Things to Do during Shanghai Layover 

Welcome to this wonderful city, there are so many interesting places to explore in Shanghai. Save these travel tips for planning your Shanghai layover tour!

1. Stroll on the Bund

As the night falls, the neon lights decorated on the exotic architecture on the Bund and towering buildings rear into the sky, some cruises floating on the Huangpu River, which forms an astonishing view. Stroll on the Bund and experience the rapid changes in China which may offer you a different point of view!

2. Enjoy beautiful Yu Garden and City God Temple Bazaar

When you come to visit Shanghai, Yu Garden is a must-see attraction. The garden embodies traditional Chinese culture as you enjoy the beautiful ponds, paths, rockeries, and corridors, pavilions, etc. What a relaxing way to spend your Shanghai layover for a couple of hours. Besides, the nearby City God Temple Bazaar is a wonderful food and souvenir paradise, try some local famous food here.

3. Shop at Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is one of the busiest shopping streets in China, selling many famous brands such as LV, Fendi, Apple, Sephora etc. Besides, grab a bite of local food and go shopping. In the evening, the exquisite buildings were decorated with bright lights, which make this street charming and beautiful.

4. View city skyline on one of the skyscrapers

What a fantastic city where the skyline like in a science fiction movie. You may choose one of four skyscrapers to visit during Shanghai layover tour, such as Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center(SWFC) and the tallest building in China, Shanghai Tower. When you come to the top, everything becomes so small and makes you excited about the beautiful city skyline.

5. Enjoy tranquil Jade Buddha Temple

If you are looking for a tranquil place in Shanghai, visiting Jade Buddha Temple can be a good choice. The temple is so clean and peaceful, everyone is attracted by vivid like Buddhist figures and learn Buddhist culture by making a pilgrimage.

6. Explore Chinese history at the Shanghai Museum

Interested in Chinese history? Shanghai Museum will meet your appetite to enjoy historical bronzes, porcelain, painting, calligraphy, ancient currency, different ethnics culture. And it’s totally free!

7. Experience exotic Former French Concession

If you come to Former French Concession, a tranquil avenue planked with buttonwood and elegant blocks of foreign-style houses. Take a leisurely walk along the street and explore the colonial history and one of the former residences of celebrities, like famous Soong Ching-ling, Sun Yat-sen, Zhou Enlai, Ruan Lingyu etc.  

8. Take a cruise on Huangpu River at night

The Huangpu River Cruise at night was such a wonderful way to view the dazzling colors and lights on the buildings along both sides of the river. The views were spectacular and the lights magical decorated on. Definitely worth a visit in the evening!

9. Tianzifang

Tianzifang is quite a unique attraction selling lots of artistic and vintage items here, a very fantastic place to buy some ingenious souvenirs for family members or friends. Besides, meander on the narrow street and create many great photo opportunities here. What’s more, there are plenty of high-quality palatable street food to try!

10. Xintiandi

Xintiandi is an excellent place full of shops and bars for dining and entertainment, grab some drinks and listen to live music even in the mid-night! Besides, explore local outstanding Shikumen(Stone House) and take some great photos.

11. Enjoy charming Zhujiajiao Water Town

Take a half-day or full-day to experience the beautiful Zhujiajiao Water Town, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the ancient stone path and stone bridge, overlook the beautiful river with boats running through, lots of shops and street food to explore for travelers! The boat ride is welcome to make a memorable holiday and experience an appealing waterway landscape.

12. Try Local Food

A visit to Shanghai won’t complete if you didn’t try delicious local food! Various options for street food and meals, the popular food are fried bun, Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, soup dumplings, sesame roll, braised pork etc. Check Shanghai layover food tour we prepared for you!