What to do in East China

Activities, attractions and tours

Nine Dragons Intersection in Shanghai China. According to the legend, a dragon lives beneath this intersection. Its construction awoke the dragon and brought it to an abrupt halt. It was impossible for the workers to drill any deeper, and even the best engineers couldn't explain the situation. It caused several delays and mysterious issues. A priest was consulted who explained that dragons are proud creatures, so a simple yet noble gesture in its honor could restore its slumber allowing construction to continue. #stormsgallery #WeekendGetaway
The Chinese countryside. Pujiang county, Zhejiang province.
Strolling around the West Lake at night. Hangzhou's West Lake is considered one of the most romantic places in the whole of China!
Hongcun Village was a 40 minute drive from Yellow Mountain so we included it in our Yellow Mountain adventure. It is an ancient village that is well-preserved and very photogenic. It's very common to see along the banks of the small lake artists painting their own version of it The village dates back to the Ming dynasty with some buildings still standing from that time, most of them seemed to be from the Qing dynasty though and only America-old and not China-old. Hongcun may be familiar to people because it is also one of the locations where Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was filmed.
Lookout from the bund

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 , 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 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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China, Shanghai, The Bund, The Customs House

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 river or creek and night scenes

3. 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

4. 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

5. Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Xintiandi is a highly-fashionable pedestrianized district in the heart of the city, which combines historic architecture with modern living. Behind the traditional stone building façades, you’ll discover high-end boutiques, art galleries, restaurants and bars. Spend a few hours exploring this fascinating redevelopment site to see how the old and the new fuse to create a vibrant 21st century city identity.
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Xintiandi Style Shoppping Centre

6. 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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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.

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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Yu Garden

8. 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

Recommended things to do in East China

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What to do in East China

Discover the most popular places to visit in East China

Miner's beach and Miner's Castle on Lake Superior. Using the Roam Inn in Munising, MI as your home base, kayak to Grand Island, hike through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and eat at Johnny Dogs. #upperpeninsula #lifeatexpedia

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
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
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
Xintiandi featuring a bar, street scenes and café scenes

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

4/5(53 reviews)

Explore this beautifully-preserved historic district that offers all the entertainment options you could wish for in a modern city.

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre
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
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
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

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
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 Daning Lingshi Park.

Jing'an
Shanghai Museum which includes modern architecture

Huangpu

4.5/5(126 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
St. Ignatius Cathedral, also called Xujiahui Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic cathedral, located in Xujiahui district, Shanghai, The church is overlooking a nice ornamental garden.

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
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

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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