What to do in East China

Activities, attractions and tours

East China
East China
East China
East China
East China

East China Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that East China has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to East China, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to East China with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in East China

East China is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in East China, and make it a breeze to explore East China and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in East China to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to East China, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in East China.

East China attractions

East China has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in East China to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of East China.

Looking for things to do in East China can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of East China or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to East China attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Top places to visit

1. West Lake

West Lake is a vast freshwater lake close to downtown Hangzhou. The lake is divided into five sections by three causeways. It also has various gardens, pagodas and temples. This is where Hangzhou locals come to find peace and visitors to the city come to capture the perfect souvenir photograph.
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2. The Bund

In the early 19th century, The Bund was merely a narrow, muddy towpath on the banks of Huangpu River. Within a hundred years, European and American investors had created a lavish boulevard that rivaled the great avenues of the West. After decades of post-revolution neglect, this grand street is back in business. Many of its 52 architectural treasures have been lovingly restored and the once traffic-clogged, multilane street has been remodeled into a pedestrian-friendly promenade.
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China, Shanghai, The Bund, The Customs House

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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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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Shanghai, China - July 25, 2014: Downtown of Shanghai from the People's Square

5. Yu Garden

Yu Yuan Garden was lovingly created in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents. Yu Yuan means “peace and comfort,” and despite the popularity of the attraction, the gardens remain a serene sanctuary. Set aside an hour or two to explore the gardens, pavilions, courtyards, chambers and halls. The ponds, bridges and streams also provide perfect spots for reflection, while the protective dragon wall that encircles the garden keeps Shanghai’s bustling Old Town at bay.
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6. Former French Concession

The French Concession was one of Shanghai’s major European enclaves from the mid 19th century to just before World War II. Today, the district is again a sought-after address for expats living in Shanghai, as well as being a popular tourist destination and the hub of the city’s upmarket shopping scene.
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7. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the world’s highest transmission towers. Since its completion in 1994, the tower has become Shanghai’s most recognizable landmark. More than just a TV tower, this multifunction marvel offers unique shopping, an informative museum, a revolving restaurant and some of the best views in Shanghai.
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8. Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Located in the heart of Shanghai, historic Xintiandi (which translates to “New Heaven and Earth”) is a car-free, inner-city paradise for those seeking open-air dining, chic bars and boutique shopping. Most importantly, however, this redevelopment preserves a style of architecture unique to Shanghai, and gives a window into the community which once inhabited the area’s narrow lanes.
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9. Jing'an Temple

Jing’an Temple has a fitting name. It translates to “Temple of Peace and Tranquility” and this complex on one of the city’s main shopping streets does indeed offer an oasis of calm. Built in the third century, the Buddhist temple has a checkered past. It was relocated during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), converted into a plastics factory during the Cultural Revolution and destroyed by fire in 1972. Today’s reconstructed temple, surrounded by modern skyscrapers and shopping malls, is a perfect place to escape the busy streets of downtown Shanghai. It also offers a fascinating window into the spiritual lives of Shanghai’s people.
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Recommended things to do in East China

Number of things to do
159
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Guangzhou: A Journey Through 2000 Years of Guangzhou City: £4
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in East China

Popular places to visit

Shanghai Disneyland©

Shanghai Disneyland©

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©
West Lake

West Lake

Shimmering waters, misty mountains and large pagodas characterize this area of outstanding natural beauty that has inspired many poets and artists.

West Lake
The Bund

The Bund

Despite years of war and revolution, the soul and skyline of one of the world’s great waterfront boulevards has risen to even greater heights.

The Bund
Nanjing Road Shopping District

Nanjing Road Shopping District

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

People's Square

To see the modern heart of Shanghai, visit this square, a vast green space surrounded by museums and a grand theater.

People's Square
Yu Garden

Yu Garden

Step through the gate of Shanghai’s premier classical gardens and into a tranquil world of bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions.

Yu Garden
Former French Concession

Former French Concession

Wealthy European families created an art deco oasis in Shanghai's heart. The area is now full of modern boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

Former French Concession
Oriental Pearl Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower

This towering symbol of Shanghai’s modern renaissance offers history lessons, fine dining and stunning city views.

Oriental Pearl Tower
Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

One of the city’s first urban renewal projects preserves a historic neighborhood, while serving up some of Shanghai's best dinning, entertainment and shopping.

Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre

Explore areas of East China

Downtown Shanghai

Downtown Shanghai

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

Jing'an

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
Huangpu

Huangpu

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

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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