Shanghai Travel Guide | Must-Do Experiences, Attractions & Trip Ideas

Must-Do Experiences in Shanghai | Top Attractions & Shanghai Trip Ideas

Discover Shanghai beyond the ordinary. From iconic landmarks to cultural adventures, these handpicked activities showcase the very best of Shanghai. Whether you’re interested in history, family-friendly tours, or unique cultural performances, our Shanghai must-do experiences are designed for every kind of traveler.

1. Southern Great Wall Day Trip from Shanghai

Take a day trip from Shanghai to the Southern Great Wall in Zhejiang. Walk along the historic Linhai Great Wall, explore Ziyang Old Street, and taste authentic local dishes.

2. Zhujiajiao Water Town & Boat Ride

Step back in time with a Zhujiajiao Water Town tour. Wander ancient streets, cross historic bridges, and enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the canals.

3. Shanghai City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Explore at your own pace with the sightseeing bus pass. Hop on and off at attractions like The Bund, Nanjing Road, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

4. Shanghai Circus World – ERA Acrobatic Show

Witness breathtaking performances with motorbike stunts, dazzling acrobatics, and special effects. A must-see for families and cultural enthusiasts.

5. Shanghai Tower – The Top of Shanghai

Visit the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building. Ride the world’s fastest elevator to the observation deck and enjoy panoramic skyline views.

Shanghai for Every Kind of Traveler

Whether you’re into history, traveling with kids, chasing the modern skyline, or just looking for a quiet escape into nature — Shanghai has the perfect experience waiting for you.

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History & Culture Lovers

Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Longhua Temple

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Families & Kids

Shanghai Disney, Legoland Discovery Center, Ocean Aquarium

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Modern City Explorers

Lujiazui Skyline, Oriental Pearl Tower, Xintiandi

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Nature Seekers

Century Park, Binjiang Forest Park, Chenshan Botanical Garden

Shanghai Must-Visit Attractions: The Best Places to Go for Every Traveler

The Bund

Walk along the Bund and admire Shanghai’s iconic skyline with colonial architecture and futuristic skyscrapers — a must for first-time visitors.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Experience breathtaking views from one of Shanghai’s tallest landmarks, complete with a glass-bottom skywalk for thrill-seekers.

Yu Garden

Step into a Ming Dynasty classical garden with elegant pavilions, koi ponds, and bustling bazaars nearby. Perfect for culture lovers.

Shanghai Disney Resort

One of Shanghai’s top family attractions with the world’s largest Disney castle, thrilling rides, and magical parades.

LEGO Discovery Center & Hotel

A family-friendly hotspot where kids enjoy LEGO-themed play zones while parents relax in the stylish LEGO hotel.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Just an hour away, this ancient water town with stone bridges and canals offers a serene escape from the city.

Shanghai Tours FAQs — TravelTidesChina

Frequently asked questions about Shanghai tours — best time to visit Shanghai, Shanghai cuisine, day trips, language tips, must-see attractions, walking routes and ferry info. TravelTidesChina custom tours and local guides.

Yes. The Shanghai Ferry (Shanghai Lun Du) is a fun way to travel like locals and enjoy skyline views.

Jinling East Road Pier → Dongchang Road Pier (near The Bund & Lujiazui).
Costs only 2 RMB per person, runs every 15 minutes.

👉 Or book a Huangpu River Night Cruise with us for a more scenic experience.

Shanghai’s rapid growth, futuristic skyline, and vibrant lifestyle have earned it the nickname “Magic City.” Visitors are often amazed at how tradition and modernity coexist so seamlessly. It’s a city that feels different every time you visit.

Shanghai is the gateway to Jiangnan, and it’s easy to reach nearby gems by high-speed train:

Suzhou – Classical gardens & canals (30 min by train).
Hangzhou – West Lake & Longjing tea (1 hr by train).
Nanjing – Rich history & Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum (1.5 hrs).
Wuzhen/Zhouzhuang – Famous water towns with bridges & canals.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) – For stunning natural scenery (3 hrs by train).

For most travelers, 3–5 days in Shanghai is enough to see the highlights, enjoy cultural experiences, and take a day trip to nearby water towns.

1–2 days: The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Huangpu River Cruise.
3–4 days: Add modern landmarks (Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center) + French Concession or Tianzifang.
5+ days: Include day trips to Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Zhujiajiao Water Town

👉 Contact us to customize your Shanghai private itinerary based on your travel style.

Shanghai cuisine (Hu cuisine) is known for its sweet and delicate flavors. Must-try dishes include:

🥟 Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings) – iconic Shanghai snack.
🥢 Shengjianbao (Pan-fried Dumplings) – crispy-bottomed buns.
🍖 Hong Shao Rou (Braised Pork Belly) – melt-in-your-mouth pork belly.
🦀 Drunken Crab (seasonal autumn delicacy).

👉 Our Shanghai food tours let you explore hidden eateries and taste authentic local flavors with a guide.

While Mandarin Chinese is the official language, you’ll find that English is commonly used in hotels, major attractions, airports, and upscale restaurants in Shanghai. Younger generations and people in the tourism industry often speak English, but in local markets or small eateries, communication can be limited.
👉 Travel tip: Learn a few basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app. Booking a private guide in Shanghai with TravelTidesChina ensures smooth communication and a more authentic cultural experience.

Why Choose TravelTidesChina for Your Shanghai Journey

At TravelTides China, we specialize in private tours China, small group tours, and custom China travel packages.With over 10,000 satisfied travelers worldwide, we are committed to making your journey smooth, authentic, and unforgettable.