Shanghai is an energetic city that combines culture and modern aspects and is an excellent destination for tourists worldwide. This vibrant city is often called ‘Paris of the East’ because of its unique fusion of cultural and historical gems alongside modern-day skyscrapers and busy shopping areas. People who call Shanghai a must-visit city include history lovers, foodies, and those who simply want to explore and experience a new city. This guide will aid you greatly in planning a vacation in which you will experience the beauty of Shanghai by listing the city’s most fantastic tourist attractions.
What Are the Top Tourist Attractions in Shanghai That I Shouldn’t Miss?
The Iconic Bund: Shanghai’s Historic Waterfront
Pudong’s contemporary skyline and the Huangpu River are best experienced at The Bund, which has long been considered one of the most iconic sites in Shanghai. Visitors can walk by a beautiful row of old colonial buildings dating back to the early 20th century. The eclectic Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco mix demonstrates the city’s different styles and influences, showing its multiculturalism. The maintenance and preservation of these structures reveal the rich legacy of Shanghai serving as an international trading center.
During sunrise and night, both ideal times for visiting, The Bund serves as a perfect promenade, stretching for approximately 1.5 km (or 0.93 miles). Along the edges are the HSBC Building, Customs House, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes, all brilliant displays of art to be cherished and observed. A different angle can be appreciated by cruising the Huangpu River, which gives tourists a breathtaking view of Shanghai’s rich modern heritage and supports the historic landmarks. The mixture offered at The Bund is spectacular, making it one of the most recommended destinations.
Oriental Pearl Tower: Symbol of Modern Shanghai
The development of Shanghai can be greatly appreciated by visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower, a stunning symbol of modern architecture. The structure is located in the Pudong district and serves as a TV and radio tower with a whopping height of 468 meters. The tower’s unique design of eleven varying-sized spheres connected with columns represents a big Pearl and a small pearl falling onto a jade plate.
Height: 468 meters (1,535 feet), it is one of the tallest towers in Asia.
Observation Decks: One of the tower’s distinct features is its Viewing Decks, which include a panoramic deck at 350 meters, a glass-bottomed skywalk at 267 meters, and a breathtaking view of the city.
Revolving Restaurant: Besides the observation deck, the tower has a revolving restaurant at 267 meters in height that offers a 360-degree dining experience.
Functionality: Several facilities, including a public museum, are available for broadcasting radio and TV signals.
The modern design showcases Shanghai’s growth as an International Metropolis and makes the tower a prominent attraction for millions of tourists annually.
Shanghai Disneyland: Magic and Adventure in Pudong
A fusion of Chinese culture and Disney’s renowned charm, Disneyland Shangai is one of the largest Disney resorts in the world, with a massive area of 963 acres. Opening its doors to the public on 16th June 2016, Disneyland Shangai became the first Disneyland to open in mainland China. Disneyland Shangai comprises six captivating lands, including Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, and Treasure, all providing themed rides with compelling entertainment and breathtaking architecture.
Area: 963 acres. It encompasses the theme park, hotels, and town amenities.
Attractions Count: Over 50 rides, many of which were do-it-yourself for the audience from Shanghai. The “TRON Lightcycle Power Run” is one of them.
Daily Capacity: Approximately 60,000 visitors are entertained daily.
Castle Height: At a whopping 197 feet, Enchanted Storybook Castle is the tallest Disney princess castle, making it the tallest and largest Disney castle on the globe.
Shanghai Disneyland’s alluring storytelling and distinct cultural features have made it extremely popular in China’s busy Pudong district.
How to Explore the French Concession and Other Historic Areas in Shanghai?
Tianzifang: Artsy Lanes in the Old French Concession
Situated in the center of the Old French Concession, Tianzifang is a historic site packed with a creative buzz formed by a web of narrow alleyways. Tourists fond of art can stroll through art studios, craft shops, boutique stores, and cafés, which portray the mixture of heritage and modern culture infused into this area. This charming region is famous for combining traditional artistic expressions and Shikumen architecture. Key highlights to look out for in Tianzifang are:
Architecture: Retained Shikumen structures typifying a fusion of Chinese and Western styles.
Art Scene: This place is home to many emerging and established Chinese artists’ galleries and studios.
Shopping and Dining: Local and international cuisine is served in quaint settings, with numerous shops selling unique handmade creations and souvenirs.
Take time to get lost in the culturally dense network of streets in this region to appreciate how it displays Shanghai’s historical elegance mixed with modern influences.
Xintiandi: Where Old Shanghai Meets Modern Luxury
Xintiandi is a popular area in Shanghai where traditional Shikumen buildings are integrated with modern architecture and luxurious services. The restored Shikumen houses are home to vast international cuisines, high-end cafes, and retail stores. This fusion of contemporary complexes and traditional buildings makes it a perfect destination for visitors to experience how Shanghai has evolved over the years.
This famous area is divided into two blocks: south and north. The South Block serves as a hub for upscale retail shops, international restaurants, and an art-house cinema, earning its reputation for a modern feel. On the other hand, the North Block maintains and evokes Old Shanghai’s charm through its vintage Shikumen lanes, serving traditional delicacies and housing many galleries and souvenir shops. These blocks form a magnificent blend of modern luxury and old-town charm.
Xintiandi has proven to be a multi-layered undertaking, a complex mix of innovation and preservation; Xintiandi is an urban development project that outlines how exactly a city should undergo regeneration. With everything considered and built meticulously, the area is now an international lifestyle center that can cater to all ways of sustainable development. The Xintiandi area of Shanghai is essential for everyone, be it a tourist or a local, and serves multiple purposes like spending leisure time, shopping, or simply enjoying the aesthetics of the regions, which distinctly show how Shanghai amalgamates modernity and traditional values.
Jade Buddha Temple: Spiritual Center of Shanghai
The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most essential spiritually located areas in Shanghai, and it stands out due to its breathtaking nature and cultural richness. This temple was built in the late 19th century and currently has two spectacular sculptures of a seated and a reclining Buddha, which are both carved from white jade from Myanmar. These statues represent peace and fulfillment in Buddhist culture, making them jewels of artwork and significant in terms of religion.
People worldwide have always been impressed by the intricate detail of the architecture, which magnificently merges Chinese traditions alongside Buddhism. The courtyards and prayer halls provide relaxation and make escaping the city’s noise easy. While the temple can be a place for awestruck tourists to gain insight into the pajamas of Shanghai’s religious and artistic culture, it also leads spiritual seekers into a more profound state upon which to reflect and meditate. For engaging in either culture or realism, the temple is a wondrous place to visit, deeply rooted in a rich and intricate tapestry of Shanghai.
What Are the Best Museums and Cultural Attractions in Shanghai?
Shanghai Museum: Treasures of China’s Ancient Civilization
Undoubtedly, the Shanghai Museum is one of the best cultural sites in the city since it gives tourists an insight into the rich history of China and showcases its culture. The museum’s construction, which sits at the center of People’s Square, is impressive and embodies modern design with an ancient bronze ding vessel. The museum stores over 120.000 cultural relics, making it a vault for Chinese art and history, ranging from ancient to modern times.
The museum’s most eye-catching collections include bronze and porcelain artifacts, ceramics, and bronze calligraphy. The Bronze Gallery contains masterpieces from the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, which are all artifacts that provide relevance to early civilization’s technological and artistic achievements. The Ceramics Gallery portrays neolithic pottery alongside exquisite porcelain from the Ming and Qing dynasties as the highlight of the world’s beloved art. Furthermore, stunning scrolls from the country’s oldest literature and art are located in the Calligraphy and painting galleries. Every exhibit is explained and put into context in the form of descriptions, which helps the visitor appreciate and understand the artifacts more.
The operational information also improves the benefits of the Shanghai Museum. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and entrance is free. However, entry is often first come, first serve during the busy season. To fully appreciate the museum’s exhibits, visitors should plan to spend around two to three hours in the museum. In addition to guided tours, audio guides, and additional tour languages are provided for those wishing to expand their understanding of China’s history. The Shanghai Museum is an essential site in Shanghai for all tourists as it features cultural education alongside an incredible visual experience.
Shanghai Natural History Museum: Journey Through Time
With 10 permanent exhibition halls, the Shanghai Natural History Museum allows visitors to bestow the incredible world of nature by seeing the steps of life formation on Earth. Visitors can engage in multi-layered exhibitions focusing on Earth’s diverse life systems, ancient empires’ grandeur, and humanity’s inception.
Location: 510 Beijing West Road, Jing’an District, Shanghai.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM) and closed on Mondays.
Area: Chicago’s museum boasts an area of 44,517 square meters and multimedia visual installations. It features over 10,000 display items, including fossils and scientific replicas.
Accessibility: Resting zones are provided along with ramps and elevators for wheelchair access.
Interactive Elements: Certain exhibits may be interacted with more intensely by employing further developed augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) technologies, which serve as a learning bonus.
The museum is the best place to learn and appreciate the astonishing life forms that inhabit the Earth’s surface through its blend of modern technology and historical relics, designed to enable everything from gazing at climactic endless dinosaur bones to interacting with creative digital arrangements.
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: Interactive Learning Experience
The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum combines traditional learning with innovative, interactive methods, allowing them to learn more about science and technology. The museum has over 14 exhibition areas that participants can choose from, which include biology, physics, robotics, and even space. Exhibits like the “Earth Exploration Hall” or the “World of Robots” offer various scientific concepts that can be performed through engaging simulations, interactive boards, and even live demonstrations. These features guarantee that entertainment and knowledge go hand in hand.
Museum advancements are also highlighted by using the latest technology and how they interact with visitors. Several exhibits use fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies. This allows them to experience the exhibits the way they should be experienced. For example, AR tools that enable users to go beyond optics and energy are used in the “Light of Wisdom” exhibit along with AR-supported optoelectronic axes, which accurately simulate scientific phenomena. Technical details like having real-time rendering AR engines like Unity3D and supporting devices such as VR headsets guaranteed these simulations are engaging. These technologies engage the audience and help them understand highly intricate topics at a fundamental level.
The ones interested in sustainability and environmental systems can find the museum’s displays focused on the environment. The “Home on Earth” exhibit features advanced 4K projection and LED systems depicting ecosystems of the Earth and its ecosystem while emphasizing the conservation of resources. By employing such reasonable specifications as low power consumption and precise image reproduction, the museum proves its dedication to education and environmental sustainability. The visitors are inspired and gain practical knowledge of real-world issues that the most relevant scientific and technological aspects need to overcome.
How to Plan a Day Trip to Water Towns Near Shanghai?
Zhujiajiao: Venice of Shanghai Just an Hour Away
Planning your day trip to Zhujiajiao is simple and immensely gratifying. Start with how you want to travel; Zhujiajiao is roughly an hour from Shanghai and can be easily accessed by bus, private car, or metro (line seventeen). Once you reach your destination, visit the ancient Post Office, Fangsheng Bridge, and Kezhi Garden.
Remember to pack comfy shoes. As mentioned earlier, Zhujiajiao is a cobbled street town with arched stone bridges over charming water bodies. Therefore, having shoes that you can walk long distances comfortably in is crucial. To top it all off, a gondola ride through the canal is one of the highlights of this town.
A quick tip from a local: Always double-check the battery percentage on your phone or camera before starting your trip, especially if you want to capture dropping views. Bring devices that do well in low-light settings for indoors and shaded canals. Low-weight and low-power devices are easy to carry and complement the stunning beauty that can be captured in Zhujiajiao.
Popular Water Towns Around Shanghai
While considering the water towns around Shanghai, their overall accessibility and the charm at each destination are vital to my decision-making. Zhujiajiao is one of my favorites since it’s only about an hour from the city. It has an extensive network of canals, ancient bridges, and houses, giving a glimpse of the region’s history. For such a trip, lightweight technology is key to not burdening me during long walks and boat rides. My smartphone and compact mirrorless camera are ideal due to their reliable battery life.
Wuzhen is another beautiful water town with preserved buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties and incredibly vibrant evening scenes. When traveling for Wuzhen, I focus on devices with excellent low light capabilities, as dusk and night photography are the best times for the town’s magical atmosphere. A camera equipped with a wide aperture lens can most beautifully capture Lantern-lit alleys and water channels. I always carry a portable charger to ensure that I can use my gadgets undisturbed for the rest of the evening.
With its narrow alleys and covered walkways, Xitang is a much more intimate experience. In this case, the recommended gear has to be multi-functional, like cameras and videos, because the markets and canals are lively and calm and worth capturing. A tripod or stabilizer improves image stability when shooting stunning reflections in the water. In general, I try to achieve a balance between saying and doing—bringing equipment that improves every trip without being excessively heavy or useless.
What Are the Must-Visit Places in Pudong’s Futuristic Skyline?
Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower: Observation Decks with Stunning Views
Without a doubt, The Shanghai Tower, along with the Jin Mao Tower, stands out as the top features of the breathtaking skyline of Pudong. It was amazing to go to the observation decks of these landmarks. As the tallest building in China, the Shanghai Tower gave me a fantastic view of the city from the observation deck on the 118th floor. The Jin Mao Tower was equally breathtaking at its 88th-floor observation deck, though its distinct neo-futuristic aesthetic did provide a different view. At both places, one can capture beautiful pictures of cityscapes. This is even better during the golden hour when the city expands in warm, bright light.
From a technical perspective, both the view and the angle needed careful prediction and adjustment of gears. The high altitude and broad view required a camera with a good dynamic range to deal with drastic variations in light, particularly around sunset. My primary lens was a wide-angle lens that allowed shifting the focal length between 16-35mm to capture as much of the skyline in portrait format as possible. Along with it, a sturdy but lightweight tripod was carried to counter vibrations from strong winds at higher altitudes. As a result, reflections on glass barriers were reduced while colors during the photos became more vibrantly enhanced through a polarizing filter that proved to be indispensable.
This skyscraper is best seen from above, and the double-decker elevator that goes up at 20.5 meters per second was an engineering marvel I paid close attention to: it’s faster than a rollercoaster! The observation decks were a visual and learning opportunity for me. The Southern Peak pagoda-style office building Jin Mao Tower also reminded me of how steel and Chinese architecture beautifully intertwine. These greatly motivated me to enjoy the views and make sure that everything I photographed detailed Pudong’s magnificence, scale, and innovation. I recommend that people wishing to capture these views visit in good weather to improve their chances of seeing and photographing the towers.
Lujiazui: Financial Heart of Modern China
To get the best photographs at Lujiazui, both time and gear are critical. In my experience, the lighting was by far the most dynamic and soft during the late afternoon or early morning, making the skyline look stunning. As far as shooting goes, Golden Hour increased the reduction of harsh shadows while boosting the contrast of the skyscrapers and the sky and allowed for a well-balanced exposure overall. Regarding my technical settings, I would advise anything from the mid-range apertures f/8 to f/11 with an ISO of 100 or lower. This way, there would be no noise when capturing the intricate details of the architecture through the lens.
While taking pictures of Lujiazui, I also considered the city’s thicker urban fabric and how I could emphasize it with longer focal lengths. An example would be using a telephoto submicron lens set around 70-200mm, enabling the photographer to zoom in and crop out obstructions yet still keep stunning architecture like the Oriental Pearl Tower in the frame. On the other hand, wide-angle lenses showcase the entire financial district at once and help emphasize the size of the buildings. On this trip, I kept switching lenses based on what I wanted to create, and unlike Chicago, having a strong tripod on hand was essential for everyone hoping to get sharp pictures, especially during evening and nighttime photography sessions.
Lastly, weather conditions are critical, too. While dramatic, gloomy weather can offer natural illumination with fewer intense highlights and shadows, clearing skies after a rainstorm can unveil all of the buildings, allowing for the subtle details of every structure’s face to be shown. For those who want to capture images with an HDR style, I recommend including those with lighter skies and darker foreground details, as they can have a balanced dynamic range. Having all of these factors in mind allowed me to skillfully capture the stunning marvels of Lujiazui while maintaining its modern wonder and architectural beauty.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: Underwater Adventures
To shoot the underwater videos, I chose a dimly lit aquarium so I could use low-light photography. To accommodate this, I set the aperture to f2.8, which is quite broad, and boosted the ISO to 1600-3200. This would keep the image bright without compromising the image quality. The movement of the marine life coupled with the darker areas required achieving both MHX1/60 and 1/100 s shutter speeds.
The white balance issue needed correction because of the blue tones and the artificial illumination. I set the white balance to approximately 4000K to balance the blues, which ensured the colored marine creatures looked vivid. The last step to reduce the reflection from the tank glass was to get the lens as flush with the glass as possible so that I could use a rubber lens hood to block external light sources. These settings helped capture the beauty of the marine life without losing the magic of the aquarium’s underwater realms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What attractions in Shanghai are visited mainly by tourists?
A: Shanghai has several attractions that visitors would love to see. Most tourist spots include The Bund, which boasts colonial structures; the Shanghai Disney Resort; Yu Garden, a classical Ming Garden; the Pearl Tower; the Shanghai World Financial Center; a skyscraper; and the Museum of Chinese Art and Calligraphy. The People’s Square, Tianzifang Creative Area, and ancient water cities like Zhujiajiao are also striking. To fully experience Shanghai, include contemporary objects of interest and traditional Chinese cultural ones.
Q: Should Nanjing Road be on my list of places to see in Shanghai?
A: Yes, without question! It is one of Shanghai’s highlights and the best pedestrian street in China. This shopping street, which happens to be the longest in the world, measures close to 5.5 kilometers in length. It is subdivided into Eastern and Western sections. East Nanjing Road is closed to vehicular traffic and has a unique blend of modern shopping centers and old, historic buildings. It is full of tradition and modernism at the same instance. Travelers can walk through the crowded street, visit many shops and fast food restaurants, and taste the regional delicacies. The area is particularly spectacular at night when illuminated with colorful neon lights. The Place is known in China as one of the jaw-dropping places when looking from Taipei 101. The Nanjing Road is located next to other landmarks like the Bund and People’s Square, so it’s easy to integrate with your itinerary.
Q: What things to do in Shanghai would you recommend for art lovers?
A: Artwork fans coming to Shanghai aren’t missing in activities. The Shanghai Museum at People’s Square has a stunning assemblage of ancient Chinese artworks such as Arts, Ceramics, Calligraphy, Painting, and other ancient relics. The China Art Museum (formerly known as China Pavilion from Expo 20110) integrates with the most prominent Art Museum. Solid works of art from M50 Creative Park, Power Station of Art, and the Rockbund Art Museum are necessary for contemporary art lovers. Walking Tianzifang, a maze of narrow alleys bursting with boutiques, galleries, and studios, is advised for audacious artistic and design crafts. The creative showcase of the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center displays the city’s progress through time. These places reflect traditional Chinese art and provide a glimpse into the modern-day masterpiece that is Shanghai’s contemporary art center.
Q: What are the best practices for time management while sightseeing in Shanghai?
A: Splitting up your itinerary by region can do wonders for sightseeing in Shanghai, China. To start, visit The Bund along Nanjing Road, which provides fantastic views of Pudong skyscrapers. One day should be reserved for the Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower, in addition to all other regional attractions. An additional day should be set for the old Yu Garden City and the nearby shopping complex. The Shanghai Museum and the Urban Planning Exhibition Center are near People’s Square, so this is the place to go for cultural pursuits. If Shanghai Disney Resort is on your list, be prepared to have one whole day reserved to visit it. For local experiences, head out to the Former French Concession to walk through the picturesque plane tree-lined streets and Shikumen houses, which can be found in Xintiandi and Tianzifang. Most attractions in Shanghai open around 9 am and 5 pm to 10 pm for closing time, so keep that in mind when planning.
Q: Does Shanghai Disney Resort differ from the rest of the Disney parks across the globe?
A: Of course. Shanghai Disney Resort is distinct in that its features are not available in other Disneyland locations around the globe. It is the newest Disneyland in Asia and opened in 2016. It also has all the Disney features but with strong Chinese influences. The Disney park has other firsts, such as the installation and fitting of the largest castle, dubbed the Enchanted Storybook, which Disney lovers will be glad to know is also located in Disney parks. Unlike the other Disneyland, Shanghai Disney has Mickey Avenue instead of Main Street USA. The Disneyland park also has excellent rides like the TRON Lightcycle Power Run, the fastest coaster in all Disney parks, and the Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, which also has excellent technology. The Garden of the Twelve Friends also features Disneyland characters and encompasses the Chinese zodiac. The park also features Chinese sculpture and architectural elements, further enriching the park and setting it apart from other Disneyland resorts.
Q: What park in Shanghai would you recommend for relaxation and experiencing local culture?
A: I recommend not missing Century Park for its relaxation and local cultural activities. Century Park in Pudong is the most stunning urban park in Shanghai, with picturesque landscapes that include a recreational lake, pavilions, and various activities. At the same time, Yuyuan Garden (Yu Garden) in Shanghai is the most authentic traditional Chinese garden masterpiece. It was designed during the Ming dynasty and features rockeries, ponds, and pavilions with myriad corridors. In the town center is People’s Park, where you will appreciate the local culture, especially during the famous “marriage market.” Gongqing Forest Park and Zhongshan Park offer quiet experiences in nature. Fuxing Park in the Former French Concession has beautiful Chinese and French-style landscaping. It is a great place to see many locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing mahjong. These parks provide an escape from the busy city and a snapshot of everyday life in Shanghai.
Q: What Shanghai attractions display the modern architecture of the city?
A: The stunning Shanghai modern structural wonders are primarily found in the Pudong zone. Shanghai’s Tower is uniquely twisted, standing at 632 meters, making it China’s tallest building. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower has been an astonishing part of Shanghai since 1994 with its spherical modules. The Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower resemble a symbol and beautifully incorporate contemporary and traditional Chinese architecture. Besides the Pudong area, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel provides a nontraditional light show underneath the Huangpu River. The Long and Yuz Museum is also a notable modern Chinese-style structure in the West Band area. The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is a masterpiece, holding a gigantic scale model of Shanghai city. All these buildings make international tourists appreciate Shanhai’s modern design and highly conceptualized structures.
Q: How does the Shanghai Zoo compare to the city’s other top attractions? Is it worth a visit?
A: Although the Shanghai Zoo features over 6,000 animals, such as giant pandas and golden monkeys, within its 74-hectare scope, it may not rank as the top attraction in Shanghai for visitors short on time. The facilities are older than those of more modern zoos around the world. If you’re particularly keen on animals or traveling with kids, the zoo offers a wildlife experience worth half a day. However, if you’re in the city for just a few days, some distinctive attractions, like The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Disney Resort, breathtaking skyscrapers, and museums, take priority. For alternative wildlife experiences, some visitors prefer the Shanghai Wild Animal Park in Pudong, which offers safari-style viewing instead of the traditional zoo.
Q: Could you suggest some trips to China from Shanghai?
A: If you are trying to absorb a little more of Chinese Culture, day trips outside of Shanghai could be enriching. The water town in Zhujiajiao is an hour-long trip from the city and is famous for its traditional structures and canals, dubbed the “Venice of Shanghai”. Classical gardens and silk production also make Suzhou a must-visit place, only 30 minutes away by train. Along with tea plantations, Hangzhou is home to West Lake and numerous Buddhist temples, making it a unique area to visit, located one hour away by train. Nanjing is also a different trip located 1 – 1.5 hours away by train and rich in history. It used to be China’s capital, reminiscent of its city walls and the area surrounding the Confucious temple. Each of these cities makes a perfect day or overnight trip and portrays a stark difference from the urban lifestyle of Shanghai with their traditional structures, cuisine, and lifestyle.