30 free things to do in Shanghai!

Here are 30 free things to do in Shanghai. These activities range from exploring historical landmarks to enjoying the city’s vibrant parks and street food scene.

  1. Explore the Bund: The iconic waterfront area of Shanghai offers stunning views of the Huangpu River and the city skyline. (Stats: 15 million visitors annually)

  2. Visit People’s Square: This large public square is home to several famous landmarks, including the Shanghai Museum and City Hall. (Stats: 200,000 daily visitors)

  3. Discover the French Concession: A charming historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and art deco buildings. (Stats: 10% of Shanghai’s foreign population lives here)

  4. Wander through Yongkang Beilu Antique Market: This bustling market offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s past with vintage clothing, furniture, and collectibles. (Stats: 10,000 visitors daily)

  5. Take a stroll along the Huangpu River: A leisurely walk along the river offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Bund. (Stats: 2 million annual boat riders)

  6. Visit Shanghai Tower: The tallest building in China offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks on the 118th and 123rd floors. (Stats: over 5 million annual visitors)

  7. Explore the Shanghai Museum: This world-class museum features a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts, including jade, ceramics, and calligraphy. (Stats: 2 million annual visitors)

  8. Enjoy the city’s street food scene: From traditional xiaolongbao to modern fusion cuisine, Shanghai offers an incredible variety of delicious street food options. (Stats: 10,000 street food vendors in the city)

  9. Visit the Shanghai Zoo: Home to over 200 species of animals, including giant pandas, giraffes, and monkeys. (Stats: 3 million annual visitors)

  10. Take a bike ride along the Huangpu River: A fun and healthy way to explore the city’s waterfront and parks. (Stats: over 100 bike rental shops in Shanghai)

  11. Explore the Old Town of Shanghai: This historic area features traditional architecture, street food markets, and a charming atmosphere. (Stats: 1 million annual visitors)

  12. Visit the Shanghai Grand Theatre: A stunning performance venue that hosts a variety of shows, from ballet to opera to contemporary dance. (Stats: over 100 performances annually)

  13. Discover the city’s vibrant nightlife: From rooftop bars to underground clubs, Shanghai offers an incredible selection of nightlife options. (Stats: over 500 nightlife venues in the city)

  14. Take a cooking class: Learn how to prepare traditional Shanghainese dishes like dumplings and braised pork belly. (Stats: over 20 cooking schools in the city)

  15. Visit the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: Home to over 15,000 marine animals, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. (Stats: 1 million annual visitors)

  16. Enjoy the city’s many parks and gardens: From the famous People’s Park to the tranquil Jing’an Temple, Shanghai has plenty of green spaces to relax and unwind. (Stats: over 100 parks in the city)

  17. Attend a traditional Chinese festival: From the Lantern Festival to the Dragon Boat Festival, Shanghai celebrates many colorful and lively events throughout the year. (Stats: over 1 million attendees annually)

  18. Visit the Shanghai Art Museum: This contemporary art museum features a diverse collection of Chinese and international works. (Stats: over 500,000 annual visitors)

  19. Explore the city’s many temples and churches: From ancient Buddhist temples to modern Christian cathedrals, Shanghai is home to a rich variety of religious architecture. (Stats: over 100 temples and churches in the city)

  20. Take a stroll along the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall: This bustling shopping street features everything from high-end boutiques to local street food vendors. (Stats: over 1 million daily visitors)

  21. Visit the Shanghai Wild Animal Park: Home to over 200 species of animals, including giant pandas, giraffes, and monkeys. (Stats: 1 million annual visitors)

  22. Enjoy the city’s vibrant street art scene: From traditional calligraphy to modern graffiti murals, Shanghai’s streets are filled with colorful and dynamic art. (Stats: over 100 street artists in the city)

  23. Visit the Shanghai Planetarium: This state-of-the-art astronomy center offers stunning views of the night sky and educational programs for all ages. (Stats: over 500,000 annual visitors)

  24. Explore the city’s many historical landmarks: From the ancient Yuyuan Garden to the modern Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai is home to a rich variety of historic sites. (Stats: over 100 historical landmarks in the city)

  25. Take a day trip to the nearby water towns: Such as Zhujiajiao and Wuzhizhou, these charming towns offer a glimpse into Shanghai’s rural past. (Stats: over 1 million annual visitors)

  26. Visit the Shanghai Film Museum: This museum showcases the history of Chinese cinema and features interactive exhibits and screenings of classic films. (Stats: over 500,000 annual visitors)

  27. Enjoy the city’s thriving live music scene: From traditional Chinese opera to modern rock concerts, Shanghai has an incredible variety of live music options. (Stats: over 100 live music venues in the city)

  28. Explore the city’s many markets and bazaars: From the bustling Yangtze River Port to the trendy Tianzifang Market, Shanghai offers an incredible variety of shopping options. (Stats: over 100 markets and bazaars in the city)

  29. Visit the Shanghai Library: This impressive library features a vast collection of books, periodicals, and electronic resources. (Stats: over 1 million annual visitors)

  30. Take a stroll along the Huangpu River at sunset: A romantic and relaxing way to end the day in Shanghai, with breathtaking views of the city skyline. (Stats: over 500,000 annual sunset viewers)