Best things to do in Shanghai
Find out more about those top places in Shanghai
Shanghai: A City of Contrasts, Charm, and Nonstop Action
Shanghai—the name itself conjures images of glittering skyscrapers, ancient temples, and bustling streets. If you haven’t added this city to your travel guide, then stop what you're doing and add it now, because Shanghai is one of the top attractions in China and, let’s be honest, Asia as a whole. It’s a place that blends ancient culture with cutting-edge modern architecture, and trust us, you’re going to want to explore both.
Shanghai is like the Mona Lisa of cities—equal parts mysterious, fascinating, and impressive. Home to a staggering 26.3 million people, it’s not just the most populous city in the world, but it’s also one of the world’s most happening places. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just someone who wants to sample some of the best food in China (spoiler alert: the food is to die for), Shanghai is calling your name.
Top Attractions in Shanghai: Things You Absolutely Must Do
1. The Bund: Shanghai’s Skyline Icon
The Bund is probably the first thing you’ll see when you google “top places to visit in Shanghai,” and for good reason. It’s the quintessential Shanghai experience, where you’ll be treated to an epic view of the city’s futuristic skyline with a backdrop of historic colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. A stroll along the Bund feels like stepping into the city’s past while simultaneously feeling like you’re looking into the future. It’s the perfect blend of old meets new. Don’t forget to snap that Instagram-worthy shot of the Shanghai Tower soaring in the distance—it’s the tallest building in China, and it’s the kind of view that’ll make you feel like a tiny ant in a giant city.
2. Shanghai Tower: A Sky-High View That’ll Blow Your Mind
Speaking of the Shanghai Tower, you can’t visit this city without heading up to the observation deck of this architectural wonder. Standing at a jaw-dropping 632 meters tall, it’s the second tallest building in the world and offers some of the best sightseeing in Shanghai. Trust us, there’s nothing like looking down on the city from up there, with the Yangtze River winding through the city like a snake and the twinkling lights of the metropolis stretching as far as the eye can see.
3. Longhua Temple: Ancient Meets Modern
Now, if you're more into peaceful temples and ancient spirituality, you’re in for a treat. The Longhua Temple is one of Shanghai’s oldest and most important Buddhist temples. Located in the southwest of the city, this serene spot offers a striking contrast to the city’s fast-paced hustle and bustle. From the ancient architecture to the tranquil gardens, it’s a place to stop, reflect, and feel like you’ve been transported back in time. If you’re lucky, you might even hear the sound of monks chanting as the incense fills the air. It’s one of those places to visit that perfectly blends history and serenity.
4. Yuyuan Garden: Your Slice of Tranquil Paradise
Need a break from the hustle and bustle? Head over to Yuyuan Garden. Tucked behind traditional Ming Dynasty architecture, this lush, beautiful garden offers a peaceful oasis within the city. Think ponds, rockeries, and intricately designed pavilions—perfect for a stroll or just relaxing after a day of sightseeing. And let’s be real, there’s nothing like wandering through classic Chinese gardens while you wonder, “How does anyone get stressed out here?” Oh, and don’t forget to sample a local dumpling while you're here. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.
5. Nanjing Road: Shop 'til You Drop (or Shop Some More)
Are you ready to shop? Because Nanjing Road is one of the longest shopping streets in the world, and it’s jam-packed with everything from luxury malls to quirky local shops. Whether you’re in the market for high-end fashion, gadgets, or souvenirs, Nanjing Road is a shopaholic’s dream. Don’t forget to look up and admire the neon lights and billboards illuminating the street—it’s like Times Square but with a Chinese twist.
6. French Concession: A European Vibe with a Chinese Soul
The French Concession area in Shanghai might make you feel like you’ve wandered into a European village, with its tree-lined streets, art-deco architecture, and charming cafés. This area is full of top attractions for those who appreciate a little old-world charm. Pop into one of the quaint cafés for a coffee and enjoy the relaxed vibe, or stroll through the winding streets to discover cool shops and art galleries. It’s a refreshing change from the city’s towering skyscrapers and ultra-modern atmosphere.
7. Shanghai Museum: A Glimpse Into Ancient China
For history lovers, the Shanghai Museum is a must-visit. Located in the People's Square, this museum houses some of the most impressive collections of Chinese art, from ancient ceramics to bronze artifacts. It’s a deep dive into China’s rich history, and even if you’re not a history buff, the art and architecture alone will impress. Plus, the best part? It’s completely free to enter. Score!
Why Shanghai Should Be on Your Bucket List
Shanghai is one of those cities that feels like it never stops moving—whether it’s the vibrant energy of Nanjing Road, the sky-high views from the Shanghai Tower, or the timeless peace of Longhua Temple, there’s never a dull moment. It's a city where you can witness ancient traditions in the morning and cutting-edge modernity by afternoon. Plus, with its rich history, world-class shopping, and mouthwatering food scene, there’s something here for everyone. It’s a place where east meets west, old meets new, and you’re guaranteed to leave feeling like you’ve had one of the most exciting trips of your life.
So, whether you’re a culture seeker, an adventure lover, or someone who just loves a good meal (we see you, foodies), Shanghai is calling your name.
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Shanghai Tower
Completed on the 6th of September 2014 the Shanghai tower is the tallest building in China and second tallest in the world. Designed by Jun Xia an architect from the design firm Gensler, it is a 128–story building. Tourists are known to visit the building to have a bird’s eye view of the city from its observation deck and to enter the World’s second fastest elevator found inside the Tower.
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The Bund
One of the famous sites of Shanghai is The Bund. Adored by tourists and locals alike, The Bund is a stretch of colonial buildings along the west bank of Huangpu River. Usually the starting point for most tourist visiting Shanghai for the first time, it features some attractions like the valentine (Lover’s) wall and The Astor House Museum. It also has sculptures littered around, most famous of all is the bronze statue of Chen Yi, who was the first Communist mayor of Shanghai.
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Yu Garden
Located beside the City God Temple, the garden was built in 1559 for Pan En by his son Pan Yunduan, and it is the only surviving Ming dynasty garden. The Garden occupies an area of 5 acres and is partitioned into six areas namely Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Diachun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and Inner garden. Each of these areas are filled with their own personal attractions and are separated by a “dragon wall”. The exquisite garden is arguably the best place to relax and gather your thoughts in Shanghai.
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Shanghai Museum
China is a country of great history and a visit to the Shanghai Museum will certainly increase your knowledge about the nation. Located at the People’s Square in the Huangpu District, the Museum was established in 1952 and it is a major tourist site recording more than 2 million visitors in 2017. The museum features artifacts from different eras of China separated in eleven galleries. With over 120,000 pieces some items displayed include ancient coins, furniture, sculptures and paintings.
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Shanghai Maglev Train
Take a trip on the Shanghai Maglev Train the fastest commercial train in the world with a top speed of 431 km/h. The train is a display of the Chinese's technological advancement and it operates between the Longyang Road and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
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Longhua Temple
Shanghai has several temples but the Longhua Temple is the largest and oldest in the city. The Buddhist temple was first built in 242 AD and occupies an area of 20,000 square meters. With its five main halls, the temple is one of Shanghai’s most sacred places. Only parts of the Longhua Temple are opened for public viewing.
