Shanghai Travel Guide for Families
Shanghai is a mix of many different styles, with modern innovation rubbing elbows with traditional Chinese architecture. Destinations like the Bund, Yu Garden, and Oriental Pearl Tower offer the best of all worlds, and Shanghai Disneyland is an especially smart choice for families traveling with children.
Plus, Shanghai is a very tech-forward city where you can experience cutting-edge AI technology at places like the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and the DJI Flagship Store. Read on to learn more about why Shanghai should be on your China must-visit list.
The Bund in Shanghai
Top Attractions for Families in Shanghai
Below are some of Shanghai's key attractions that make this city such a fantastic international destination, along with practical tips to help you make the most of your time.
Our team of travel experts can create a personalized itinerary for you, including carefully curated experiences, top-quality guides, and private transportation to make your trip smooth and memorable.
The Bund
Odynovo customer in Shanghai
Best For: People of all ages, photographers.
The Bund is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai if you want iconic views of the city and a relaxing stroll along the waterfront promenade. You can admire Shanghai's historical legacy through the colonial-era architecture on one side and futuristic skyscrapers on the other.
The wide, paved paths are easy to walk on and suitable for wheelchairs, and the promenade becomes especially beautiful after dark when the skyline lights up.
Travel Tips:
- Visit the Bund in the early evening for spectacular sunset views or in the early morning to see local residents doing tai chi and morning exercises.
- The Bund is close to other attractions like Yu Garden and People's Square, so it's easy to combine them into one day.
Recommended Tour Itinerary
Oriental Pearl Tower
Best For: Bird's-eye views of Shanghai, iconic architecture.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai's most recognizable landmarks and an excellent place to enjoy panoramic city views from its observation decks and glass walkway.
Inside the tower, you'll also find exhibits showcasing Shanghai's transformation into a world-famous modern city, along with a transparent observatory floor that lets you look directly down at the streets below.
Travel Tips:
- Book tickets in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
- Consider visiting the Shanghai History Museum at the base of the tower for a deeper understanding of the city's past.
- The glass observatory corridor at 259 meters high can feel intimidating if you are afraid of heights.
Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland
Best For: Families with children, Disney fans, nostalgic adults.
Step into the magical world of Shanghai Disneyland, one of the most family-friendly attractions in China. The park features several themed zones, including Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, and Zootopia, with exciting rides, beloved Disney characters, and world-class entertainment.
You can also spot Chinese cultural elements throughout the park, especially in the Gardens of Imagination, where the Chinese zodiac comes to life.
Travel Tips:
- There are water refill stations throughout the park, so bringing a reusable bottle is a good idea.
- Consider purchasing FastPass access to reduce waiting times.
Yu Garden
The Scenery of Yu Garden
Best For: Visitors interested in traditional Chinese architecture and history.
Yu Garden is a peaceful oasis in the middle of bustling Shanghai. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, this classical Chinese garden is filled with elegant pavilions, koi ponds, stone carvings, and seasonal flowers like orchids, cherry blossoms, and azaleas.
There are also many benches and shaded areas throughout the garden, making it a comfortable attraction for seniors and families.
Travel Tips:
- Combine your visit with nearby Yuyuan Bazaar for local snacks and souvenirs.
- Arrive early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds.
AI Technology Experiences
Best For: Travelers interested in innovation and future technology.
Shanghai is one of China's leading technology hubs, and you can experience futuristic AI technology throughout the city.
At the Spacelab “zero gravity” restaurant, food and drinks are delivered through futuristic spiral tracks descending from the ceiling. The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum features exhibits exploring robotics and artificial intelligence, while the DJI Flagship Store allows visitors to test advanced drones and camera technology.
Travel Tips:
- At the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, visit the robot shows or IMAX theater first before exploring the rest of the museum.
- Visit the Spacelab restaurant around midday for shorter wait times.
- Some AI-related experiences may require advance reservations, and our team can help arrange them for you.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
The Zhujiajiao Water Town
Best For: Visitors interested in ancient water town culture.
Zhujiajiao is an easy day trip from Shanghai and offers a completely different side of Chinese culture. This 1,000-year-old water town is filled with Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, stone bridges, narrow alleys, and picturesque canals.
You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride, take beautiful photographs of the scenery, and experience a slower pace of life away from the modern city center.
Travel Tips:
- Zhujiajiao is about a one-hour drive from downtown Shanghai. With private transportation and a guide, your trip can be much smoother and more comfortable.
- Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Where to Stay in Shanghai
The anfu road in Shanghai
Shanghai offers a wide range of accommodation options for different travel styles and budgets. Here are some of the best areas to consider.
People's Square and East Nanjing Road
Advantage: These areas are centrally located and close to Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8, with convenient access to attractions like Nanjing Road, the Bund, and the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.
Best Value Option: Suitable for all budgets, from luxury hotels to more affordable accommodations.
Best For: First-time visitors who want convenient transportation and easy sightseeing.
Former French Concession
Advantage: Also known as Xuhui, this charming district is known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, cafes, and parks.
Best Value Option: Mid-range hotels and boutique accommodations are especially popular here.
Best For: Travelers looking for a quieter atmosphere and more Western-style surroundings.
Jing'an Area
Advantage: Jing'an offers a more local and authentic Shanghai experience, with access to temples, parks, and local markets.
Best Value Option: Family-friendly hotels and serviced apartments are widely available.
Best For: Visitors interested in connecting more deeply with Shanghai's local culture.
Transportation in Shanghai
Street view of Shanghai
Shanghai has one of the most convenient transportation systems in China, making it easy to reach most attractions around the city.
The city is served by two airports: Hongqiao International Airport and Pudong International Airport. Both provide bilingual signage and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Shanghai also has four major railway stations with both regular and high-speed train connections. In addition, the Shanghai Maglev is currently the fastest commercial train in the world.
The metro and bus systems are affordable, efficient, and extensive, allowing travelers to move around the city conveniently.
Our team can also arrange private transportation and guide services, so you won't need to worry about logistics or language barriers during your trip.
Travel Tips for Family Travelers
These practical tips can help seniors and families enjoy a smoother and more comfortable Shanghai trip.
- Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons to visit Shanghai, thanks to the mild and pleasant weather.
- Summer holidays, Golden Week, and Chinese New Year are much busier travel periods, so plan ahead if traveling during these times.
- Inform your hotel in advance if you need accessibility features such as Braille signage or wheelchair-friendly bathrooms.
- Shanghai is famous for its local cuisine, so don't miss specialties like Xiaolongbao and Scallion Oil Noodles.
- Popular attractions like the Bund and Shanghai Disneyland often provide wheelchair rental services.
- Many restaurants, hotels, and shops mainly use cashless payments, so downloading Alipay and WeChat before your trip is highly recommended.
- Balance sightseeing with coffee breaks or visits to local parks to create a more relaxed and enjoyable pace.
Discover Shanghai With Odynovo
Shanghai is one of China's most popular destinations, and once you visit, it's easy to understand why.
If you are looking for a city that perfectly combines history, culture, innovation, and modern energy, Shanghai is an excellent choice for your China journey.
Feel free to contact us for a personalized Shanghai tour. Our travel specialists can help create an itinerary tailored to your interests, travel pace, and preferred experiences.
