Absolute Asia/Destinations/China/Places to Visit/Things to Do in Shanghai: The Bund, Yu Garden, Pudong Skyline, Maglev and a Water Town
Private & Tailor-Made China Tours
A river city of old banks, a 16th-century garden and the Pudong towers
The Essence of Things to Do in Shanghai
Shanghai's main sights are the Bund, Yu Garden, the Pudong skyline with the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the maglev to the airport and the water town of Zhujiajiao.
Shanghai is China’s largest city and its most international one, a port that grew rich in the nineteenth century and is now known for its skyline. It’s a city of contrasts: colonial-era banks on one side of the river, glass towers on the other, and a garden from 1559 a few streets from both. Most travelers need three days to enjoy it.
| The Bund | about 1.5 km, over 20 historic buildings |
|---|---|
| Yu Garden | built 1559 |
| Shanghai Tower | 632 m, completed 2016 |
| Oriental Pearl Tower | 468 m, opened 1995 |
| Maglev | 29.9 km, top speed 431 km/h |
The Bund
The Bund is a 1.5-kilometer promenade along the west bank of the Huangpu River, from Yan’an East Road to Waibaidu Bridge. More than 20 historic buildings line it, in a mix of styles, which is why Chinese writers call it a museum of international architecture. The area was a British concession from 1844 and became the financial center of China, once known as the “Wall Street of the East.” Walk it in the evening, when the buildings are lit and the Pudong towers are across the water.
Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a classical garden in the old city, built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan, an official who wanted to give his parents a place to enjoy in their old age; the name yu means “pleasing.” It was damaged repeatedly over the centuries and opened to the public in 1961. Look for the Jade Delicacy rock, one of the three great rocks of the Jiangnan region, and Dianchun Hall. The streets around the garden are crowded with shops and stalls, so go in the early morning if you can.
The Pudong skyline
Across the river, Pudong has the city’s tallest buildings. The Oriental Pearl Tower, 468 meters, opened in 1995 and was the tallest building in mainland China until 2007. Shanghai Tower, 632 meters with 130 floors, was completed in March 2016. Chinese sources report that its observation decks, on the 118th and 119th floors, are the highest in the world, and that it holds a 1,000-ton damper to steady it in wind. Choose one tower rather than all, and pick a clear day, as haze and cloud can hide the view.
The maglev train
The Shanghai maglev runs 29.9 kilometers between Longyang Road station and Pudong Airport. It’s the only high-speed magnetic levitation line in commercial service in the world. Its top speed is 431 km/h, though most trains run at 300 km/h, and since 2024 a few trips have been run at 430 km/h. It’s worth riding if you’re going to the airport anyway.
Zhujiajiao water town
Zhujiajiao, in Shanghai’s Qingpu district, is a canal town of the Jiangnan type, with stone bridges and old shopfronts. It grew rich on the rice trade in the Ming and Qing periods, and Shanghai named it a historic and cultural town in 1991. It’s a pleasant half-day, best on a weekday. See also our guides to the French Concession and Suzhou.
When to go and how long to stay
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable; summer is hot and humid. Three days cover the Bund, Yu Garden, Pudong and the French Concession, with a fourth for Zhujiajiao or a trip to Suzhou or Hangzhou. See our guides to Hangzhou and Beijing, and our China tours.
Planning Shanghai with Absolute Asia Tours
Absolute Asia Tours has planned private trips in Asia since 1989. In Shanghai that means a private guide who knows the old city as well as the new, a driver for the day trips, and a hotel on the right side of the river for your plans. We’re rated 4.8 out of 5 across about 900 traveler reviews. Tell us your dates and we’ll plan from there.
Sources (read in Chinese, Chinese Wikipedia): 上海市, 外滩, 豫园, 上海中心大厦, 上海磁浮示范运营线. Last checked November 2026.
Things to do in Shanghai: FAQ
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
Three days for the main sights, four with a day trip.
What is the Bund?
A 1.5-kilometer riverside promenade lined with more than 20 historic buildings, once the financial center of China.
How tall is Shanghai Tower?
632 meters, with 130 floors. It was completed in 2016.
How fast is the Shanghai maglev?
Top speed 431 km/h, though most trains run at 300 km/h.
When was Yu Garden built?
In 1559, by an official named Pan Yunduan.
What is the best time to visit Shanghai?
Spring and autumn.
Photo: Lloyd Tudor, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Private Difference
Tailor-Made Things to Do in Shanghai Journeys
Absolute Asia curates completely bespoke, 100% private luxury journeys across China. Accompanied by certified bilingual scholar guides, experience private dawn and sunset access to the Great Wall away from crowds, private clearances to archaeological pits in Xi'an, high-speed 350 km/h bullet-train connections between ancient capitals, and stays at legendary heritage properties including The Peninsula Beijing, Aman Summer Palace, and Banyan Tree Yangshuo.
Destination Quick Facts
| Ideal Duration | 10 – 18 Days (e.g. Beijing + Xi'an + Guilin + Shanghai, or extended to Yunnan / Silk Road) |
| Best Season | Apr – May (Pleasant Spring & Blossoms), Sep – Nov (Crisp Golden Autumn & Clear Skies) |
| Typical Budget | $480 – $1,250+ per guest / day (Private executive vehicle & chauffeur, high-speed rail First Class, licensed scholar guide, 5-star luxury hotels & domestic flights) |
| Travel Style | 100% Private, Bespoke Cultural Antiquity & Modern Luxury |
| Best For | UNESCO World Heritage (Great Wall & Forbidden City), Ancient Archaeology (Terracotta Army), Dramatic Karst Topography, Imperial & Regional Gastronomy, High-Speed Bullet Rail |
Our Favorite Journeys
Our expert guides to exploring Shanghai
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Shanghai, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Shanghai at its best.
What to do in China: our highlights guide
Discover China’s must-see sights and insider tips from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall. A First-Timer’s Guide to China helps you beat the crowds and travel smart.
Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia
Explore Asia’s top UNESCO World Heritage Sites by country. Discover ancient cities, jungles, and sacred temples with links to tours across Southeast Asia.
Transparent Pricing Intelligence
What Does a Private Things to Do in Shanghai Tour Cost?
China's vast geographic scale and profound cultural wealth require precise logistical choreography. Every Absolute Asia journey includes dedicated private chauffeured vehicles for all transfers and excursions, first-class high-speed rail tickets or business-class flights, certified English-speaking scholar guides, pre-booked VIP site admissions, and vetted luxury accommodations.
$480 – $650 per guest / day
Exceptional 5-star international and heritage hotels (Grand Hyatt Beijing, Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai Pudong), private chauffeured executive vehicle, licensed bilingual guide, and first-class high-speed bullet rail.
- 5-star luxury city and resort accommodations
- Dedicated private executive minivan and chauffeur throughout
- Licensed English-speaking private scholar guides in each destination
- Reserved First Class high-speed rail seats (Fuxing bullet trains)
- VIP skip-the-line admissions to Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors
$700 – $1,250 per guest / day
Iconic heritage properties (The Peninsula Beijing, Aman Summer Palace, Banyan Tree Yangshuo), private helicopter transfers to secluded Great Wall ramparts, private archaeologist-led Terracotta Warriors tour, and private chartered Li River cruises.
- Suites at premier luxury and Aman properties (The Peninsula, Aman Summer Palace)
- Private opening access to restricted Forbidden City halls and scholar studios
- Privately chartered boutique riverboat on the Li River in Guilin/Yangshuo
- Private archaeologist lecture and VIP access at Xi'an Terracotta Army
- Bespoke Peking duck and regional imperial banquets arranged by private concierges
$1,400 – $2,800+ per guest / day
The pinnacle of bespoke Asian luxury: Amanfayun in Hangzhou, Amandayan in Lijiang, Amanyangyun in Shanghai, chartered private jet connections, private Tibetan monastery access in Shangri-La, and Michelin 3-star culinary dining.
- Exclusive standalone villas and Ming/Qing dynasty courtyard compounds
- Chartered aviation and executive helicopter transfers
- Private curator-led tours of National Palace collections after public hours
- Private tea harvesting masterclasses with master growers in Longjing
- 24/7 dedicated bilingual national concierge managing all logistics
What Drives Your Total Investment?
- Vast intercity transit distances: flights vs 350 km/h high-speed rail routing
- Restricted quota booking for UNESCO monuments (Forbidden City requires strict advance ID registration)
- Seasonal surges during Golden Week (early May and early October) requiring early booking
- Private chartered boats on the Li River vs standard public cruise vessels
Local Operational Realities
What You Need to Know Before Traveling in Things to Do in Shanghai
Visa Protocols, 144-Hour Transit & Visa-Free Entry
China's immigration policies offer dynamic travel options, including 144-hour visa-free transit for travelers holding onward international tickets through Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, as well as unilateral visa-free entry for select European and Asian passports. Absolute Asia provides full pre-departure verification and VIP fast-track airport greeting.
Digital Connectivity, VPNs & Cashless Payments
China operates an independent digital ecosystem where Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) require international roaming eSIMs or pre-configured corporate VPNs. Furthermore, China is virtually cashless; Absolute Asia assists guests in linking international credit cards to Alipay and WeChat Pay for smooth day-to-day transactions.
High-Speed Rail (Fuxing) vs Domestic Aviation
China's high-speed rail network is the world's most advanced, with Fuxing bullet trains operating at 350 km/h. For journeys under 5 hours (such as Beijing to Xi'an or Shanghai to Hangzhou), First Class bullet rail departs and arrives in city centers, eliminating airport check-in queues and flight delays.
Great Wall Section Selection & Crowd-Avoidance
Rather than visiting crowded, commercialized sections like Badaling, Absolute Asia takes guests exclusively to quieter, picturesque ramparts such as Mutianyu (with private cable car and toboggan access) or Jinshanling, timing visits during late afternoon golden hour for private photography without crowds.
Handpicked 5-Star Sanctuaries
Signature Stays & Exclusive Experiences in Things to Do in Shanghai
The Peninsula Beijing
Palatial all-suite luxury blending classical Chinese craftsmanship with cutting-edge Peninsula technology, private Rolls-Royce fleet, and Michelin-starred dining.
Aman Summer Palace
Historic Qing-era pavilions just steps from the imperial Summer Palace lakes, featuring a secret door providing private after-hours access into the royal gardens.
Banyan Tree Yangshuo
Picturesque resort framed by towering karst limestone pinnacles along the tranquil Li River, with private bamboo rafts and karst-view spa pavilions.
Amanfayun
Restored ancient stone village nestled amidst Longjing tea plantations and bamboo forests, adjacent to the sacred 4th-century Lingyin Temple.
Amanyangyun
A breathtaking preservation feat: relocated Ming and Qing dynasty camphor forests and ancient stone villas reimagined as a serene ultra-luxury sanctuary.
The Temple House
Contemporary architectural gem built around a beautifully restored 100-year-old Qing dynasty courtyard, located in the heart of Sichuan's culinary capital.
Tailored to Your Style
Family & Honeymoon Journeys in Things to Do in Shanghai
Private China Family Expeditions
An awe-inspiring adventure for all generations: meet giant pandas in Chengdu with a private wildlife keeper, toboggan down from the Great Wall at Mutianyu, learn authentic Shaolin kung fu moves in a private courtyard, make traditional hand-pulled noodles, and cruise through fairy-tale karst peaks on private bamboo rafts.
- Private keeper-assisted giant panda volunteer and viewing experience in Chengdu
- Cable car ascent and exhilarating toboggan descent down the Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Hands-on terracotta mini-statue molding workshop with an artisan master in Xi'an
- Private family dumpling and hand-pulled noodle culinary masterclasses
- High-speed 350 km/h Fuxing bullet train journeys with spacious First Class family seating
Romantic Imperial China & Karst Escapes
A romance steeped in dynastic elegance: stay in restored Qing dynasty pavilions at Aman Summer Palace, glide down the tranquil Yulong River on a private bamboo raft with champagne, enjoy private lantern-lit dinners overlooking the Great Wall, and unwind in secluded luxury villas amidst tea plantations.
- Private dawn access to the Forbidden City and secluded Summer Palace gardens
- Private sunset champagne picnic on an uncrowded watchtower of the Great Wall
- Private bamboo raft cruise along the mist-draped karst valleys of Yangshuo
- Couples' herbal spa rituals utilizing ancient Chinese acupressure and green tea extracts
- Exclusive reservations at China's finest private dining clubs and Michelin-starred restaurants
Cross-Border Extensions
Seamless Multi-Country Extensions Beyond Things to Do in Shanghai
Connect multiple Asian cultures into one coherent private journey with expert in-country concierge coordination.
Japan & China: East Asian Imperial Dynasties
Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Shanghai → Xi'an → Beijing
Direct 3-hour international flight connecting Osaka Kansai (KIX) or Tokyo (HND/NRT) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Beijing (PEK).
When to Go
The premier travel seasons for China are spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring brings blooming gardens, comfortable temperatures, and green landscapes across Beijing, Xi'an, and Jiangnan. Autumn offers crisp golden sunshine, clear blue skies, minimal rainfall, and spectacular fall foliage along the Great Wall.
Month by Month
China Through the Seasons
Spring Blossoms & Mild Weather
Pleasant touring temperatures nationwide; peach blossoms in Guilin and vibrant peonies in Beijing's imperial parks.
Summer Sunshine & Mountain Retreats
Warm weather ideal for high-altitude exploration in Yunnan, Tibet, and relaxing cruises along the emerald Li River.
Golden Autumn (Best Overall)
Crisp, dry, and comfortable across northern and southern China; golden gingko leaves and fiery red foliage on the Great Wall.
Winter Dynasties & Snow Harbin
Snow-dusted Forbidden City, dramatic ice sculptures in Harbin, quiet uncrowded museums, and warm tropical retreats in Hainan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Private Travel to Things to Do in Shanghai: Essential Advice
Verified Traveler Stories
Recent Guest Experiences in Things to Do in Shanghai
“Our 14-day private tour through Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, and Shanghai was simply extraordinary. Absolute Asia's scholar guide in Beijing gave us a perspective on the Forbidden City we never could have gained on our own, and the private sunset visit to the Great Wall was unforgettable. The Peninsula and Aman Summer Palace were world-class.”
“Taking our children to China with Absolute Asia was the best family decision we have ever made. Riding the 350 km/h bullet train, seeing the pandas in Chengdu, and tobogganing down the Great Wall kept everyone energized. The private van and driver made city travel completely effortless.”
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