New things to do in Shanghai in 2024
When planning a getaway from Singapore, it’s natural to gravitate towards more nearby countries. However, don’t overlook Shanghai that’s just 5.5 hours away. It is a dynamic city that offers a blend of modernity and tradition. Beyond its iconic skyline and delicious xiao long bao, Shanghai is brimming with new experiences.
If you’re unsure about what spots to check out while there, here are some new things to do in Shanghai in 2024 organised by type of activity.
The current exchange rate is S$1 = ~RMB5.44 as of 16th October 2024.
Table of Contents
- New things to do in Shanghai in 2024
- What you need to know before visiting Shanghai
- – Things to do & shop –
- 1. Wintastar Shanghai
- 2. TimePark FUN
- 3. Party King
- 4. Jellycat Cafe pop-up store
- 5. More Than Just Eyes exhibition
- 6. Bread Workshop by Harmay & Tyakasha
- 7. Hai550
- – Places to eat & shop –
- 8. 13DE MARZO cafe
- 9. Alligator BF cafe
- 10. Nudake Haus Nowhere
- 11. Cat Ice Story
What you need to know before visiting Shanghai
When it comes to making payments in tech-savvy Shanghai, Alipay and WeChat pay are the go-to methods since cash is rarely used. So, make sure to download these apps and set them up before you travel.
For transport, a convenient and affordable way is the Shanghai Metro which is one of the most extensive subway systems in the world, that even has lines travelling out to the suburbs. If you do not want to crowd with others, there’s Didi Chuxing, China’s generally affordable rideshare app.
And for nearby travels, you can try their bike and e-scooter sharing apps such as, a fun way to explore the city.
– Things to do & shop –
1. Wintastar Shanghai
Largest indoor ski resort in the world
Image credit: Klook
Since we don’t get to enjoy winter in Singapore, head to Wintastar Shanghai to enjoy winter activities at the largest indoor ski resort in the world, taking up 90sqkm. To put that into perspective, that’s about 33 times the size of Snow City Singapore. This Nordic-themed resort will make you think you’re in Santa’s village – perfect for the upcoming Christmas season.
Image adapted from: 璃鱼妹妹 Serafina, iiiiiiiris via 小红书
Other than the usual snow activities like skiing, there are over 20 snow-themed attractions like the Snow Mountain exhibition, tyre-sledding, and ziplines for the whole fam to experience.
Tickets to Wintastar Shanghai start from RMB410/pax for a 4-hour play.
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2. TimePark FUN
6,000sqm indoor adventure park
Image adapted from: @J周公子 via 小红书
For families with children or those who are still children at heart, TimePark FUN is for you. There are over 50 activities to do here including highlights like bumper cars, go-karts, double catapult, bowling, rock climbing, archery, Xbox, high-altitude zip line, 4-person high-altitude swing, billiards, e-sports, and double catapult.
While activities are suitable for adults and kids, take note that some activities have a minimum height requirement.
Image adapted from: @635917059, @刘欢 乀via 小红书
When it comes to safety, ease your worries as there are staff all around the adventure park to guide you.
They also have free bag storage available and even a parent rest area for the grown-ups that need a break from all the action.
Admission: RMB98/pax
Address: Room 106-107, Building 44, Dianzhi Wentong Media Park, No. 709 Lingshi Road
Opening hours: 9.30am-9.30pm, daily
3. Party King
An all-you-can-play indoor amusement park with a bar
Image credit: @卡卡库超爱拍 via 小红书
For the price of 1 entry ticket, you can spend as much time as you want to indulge in over 30 activities offered at Party King like karaoke, archery, VR experiences, racing simulators, and pool, just to name a few.
Image credit: @永远在减肥的腿子 via 小红书
To up the vibes and fun, there’s also a bar within the premises where you can get 2 bottles of qingdao liquor, 4 bottles of beer, and snacks for just RMB58.
P.S. We heard that this is a hot spot for singles to mingle.
Admission: RMB99
Address: Room G09-01F04-1-0021, South District, 4th Floor, Bailian City, No. 8 Songhu Road, F04
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, daily
4. Jellycat Cafe pop-up store
Cafe experience serving up plushies
Image credit: @jaxwzx via WeChat
For those chronically online, some of you must have seen the Jellycat experience pop-up in London, New York, and Paris, each with its own theme.
For mega Jellycat fans, the Jellycat Cafe in Shanghai would be the closest one to Singapore, making this your sign to get there pronto.
To give you the true cafe experience, other than the mock cafe setup, the staff are also dressed up in aprons while they “prepare” and “serve” the stuffed toys to you.
Image adapted from: @InvestShanghai via X, Thái Gia Yến via Facebook
Every pop-up location has exclusive plushies. For Shanghai, there have the Amuseables Sip & Slurp Teacups (RMB359), Amuseables Titia Teapot (RMB399), Amuseables Yulan Taro Cake (RMB359), Amuseables Yulania Latte (RMB59), and Bartholomew Bear ‘Cupcake’ (RMB459).
As this pop-up is very popular, secure your visit by booking a slot through Jellycat on WeChat.
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, daily
5. More Than Just Eyes exhibition
Gothic IG-worthy installations
Image adapted from: @9783009006 via 小红书
For art and goth enthusiasts, the More Than Just Eyes exhibit is right up your alley. Once you enter the exhibition hall, it will feel like you have just travelled to another dimension full of mystery and fantasy.
The exhibit is on tour from Chengdu and features deep and meaningful art pieces by renowned artists like Li Dashuai and Keelee.
Image adapted from: @Keelee via 小红书
To fit the vibe, we suggest you wear either a full black or white outfit when visiting this exhibition.
Admission: RMB66/pax
Dates: Now till 1st December 2024
Address: TPark Art Center, North Bund B1, No. 198 Yangshupu Road
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-8pm | Sat-Sun 10.30am-8.30pm
6. Bread Workshop by Harmay & Tyakasha
Concept store selling beauty products
Image adapted from: @高端气模美陈源厂, @我要减肥肥 via 小红书
Taking inspiration from bakeries, the Bread Workshop concept store combines the warehouse-style shelf aesthetics of Harmay and the humorous artistic style of Tyakasha. However, instead of selling buns and loaves, the store sells cosmetic products and adorable merchandise that look like candy on the shelves.
Image credit: @上海蟠龙天地 Tiandi via 小红书
Just like a self-service bakery, you can use tongs to pick up the products and put them on your tray. Skincare and makeup here are a mix of a bunch of brands with familiar ones being Avene and Kheil’s with products going for as low as RMB20.
Address: BS101, BS103, BS105, Panlong Tiandi, No. 1, Lane 177, Panding Road, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, daily
7. Hai550
Sustainable & eco-friendly fashion
Image credit: @6742215131 via 小红书
Hai550 is a mall that promotes sustainability and slow fashion, with all 8 stories of the building housing a mix of retailers, exhibitions, galleries, F&B establishments, workshops, and boutique stores with the same mission in mind.
Image credit: @400312087 via 小红书
As you enter the first floor, step into the Unfashionable Exhibition by Patagonia showcasing upcycled clothing and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Image adapted from: @101164605, @491517218 via 小红书
On the remaining floors, you’ll see shops like WAARCHI which mainly sells incense towers and paperweights made from recycled building materials, and StopShop which offers a variety of natural and eco-friendly products, including refillable soy sauce, fragrances, laundry detergent, floor cleaners, and pet food.
Fun fact: Hai550’s building used to be a Barbie flagship store.
Address: 550 Huaihai Zhong Lu, Near Chengdu Bei Lu Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, daily
– Places to eat & shop –
8. 13DE MARZO cafe
Free bear cup hugger
Image adapted from: @qingbb via 小红书
13DE MARZO, known for their chic doll collection of clothing and shoes now has a cafe featuring their iconic teddy bear. On top of the teddy bear-themed cafe design, almost every drink you purchase comes with a free mini teddy hugging your cup.
Top drink choices here would be the Rose Petal Latte (RMB36) and Blue Curacao Sparkling Lemonade (RMB26).
Address: Anfu Road No.322 Building 4 Building 1, Xuhui Shanghai, China
Opening hours: 10am -10pm, daily
Contact: +86 158 0170 7855
9. Alligator BF cafe
Bakery hidden inside a clothing store
Image adapted from: @尐鮭厷Nicky via 小红书
This retro cafe is hidden inside of the Alligator BF clothing store where they sell American-style clothing similar to Brandy Melville.
This bakery serves both sweet and savoury treats that look aesthetically pleasing. Some must-try items would be the Strawberry Puff (RMB15) and the Jalapeno Cheese Sausage Crisp (RMB18). Plus, they have cute packaging if you’re tabao-ing.
Address: Chief Mansion Hotel, Xinle Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Opening hours: 11am-9pm, daily
10. Nudake Haus Nowhere
Dessert cafe with croissant-themed gym
Nudake Haus Nowhere Shanghai is a concept by the popular eyewear brand, Gentle Monster, offering an immersive retail experience blending art, fashion, and dessert culture.
Image credit: Gentle Monster via 小红书
On level one, Blinks can admire Jentel Salon, a collaboration between Gentle Monster and JENNIE for their eyewear collection.
Looking CRISPY.
Image adapted from: @100512996 via 小红书
The second story is where the gym exhibit and cafe is at. Every Nudake outlet has a different food theme, so while the one in Seoul, South Korea features onigiris, the one in Shanghai features croissants. While they resemble real gym equipment, these are just for you to admire.
You can expect to see all the usual gym equipment like barbells, dumbbells, and even treadmills croissani-fied.
Image adapted from: @foodihuni via Instagram
At the cafe, the most popular menu items on the menu are the Creamy Matcha Latte (RMB50), Creamy Black Sesame Latte (RMB50), and The Colosseo Small Cheesecake (RMB150).
Admission: Free
Address: No. 798-812 Huaihai Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, daily
11. Cat Ice Story
Cat cafe with aesthetic desserts
Image credit: @Vv_xian34894019 via 小红书
Cat Ice Story is home to over 30 cats that you can play with, some of which are still young and mischievous kittens. The aesthetic interior and desserts served here, alongside the cats, make it a great place to take pictures for your next Instagram post.
Image adapted from: @9740856796, @4273334271 via 小红书
Apart from the cute cats, there are also picture-perfect desserts like shaved ice (from RMB48) available.
Admission: RMB90
Address: 101, 1st Floor, Building B, Mali, No. 850, Xikang Road, Jing’an District
Opening hours: 12pm-9pm, daily
Contact: +15 618 366 404
Check out these new things to do in Shanghai in 2024
Whether you’re into arts, a shopaholic, or enjoy cafe hopping, there are plenty of new things to do on your next trip to Shanghai other than the usual sightseeing and tourist hot spots.
Many of these places are only found in Shanghai, so take advantage of the opportunity to visit them.
Other attractions in China:
Cover image adapted from: @selawu1022, @上海静安嘉里中心JAKC via 小红书