Things to do in Shanghai

Why go to Shanghai

• The Bund

  Stroll the iconic mile-long promenade facing a jaw-dropping colonial skyline across from Pudong's neon towers.

• Yu Garden & Old City

  A 16th-century classical garden hidden inside a maze of teahouses, street snacks, and traditional architecture.

• Shanghai Museum

  One of China's finest collections of bronzes, ceramics, and jade, completely free and endlessly impressive.

• Lujiazui Skyline & Shanghai Tower

  Rocket up to the world's second-tallest building for a vertiginous 632-meter view over the entire megacity.

• French Concession

  Tree-lined avenues packed with art deco mansions, indie cafés, boutiques, and the city's hippest street life.

Good to know in Shanghai

• Transit: Shanghai Metro is extensive and cheap, single rides cost $0.30-$0.80; buy a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for seamless tap-and-go travel on metro, bus, and ferry.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in China and can even cause confusion, skip it at restaurants, taxis, and hotels.
• Tap water: Do not drink tap water in Shanghai; buy large bottled water from convenience stores like FamilyMart or Lawson for under $0.50, or use a filtered bottle.
• Free-entry days: Shanghai Museum is always free; Jing'an Sculpture Park is free; many municipal parks charge just $0.15-0.30, and some waive fees on national holidays for residents, check individual sites.

Trip essentials