A cultural and financial center in China, Shanghai is a modern metropolis with a traditional touch. Blending that perfect marriage between western and the oriental, there is much to see and do in the city. From shopping along Nanjing Road, museum-hoping to getting a glimpse of the city’s skyline atop a skyscraper, and of course a visit to Shanghai Disneyland Park, Shanghai is a traveler’s delight.
One of the most popular and recognizable symbols of Shanghai, the Bund is a mile-long stretch of skyscrapers, colonial and historical buildings all along the bank of the Huangpu River. Also fondly referred to as the “Museum of Buildings,” a walk along the Bund would allow you to see some of the most popular sights in Shanghai including the Lovers’ wall, a mosaic ceiling of Hong Kong & Shanghai, and many more attractions.
A theme park located in Pudong, Shanghai, Shanghai Disneyland Park is one of the most popular attractions in Shanghai. First opened in 2016, Shanghai Disneyland had a first-term attendance of 5.6 million guests. With popular rides such as Roaring Rapids, Peter Pan’s Flight, Voyage to the Crystal Grotto, Marvel Universe and many more, Shanghai remains to be a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike.
Located at the tip of Luijiazui by the Hangpu River, on the other side of the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV tower is a popular television tower in Shanghai. One of the most popular landmarks in Shanghai, the tower is 468m high and was the tallest structure in China until 2007. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is also a popular attraction in the evening, because of the LED sequences that light up the tower at night.
Part of the must-see attractions in Shanghai, the Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden located beside the City God Temple in the Old City of Shanghai. Easily accessible by train, the Yu Garden boasts a rockery, also named the Great Rockery, at a height of 14 meters, which, if climbed, will allow visitors to get a bird’s eye of the entire garden. Other landmarks inside the Yu Garden include Cuixiu Hall, Sansui Hall, the garden’s centerpiece: the Exquisite Jade Rock and many more.
One of the world’s busiest shopping streets – almost comparable to New York’s Times Square and Fifth Avenue – Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai’s most popular destinations. 5.5 kilometers long, Nanjing Road starts at the Bund and ends at the junction of Jin’an Temple and West Yan’an street. Riddled by modern shopping malls, specialty stores, theatres and hotels, Nanjing Road is a must-visit when in Shanghai.
A popular historical and cultural road in Shanghai, Wukang Road is located in the former French Concession area of the city. There you will find European-style buildings, establishments like beauty salons, hotels, flower shops and restaurants, as well as popular food and retail shops like WIYF (What is Your Flavor), Farine, Rachel’s and Catie Lo. Wukang Road is also recognized as one of the National Historic and Cultural Streets of China.
Located in the center of Lujiazui in the Pudong district of Shanghai, Shanghai World Financial Center is the 2nd tallest skyscraper in the city and the 12th tallest building in the world. A multi-purpose skyscraper, it is home to the hotel, Park Hyatt Shanghai, conference rooms, observation decks, offices and more. Visitors can head up to the 94th floor for a sightseeing area, and the 97th floor for an observatory. Daredevils may opt to go to the 100th floor for a 55-meter-long skywalk made of transparent glass.
The largest river that passes through the city of Shanghai, the Huangpu River is also fondly known as “the mother river of Shanghai.” The river divides the city into two districts: Pudong and Puxi, and is also a bustling tourist destination thanks to the Huangpu River Cruise. The river cruises take you through the city, showing you the contrast of European-style buildings and modern skyscrapers along both sides of the river. For the best views of the city’s vibrant lights, take the cruise in the evening and experience why it is one of the most popular things to do in Shanghai at night.
Regarded as “Shanghai’s Venice,” Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town spans an area of 47 square kilometers and is a popular tourist destination in Shanghai. A town connected by 36 delicate bridges, one of the things you must do when visiting the ancient water town is to hop on a boat for a good glimpse of the bridges built with different architectural styles and materials from marble, to wooden, to stone. There, you can also find Kezhi Garden boasting buildings and gardens built during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Also known as the “Pearl Stream” the Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Shanghai.
A popular art-museum from Japanese art collective TeamLab, Teamlab Borderless Shanghai is a must-see for tourists and locals alike. At an overwhelming size of 6,600 square meters, teamLab Borderless Shanghai is home to 50 artworks that flow easily from one room to the next. A “museum without a map,” the animated digital artworks are meant to make you feel like you’ve fallen into a parallel universe. Located in the Huangpu District, it is one of the most popular attractions, especially for museum and art aficionados, in Shanghai.
China’s biggest and busiest city, Shanghai is known as the “Oriental Paris” – rivaling New York and Paris in terms of modernity and culture. Famous for its shopping streets, skyscrapers, historical landmarks and colorful landmarks, Shanghai is not just a stop-over on that list, but a destination to explore and experience.
While it is usually peak tourist season during the summer, the best time to visit Shanghai is from October to November when the crowds are sparse and the weather is chilly and comfortable.
For visitors looking for somewhere central, the best place to stay is along The Bund, which gives you access to Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. For those who want a more traditional experience in Shanghai, the Old Town is the best place to say. Pudong is also an up-and-coming neighborhood surrounded by high-rise buildings and skyscrapers.