What to do in East China

Activities, attractions and tours

Shanghai
Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and religious aspects
Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and a city
Jade Buddha Temple showing religious aspects and a temple or place of worship
Jade Buddha Temple featuring religious elements and a temple or place of worship

Places to Visit in East China

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in East China, China while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best East China attractions from NZ$17, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group East China tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 79 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular East China. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. The Bund

As you stroll along The Bund, a 1.5 kilometre long promenade along the west bank of the Huangpu River, you’ll discover the rich international influences that have shaped Shanghai’s modern history. In the late 19th century, what was once a narrow towpath along the water’s edge became the political, commercial and financial hub of this port city. Thanks to a recent restoration programme, it has become a top attraction for locals and visitors alike.
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The Bund which includes a city and flowers

2. West Lake

Located near downtown Hangzhou, West Lake is a large, freshwater lake. The lake has 3 causeways, which divide it into five distinct sections. West Lake is also home to a variety of gardens, temples and pagodas.
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West Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

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 which includes central business district, signage and a city

4. 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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People\'s Square which includes flowers and a park

5. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower is the most recognisable landmark in the Shanghai skyline, thanks to the distinctive spheres, or pearls, that feature in its design. Whilst it is a fully functioning transmission tower, it is also home to a multitude of attractions, including a museum, shops, restaurants and observation decks.
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Oriental Pearl Tower which includes modern architecture, a river or creek and a city

6. Jing'an Temple

Jing’an Temple is one of Shanghai’s most famous places of worship. It lives up to its name, which translates as “Temple of Peace and Tranquillity”, providing a space for calm reflection away from the frenetic pace of modern city life. Although the current building has undergone recent reconstruction, there are still many significant historic artefacts to be discovered within.
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Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and a city

7. Yu Garden

The classical Yu Yuan Garden in the heart of the Old Town is one of the highlights of any visit to Shanghai. Originally conceived in the 1500s by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty as a peaceful retreat for his ageing parents, this exquisitely-designed space with its streams and ponds, pavilions and courtyards, provides a welcome oasis of calm in the bustling city.
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Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this centuries-old garden, showcasing the exquisite design for which the Ming Dynasty was famed.

8. Former French Concession

In contrast to the rest of the city, the French Concession is a peaceful district, with wide avenues lined with plane trees. It was established as a French settlement in the mid-19th century by agreement between the French Consul to Shanghai and the Governor. Although it was formally returned to Shanghai following the Second World War, this area retains a distinctly elegant atmosphere and has become a magnet for upmarket boutiques and restaurants.
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French Concession showing a city and street scenes

Recommended things to do in East China

Number of things to do
79
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Private Guangzhou Tour: Guide, Driver, Translator & Photographer: NZ$17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in East China

Discover the most popular places to visit in East China

Shanghai Disneyland©

Shanghai Disneyland©

4/5(22 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 which includes a city and flowers

The Bund

4.5/5(102 reviews)

Join the fashionable crowds as they wander along this world-famous riverside boulevard, where the opulent buildings tell of Shanghai’s international trading history.

The Bund
West Lake which includes a lake or waterhole

West Lake

4.5/5(9 reviews)

Relax and unwind in this incredibly scenic area. Take photographs to remember your Hangzhou stay.

West Lake
Nanjing Road Shopping District which includes central business district, signage and a city

Nanjing Road Shopping District

4/5(92 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
People\'s Square which includes flowers and a park

People's Square

4.5/5(68 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
Oriental Pearl Tower which includes modern architecture, a river or creek and a city

Oriental Pearl Tower

4.5/5(43 reviews)

This iconic Shanghai landmark is home to a wealth of entertainment for the whole family, with shopping, fine dining and breathtaking panoramic views.

Oriental Pearl Tower
Jing An Temple featuring a temple or place of worship and a city

Jing'an Temple

4/5(39 reviews)

Discover priceless Buddhist relics and historical artefacts in this traditional temple, located in the heart of central Shanghai.

Jing'an Temple
Yu Garden

Yu Garden

4.5/5(61 reviews)

Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of this centuries-old garden, showcasing the exquisite design for which the Ming Dynasty was famed.

Yu Garden
French Concession showing a city and street scenes

Former French Concession

4.5/5(71 reviews)

Wander the chic streets of this former European enclave, now a fashionable shopping and entertainment district.

Former French Concession

Explore areas of East China

Xintiandi featuring a bar, street scenes and café scenes

Downtown Shanghai

5/5(8 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
Shanghai Museum which includes modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(125 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 Old Chinese City, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.

Huangpu
Jing An Temple which includes a temple or place of worship and religious aspects

Jing'an

4.5/5(30 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
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Xuhui

4.5/5(4 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
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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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

 

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