12 Best Things to Do in Shanghai (2025 Guide by a Local)
Shanghai is where modern China meets old-world charm. I've lived here for 3 years, and I'm sharing everything you need to know — from the iconic Bund to hidden lane restaurants that don't appear on Google Maps. Updated for 2025.
When to Visit Shanghai (By Season)
🌸 Spring (March - May) - Best
Pros: Pleasant temperatures (50-75°F / 10-24°C), blooming flowers, less smog. Cons: Can be rainy in April-May. Crowds: Moderate. Avoid Chinese Labor Day (May 1-5).
☀️ Summer (June - August) - Hot & Humid
Pros: Long daylight hours, all attractions open. Cons: Hot (85-95°F / 30-35°C), humid, typhoon season in August-September. Crowds: Moderate (many locals leave for summer break).
🍂 Autumn (September - November) - Best
Pros: Ideal weather (60-75°F / 15-24°C), clear skies, beautiful fall colors. Cons: National Day holiday (Oct 1-7) - extremely crowded. Crowds: Moderate except during National Day week.
❄️ Winter (December - February) - Cold & Damp
Pros: Few tourists, cheaper hotels, Christmas markets in some areas. Cons: Cold (35-50°F / 2-10°C), damp, no heating in some buildings. Crowds: Low except around Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb).
💡 Local's Tip
The best time to visit Shanghai is mid-March to mid-May or September to mid-November. Avoid National Day (Oct 1-7) and Chinese New Year — the city becomes unbearably crowded.
Top 8 Must-Visit Attractions in Shanghai
Based on my experience showing friends around and local recommendations. I've included ticket prices, opening hours, how to get there, and crowd-avoidance tips.
1. The Bund (外滩)
The Bund is Shanghai's most iconic landmark — a 1.5km promenade along the Huangpu River, lined with 52 buildings in various architectural styles (Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque). Across the river is the futuristic Pudong skyline. It's especially beautiful at night when both sides are lit up.
Ticket Price
Free (public promenade)
Opening Hours
24/7 (best at sunset or night)
How to Get There
Subway Lines 2/10 to East Nanjing Road Station
Time Needed
1-2 hours (or evening stroll)
💡 Local's Tip: Visit at 5:30 PM — you'll see the sunset, the buildings light up (around 6:30 PM), and the Pudong skyline at night. Perfect photo op!
2. Yu Garden (豫园)
Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. It features rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and the famous Jade Rock (a 5-ton porous stone). Right outside is Yu Garden Bazaar — a busy commercial area with traditional architecture, street food, and souvenirs.
Ticket Price
¥40 ($5.50)
Opening Hours
8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (closed Mondays)
Time Needed
2-3 hours (including bazaar)
⚠️ WARNING: The garden itself is beautiful and peaceful. The bazaar outside is extremely touristy and overpriced. Go for photos, but eat elsewhere!
💡 Local's Tip: Visit on a weekday morning. Weekends are unbearably crowded. Also, try the "Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant" inside — it's famous for xiaolongbao (but expect a wait).
3. Pudong Skyline & Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower (128 stories) has the world's highest observation deck. ¥220 ($30). Best at sunset.
⏱ 2-3 hours💰 ¥220 ($30)
4. Nanjing Road (南京路)
China's busiest shopping street. 5.5 km of malls, shops, and street food. Car-free pedestrian section.
⏱ 2-4 hours💰 Free to walk
5. French Concession (法租界)
Tree-lined streets, boutique shops, cafes, and beautiful sycamore trees. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk.
⏱ 2-3 hours💰 Free to walk
6. Zhujiajiao Water Town (朱家角)
Venice of Shanghai. Ancient water town with bridges, canals, and boats. 1 hour from downtown. ¥80 ($11) for boat ride.
⏱ Half day💰 ¥80 ($11)
7. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)
World-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Free entrance. Must book online 7 days in advance.
⏱ 2-3 hours💰 Free
8. Tianzifang (田子坊)
Trendy arts and crafts enclave in former residential lane houses. Boutiques, cafes, and souvenirs.
⏱ 1-2 hours💰 Free to walk
6 Must-Try Shanghai Foods (Written by a Local)
Shanghai cuisine (Benbang cai) is sweet, savory, and sophisticated. Here's what to eat, where to eat it, and how to order like a local.
1. Xiaolongbao (小笼包) - Soup Dumplings
What is it? Xiaolongbao (XLB) are steamed dumplings filled with pork and hot soup. You bite a small hole, slurp the soup, then eat the dumpling. It's Shanghai's most famous food — and for good reason. When done right, the wrapper is thin but strong, the soup is rich, and the pork is tender.
Where to Eat Xiaolongbao:
Restaurant
Area
Price (8 pieces)
English Menu
Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰)
Multiple locations
¥120 ($17)
✅ Yes
Jiajiali (佳家利)
Huangpu
¥30 ($4)
❌ No (point and order)
Nanxiang (南翔)
Yu Garden
¥50 ($7)
✅ Yes (limited)
💡 Local's choice: Jiajiali is where locals go. Din Tai Fung is expensive but consistent. Nanxiang at Yu Garden is touristy but iconic.
How to Eat XLB (Important!): 1) Pick it up by the top twist (gently!). 2) Place it on your spoon. 3) Nibble a small hole in the side. 4) Slurp the soup. 5) Dip in vinegar + ginger. 6) Eat the whole dumpling. Don't put the whole thing in your mouth — you'll burn yourself!
2. Shengjianbao (生煎包) - Pan-Fried Soup Dumplings
What is it? Shengjianbao are pan-fried dumplings with a crispy bottom and soup inside. They're bigger and heartier than xiaolongbao, with a chewy, slightly crispy texture. A Shanghai breakfast staple.
Local breakfast shops - Anywhere in residential areas, ¥8-12 ($1.10-1.70) for 4 pieces
More Shanghai Foods to Try:
3. Hong Shao Rou (红烧肉) - Red-Braised Pork
Caramelized pork belly, sweet and savory. Shanghai's signature dish. Must-try at "Lao Jishi" (old Shanghai).
Price: ¥68 ($9.50) | Where: Lao Jishi (老吉士)
4. Congyoubing (葱油饼) - Scallion Pancake
Flaky, crispy pancake with scallions and oil. Street food perfection. Best from hole-in-the-wall shops.
Price: ¥5 ($0.70) | Where: Any breakfast stall
5. Shanghai Hairy Crab (大闸蟹)
Seasonal (Sep-Dec). Steamed and eaten with vinegar-ginger dip. A luxury food. A crab feast costs ¥300-800 ($42-110) per person.
Season: Sep-Dec | Where: Cheng Long Hang (成隆行)
6. Lion's Head Meatball (狮子头)
Oversized pork meatball stewed with cabbage. Soft, tender, and comforting. A Shanghainese home-cooking classic.
Price: ¥38 ($5.50) | Where: Local Shanghainese restaurants
Shanghai Itinerary: 3 Days (Perfect for First-Timers)
Day 1: Classic Shanghai
Morning: The Bund & Nanjing Road
9:00 AM: Start at the Bund. Walk the entire promenade (1.5 km). Take photos of Pudong skyline. 11:00 AM: Walk up Nanjing Road (pedestrian section). Do some shopping or people-watching.
Afternoon: Yu Garden & French Concession
1:00 PM: Lunch at Yu Garden area (try Nanxiang xiaolongbao). 2:30 PM: Explore Yu Garden (the garden, not just the bazaar). 4:00 PM: Walk to the French Concession. Explore tree-lined streets (Wukang Road, Anfu Road).
Evening: Pudong Skyline at Night
6:30 PM: Return to the Bund for sunset and night view of Pudong. 8:00 PM: Dinner in the French Concession (lots of restaurant options). 10:00 PM: Drinks at a rooftop bar in Pudong (e.g., "Bar Rouge" or "Captain's Bar").
Day 2: Modern Shanghai & Culture
9:00 AM: Visit Shanghai Tower (highest observation deck). Book tickets online in advance. 11:30 AM: Walk around Pudong Lujiazui area. See the Oriental Pearl Tower (iconic pink balls). 1:00 PM: Lunch at IFC Mall or underground food court. 3:00 PM: Shanghai Museum (free, book 7 days ahead). 6:00 PM: Dinner at "Lost Heaven" (Yunnan cuisine) or "Din Tai Fung" (dumplings). 8:30 PM: Tianzifang (trendy arts area) for souvenirs and cafes.
Day 3: Water Town & Relaxed Vibes
9:00 AM: Day trip to Zhujiajiao Water Town (1 hour from downtown by metro). 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: Explore the water town, take a boat ride (¥80 / $11), eat local snacks. 3:00 PM: Return to Shanghai. Visit the Jing'an Temple (¥50 / $7). 6:00 PM: Farewell dinner at "Fu He Hui" (vegetarian fine dining) or "Ultraviolet" (multi-sensory dining, book months ahead). 9:00 PM: Night cruise on the Huangpu River (¥100 / $14) for a different view of the skyline.
Practical Tips for Visiting Shanghai (2025 Update)
🚇 Transportation
Metro: Extensive and easy to use. Buy a "Shanghai Public Transport Card" (¥20 deposit) or use Alipay/WeChat "Metro" mini-program. ¥3-8 ($0.40-1.10) per ride.
Didi (Chinese Uber): cheap and convenient. A 20-minute ride = ¥25-40 ($3.50-5.50). English interface available.
Maglev Train: From Pudong Airport to downtown (8 minutes, 430 km/h!). ¥50 ($7) one way. Fun experience!
💳 Money & Payments
WeChat Pay & Alipay: Essential in Shanghai. Link your foreign credit card. Most shops, restaurants, and even street vendors accept mobile payment.
Credit Cards: Accepted at malls, hotels, and tourist restaurants. But NOT at small shops, local restaurants, or Didi.
Cash: Bring ¥300-500 ($42-70) for emergencies. Many places don't accept cash anymore!
📱 Internet & SIM Cards
Google/WhatsApp/Instagram: BLOCKED. Download a VPN before you arrive (ExpressVPN, NordVPN).
SIM Card: Buy at Pudong or Hongqiao Airport. China Mobile/China Unicom tourist SIM with 30GB = ¥199 ($28) for 30 days.
WiFi: Hotels, cafes, and malls have WiFi. Password usually on the wall or receipt.
🗣️ Language & Culture
Shanghainese vs. Mandarin: Locals speak Shanghainese (a Wu dialect) among themselves, but everyone speaks Mandarin to outsiders.
English Level: Better than most Chinese cities. Hotel staff, shopping malls, and tourist areas usually have English speakers.
Useful Phrase: "Thank you" = Xièxie (shieh-shieh). Works everywhere!
FAQ: Things Tourists Always Ask Me
1. How many days do I need in Shanghai?
Minimum: 2 days (Bund, Yu Garden, Pudong skyline). Ideal: 3-4 days (add water town, museums, French Concession exploration). With day trips: 5-7 days (add Suzhou, Hangzhou, or Zhujiajiao).
2. Is Shanghai English-friendly?
More than most Chinese cities! Hotel staff, high-end restaurants, and shopping malls usually have English speakers. Subway announcements are in English and Chinese. But in local restaurants and shops, you'll need translation apps or Google Translate (offline mode).
3. What's the best area to stay in Shanghai?
Luxury: The Bund / Pudong Lujiazui (Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt). Mid-range: Jing'an / West Nanjing Road (great transportation, shopping). Budget: People's Square / East Nanjing Road (central, convenient). Trendy: French Concession (boutique hotels, cafes, nightlife).
4. Is Shanghai safe for tourists?
Extremely safe! You can walk alone at 2 AM and feel safe. Pickpocketing is rare. Scams are less common than in other Chinese cities. Just be cautious of "tea house scams" (someone invites you for tea and presents a ¥2000 bill).
