What to Do When It Rains in Shanghai?
Planning to visit Shanghai? We completely understand! Renowned worldwide for its forward-thinking spirit and cultural diversity, Shanghai is absolutely captivating.
Planning to visit Shanghai? We completely understand! Renowned worldwide for its forward-thinking spirit and cultural diversity, Shanghai is absolutely captivating. No doubt about it—you won't be bored! And even when the weather turns gloomy, the city offers no shortage of activities to keep you entertained. Discover what to do when it rains in Shanghai.
Explore Shanghai's Museums
To learn more about the fascinating history of Shanghai, head to the Shanghai Municipal History Museum where you'll discover incredible recreations of the city. More of an art lover? Make your way to the China Art Museum with its impressive collections, or the Power Station of Art, China's first state-run contemporary art museum, housed in a former power plant.
Traveling to Shanghai with children?
There are numerous places to organize a family day while avoiding the rain! Among them, the Jing'an Natural History Museum which kids will love calling Jurassic Park, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum offering plenty of activities for little ones, or the Shanghai Animation & Comics Museum tracing the history of animation and comics worldwide. Don't forget the Shanghai Legoland Discovery Center where you can discover 20 famous city landmarks recreated with those famous LEGO bricks. Plenty to entertain young and old alike!
Rise Above the City
Did you know Shanghai is home to one of the world's tallest towers? It's the Shanghai Tower, standing 632 meters high with 128 stories (quite something!) whose panoramic terraces are breathtaking. Another impressive structure worth discovering: the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC). At 492 meters tall, this building is renowned for its distinctive shape and distinctive aperture.
If the sky is overcast, opt for late afternoon or evening to get a glimpse of the city's grandeur thanks to all its lights…
Take a Break at One of the City's Themed Cafés
Like many major cities, Shanghai boasts numerous themed cafés and bars where you can take a breather between showers. For example, there's the Meow Café, a cat bar where you never tire of enjoying a good tea! Friends fans shouldn't miss the Central Perk café where you'll easily find the quirky and laid-back vibe of the show. And for those wanting to embark on an interstellar journey, head to Relia Café for a truly surprising space experience. Traveling with family? You can visit Peppa Pig World of Play. Beyond the café, you'll find a play area and a shop.
Attend a Traditional Show
In Chine, acrobatics is an art form. Lucky for us, Shanghai is renowned throughout the country for its traditional acrobatic shows. For this cultural discovery, you can visit Shanghai Circus World or one of many theaters like the Shanghai Opera House (Shanghai Grand Theatre). More of a music lover? The Bandu Cabin Bar is your chance to enjoy traditional music, while the Chair Club offers a laid-back atmosphere with jazz notes. As for Yuyintang Bar, it's THE underground scene not to be missed on weekends!
Frequently asked questions
Shanghai experiences two particularly rainy periods: the rainy season in June-July (monsoon) and autumn with typhoons in September-October. Spring (April-May) is also humid. If you wish to avoid rain, prefer the months of November or March.
Shanghai offers many museums to explore in the rain: the Shanghai Municipal History Museum for the city's history, the China Art Museum for art enthusiasts, the Power Station of Art for contemporary art, or the Science and Technology Museum for families.
Several activities will delight children on rainy days in Shanghai: the Jing'an Natural History Museum (nicknamed Jurassic Park), the Shanghai Animation & Comics Museum, the Shanghai Legoland Discovery Center with its 20 LEGO-recreated landmarks, or Peppa Pig World of Play with its games and shop.
Yes, Shanghai Tower remains accessible in the rain. Standing 632 meters high with 128 stories, its panoramic terraces offer spectacular views of the city. In overcast weather, it's advisable to visit in the evening to enjoy Shanghai's illuminated panorama.
Shanghai is full of quirky themed cafés! Notable ones include the Meow Café (cat bar), Central Perk inspired by the Friends series, and Relia Café for a unique space experience. Families will also appreciate Peppa Pig World of Play, which combines café, play area, and shop.
Acrobatics is a major art form in Chine, and Shanghai is one of the best cities to experience it. Visit Shanghai Circus World or the Shanghai Opera House (Shanghai Grand Theatre). For music lovers, the Bandu Cabin Bar features traditional music and Yuyintang is the essential underground scene on weekends.
