10 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

Home to an extraordinary collection of historic Chinese art, the Shanghai Museum is a treasure trove of rare antiquities including sculptures, bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy. Spend the day here, meandering through its many galleries where you’ll marvel at hand-painted fans belonging to Emperor Huizong, as well as stone vessels and porcelain bowls dating back to the Zhou and Song dynasties.

The Shanghai Museum also hosts special international exhibitions showcasing masterpieces from Botticelli and Van Gogh to Greek art on loan from international museums such as The National Gallery in London. Once you’re done perusing, stop by the on-site Tea Room in the Julianna Young Koo Pavilion for traditional Chinese refreshments and authentic dim sum.

A major landmark attraction, the Oriental Pearl Tower draws the eye to the Shanghai skyline with its distinctive spherical design that wouldn’t look out of place in a sci-fi film. The world’s sixth tallest TV and radio tower, this architectural feat impresses with its neon illuminations and sightseeing decks with transparent glass bottoms.

Stay in the Space Hotel, situated in the tower’s two middle spheres, or dine in style at the Oriental Pearl Revolving Restaurant which spins 267 metres above the bustling sidewalks. Here, you’ll take in spectacular views of the surrounding city and the Huangpu River, while you enjoy Chinese and Western buffet dining.

Also known as Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s Nanjing Lu is one of the world’s busiest shopping hubs. It is as famous for its eye-popping neon signage as it is for its luxury boutiques, swish department stores, and tantalising traditional eateries. More than 700 shops line both sides of this iconic pedestrian-only boulevard including brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Hermès.

Hit the contemporary Shanghai no.1 Department Store for eight floors of world-class retail therapy or stop by the Cai Tong De Pharmacy to discover traditional Chinese medicine and its many botanical products. Afterwards, head to Lao Sheng Chang restaurant for a bona fide Suzhou experience. Try the aromatic wonton soup, lotus seed mooncakes and pork with crab meat dumplings.

Situated in Chuansha New Town, Shanghai Disneyland features every kind of Disney-themed experience imaginable including the Alice in Wonderland maze, Fantasia carousel and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Thrill-seekers can zip through the air on the Jet Pack ride, plunge through dark watery chasms on Roaring Rapids or search for loot on the Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure adventure.

Afterwards, meet your favourite Jungle Book and Lion King characters at the Happy Circle, or partake in the Frozen: Sing-Along celebration. Shanghai Disneyland is brilliantly equipped with dining options the whole family will love including delicious cheesy pizzas at Pinocchio Village Kitchen and Chinese cuisine at the Tangled Tree Tavern.

Set in Shanghai’s Minhang District, Qibao is a fascinating historic water town renowned for its serene canals, ancient temple and characterful traditional houses that date back to the Song Dynasty. Something of a street food mecca, day-trippers can sample speciality cuisine here including quail eggs, glutenous rice cakes, fried bean curd wrapped in lotus leaves and red braised pork.

The town’s eccentric cricket fighting displays draw in the crowds at the Qibao Cricket House, while its shadow puppetry plays introduce visitors to a beloved Chinese art form. Vinophiles will relish a visit to the Qibao Winery, while shopaholics can splash their cash on fabulous gifts at one of Old Street’s souvenir shops.

Located on West Nanjing Road in Shanghai, Jing'an is an esoteric Tangmi Buddhist temple that dates back over 780 years to the Song Dynasty. Instantly recognisable thanks to its golden roof and central courtyards, this historic relic features three halls (Heavenly Kings, Three Saints and Virtuous Worship) that are open to the public.

Inside, discover a wealth of old-world treasures including a pure jade sculpture of The Buddha Shakyamuni and a beautiful bronze bell which was fashioned during the Ming Dynasty. Before you leave the complex, don’t forget to stop by the large tripod shrine where you can toss coins or burn incense to encourage good fortune.

Long regarded as Shanghai’s very own urban oasis, Century Park spans 140 hectares and is resplendent with vast emerald-green lawns, dappled woodland and tranquil lakes that teem with bird life. The brainchild of English architects, this stunning landscape showcases an aesthetically beautiful fusion of Eastern and Western design elements including an illuminated fountain, a giant hedge clock and flowering plum blossoms.

Spend the day here playing golf on the park’s compact course, strolling under the gingko biloba trees, venturing through the bamboo forest or renting a tandem bicycle for a ride along the scenic paths. Before you leave, don’t forget to take a selfie with the sculptural jazz band. They’re made entirely of topiary (à la Edward Scissorhands).

Take in Shanghai’s glamorous skyline and landmark attractions on a scenic Huangpu River Cruise. Whether your sail day or night, you’ll experience a dynamite new perspective of this iconic Chinese city from the comfort of a cruise boat. We recommend sailing after sundown (with a buffet dinner included).

Sit on the sun deck, drink in hand, and see iconic drawcards including Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge, the geometric Jin Mao Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, the Shanghai World Financial Centre and the Peace Hotel. Cruise tickets can be purchased at the Shiliupu Wharf ticket office, online through a variety of agents, or can be arranged via the front desk at your Shanghainese hotel.

A vibrant arts and crafts enclave situated in Shanghai’s Old French Quarter, Tianzifang’s narrow alleys are rife with innovative design studios, art galleries, chic boutiques and trendy cafés and bars. Here, the architecture harks back to the 1930s (note the abundance of Asian shikumen townhouses, as well as those with French Colonial influence).

Stroll the historic lanes and stop by traditional tea houses, elegant silk and cashmere shops and the intriguing Unique Hill Gallery which stocks a wide array of posters spanning photography, illustrations and advertisements. When you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat at the Old Shanghai Cake Shop which serves delicious dim sum pastries shaped like teddy bears and penguins.

The Huxinting Teahouse in Old Shanghai is an ornate, pagoda-style venue that sits in the middle of a beautiful artificial lake filled with thousands of colourful koi carp fish. Shouldering the stunning Yu Garden, this architectural relic dates back to the Ming Dynasty and was once the former meeting place of merchants and elites.

Inside, you’ll enjoy a wide selection of traditional Chinese refreshments (including gorgeous flowering teas), as well as handmade xiaolongbao (also known as soup dumplings). Afterwards, take a stroll through the garden to see the Exquisite Jade Rock, Sansui Hall and the Chamber of the Ten Thousand Flowers (which features a 400-year-old gingko tree).