Ever landed in a city that completely flips your idea of what “modern meets tradition” really means? That’s Shanghai. It’s fast, fascinating, and full of little surprises you don’t expect until you’re actually there. Whether you’re into sleek skylines, vintage alleyways, or mouthwatering street eats, this city doesn’t just deliver—it overwhelms, in the best way possible.
I’ve wandered its glittering high-rises, lost myself in quiet lanes behind temples, and even stood in line for a xiaolongbao (soup dumpling) that was totally worth the wait. So if you’re planning to explore this city with just your hand luggage and a love for travel, food, and photography, this guide is your go-to.
From iconic towers to hidden teahouses, here are the 15 best things to do in Shanghai, China—compact, photo-worthy, and full of flavor.
1. Wander The Bund – Shanghai’s Most Iconic View
You haven’t really been to Shanghai until you’ve walked along The Bund at night. It’s that postcard-perfect skyline moment—with the futuristic towers of Pudong on one side and historic colonial buildings on the other.
Bring your camera or phone—this is the shot. I found early morning to be peaceful and surprisingly photogenic (misty skies, less crowd). But at night? That’s when the city puts on a show. Everything glows.
👉 Photography tip: Shoot wide-angle toward Lujiazui right after sunset. That’s when the sky turns purple-blue and the buildings start to shimmer.
2. Get Lost in the French Concession
If Shanghai’s high-rises start to feel a bit much, take a breather in the leafy streets of the French Concession. This area is filled with tree-lined boulevards, quaint cafes, art deco architecture, and small galleries tucked into courtyards.
It’s one of the best places to slow down. I loved grabbing a coffee from a hole-in-the-wall café and just people-watching. And don’t miss the boutiques—there’s everything from indie Chinese designers to secondhand bookstores.
What to try: The almond croissants at Farine, if you can get there early (they sell out fast!).
3. Visit Yu Garden and the Old City Bazaar
For a touch of old-school Shanghai, Yu Garden is where it’s at. Yes, it gets touristy, but it’s still worth your time. The garden itself is stunning—think koi ponds, dragon walls, curved bridges, and rockeries that make you feel like you’re in a Ming Dynasty movie.
Just outside the garden, you’ll find the Old City Bazaar, packed with snack stalls, souvenir shops, and teahouses. Sure, it’s chaotic, but in that way that feels alive and real.
🎯 Local bite to try: Nanxiang Xiaolongbao from the original store here. The line is long, the dumplings are hot, and they’re stuffed with juicy pork that’s borderline addictive.
4. Climb the Shanghai Tower – The World’s Second Tallest
This one’s for the sky-chasers. At 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world.
The high-speed elevator whooshes you to the top in under a minute (literally—I timed it), and the observation deck offers a panoramic view of the entire city. On a clear day, you’ll see all the way to Suzhou Creek and beyond.
Pro tip: Go just before dusk. That way, you see the city both in daylight and as it lights up. It’s surreal.
5. Feast on Street Food at Shouning Road
Okay, if you’re into food photography—or just food in general—Shouning Road is a goldmine. It’s known for grilled seafood, especially crayfish and oysters cooked with garlic and chili right on the street.
It’s lively, it’s a little smoky, and it smells amazing. Locals crowd around plastic tables slurping noodles and cracking shells. I ended up joining a couple of locals over a shared platter of grilled squid, and it was the highlight of my night.
🦐 Don’t miss: BBQ scallops with garlic butter. Messy, yes—but totally worth it.
6. Step Into the Future at Lujiazui
Shanghai’s financial district, Lujiazui, feels like something out of a sci-fi movie. Skyscrapers shoot up like giant steel pencils, LED lights dance across glass facades, and the streets feel squeaky clean—like the future decided to set up base here.
The big names—Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl Tower—are all here. You can actually go up each one, but the views from the World Financial Center (that bottle opener-shaped tower) are the most dramatic.
📸 Photography tip: Head to Lujiazui Park just before golden hour. You’ll get reflections of the towers in the water with minimal foot traffic.
7. Visit the Longhua Temple – A Quiet Escape
Not everything in Shanghai is new and flashy. Tucked away in the south part of the city is Longhua Temple, the oldest Buddhist temple in Shanghai. With its serene courtyards, pagodas, and incense-filled air, it offers a moment of quiet in a city that rarely stops moving.
I stumbled in one morning when it started to drizzle, and the sound of raindrops on the temple roof mixed with the chants of monks—it felt like a different world. If you’re into capturing soulful moments, this place will inspire you.
🙏 Heads up: Be respectful with your camera here. Some monks don’t like being photographed mid-prayer.
8. Explore Tianzifang – Artsy, Quirky, and Super Instagrammable
Tianzifang is one of those places where you end up staying longer than planned. It’s a maze of narrow alleyways filled with handmade crafts, indie coffee shops, and little photo studios.
What I loved most? The surprises. One minute you’re browsing leather journals, the next you’re sipping hibiscus tea in a café with vinyl records and neon walls. Every corner has a story.
🎨 Try this: Book a quick calligraphy session with a local artist. It’s fun, affordable, and makes for a personal keepsake.
9. Cruise Down the Huangpu River
Sure, you’ve seen the skyline from the Bund—but taking a river cruise lets you float between the two sides of Shanghai: the colonial charm of the west and the futuristic vibe of the east.
There are plenty of options—basic ferries, romantic dinner cruises, even jazz-themed ones—but even the simple 45-minute cruise offers fantastic views, especially when the city lights up at night.
🌉 Photo alert: The moment when you pass under the Yangpu Bridge and see both sides glowing? Snap that. It’s pure Shanghai magic.
10. Shop (Or Just Stare) at Nanjing Road
This street is retail overload. Nanjing Road is China’s busiest shopping street—and probably the brightest. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky Chinese brands, all lit up in flashing neon.
Even if you’re not into shopping, walking here is a visual feast. At night, the lights reflect off the tiled ground, and there’s this buzz in the air—like Times Square but with dumpling shops.
🛍️ Local favorite: Pop into Shanghai First Foodhall. You’ll find strange snacks (green tea everything), local sweets, and edible gifts that won’t break your carry-on rule.
11. Discover Propaganda Art at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre
If you’re into photography or storytelling through visuals, this place is a hidden gem. The Propaganda Poster Art Centre showcases rare, original posters from the Mao era—bright reds, bold slogans, and idealized portraits from a turbulent time in China’s history.
It’s tucked inside an ordinary apartment building (really), which makes finding it feel like uncovering a secret. The images are powerful, emotional, and deeply human. Some are haunting. Others are oddly beautiful.
🖼️ Why it matters: It’s a side of China you won’t see in glitzy malls or skyline shots. Bring your curiosity—and a few RMB for postcard prints.
12. Relax at a Traditional Teahouse in Qibao Ancient Town
Need a break from all the buzz? Take a short metro ride to Qibao Ancient Town, a preserved water town on the outskirts of Shanghai. Yes, it can be crowded, but head there on a weekday morning, and you’ll find moments of calm among the canals, arched bridges, and stone pathways.
One of my favorite moments in Shanghai was sipping osmanthus tea in a tiny upstairs teahouse while watching boats float by. No phones, no rush—just quiet.
🍵 Pro tip: Ask for the tea ceremony experience. It’s simple, soothing, and surprisingly photogenic.
13. Snap Sunset Sh ts at the West Bund
For those into architecture, river walks, and less-touristy views, the West Bund is perfect. It’s a redeveloped riverside zone with museums, art galleries, and jogging paths—all with epic views of the city skyline from a fresh angle.
In the late afternoon, the golden light hits the buildings just right, and you get amazing wide shots without fighting for elbow space. I loved the calm here—local families flying kites, students sketching, and couples watching the sun go down.
🌇 Best view: Walk toward the West Bund Art Center around 6:30 PM in summer—you’ll get that deep-orange sky melting into the Huangpu River.
14. Visit the Power Station of Art
A former power plant turned art museum? Yes, and it’s as cool as it sounds. The Power Station of Art is China’s first state-run contemporary art museum and has some of the most thought-provoking exhibits I’ve seen anywhere in Asia.
From large-scale installations to multimedia projects, the space feels raw, industrial, and alive with creativity. If you love photographing contrasts—like old metal pipes against vivid canvases—this place is heaven.
🎟️ Bonus: Entry is usually free, and there’s a rooftop terrace with skyline views most tourists miss.
15. Take a Food Walk in Huanghe Road
End your trip with one last bite—or ten. Huanghe Road, near People’s Square, is a compact street packed with local food spots. It’s less polished than other tourist areas, but that’s part of the charm.
From scallion pancakes sizzling on griddles to beef noodles and sesame balls, every step smells like something new. I joined a food tour here (no regrets), but even solo, it’s easy to point, smile, and snack.
🥢 Don’t leave without: Trying the fried dumplings (shengjianbao). They’re crispy on the bottom, soft on top, and filled with soupy meat that explodes with flavor. Take small bites unless you want a hot surprise on your shirt.
Wrapping It Up – Shanghai’s Charm Lies in the Details
Shanghai isn’t just a list of must-sees—it’s a city that surprises you when you least expect it. You might go for the skyline, but you’ll stay for the smells in back alleys, the smile of a street vendor, or the peacefulness of a temple you just wandered into by accident.
What makes it such a dream for hand luggage only travelers? Everything’s accessible. The metro is cheap, fast, and English-friendly. You don’t need fancy plans—just curiosity, comfortable shoes, and maybe a little room in your bag for a box of local mooncakes or chili peanut snacks.
And whether you’re into travel, food, or photography, Shanghai hands you everything on a silver (sometimes steaming hot) plate.
Essential Travel Tips for Exploring Shanghai with Just Hand Luggage
📅 Best time to go:
- Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) have mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Avoid the summer heat if you can—it gets very humid.
👜 What to pack (light but smart):
- A light rain jacket—weather shifts fast.
- Power bank and universal adapter—there’s always something to shoot or map.
- Hand sanitizer and tissues—not every bathroom has supplies.
🚇 Getting around:
- The metro is your best friend. It’s cheap, safe, and signs are in English.
- Get a Shanghai Public Transportation Card at the airport—it works on metro, buses, and ferries.
💳 Payments:
- Mobile payments rule here (WeChat Pay or Alipay), but some places still accept cash.
- Foreign credit cards aren’t widely accepted in smaller shops, so plan ahead.
📱 Apps that help:
- MetroMan Shanghai – Easy subway planner.
- Pleco – Offline Chinese-English dictionary.
- Dianping – Like Yelp, but better for local food finds.
Final Thoughts – Travel Light, Feel Deeply
Shanghai is a city of contrasts. It’s fast but never careless. It’s steeped in history but always thinking ten steps ahead. Whether you’re chasing flavors, snapping cityscapes, or soaking in ancient serenity, there’s something in Shanghai that will speak to your soul—loudly or in whispers.
What I love most about traveling with just hand luggage in a place like this? It forces you to focus. You don’t lug around what you might need—you stay present, you explore with intention, and you collect memories instead of things.
So if you’re planning your next trip and searching for the 15 best things to do in Shanghai, China – hand luggage only – travel, food and photography, this list is your perfect starter. Use it, break it, or let it guide you toward even more unexpected adventures. That’s the magic of Shanghai—it always gives you more than you planned for.
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Quick Recap – The 15 Best Things To Do In Shanghai, China
- Walk The Bund at night
- Explore the French Concession’s leafy lanes
- Visit Yu Garden and snack in the Old City Bazaar
- Soar up the Shanghai Tower
- Feast on Shouning Road’s seafood
- Dive into Lujiazui’s skyline jungle
- Find peace at Longhua Temple
- Wander Tianzifang’s creative maze
- Cruise down the Huangpu River
- Shop and people-watch on Nanjing Road
- Reflect at the Propaganda Poster Art Centre
- Sip tea in Qibao Ancient Town
- Catch golden hour on the West Bund
- Get inspired at Power Station of Art
- Eat your way through Huanghe Road
One last tip: Keep your camera charged, your tastebuds ready, and your plans flexible. Shanghai rewards the curious traveler. You don’t need much—just your hand luggage, a bit of Mandarin (or a translation app), and an open heart.
