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Things to Do in Pudong (2026)
Start your Pudong adventure at the Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building at 632 meters. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers panoramic views of theβ¦ ποΈ Iconic Skyline Views
Start your Pudong adventure at the Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building at 632 meters. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the Bund, with tickets around 180 RMB for adults. For a more budget-friendly option, head to the Jin Mao Tower's 88th-floor Skywalk, where you can step out onto a glass-floored corridor for 120 RMB.
πΈ Century Park Escape
Century Park is Shanghai's largest park, spanning 140 hectares in the heart of Pudong. You can rent a paddleboat on the lake, cycle along tree-lined paths, or simply picnic on the lawns. Entry is just 10 RMB, and it's a peaceful retreat from the city's skyscrapers, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
π’ Shanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland, located in Chuansha, is a must-visit for families and Disney fans. The park features unique attractions like the TRON Lightcycle Power Run and the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle in the world. A one-day ticket costs about 475 RMB on weekdays, and the park is easily accessible via Metro Line 11 to Disney Resort station.
ποΈ Lujiazui Shopping
Lujiazui is Pudong's premier shopping district, anchored by the Super Brand Mall and IFC Mall. The Super Brand Mall on Century Avenue has over 1,000 shops, a cinema, and an ice rink, while IFC Mall offers luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci. For a more local experience, visit the nearby Lujiazui Financial Street for street food and affordable souvenirs.
ποΈ Cultural Museums
The China Art Museum, housed in the former China Pavilion from Expo 2010, showcases modern Chinese art and rotating exhibitions. Admission is free, but you need to reserve a ticket online in advance. Another gem is the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, with interactive exhibits on space, robotics, and nature, costing 60 RMB for adults.
π’ Huangpu River Cruise
A Huangpu River cruise offers a unique perspective of Pudong's futuristic skyline and the historic Bund. Boats depart from the Dongchang Road Pier near Lujiazui, with 45-minute trips costing around 120 RMB. Evening cruises are particularly magical when the city lights up, and you can book tickets at the pier or online.
π Local Food Spots
For authentic Shanghai cuisine, head to Din Tai Fung in the Super Brand Mall for their famous xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), with a meal costing about 100 RMB per person. For a more casual bite, try the food court in the Lujiazui Financial Street, where you can get shengjianbao (pan-fried buns) and noodles for under 30 RMB. Don't miss the night market near Century Avenue for grilled skewers and bubble tea.
π Getting Around
Pudong is well-connected by Metro lines 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 16, with Line 2 linking Lujiazui to the Bund and People's Square. A single ride costs 3-10 RMB depending on distance, and you can use a Shanghai Public Transportation Card or Alipay. Taxis are also plentiful, but avoid rush hour (8-9 AM and 5-7 PM) due to traffic.
Yeah the guide's right about Century Park being nice, but I'd add that the bonsai garden tucked away in the southwest corner is a hidden gem. It's super quiet and only costs like 5 RMB extra, plus you get to see these tiny trees that are over a hundred years old. I stumbled in there by accident and ended up spending an hour just wandering around.
The guide is solid, but it missed one of my favorite spots in Pudong. The Oriental Art Center near Century Park has a great lineup of classical concerts and Chinese opera, and the building itself is this massive butterfly-shaped structure that looks incredible lit up at night. Tickets are usually around 80 to 200 RMB depending on the show, and it's a nice alternative to the usual tourist rush up in the towers.
Also worth mentioning is the walk along the riverside promenade from the Shanghai Tower down to the Pearl TV Tower. It's about two kilometers, completely flat, and you get the full skyline view without paying anything. I do it around sunset and it's never crowded compared to the observation decks.
Good list. One thing I'd throw in is the Pudong Art Museum right along the river near the Pearl Tower. It's free to enter, just show your ID or passport, and the building itself is this sleek modern space with a cafe on the top floor that has a killer view of the Bund without the 180 RMB price tag. I went on a weekday afternoon and had the whole place almost to myself, which is rare for Pudong.
Also for food, if you want something less touristy than Din Tai Fung, try the xiaolongbao place on Zhangyang Road near the Lujiazui metro exit. It's called Jia Jia Tang Bao, tiny spot with maybe six tables, and the soup dumplings are 12 RMB for eight and legit some of the best I've had in Shanghai. Gets busy around noon so go at 11 or after 1.
Cultural Etiquette in Pudong: What Not to Do (2026)
When meeting someone in Pudong, a simple handshake is standard, but wait for your host to extend their hand first. A slight nod or bow is also respectful, especially with olderβ¦ π Greeting Basics
When meeting someone in Pudong, a simple handshake is standard, but wait for your host to extend their hand first. A slight nod or bow is also respectful, especially with older locals. Address people by their surname plus a title like 'Mr.' or 'Ms.' unless invited to use first names.
π― Temple Etiquette
At sites like the Jade Buddha Temple or Longhua Temple, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering prayer halls. Avoid pointing your feet at statues or monks, and never touch religious artifacts. Photography is often prohibited inside; look for signs or ask a monk before snapping pictures.
π₯’ Dining Rules
Never stick chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles incense at a funeral. Use the communal serving spoons provided, and don't dig through shared dishes for the best pieces. When someone pours tea, tap the table with two fingers as a thank-you gesture.
π΅ Tipping and Payment
Tipping is not customary in Shanghai, and many restaurants add a 10% service charge to your bill. In casual eateries, round up the bill or leave small change, but it's not expected. For group meals, the host typically pays, so offer to split only if you're close friends.
π Dress Code
Pudong is fashion-forward, so smart casual is safe for most restaurants and bars. For upscale venues like the Shanghai Tower's observation deck or fine dining spots, avoid athletic wear and flip-flops. When visiting temples or historic areas, cover shoulders and knees to show respect.
π΅ Public Behavior
Keep your voice low in public spaces; loud conversations are seen as rude. On the metro, stand on the right side of escalators and let passengers exit before boarding. Avoid playing music or videos without headphones, and don't block walkways when taking photos.
π· Photography Etiquette
Always ask permission before photographing locals, especially in traditional neighborhoods like Qibao Ancient Town. In museums and art galleries, flash is usually banned, so turn it off. Some attractions, like the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, charge for camera use, so check ahead.
πΆ Queueing and Transit
Shanghai residents take queueing seriously, so wait your turn at bus stops and ticket counters. On crowded metro lines, let passengers off before you board, and don't push. When using ride-hailing apps, confirm the license plate before getting in, and sit in the back seat.
honestly the guide nailed it, but here's one thing nobody's said yet: the "don't point your feet" rule applies outside temples too. if you're sitting cross-legged on the grass at Century Park or on a bench by the river, keep your soles facing down, not toward someone. it's an old-school thing but older locals around Lujiazui definitely notice.
also for the tea tap, don't stress about it. i've seen plenty of locals just raise their cup slightly or nod. the two finger thing is dying out with anyone under 40, so you're fine either way.
one practical tip: if you're visiting the Shanghai Tower, the ticket line is brutal but the security check is worse. don't bring a selfie stick or a tripod, they'll make you check it at the desk and it's a whole hassle. and the glass floor is way less crowded if you go on a weekday afternoon, not just early morning.
oh and for the metro, line 2 is chaos but line 4 (the loop) is a good backup if you're lost, it circles the whole core area. just make sure you know which direction you're going, the loop can be confusing first time.
Nice breakdown, this covers the big ones. One thing I'd add for dining: if you're invited to a shanghainese home or a more traditional banquet, the host will usually serve you first, and it's polite to try a bit of everything even if you're full. Refusing outright can come off as rejecting their hospitality, so just take a small portion and leave a little on the plate when you're done.
Also, the "check before photographing locals" tip is worth repeating, especially around the old lanes in Lujiazui's shadow. I once saw a guy get his phone swatted away for snapping a street vendor without asking, the vendor wasn't angry, just very clear about it. A quick smile and a nod before lifting your phone goes a long way.
For practical stuff, the metro card on your phone works everywhere now, but if you're staying a few days, grab a physical transportation card at any station, it's refundable and saves you fumbling with apps when the signal drops underground. And on the humid days, most malls and metro entrances have free air conditioning, so ducking in for five minutes is totally normal, nobody will judge you.
solid guide, the chopstick thing is real. i've seen tourists get corrected at a hotpot place near Lujiazui for that exact mistake. one thing they didn't mention: when the tea gets poured, the two finger tap is nice but honestly most young people in Pudong just say "xie xie" and move on. the tap is more for older generations or formal banquets.
also, don't be too rigid about the queue thing on the metro. during rush hour around Century Avenue station, it's a free for all. people push but it's not aggressive, just how it works. just go with the flow and you'll be fine.
one tip i'd add: if you're going to the observation deck at Shanghai Tower, book your ticket online beforehand. the line at the counter can be brutal on weekends, and you'll thank yourself later. also, the glass floor section gets crowded fast, so go early morning if you want decent photos without strangers in the frame.