagship stores and neon blaze since the 1920s; dusk lights up a snack-charged spree. Middle Huaihai Road flaunts high-end boutiques and glossy malls like IAPM—think luxe, not local. For artsy loot, weave through Tianzifang’s tight lanes—weekends get busy. Shanghai’s shopping game is cashless—WeChat or Alipay accepted everywhere. 10. Explore Modern Hangouts Xintiandi blends shikumen charm with sleek bars and bistros—coffee by day, cocktails by night. Columbia Circle buzzes with artisanal cafes and poolside eats, while Shang Kang Li mixes trendy restaurants with Riink’s neon roller disco; INS in Fuxing Park stacks six floors of bars and clubs. Start mid-morning for brunch—pace builds through the day. 11. Park Morning Rituals Watch park mornings—tai chi flows, retirees belt old songs, mahjong tiles clack under trees at spots like Zhongshan, Luxun, or Fuxing; catch it around 7 AM for the full spirit. Zhongshan in Changning hums with line dancing, Luxun in Hongkou nods to literary roots, Fuxing in Huangpu blends French flair—each a slice of daily Shanghai. It’s the city waking up, unscripted and alive. 12. Greenhouse Wonders The Expo Culture Park Greenhouse turns an old steel factory into a lush, cloud-shaped wonder—plants spill from desert cacti to rainforest ferns across sprawling pavilions. Opened in 2021, it’s a green escape where walkways lift you over waterfalls and fish-filled pools. Aim for a weekday visit—weekends draw crowds; spring catches blooms at their peak.

Shanghai Must-see Attractions

Shanghai’s a city that dances between old and new—its landmarks tell the tale. From Disney’s sparkle to Yu Garden’s calm, here’s what pulls you in.

Shanghai Food Guide

Shanghai’s food scene buzzes with Hu cuisine classics—street stalls and home kitchens dish out flavors that define the city.

Shanghai Transportation

Shanghai's transportation infrastructure is robust, with its airports and railway stations being the primary hubs for intercity travel. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) Located about 40 kilometers east of People’s Square, this is your big global drop-off—long-haul flights from everywhere. Catch the Maglev whipping you to Longyang in eight minutes flat—fastest way to feel Shanghai’s pulse—then hop Metro Line 2 downtown. Or settle into a taxi or shuttle; it’s a 40-50-minute ride if traffic plays nice. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) Out west, roughly 16 kilometers from the center, it’s a bullet train central near SHA—Lines 2, 10, and 17 keep it tethered. If you’re rolling in from Hangzhou or Nanjing, this is your sleek landing pad—transfers to metro or planes flow like clockwork. Shanghai Railway Station: Sitting in the heart, about 3.5 kilometers north of People’s Square, this is your classic rail hub—high-speed CRH trains streaking north to south across China. Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4 tie it into the city grid—step off and you’re already in the thick of it. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station: Out west, roughly 16 kilometers from the center, it’s a bullet train central near SHA—Lines 2, 10, and 17 keep it tethered. If you’re rolling in from Hangzhou or Nanjing, this is your sleek landing pad—transfers to metro or planes flow like clockwork.

Shanghai Where to Stay

Shanghai’s neighborhoods pulse with distinct beats—pick your spot for the vibe you’re chasing. From The Bund’s nightlife kick to Lujiazui’s skyline perch, here’s where to crash with the how-to baked in.

Shanghai Best Time To Visit

Shanghai glows softest in spring and fall—here’s when it sings and why you’ll want to be there. Mar-May: Spring wakes the city—cherry blossoms spill over Yu Garden, and parks like Zhongshan hum with kite-flying locals; it’s prime for sipping tea outdoors or strolling the French Concession’s blooming lanes. Sep-Early Nov: Fall paints Shanghai golden—hairy crab season kicks off, with markets buzzing and restaurants piling roe high; the Bund’s crisp air makes night walks a dream. Jun-Aug: Summer turns up the heat—indoor haunts like Xintiandi’s cool bars or Expo Greenhouse’s misty pavilions keep you sane; hit malls or Shanghai Tower for sky-high relief from the steam. Dec-Feb: Winter wraps the city quiet—cozy up in Jing’an cafes with hot dumplings, or catch the Bund’s moody glow under gray skies; it’s low-key, perfect for museum dives.

Shanghai Travel Tips

1. Book Big Draws Early Shanghai Tower, Pearl Tower, and Disney tickets vanish fast—book online at least a week ahead, longer during holidays like Golden Week (early October). Sunset slots at Shanghai Tower fill quickest; secure them early for a smoother trip. 2. Grab a Metro Card Shanghai’s metro hums on a Jiaotong Card—buy one at stations (20 RMB/$2.80 deposit, load at the machines). It works across the sprawling network—Pudong to Puxi—plus buses and ferries. Skip ticket queues; mornings get hectic. 3. Use Local App Alternatives Uber and Google Maps don’t work here—DiDi’s your ride-hail pick, WeChat and AliPay handle chats and payments. Baidu or Amap sub in for maps. DiDi’s got English options for easy cab booking; download them pre-trip—they’re slick and essential. 4. Pre-download Alipay Alipay rules payments—street stalls to malls take it—so download and link a bank card (Visa/Mastercard’s fine) before arriving. Shanghai’s nearly cashless; setting this up ahead keeps you hassle-free. 5. Dodge the “Tea Scam” Friendly strangers near the Bund or Nanjing Road pushing “tea tastings” can sting with steep bills. A firm “bu yao” (no thanks) and a quick exit work—stick to legit teahouses like those around Yu Garden. 6. Bargain at Markets Yuyuan Bazaar or Tianzifang vendors expect a bit of a haggle, a fun little back-and-forth—start at half the asking price, settle around 30% off. It’s a game—smile, don’t push too hard; they’ll nudge if you’re close. 7. Skip Peak Metro Hours Shanghai’s metro packs tight—7-9 AM and 5-7 PM turn many popular lines like Line 2 and 10 into a sardine cans. Time rides for mid-morning or late evening—less shove, more space. Avoid People’s Square station at rush; it’s a choke point. 8. Time the Crowds Right Weekends and holidays (like May Labor Day or October National Holiday week) jam the Bund, Disney, Nanjing Road—go midweek or early (8-9 AM) to breathe. Disney’s quieter Tuesday; Yu Garden thins pre-10 AM. Locals flood parks Sundays—plan around it. 9. Skip the Tip Tipping’s not a thing in Shanghai—servers don’t expect it, and some wave it off as odd. High-end spots might tack a 10% service fee—check the bill. Save your money; it’s all in the price. 10. Carry a Power Bank Apps like DiDi, Alipay, and maps drain phones fast—Shanghai’s on-the-go lifestyle doesn’t slow for a dead battery. Bring your own charger, since outlets are scarce outside hotels. Or try rental stations—scan a code at spots like malls or metro hubs, pay a small fee via Alipay, and grab a power bank; return it to any station of the same brand citywide. Either way, stay juiced up for the ride.

Shanghai Useful Guide

Mandarin Chinese runs the show—Shanghainese is a distict dialect locals speak. The younger generation speaks English and would be more than willing to help or give directions.