traveltowith

Find the Best Activities & Hotels for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

About UsContactTerms & ConditionsPrivacy Policy
© 2026 Traveltowith. All rights reserved.
t
Search...
China/Things to Do in Shanghai, with kids

Shanghai Old Street (with kids)

with kidswith babycouple tripsolo trip

How Kids-Friendly is Shanghai Old Street?

70%Kids-Friendly
View Map

What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: Sugar-painting demos, child-priced Yuyuan Garden tickets, and a small park entertain kids, but narrow cobblestone lanes and limited child toilets require close supervision.

Google
Reviews4.4/ 5
(from 720 reviews)

Positives:

  • Cultural architecture: Kids can see restored Ming-Qing buildings and learn about Shanghai history.
  • Free demos: Vendors often show sugar-painting for free; kids enjoy the live art.
  • Metro access: Close to Yuyuan Garden Station on lines 10 and 14, easy access.

Challenges:

  • Crowds: Narrow lanes fill quickly on weekends and holidays, making stroller use hard.
  • Uneven cobblestones: Street paving is uneven; consider a sturdy stroller or carrier.
  • Weather exposure: No covered walkways on the main street; rain or strong sun affects comfort.
Shanghai Old Street image 1
Shanghai Old Street image 2
Shanghai Old Street image 3
Shanghai Old Street image 4
Shanghai Old Street image 5
🏖️ Explore Shanghai Old Street with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Shanghai Old Street. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Shanghai Old Street?

  • A historic thoroughfare in Shanghai’s old town preserving late Qing dynasty architectural styles
  • Featuring restored shopfronts with lattice windows, flying eaves and horse-head walls
  • Home to traditional specialty trades and century-old folk craft shops reflecting old Shanghai culture

What is so special about Shanghai Old Street for with kids?

  1. Hands-on sugar-painting classes that kids love.
  2. Ming-Qing architecture along pedestrian lanes for cultural immersion.
  3. Yuyuan Garden visit with free entry for little ones.
  4. Nearby Gucheng Park playground and fishpond for breaks.
  5. Easy reach via Yuyuan Garden Metro Station.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 2-3 hour visit lets your family try workshops, stroll both street sections, and play at nearby park without rushing.

(View Shanghai Old Street on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Shanghai Old Street

Sugar-painting workshop:

Join a 30-minute sugar-painting class where kids shape molten sugar into animals.

Tip: Book in advance or arrive early. Wear clothes that can handle sticky fingers.

Visit Yuyuan Garden:

Explore pavilions and rockeries in the Ming-Qing style garden.

Tip: Enter early to beat crowds. Kids under 1.3 m enter free; adults pay ¥40 peak.

Explore craft shops:

Browse century-old stores making gold jewelry and tofu and watch artisans at work.

Tip: Explain crafts to kids. Most shops allow window-peeking free of charge.

Play at Gucheng Park:

Let kids run on lawns, see animatronic dinosaurs, and feed fish in the pond.

Tip: Pack snacks and water. The playground is a 5-minute walk west of the street.

Street snack tasting:

Sample local treats like fried dumplings and candied hawthorn skewers.

Tip: Buy small portions to share. Keep wet wipes handy for kids.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Shanghai Old Street

  1. Best arrival time: Arrive by 9:30 AM to avoid peak crowds and lock in workshop spots.
  2. Use public transport: Take Metro Lines 10 or 14 to Yuyuan Garden Station to avoid parking hassles.
  3. Download maps: Save an offline map of Old Street to your phone for easy navigation.
🏖️ Tour Shanghai Old Street like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Shanghai Old Street. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Shanghai Old Street

Powered by Google
Karen Graham

Karen Graham

Nov 2025

Shanghai Old Street 上海老街 is a lively stretch rich with traditional architecture, souvenir shops, and local snacks that capture the charm of old Shanghai. It’s busy but atmospheric, great for a relaxed wander, people-watching, and picking up small gifts. While touristy, it still offers a nostalgic feel and plenty of interesting corners to explore.

Emel

Emel

Nov 2025

In summary: traditional architecture, lights, shops. Note: the buildings light up at night and it's worth seeing! Its also near Yu Garden (which is closed on Tuesdays).

indarwati soekirman

indarwati soekirman

Oct 2025

This was the original old street Shanghai (Renmin) nowadays there’s no activity on this street. But the facade of the historic building is still intact. You can enjoy strolling along this street in the morning or afternoon, but be careful with motorcycles 🏍️ and other fast vehicles 🚗.

Aslan Venom

Aslan Venom

Oct 2025

Old style street in Shanghai. Unfortunately a lot of buildings have been demolished, or evicted for renovations. The beautiful gates still remind of the past. Almost no old residents could be found on the streets, but a few old shops were still operating. I'm curious how the area will be developed!

Jasem Alhosani

Jasem Alhosani

Aug 2025

Shanghai Old Street is a must-visit spot if you want to experience the charm of old Shanghai blended with the city’s modern vibrance. Walking down the street feels like stepping back in time, with beautifully preserved traditional architecture, intricate wooden facades, curved rooflines, and vibrant red lanterns hanging above the narrow lanes. The atmosphere is lively yet not overwhelming, with a...

When is the best time to visit Shanghai Old Street (Shanghai, China)?

In spring and autumn, temperatures are mild and lantern decorations line the street. Summers can be hot and humid; bring sun protection. In winter, wear layers and avoid rainy days to keep children dry.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Shanghai on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Sugar-painting workshop (2 kids)CNY 100
Yuyuan Garden tickets (2 adults)CNY 80
Street snacks (4 people)CNY 40
SouvenirsCNY 40
Total EstimatedCNY 260

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Shanghai Old Street

Address: 6FGW+4QG, Bao Dai Long, 四牌楼 Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200010

Map will load when you scroll here

Scroll down to view the interactive map

Looking for other Things to Do besides Shanghai Old Street (Shanghai)?

← See other Things to Do in Shanghai (with kids)

About Shanghai Old Street

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide

Explore Popular Things to Do

🇨🇳 China, with kids

Things to Do in Shanghai, with kids
Shanghai

🇺🇸 United States, with kids

Things to Do in Hawaii, with kids
Hawaii
Things to Do in New York, with kids
New York
Los AngelesSan FranciscoLas VegasSeattleAustinNiagara Falls

🇨🇦 Canada, with kids

Things to Do in Vancouver, with kids
Vancouver
Things to Do in Toronto, with kids
Toronto
Things to Do in Montreal, with kids
Montreal
VictoriaCalgaryQuebec CityOttawaNiagara Falls

🇮🇪 Ireland, with kids

Things to Do in Dublin, with kids
Dublin
Things to Do in Cork, with kids
Cork
Things to Do in Galway, with kids
Galway

🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids

Things to Do in London, with kids
London
Things to Do in Edinburgh, with kids
Edinburgh
Things to Do in Manchester, with kids
Manchester

🇮🇹 Italy, with kids

Things to Do in Rome, with kids
Rome
Things to Do in Florence, with kids
Florence
Things to Do in Milan, with kids
Milan

How You Can Support Us

If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!

It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!

10 BEST nearby Activities

Book on GetYourGuide
traveltowith
HomeDestinationsAbout
Shanghai, China

searching for