← My China route

Things to do in Shanghai

You can't do everything in Shanghai, so don't try. Pick a few things, eat well, go shopping.

The Pudong skyline lit up at night, seen from the Bund
Pudong from the Bund, at night.

What I would do

  • The Bund at night. Walk along the river while the towers light up on the other side. Go before 10 pm (11 on weekends), that's when they switch the lights off. See it →
  • Yu Garden at night, the old town with the curved roofs lit up in red. Packed, but cute. Tickets →
  • The French Concession for a long walk under the plane trees, some shopping, and a good dinner.
  • Tax refund. Spend ¥200 or more in the same store and ask for it. A lot of shops in Shanghai give it back on the spot.
The curved roofs of Yu Garden lit up in red at night
Yu Garden at night.

Where to sleep

Keep your nicest hotel night for Shanghai. These are the ones I'd pick.

Quick answers

What time do the Bund lights turn off?

Around 10 pm, 11 on weekends. Go before.

Can you get a tax refund when shopping in Shanghai?

Yes, spend ¥200 or more in the same store and ask. A lot of shops give it back on the spot.

Keep planning