During this trip to Hong Kong and Macau, we had a quick one-night layover in Shanghai. The great thing about this layover is it was just enough time to see some of Shanghai’s most popular attractions. Since I primarily want my little brother and mother to see this great city, it makes for a great side trip. However, I did some research just in case we had more time. So, today, I want to focus on things to do in Shanghai for people who are visiting for the first time.
Here’s a tip: If you’re a US Citizen, you need a visa to visit Shanghai, China. Don’t worry. You can fill one out when you arrive. Also, a visa is good for 24 hours or up to 6 nights.
You also need proof that you have a return flight, because once you come here, you must go. So get outta here!
Things to do in Shanghai China for First-Timers
Shanghai is a sprawling city. You can find pretty much anything here. Youll find amazing dumpling restaurants to pedestrian-only streets with high fashion.
They have an excellent metro system that will get you wherever you need to go.
You can take the metro to most tourist destinations in Shanghai. They’re also near each other so you can knock them out in one day.
Shop ‘til You Drop on Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s main shopping drag. It’s pretty much a pedestrian-only street with many high-end stores, entrances to major hotel chains and grocery stores and malls block after block.
Here, you’ll find grocery stores, malls, great dumpling restaurants to shopping designer clothing stores, Addidas shoes and more.
The lights are flashy, and it’s pretty cool to walk through. You’ll see a massive amount of people walking to and fro. People also use this area for tai chi classes. It’s pretty cool to watch. If you’re looking for things to do in Shanghai at night, this might be a great place to start.
I should also mention there’s a train that runs right down the middle too. This train looks more like something you find in Disneyland. You’ll find it weaving in and out of people’s way. Just don’t get hit by it. It’s a big fear of mine.
Nanjing Road is considered one of the biggest shopping districts in the world.
If you walk in between some of the buildings in Nanjing Road, you’ll find entrances to authentic Chinese restaurants, street vendors cooking outdoors, and mopeds speeding through tight spaces. It’s slightly claustrophobic but very atmospheric and totally awesome!
Marvel at The Bund
If you walk from Nanjing road down to the water, you’ll hit The Bund. This spectacular waterfront is something everyone needs to see. The Shanghai skyline is absolutely wild.
Across the river, you’ll notice tall skyscrapers. The skyscrapers are so cool. One looks like a bottle opener with an opening at the top, another building curves slightly, one has a point, and one looks like it has a shell. If you’re looking in that direction, you’re looking at the district of Pu Dong.
Although if you’re currently standing across the street from Nanjing road looking at the water, you’ll notice many art deco buildings along the street. It’s stunning to see so much architecture, modern and old in this space.
The Bund is free and easy to walk to. It also makes for the most Instragrammable images. The Shanghai skyline is so unique it has to be on your list of things to do in Shanghai!
The Oriental Pearl Tower
Since we’re already looking at Pu Dong, we can head over there via subway. From Nanjing Road, it’s one or two stops to Pu Dong.
Upon arriving in Pu Dong, you’ll notice shops, restaurants and fast food places at the subway exit.
We want to go up. There’s a circular pedestrian walkway, which I love, right above here. This pedestrian walkway gives you a 360 panoramic view of the skyscrapers. You can also get to the Oriental Pearl Tower this way.
If you’ve ever seen the movie Her, you’ll recognize this walkway. It was used to represent LA in the future. Futuristic, it is. LA, it is not!
The Oriental Pearl Tower also has an observation deck you can pay to go up and see the view. I found the circular pedestrian walkway fun enough. I didn’t feel the need to head up. Nevertheless, this is part of the first-timers list of things to do in Shanghai. Inevitably, many first-timers tend to do it. If I’m honest, I say, you can do without heading to the top. The exterior is so much more amazing than paying for a view.
Ride the Shanghai Maglev Bullet Train
One of the coolest things to do in Shanghai, China, is riding the bullet train. This train is great because it’s currently the fastest train in the world. It’s a maglev, which means it’s propelled by magnetic levitation (ohhh so sci-fi.) It’s also the oldest operating maglev in history.
It’s great, but it only goes to the airport and into the city. With only one stop the Shanghai maglev train will leave you wanting more.
A single, one-way ticket is 50 Yuan. A round trip ticket is 80 Yuan. If you’re headed to the airport and have a boarding pass, you get a discount. I call that winning!
For maglev schedules and other information, click here to check out their website.
DO NOT MISS Tianzifang
Tianzi Fang is a unique, traditional and renovated artsy neighborhood that is totally trendy at the moment.
It’s filled with craft shops, art stores, bars, trendy boutiques and the like. This area is located within the French Concession area of Shanghai.
There are many things to see in the French Concession area, and since Tianzi Fang is here already, you might as well stick around and explore some more.
Even though this area is pretty fun, the thing I find more interesting is how thing, windy and almost maze-like it feels when you’re here. It’s worth coming here and taking loads of pictures if you’re a first-time traveler to Shanghai.
Marvel at the City God Temple of Shanghai
If you’re wondering about things to do in Shanghai and it’s your first time here, you have to check out City God Temple of Shanghai. It’s very popular but rightfully so.
These temples are traditionally Chinese. They’re beautiful and cultural. It’s also right in the middle of the old town of Shanghai.
Eat Everything at Wujiang Road Leisure Street
Shanghai is a gigantic city. In fact, many locals consider it the New York City of China. Therefore, this tiny list is just a beginner’s guide to what you should expect. It will light a fire under your feet and get you excited about things to do in Shanghai.
With that said, there are many eating centers in the city. If you’re looking for things to do in Shanghai, don’t forget about food.
Although Nanjing Road has plenty of restaurants, malls, alleyways, food carts, to choose from, there are actual food-only areas where you can find the perfect dumpling. Can I get a halleluiah? Can you tell I love dumplings like I love breathing?
Wujiang Road Leisure Street is Shanghai’s most famous food area. You will fall into a food coma if you come here. Be prepared. There is little English spoken in Shanghai. So expect less English in this area.
I should mention, I’m just throwing this one in because it was a goal of mine that didn’t happen. Go and explore this area. I can live through you guys!
Check out this video I made below. I made it on my first trip to Shanghai. But it’s quick and easy, just like I like it 😉.
Let Me Break It Down For You:
There are many things to do in Shanghai, China. This list does not make justice, but it will get you started if it’s your first time coming here.
Check out Nanjing Road, a pedestrian-only street and one of the largest shopping districts in the world.
The Bund is a gorgeous waterfront with a view of the Shanghai skyline that is out of this world. For real though, who built this city? Extraterrestrials? It’s impressive.
Ride the maglev, also known as the fastest maglev in the world.
Find unique shops at Tianzifang in the French Concession neighborhood.
Check out City God Temple of Shanghai.
Eat everything you can at one of the most popular Shanghai eating streets, Wujiang Road Leisure Street.
This is a list of things to do in Shanghai that I did not complete. I saw most of these, but I wasn’t here long, there was not enough time.
Go. Be free! Do as much as you can in this great city.
Did I miss any sites you should see on your first trip to Shanghai? Leave me a comment!
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