Travelers should be excited about the unforgettable experience Shanghai has waiting for them in 2025. Shanghai offers nature, economics, and an enriching culture, packed in one where the East meets the West, and the Old meets the New. From food in world-renowned restaurants, shopping in modernistic markets, and exciting skyscrapers to ancient temples and museums, Shanghai has something for everyone. This guide focuses on what barely scrapes the surface of all that the magical experience can offer. Prepare yourself to embrace the breathtaking wonders that make Shanghai one of the most astonishing places in the world.
What Are the Top Tourist Attractions in Shanghai That You Can’t Miss?
Experience the Iconic Bund: Shanghai’s Historic Waterfront Promenade
For any traveler to Shanghai, the Bund is a must-visit place. This waterfront promenade beautifully showcases the city’s enchanting history and accentuates its modernity, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. I personally recommend visiting during the evening, when the skyline of Pudong and colonial architecture shrouded in the glow of lights is an astounding sight!
Location: The Bund extends alongside the Huangpu River in the heart of Shanghai.
Architectural Highlights: Structures such as the Customs house captured my attention for their intricate details. I later traveled across the river to view the impressive Oriental Pearl Tower and the skyline of Shanghai Pudong.
Best Visiting Hours: It is praised for its view during the evening (6 PM-9 PM) when lit up.
Accessibility: Public transport is available with a stop at Shanghai East Nanjing sundry Goods Store (Line 2 and Line 10)
The best part about the Bund is that no matter what your reason for visiting is—be it the scenic views, historical relevance, or majestic architecture—you can rest assured that the memories created here will last a lifetime.
Marvel at the Shanghai Tower and Lujiazui Skyscrapers in Pudong
With a height of 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. Its height makes the twisting design visually appealing and provides benefits by reducing wind load and energy consumption. Guests can take one of the world’s fastest observation elevators at 20.5 meters per second, providing guests with panoramic views from the observation deck.
The more prominent skyscrapers in the Lujiazui vicinity include the Jin Mao Tower, which combines modern and traditional Chinese designs, and the Shanghai World Financial Center, famous for its “bottle opener” design. These towers, together with the other monuments, not only sculpt Shanghai’s skyline but also represent the city as a center of finance. It is easy to reach Lujiazui by metro (Line 2 to Lujiazui station), which makes it easy to visit these beautiful sites.
Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower: Shanghai’s Most Recognizable Landmark
The Oriental Pearl Tower represents the world of the future and defines the skyline of Shanghai. With its height of 468 meters (1,535 feet), it is one of the tallest towers in China and sits in the Lujiazui part of Pudong. This architectural wonder has 11 spheres of various sizes and is said to have been designed from an ancient Chinese poem featuring a jade plate and pearls.
The panoramic views of the city’s breathtaking scenery can be appreciated at the observation decks visitors can explore. The main observation deck, located at 263 meters (863 feet), and the Space Module, at 351 meters (1,151 feet), are highly frequented. The tower also has a glass-bottomed sightseeing deck, which will surely provide a heart-racing experience. In addition to offering a dynamic dining experience, the rotating restaurant, all the exhibition spaces, and the history museum inside the Oriental Pearl Tower provide an immersive cultural experience.
Visitors can access the tower via the Shanghai Metro (Lujiazui Station), as it is centrally located. The ticket prices range from approximately ¥100 to ¥260, depending on accessibility options. The ordinary hours of opening are 8 AM to 9 PM. A trip to the Oriental Pearl Tower is pleasing not just from an architectural standpoint but also as a cultural immersion fit for all ages.
How to Explore Shanghai’s Rich Cultural Heritage Sites?
Discover Ancient Treasures at the Shanghai Museum and Shanghai History Museum
Located in the People’s of Shanghai, the Museum of Shanghai is a well known place in the world due to its rich collection of more than 120,000 pieces of art. This includes ancient bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, and ceramics of different Chinese dynasties. The Architectural design resembles a traditional ding, a Chinese cooking ware—the base symbolizes inclusivity and stability. The museum operates daily from 9-5 pm, and entry is free; however, arriving early is advised as it tends to get crowded.
The nearby Shanghai History Museum captures the other side of Shanghai by shedding light on its history and evolution. The collection and exhibits include pictures, historical items, and multi-media displays, and they tell the story of Shaghai’s metamorphosis into a globalized city. The fee for admission ranges from $3-$7, and the museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm throughout the week. Both locations are ideal for anyone looking to delve deeper into Shanghai’s rich culture and history.
Find Serenity at the Jade Buddha Temple and Longhua Pagoda
The Jade Buddha Temple in the Jing An District is home to two stunningly beautiful jade Buddha statues from Myanmar. This Buddhist temple, which serves as a sanctuary, has serene halls, intricate architecture, and well-preserved traditional statues. The entry charges are usually around ¥20, and the temple is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Like the Longhua Pagoda in Xuhui District beside Longhua Temple, these structures are well known for their specific complex design and history. Said to have been built in the Song Dynasty, the seven-story pagoda represents an iconic part of Shanghai’s history. While the inside is off-limits, the rest of the Longhua Temple complex has an entrance fee that ranges from ¥10 to ¥20. The pagoda is open from 7 AM until 4 PM.
Stroll Through the French Concession: Old Shanghai’s Charming Neighborhood
Currently, the world is waiting for Shanghai to pronounce the impeccable picture it has kept hidden for ages; at the frontier stands the French concession, one electric subdivision standing Shanghai rooting into French colonies. Starbucks fans may review Shanghai’s French region through the television screen; as they stroll through the fabled concession’s narrow drains, one would uncover exotic vintage Art Deco aides and beautiful tree-covered dramatics. With it, one can plunge and grasp the alluring glimpse of history mixed with modernity.
Shopping for antiques? Bracket it with a visit to Fuxing Park, taste the hues of world gardens, and adore tai chi park with tony tea tables. The park also invites soothing strolls and passes through causes all over. The floods of civilization stage as cafes, shops, and boutiques add brilliance to the elegant hillside’s plan.
If you want to know about Shanghai’s diverse culture, the French Concession is a place you cannot miss. It combines the eastern and western sides of the cultures, giving a glimpse of the people’s history while presenting a modern side of living. You can take a walk and sip some coffee at one of the lovely cafes during an easy stroll in the morning or go out before stores open. Sure, most stores and attractions open around 10 in the morning and there are no specific charges to explore the area around, however, comfortable walking shoes are more than recommended to experience this enticing neighborhood to its fullest.
What Are the Best Day Trips and Water Towns Near Shanghai?
Explore Zhujiajiao Ancient Town: The “Venice of Shanghai” Dating Back 1700 Years
Just 30 miles (roughly 48 kilometers) west of Shanghai lies Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, which has canals, stone bridges, ancient buildings, and water town architecture, making it a perfectly picturesque day trip. This water town is charming and offers an escape from the city’s noise. Visitors may go through its numerous points of interest, such as the Fangsheng Bridge, the largest stone arch bridge in Shanghai, and enjoy a ferry boat ride along the canals. Zhujiajiao town covers an area of 47 square kilometers, and the rich history of the locals can be traced back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Zhujiajiao is famous for its local points of interest, such as the food carts, traditional tea, and offsetting artisan shops. Also, cultural depth can be seen through celebrating historical events in places like Kezhi Garden and Yuanjin Buddhist Temple. Spring or autumn is the best time to visit as the weather will provide comfort, unlike other times. Zhujiajiao is poised as the best candidate amongst other water towns around Shanghai due to its ease of reach by private vehicle or public transportation, making it best for travelers who wish to experience the beauty of the water towns.
Discover Picturesque Canals and Ancient Water Towns Worth Visiting
Regarding the reasons for Zhujiajiao’s tourism appeal, its beautiful canals, charming old buildings, and lovely atmosphere are certainly the highlights. I found the Kezhi Garden incredibly interesting due to its rich historical context and exquisite peace, while the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple deepened my sense of spirit during my visit.
From a pro standpoint regarding transport, the ease of reaching Zhujiajiao poses a significant advantage. The town can be reached conveniently by either car or public transport, which makes it very practical for a day trip. Furthermore, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit the town because of the milder weather, which means people wouldn’t have to suffer from extreme heat or cold. This simplifies the planning of a trip while still ensuring a good experience.
Where to Experience Modern Shanghai Attractions and Entertainment?
Plan Your Perfect Day at Shanghai Disneyland: Tips and Must-See Attractions
My visit to Shanghai Disneyland was a great experience, especially about planning efficiency and fun. As for my recommendation, I suggest getting to the park around opening time so you can take advantage of the shorter lines for popular attractions. Booking tickets in advance is essential, too, and checking your itinerary is more manageable through the Disney app for real-time ride waiting times.
The “TRON Lightcycle Power Run’ is one of the key attractions that always draws the attention of adrenaline junkies, along with “Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure,” which has fantastic technology and story. If you’re feeling more relaxed, check out the “Enchanted Storybook Castle,” which offers magical views and meets with characters. Lastly, I suggest reserving a spot for the spectacular evening fireworks show, as it provides an excellent final highlight to the day.
Also remember that there are technical constraints, such as height restrictions for some attractions (e.g., TRON Lightcycle Power Run requires riders to be at least 122 cm). If possible, consider purchasing FastPass tickets for some rides. For tips, meal break planning is helpful, and finding themed eating places like Royal Banquet Hall is part of the fun. With some planning and care, the day can be magical and unforgettable.
Shop and Dine Along Nanjing Road: Shanghai’s Premier Shopping Street
My interests have guided me towards flagship stores and luxury boutiques alongside traditional shops on Nanjing Road. There’s something modern and cultural that blends into these places, which I like very much. To make the most out of my visits, I always check the operational hours of certain shops and restaurants before visiting. As for meals, steamed buns from street vendors are delicious, and for an authentic meal during my shopping trip, countless restaurants serve Chinese food along the road.
If your schedule permits, consider exploring this area for approximately 3 to 4 hours, especially if you plan on shopping and dining. This estimate of time maximization is one where I think you will enjoy Nanjing Road without being rushed while still allowing time for other activities. While there are no precise technical parameters to consider, due to the amount of walking on this very busy pedestrian street, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center and Contemporary Art Galleries
My trip to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center was refreshing and motivating. In the center, visitors can appreciate Shanghai’s city development through interactive exhibits, models, and multimedia presentations. The center is so filled with information explaining the city’s hopeful future that spending 2-3 hours would allow visiting at a leisurely pace. Although not directly related to the center’s technical features, one helpful hint I would give is checking the days of the week when the center operates and the times during the day when there is less traffic or waiting lines.
These nearby modern art galleries make for a perfect addition to the visit. These galleries showcase works by local and foreign artists that use modern forms to express themselves. Spending an additional 2-3 hours in the galleries is ideal for art lovers and provides a much-needed break after the strictly designed spaces of the Urban Planning Exhibition Center. It is good to mention that some of these galleries have an entrance fee that must be paid in addition to the budgeted amount. Besides, walking from one site to another is possible, but comfortable shoes should be made a must for this program.
From a professional point of view, it is helpful to have a camera because taking pictures is allowed in many places at the urban exhibition center and the galleries. Be sure to verify specific photography parameters in advance because some artworks limit photography to maintain their integrity. In sum, this rich blend of cultures and art in Shanghai makes the city and its ever-changing character more straightforward to understand and gives you a day that is informative and enjoyable.
What Are the Best Activities in Shanghai for Families and Children?
Enjoy Family Fun at Shanghai Disneyland and Other Theme Parks in Shanghai
While looking for activities in Shanghai suitable for children, I would see if Disney Land requires any bookings. It is fantastic and will surely capture the imagination of both kids and adults alike. Superb attractions include live performances, TRON Lightcycle Power Run, and the enchanting storybook castle, and let us not forget the unparalleled Enchanted Storybook Castle. Moreover, plan around peak hours and use streaming services with Disney’s premier access to get the most value out of your visit. It is fundamentally critical to point out. However, wait times for popular rides get dramatically reduced.
While Disneyland is undoubtedly the most famous, other theme parks, such as Happy Valley and Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, offer unique experiences. These parks cater to people with various interests. Happy Valley incorporates high-intensity roller coasters with adventure zones, whereas Ocean Park wows guests with breathtaking exhibitions illustrating and showcasing marine life with aquatics shows. Ensure drinking plenty of hydrating fluids and wearing the proper clothing and comfortable shoes, all while monitoring the climate for an enjoyable experience. These places have been carefully crafted with families in mind, ensuring a sophisticated yet comforting experience.
Experience the Thrilling Shanghai Maglev Train: The World’s Fastest Commercial Train
I had never experienced something like this before, so riding the Shanghai Maglev Train was a thrilling experience. During the trip, I was shocked when it reached 431km/h (268 mph), making it the fastest commercial train in the world. The train’s magnetic levitation technology was strikingly advanced, providing a smooth, silent, and comfortable ride while the train effortlessly glides over the tracks. It was amicable and helpful, and it took only around seven minutes to travel between Longyang Road Station and Pudong International Airport.
From a more technical direction, the train employs electromagnetic forces for its levitation and speed, which removes friction and allows for these extreme speeds. A linear motor is used to power this train, which is a great contributor to its energy efficiency. The elevated tracks and other supporting infrastructures are also well designed to mitigate risks involved with operating the Maglev. I will never forger the experience itself, and the advanced engineering and innovation of the technology were equally stunning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s worth seeing in Shanghai on a short trip?
A: To make the most out of your Shanghai trip, don’t forget to visit the Bund waterfront promenade for unparalleled views of the city skyline across the Huangpu River. Yu Garden is a phenomenal spot to witness Ming dynasty architecture. Be sure to check out the Shanghai World Financial Center observation deck to get 360-degree city views. Stroll around the distinctive lanes of Tianzifang and try the local street food, such as at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant. Be sure to stay updated on news out of Shanghai, particularly about the new attractions opening in the Pudong area in 2025.
Q: Where can you find the top points of interest for sightseeing in the Shanghai historical areas?
A: Shanghai’s historical areas offer stunning spots for sightseeing. The heavily tree-lined streets of the Shanghai French Concession are home to unique stone-gate houses, otherwise known as shikumen. Other notable attractions include Yu Garden in the Old City, which features classical Ming dynasty gardens, and the Old Town area, which is filled with temples and Ancient Chinese architecture. The region gives a great glimpse of Shanghai before the modern skyscrapers overtook the skyline.
Q: Which street food do you recommend trying while in Shanghai?
A: You must try xiaolongbao(soup dumplings) at Nanxiang in Yu Garden. You should additionally try shengjianbao(pan-fried buns) from Yangs Dumplings, street vendor contouring (scallion pancakes) at Nanjing Road pedestrian street, cong you banian (scallion oil noodles), and breakfast lunch fantan (sticky rice rolls). For the best street food, check out Sipailou Road or QiBao Old Street, which are both tourist hot spots, so you can have authentic Shanghai food.
Q: Can I visit both modern and traditional landmarks in Shanghai?
A: Split your Shanghai trip between modern and traditional activities by starting at the Bundy, where you can see colonial buildings. At the same time, you look at the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. In the morning, make sure to hit the Shanghai Tower (The city’s tallest building) and Shanghai World Financial Center, then in the afternoon, move to more traditional areas, Yu Garden and City God Temple in Shanghai. Spend one day in the Former French Concession Shikumen area and one day exploring Qibao ancient town, which is known as the Venice of Shanghai because of its beautiful waterways. This will help you understand the progression of the city of Shanghai.
Q: Which regions of Shanghai are ideal for shopping?
A: If you are looking for high-end shopping, you can check out Huaihai Road in the French Concession for luxury brands and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, China’s most iconic shopping area. If you want unique arts and crafts souvenirs, visit Tianzifang’s creative boutiques. You can also visit Yuyuan Bazaar near Yu Garden to buy traditional Chinese goods such as calligraphy. You can see the electronics markets in Xujiahui, downtown Shanghai, if you are into technology. The South Bund Fabric Market has custom tailoring for more traditional shopping, while the Qipu Road Clothing Market has cheap, fashionable clothes that appeal to tourists and locals alike.
Q: What are the best ways to explore Shanghai’s waterfront regions?
A: The Huangpu River evening cruise is a spectacular way to explore the waterfront areas of Shangai. The buildings along the riverbank are wonderful to behold with their lights turned on. While in the area, try out taking a stroll around the Bund promenade and gaze in awe at the centuries-old colonial buildings facing the enchanting skyline of Pudong. Another enjoyable walk is the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, located beneath the river and has light shows. In Shanghai, the downtown areas have soothing walking trails along the renovated banks of the Staiuapuk River, away from the crowds. Take a trip to the South Bund, where the Cool Docks area is located, and get some food from the restaurants, or head out to the city’s outskirts and discover Zhujiajiao, one of the many Shanhai water towns.
Q: What are the recommended attractions for families with children visiting Shanghai?
A: When traveling with families, Disneyland, located in Pudong, is a must-visit as it can entertain a family for the entire day. The interactive exhibits at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum are great for inquisitive students. The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, located by the Oriental Pearl Tower, is home to thousands of underwater creatures. The Shanghai Wild Animal Park features animal shows and drives in safari-styled buses. The dinosaur bones in the Shanghai Natural History Museum are astounding, as are the skeletons and dioramas on display. Century Park has boating options and areas for picnics, while Happy Valley Amusement Park has rides for older children. Shanghai is undoubtedly a great place to go for a family holiday.
Q: What facts do I need to know about transportation when planning to visit Shanghai?
A: With signposts in English, the city’s metro system is the simplest way of getting around Shanghai since it is very well connected to all the major attractions. A Shanghai Public Transportation Card can easily be purchased to access buses, metros, and even some ferries. For western Shanghai near Hongqiao Airport, the metro provides direct connections to the suburbs, and taxis are inexpensive. However, having your destination written down in Chinese is a must. Most drivers do not communicate in English. Taxis should not be used during peak hours (from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM) because they are stuck in traffic. DiDi (the Uber of China) is accessible through an English app. Walking is preferable for The Bund, French Concession, and Tianzifang, while the ferry is a nice way to go from Pudong to Puxi districts.