Things to do in East China

Activities, attractions and tours

Shanghai
Jing An Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Jing An Temple which includes a city and a temple or place of worship
Jade Buddha Temple featuring religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Jade Buddha Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
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Top places to visit

1. The Bund

In the early 19th century, The Bund was merely a narrow, muddy towpath on the banks of Huangpu River. Within a hundred years, European and American investors had created a lavish boulevard that rivaled the great avenues of the West. After decades of post-revolution neglect, this grand street is back in business. Many of its 52 architectural treasures have been lovingly restored and the once traffic-clogged, multilane street has been remodeled into a pedestrian-friendly promenade.
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China, Shanghai, The Bund, The Customs House

2. People's Square

People's Square, or Renmin Square, is Shanghai’s massive central square. This popular public gathering place is home to the Shanghai Museum, the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall and the Grand Theater, among other attractions. Admire the towering modern buildings that surround the square and watch local residents chatting and flying ornate kites over the grassy lawn areas.
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Shanghai, China - July 25, 2014: Downtown of Shanghai from the People's Square

3. Nanjing Road Shopping District

The Nanjing Road Shopping District, one of the city’s busiest shopping areas, has a history stretching back more than 100 years. The district is now a mix of towering department stores and colonial-era buildings along a pedestrian mall. Find luxury brands, international fast-food chains, and shops selling silk and jade.
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Nanjing Road Shopping District showing street scenes, signage and city views

4. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the world’s highest transmission towers. Since its completion in 1994, the tower has become Shanghai’s most recognizable landmark. More than just a TV tower, this multifunction marvel offers unique shopping, an informative museum, a revolving restaurant and some of the best views in Shanghai.
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Oriental Pearl Tower

5. West Lake

West Lake is a vast freshwater lake close to downtown Hangzhou. The lake is divided into five sections by three causeways. It also has various gardens, pagodas and temples. This is where Hangzhou locals come to find peace and visitors to the city come to capture the perfect souvenir photograph.
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West Lake which includes night scenes and a river or creek

6. Yu Garden

Yu Yuan Garden was lovingly created in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents. Yu Yuan means “peace and comfort,” and despite the popularity of the attraction, the gardens remain a serene sanctuary. Set aside an hour or two to explore the gardens, pavilions, courtyards, chambers and halls. The ponds, bridges and streams also provide perfect spots for reflection, while the protective dragon wall that encircles the garden keeps Shanghai’s bustling Old Town at bay.
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Yu Garden

7. Jing'an Temple

Jing’an Temple has a fitting name. It translates to “Temple of Peace and Tranquility” and this complex on one of the city’s main shopping streets does indeed offer an oasis of calm. Built in the third century, the Buddhist temple has a checkered past. It was relocated during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), converted into a plastics factory during the Cultural Revolution and destroyed by fire in 1972. Today’s reconstructed temple, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, is a perfect place to escape the busy streets of downtown Shanghai. It also offers a fascinating window into the spiritual lives of Shanghai’s people.
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Jing An Temple which includes a city and a temple or place of worship

8. Former French Concession

The French Concession was one of Shanghai’s major European enclaves from the mid 19th century to just before World War II. Today, the district is again a sought-after address for expats living in Shanghai, as well as being a popular tourist destination and the hub of the city’s upmarket shopping scene.
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A residential area of Shanghai once designated for the French, the French Concession is now very popular with tourists and expats, and appreciated for its cafes, bars and tree-lined avenues, and tudor houses.

9. Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Located in the heart of Shanghai, historic Xintiandi (which translates to “New Heaven and Earth”) is a car-free, inner-city paradise for those seeking open-air dining, chic bars and boutique shopping. Most importantly, however, this redevelopment preserves a style of architecture unique to Shanghai, and gives a window into the community which once inhabited the area’s narrow lanes.
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Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre

What to do in East China

Popular places to visit

Shanghai Disneyland©

Shanghai Disneyland©

4.5/5(11 reviews)

Enjoy the excitement at Shanghai Disneyland© and see why people love this theme park in Shanghai. Wander through the picturesque gardens and riverfront in this vibrant area.

Shanghai Disneyland©
The Bund featuring flowers and a city

The Bund

4.5/5(96 reviews)

Despite years of war and revolution, the soul and skyline of one of the world’s great waterfront boulevards has risen to even greater heights.

The Bund
People\'s Square showing flowers and a garden

People's Square

4/5(60 reviews)

To see the modern heart of Shanghai, visit this square, a vast green space surrounded by museums and a grand theater.

People's Square
Nanjing Road Shopping District showing street scenes, signage and city views

Nanjing Road Shopping District

4/5(89 reviews)

Experience the bustling energy of Shanghai’s most famous commercial street, with a pedestrian mall surrounded by traditional and luxury shopping opportunities.

Nanjing Road Shopping District
Oriental Pearl Tower which includes a city, a river or creek and skyline

Oriental Pearl Tower

4.5/5(60 reviews)

This towering symbol of Shanghai’s modern renaissance offers history lessons, fine dining and stunning city views.

Oriental Pearl Tower
West Lake featuring a lake or waterhole

West Lake

5/5(5 reviews)

Shimmering waters, misty mountains and large pagodas characterize this area of outstanding natural beauty that has inspired many poets and artists.

West Lake
Yu Garden

Yu Garden

4.5/5(60 reviews)

Step through the gate of Shanghai’s premier classical gardens and into a tranquil world of bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions.

Yu Garden
Jing An Temple which includes a city and a temple or place of worship

Jing'an Temple

4.5/5(38 reviews)

This centuries-old, downtown Shanghai temple is home to the largest pure jade statue of Buddha Sakyamuni in mainland China.

Jing'an Temple
French Concession which includes street scenes and a city

Former French Concession

4.5/5(48 reviews)

Wealthy European families created an art deco oasis in Shanghai's heart. The area is now full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Former French Concession

Areas of East China

Xintiandi featuring a bar, a city and outdoor eating

Downtown Shanghai

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Shanghai. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Three on the Bund, and jump on the metro at East Nanjing Road Station or Yuyuan Garden Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Shanghai
Jing An Temple showing a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

Jing'an

4/5(16 area reviews)

Travellers choose Jing'an for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station and check out top sights like Jade Buddha Temple.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum featuring modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(94 area reviews)

Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Huangpu. Check out top attractions like The Bund and Yuyuan Bazaar, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.

Huangpu
Lujiazui

Lujiazui

Climb the innovative towers in this financial district for unobstructed views of Shanghai’s mesmerizing cityscape and stroll along the riverside.

Lujiazui
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Xuhui

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travellers choose Xuhui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Stadium Station or Xujiahui Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Stadium.

Xuhui
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Hongqiao

Noted for its shopping and restaurants, there's plenty to explore in Hongqiao. Top attractions like Hongqiao Int'l Pearl City and Laowai Street 101 are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Hechuan Road Station or Longbai Xincun Station to see more of the city.

Hongqiao