Best Adventurous Things to Do in Shanghai

THE 5 BEST Adventurous Things to Do in Shanghai

Best Adventurous Things to Do in Shanghai

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What travellers are saying

  • maryyeo
    Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam3,255 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    WHEN:
    Visited on the last Sunday of China's summer school holidays.
    Still crowded, but a lot better than during summer holidays itself.
    Thought it was weird that it was still very hot for the start of fall, but thankful that we didn't get caught in the strongest storm to hit Shanghai in 70 years just a week later!

    ZOOTOPIA:
    Shanghai Disneyland is the first in the world to get this land opened in 2023 while the rest of the world gotta wait till 2025 for it. They built almost the exact replica of what you see in the movies - super cute to see the tall, tall giraffes working out alongside the lemmings spinning their balls to work in the hamster tubes. The various zones of Tundratown (freezing!), Sahara Square (with fake camel "Gurlzelle"), Rainforest District's gondolas and even a "Tiger NightClub" were portrayed extremely well in both the land and its immersive rides!

    RIDES:
    For those who'd been to other Disneylands, the most unique here are Zootopia's "Hot Pursuit" and Tomorrowland's TRON Lightcycle, since they are both unavailable in any other Disneylands. Pirates of the Caribbean in most other Disneylands are getting a little boring with short queues, but you'll find the one here WAY cooler because of its much newer technology. Camp Discovery is unique because it ain't a ride, it's an obstacle course where you get to "climb" up/through some rock/cave/waterfall of Adventure Isle while being harnessed and tethered. The most underwhelming was Pooh's ride which was a lot shorter and two-dimensional than the one we rode at other Disneylands.

    SHOWS:
    Pirates of the Caribbean is probably the best if you fancy some choreographed stunts and acrobatics; Elsa's still the perennial favourite and Stitch Encounter was funny for both kids and adults, but you gotta understand Mandarin.

    DPAs/single Riders/walking/Meet&Greet:
    - Disney Premier Access are available individually, but also in sets. We got all:
    DPA Inspiration set of SIX rides @ 815rmb
    DPA Adventure set of SIX rides @ 815rmb
    DPA FOUR shows (Pirates, Elsa, Storybook, Adventure Rhythm NEW) @ 720rmb
    That's the only way to finish most rides and shows in one day @ ~320usd/pax.
    - When we saw some single rider queues @ 40 minutes, we knew the DPA was worth it.
    - If you flew many hours to get here, it's probably worth it to pay 320usd more to NOT queue and jostle, and mostly, to be kind to your legs because this park is HUGE!
    - There was no time for Meet&Greet if you want to finish all rides & shows in a day. Also, we honestly found those at Hong Kong Disneyland nicer and MORE available.

    SPECIAL NOTES for DPA:
    - Definitely need your phone to scan TWICE for every DPA entry;
    - Some rides' DPA don't go all the way to the ride, still gotta join last bits of the queue (perhaps that's how you still can appreciate some of the decor at the queue?);
    - DPAs for shows means they let you in 15 minutes before show starts. They'll let everyone else in 10 minutes before show starts. DO NOT MAKE OUR SAME MISTAKE by booking two shows back to back... you might just miss the DPA of your next show if you do not arrive early enough. They don't do seat reservations here for DPA-holders like in Tokyo Disneyland.

    COMPARING TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS BEIJING:
    - We visited Universal Studios in Beijing next since it's only a three-hour flight away.
    - While Disney magic and their unforgettable characters are priceless, and one could tell that a lot more effort went into their overall decor, shows and even service...
    - Would say we had a much more relaxing and cheaper time at Universal Studios Beijing. They are also newer and have some really cool rides i.e. Jurassic!!
    Written 19 September 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • bennett2006
    Ho Chi Minh City600 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Yes, there are many strange things for foreigners here - birds, tortoises, plants, antiques (faked?) but the main reason you would want to come here is for the crickets. Cricket culture transcends generations of Chinese history and this is one unique place to experience this Chinese cricket culture. Tip : Before your trip, read up on Chinese cricket culture, watch the videos on YouTube and you will appreciate better why they do what they do in this market. Then squat beside some customers and enjoy the banter between the seller and buyer. Hint : The Chinese buy crickets either for their songs or for fights. I suspect it's the former in the market.

    My mistake : I went there blind - oh, there's this Bird and Flower market - let's go see it. Then started wondering why there were so many cricket sellers and buyers. Why on earth would anyone want to buy crickets? It was only after the visit that I Googled the cricket culture to much regret. If only I had known earlier, my trip would have been all that much more meaningful.

    By the way, in Google Maps, the Bird & Flower Market is reflected as 万商花鸟市场 (Wan Shang Hua Niao Shi Chang ie Wan Shang Bird & Flower Market).
    Written 13 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan K
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing show, highly recommended to watch! The skills of all the performers were just superb and absolutely stunning and jaw dropping. Nkt a dull moment for the entire 2 hours.
    Written 22 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • russlyna
    Florissant174 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It is amazing the positions that are displayed. There was a great variety of acts illustrating flexibility. You are not allowed to take pictures (probably due to flash photography. Would be nice to have videos available for purchase in order to relive the amazing performance.
    Written 2 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Djewan R
    27 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were really in a mood to go for karting. Fortunately, we found Disc Kart on Tripadvisor. The nearest metrostation is Daduhe Road, so you need to walk or take a bike to this place from the metrostation which is approx. 15 minutes.

    Once we arrived we bought our ticket which was 120 RMB, there was no customer service. You need to go downstairs, grab an helmet and just wait when the new session will start. They will not give any instructions at all. The session takes about 8 minutes but feel much longer, it was a nice experience even though there were a lot of turns so max gass is only possible at one point.
    Written 1 October 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • KateRediger
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fabulous! Got to see a different part of Shanghai and really dive in to local foods. We visited 6 stops and tried a wide variety of food and drinks. Guide was knowledgeable and friendly and so accommodating of my 2 kids. So fun to share experiences with others from around the world. Try the locusts, delicious!
    Written 29 April 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Laura M
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    M2 organized a really fun and informative experience for the walking food tour. There was a huge variety of foods with a nice mix of walking and sitting. It was hot but we did stop in a few places with aircon. The food was all really good! Our guide, NanNan was really knowledgeable not only about the food but also about Shanghai in general. She told us about the local plants and traditional morning exercises that retirees do in the parks. It was a lovely experience! Would definitely recommend for any newcomers or visitors to Shanghai.
    Written 27 August 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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