Things to do in Shanghai

What to try first in Shanghai throughout the year

Shanghai’s top bookings are dominated by Theme parks, followed by Tours and Observation decks, with demand building and peaking toward December. Bookings dip in the late winter, then climb through spring and again into the busiest month of December.

Activities suited to families, couples and solo travellers

Families tend to favour Theme parks and Zoos & aquariums for big, easy-to-plan days out; these categories are the go-to for child-friendly entertainment. Couples will enjoy Observation decks and Parks & gardens for scenic, relaxed experiences and romantic city views. Solo travellers and small groups often pick Tours for flexibility and variety, since Tours offer the widest range of options and price points.

What travellers from Hong Kong should book ahead

Most things in Shanghai can be arranged with some flexibility — many travellers book activities within a few days of travel — but the earliest planners typically reserve around 13 days ahead. Booking ahead matters most for visits in December, when demand is highest and popular attractions fill up sooner.

How the categories compare on price and who they suit

Parks & gardens are the easiest, most budget-friendly way into Shanghai’s attractions, offering low entry-level prices. Theme parks sit at the premium end of the range and are typically costlier than other options, appealing to families and visitors prioritising big attractions. Tours have the widest spread of prices, from budget to premium, making them suitable for a broad range of travellers and needs, while Observation decks and Zoos & aquariums sit in the mid-range and suit sightseers and nature-lovers respectively.