If you’re planning your first trip to China, Shanghai is a great place to start.
We went there recently and really enjoyed it. Although it is the largest city in China, and a global business and technology hub, it is also very tourist friendly and easy to get around.
Shanghai is full of great food and things to do. It has historic markets and temples, luxury shopping malls, a world-class aquarium, and one of the most famous skylines in the world.
In this article, I will share some of the best things for first-timers to see and do in Shanghai!
Where to stay in Shanghai
1. Yuyuan Park and Old Street (Yueyuan Old Street)
Yuyuan is a historic area with gardens, temples, shops and food stalls. The best time to go is at night, when everything comes back to life.
You can Rent a qipao or hanfu dress If you want a fun cultural experience, we saw a lot of people doing this to take pictures when we were there.
It’s easy to get to Yuyuan by metro, or you can walk there from some of the centrally located hotels in Shanghai, which is what we did.
We stayed in Holiday Inn Express on the BundSo we only had to cross the road to enter Yuyuan Old Street. It was the perfect location!
Huxinting tea pond in Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Old Street
2. The North Bund
Shanghai has one of the most impressive skylines in the world, with nearly 200 skyscrapers, including the famous Oriental Pearl Tower.
There’s no better place to see the skyline than the waterfront area of ​​the Bund, which has a panoramic view of all the buildings across the Huangpu River.
In fact, there are two separate viewing areas: The Bund and the North Bund. Most people go to the Bund, but I prefer the North Bund because it’s less crowded and the views are at least as good.
Don’t forget to come back at night to see all the buildings lit up!
North Bund waterfront
3. Shanghai Tower (Shanghai Tower)
The Shanghai Tower is currently the tallest skyscraper in China, and the third tallest skyscraper in the world as of 2026.
You can go to the top, where observation decks are located on the 118th, 119th and 121st floors. The latter is the highest observation deck in the world, slightly superior to the roof of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Unfortunately for photographers, the only way to take photos is through the thick safety glass, which can be a bit difficult.
However, it’s still worth going, even if just to be on top of one of the tallest buildings in the world.
Book now: Shanghai tower tickets
Don’t forget to visit this park near the Shanghai Tower. It is called Lujiazui Central Green Space.
4. IFC Mall
The International Financial Center is more than just a shopping mall; It also has one of the best rooftop views in Shanghai!
This place is incredibly underrated, and we almost had it to ourselves on Friday. There are canopies and chairs, so our baby Emma was able to sleep in her stroller while we enjoyed the view.
One side of the roof has great views of the Pearl Tower, while the other side has close-up views of Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower.
Best of all, it’s completely free! Unlike other rooftop observatories in Shanghai, you don’t have to pay any entrance fees to go up and enjoy the view at IFC.
IFC Mall has a wonderful view from the roof of the Oriental Pearl Tower
5. Shanghai Aquarium (Shanghai Ocean Aquarium)
The Shanghai Aquarium has one of the longest submarine viewing tunnels in the world and is home to hundreds of species from around the world.
We went there partly to escape the crowds and heat on a summer’s day, but it’s actually a very beautiful aquarium in its own right.
It probably won’t rank among the best aquariums in the world, like Atlanta, Singapore or Okinawa, but as long as you keep realistic expectations it’s worth a visit.
The aquarium is located right next to the Pearl Tower, so you can easily reach it by metro.
Book now: Shanghai Aquarium tickets
Shark light bomb at Shanghai Aquarium
There are lots of fish to see
6. Mingzhou Roundabout
This is a circular pedestrian walkway located in the center of Pudong area and has amazing up-close views of the Pearl Tower and other buildings.
You’ll likely use this walkway at some point if you’re walking around the Pudong area, as it connects most of the famous landmarks like the Pearl Tower, the Disney Flagship Store, the Superbrand Mall, and the IFC Mall.
It’s a neat little place that’s crowded with tourists day and night, and since the walkway is elevated, you’re above the road and can cross it without waiting for traffic.
Mingzhu dizziness at night
7. Sinar Mas Plaza / SMP (Singapore Centre)
SMP is another skyscraper with a shopping mall and a rooftop observation deck called The Stage.
If you were only paying to see one observatory in Shanghai, this would be my top choice. It has the best views of the river bend and all of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings.
In my opinion, it’s better than the view inside the Shanghai Tower, because you can see the whole group of buildings. It is the perfect view of Shanghai.
Book now: SMP stage tickets
SMP Mall
View from the stage above SMP Mall
8. Nanjing Road
Nanjing is one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Think of it like Fifth Avenue or Orchard Road in Shanghai.
This area is full of great shops, restaurants and shopping centres. You can find everything from bargain to luxury here.
We walked around for hours, shopped, dined, and got lots of matcha ice cream. It’s a huge place and you can spend all day walking around there.
Nanjing Road
Souvenirs and trinkets stall
9. Flights from Shanghai
Last but not least, there are a range of good excursions you can take on the outskirts of Shanghai.
To enjoy the natural scenery and historical cities, you can go to Hangzhou, Suzhou or Zhujiajiao Water City. Suzhou has been called the “Venice of China” because of its canals. Close to the city, there are also Disneyland Park and Shanghai Wildlife Park.
If you really want to get out of the city and see something amazing, there is the Huangshan National Park.
It has some of the best mountain views in China, although it is best taken on a multi-day trip as getting there by bullet train from Shanghai takes 2-3 hours each way.
Book now: Hangzhou / Suzhou / Zhujiajiao day trip
Recommended itinerary
Below is a sample itinerary that you can use for a 4-day trip in Shanghai.
This is very similar to the itinerary we used on our own trip:
- First day. Arrival and check-in to your hotel. Spend the evening shopping and dining on Yuyuan Old Street.
- The second day. Spend the day in Pudong area. Go to the top of Shanghai Tower, then visit the IFC Mall. Cross the Mingzhu Roundabout and the Huangpu River to see the North Bund. Have dinner at Sinar Mas Plaza and then watch the sunset at the theatre.
- Day 3. Visit the Shanghai Aquarium in the morning, then spend the rest of the day walking, shopping and dining on Nanjing Road.
- Day four. Take a trip on the outskirts of the city, such as Disneyland, Shanghai Wildlife Park, or Zhujiajiao Water Park.
Rows of bicycles
Giant teddy bear at SMP Mall
More things to do in China
Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoy this guide to some fun things to do on your first trip to Shanghai.
Don’t forget to check out my travel guide to Zhangjiajie National Park, and bookmark my blog for more China posts coming soon!
