Shanghai is China's largest city and a global financial hub, where gleaming skyscrapers tower over historic colonial-era buildings along the iconic Bund waterfront. A dynamic metropolis blending East and West, Shanghai offers world-class dining, vibrant arts and culture, and remarkable contrasts between ancient gardens and futuristic architecture.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Shanghai.
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1
The Bund (Waitan)
Shanghai's most iconic promenade stretches 1.5km along the west bank of the Huangpu River, lined with 52 grand colonial-era buildings representing British, French, American, and other architectural styles. By night, the skyline across the river in Lujiazui blazes with lights, creating one of Asia's most spectacular urban panoramas.
Tip: Visit at night for the best light show · Walk north to the Suzhou Creek mouth for fewer crowds · Take a river cruise for skyline views from the water
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2
Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
A masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, Yu Garden was created in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty and spans 2 hectares of pavilions, rockeries, koi ponds, and ornate corridors. The surrounding Yu Garden Bazaar is a lively marketplace for traditional snacks, silk, and souvenirs.
Tip: Arrive at opening to beat tour groups · Try xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Mantou Dian nearby · The Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays are spectacular
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3
Shanghai Tower
The second-tallest building in the world at 632 meters, Shanghai Tower features a dramatic twisting form and houses the world's highest observation deck at 561m on the 118th floor with 360-degree views. The tower also contains the world's fastest elevator, reaching the top in just 55 seconds.
Tip: Book tickets online to skip queues · Visit on a clear day for best visibility · The neighboring SWFC has a unique box-shaped observation deck
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4
Tianzifang
A creative arts and shopping district hidden within a labyrinth of restored shikumen (stone-gate house) alleyways in the French Concession, Tianzifang is packed with independent boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and craft studios. The narrow lanes have a bohemian energy that feels distinctly local.
Tip: Get lost in the smallest back alleys for hidden gems · Avoid weekends if you dislike crowds · Look for local artisan ceramics and handmade jewelry
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5
Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai's most recognizable symbol before the Pudong boom, this striking television tower with its two distinctive pink spheres offers observation decks at 263m and 350m, plus a revolving restaurant. The base houses the Shanghai History Museum with life-size recreations of old Shanghai streets.
Tip: The glass floor sphere is not for the faint-hearted · The history museum at the base is worth extra time · Combines well with a walk around Lujiazui
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6
French Concession
Shanghai's most charming neighborhood retains the elegant tree-lined boulevards and art deco mansions from its days as an international settlement between 1849 and 1943. Today it's the city's most stylish district for boutique hotels, independent restaurants, cocktail bars, and boutique shopping.
Tip: Rent a bike to explore the tree-shaded back streets · Look for the preserved grand mansions on Fuxing Road · Wander Ferguson Lane and Fumin Road for independent boutiques
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7
Xintiandi
A pioneering shikumen renovation project that transformed a 1920s residential block into Shanghai's most fashionable dining and entertainment district. The pedestrianized lanes are lined with restaurants, bars, and boutiques in beautifully restored brick buildings. The adjacent Shikumen Open House Museum reveals how residents once lived.
Tip: The north block is more upscale; south block has local flavor · Happy hour runs 5-7PM at most bars · The nearby Fuxing Park is great for morning tai chi
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8
Shanghai Museum
One of China's finest museums, the Shanghai Museum houses over 140,000 treasures spanning 5,000 years of Chinese art and history across 11 permanent galleries. Highlights include ancient bronzes, imperial jade, classical furniture, ancient paintings, and a world-class collection of ceramics.
Tip: Reserve your free ticket online as numbers are limited · Spend most time in the jade and bronze galleries · Audio guides available in English
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9
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
China's most famous shopping street stretches 5.5km from the Bund to Jing'an Temple, attracting 1.7 million visitors daily. The eastern pedestrian section from the Bund to People's Square is packed with department stores, fashion brands, and street food stalls, making it the pulse of commercial Shanghai.
Tip: Avoid tourist restaurants on the main strip — go one block off for better value · The road tram is a fun way to travel the length · Evenings are more atmospheric with neon lights
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10
Longhua Temple
Shanghai's largest and most authentic Buddhist temple complex dates to the Eastern Wu period (229 AD) and features a 40-meter pagoda, six main halls, and a large residential monastery that is still an active place of worship. The temple bell rings 108 times on New Year's Eve.
Tip: Visit on Buddhist holidays for special ceremonies · The nearby Longhua Martyrs Memorial Park is worth combining · Local worshippers light incense from 7-9AM
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
The Bund
Iconic colonial waterfront promenade facing the Lujiazui skyline
Shanghai Tower
Second-tallest building in the world at 632m with world's highest observation deck
Oriental Pearl Tower
Pink-sphere television tower and landmark of Pudong's skyline
Nanjing Road
China's busiest shopping street attracting 1.7 million daily visitors
Museums
Shanghai Museum
Premier collection of 140,000 Chinese art treasures spanning 5,000 years
Shanghai Natural History Museum
Asia's largest natural history museum in a stunning new building
Power Station of Art
China's first state contemporary art museum in a converted 1897 power plant
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
Interactive science museum with IMAX cinema popular with families
Nature
Century Park
Shanghai's largest park at 140ha with cycling, boating, and rose gardens
Fuxing Park
Beloved French Concession park with local dancing and morning tai chi
Zhongshan Park
Historic park with rose garden and paved pathways popular with families
Gongqing Forest Park
Large ecological park in Yangpu with bamboo groves and camping areas
Cultural
Tianzifang
Artisan alleyways with galleries, boutiques, and cafes in French Concession
M50 Art District
100+ contemporary art galleries in repurposed 1930s factory complex
French Concession
Tree-lined boulevards, art deco mansions, and vibrant restaurant scene
Xintiandi
Restored shikumen district with upscale dining, bars, and museum
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most attractions open 9AM-5PM; temples open 7:30AM-5PM
- Fees
- Major museums typically ¥30-60; observation towers ¥180; many parks and outdoor attractions are free
- Best Times
- Early morning on weekdays for temples and gardens; evenings for The Bund and Lujiazui
- Booking
- Book Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and top museums online to skip queues
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Download the MetroPoli app for navigating the Shanghai Metro — all major attractions have nearby stations
Purchase a Shanghai Tourist Card for discounted entry to multiple attractions
Many attractions require online booking — prepare a Chinese phone number or use hotel concierge assistance
Avoid visiting popular sites on Chinese national holidays: Labor Day (May 1-5), National Day Golden Week (Oct 1-7), and Chinese New Year
Most major museums are closed on Mondays
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Shanghai?
April-May and September-October for mild weather and fewer crowds
Are guided tours available for Shanghai's attractions?
Free walking tours daily from The Bund; private guides from ¥400-800/half day
Can I take photos at attractions in Shanghai?
Allowed at most outdoor attractions; flash prohibited in museums; some jade artifacts cannot be photographed
How much time do I need for Shanghai's main attractions?
Plan 4-5 days to see major highlights comfortably