15 Amazing Places to Visit in Shanghai You’ll Love
China was one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been to, and Shanghai proved that travel is one of the best teachers. Everything I thought I knew about China went out the window when I arrived in Shanghai. From the culinary delights to centuries worth of history, you’re likely to find a piece of the city that will steal your heart.
From the moment you arrive, it’s evident that Shanghai, known as the Pearl of the Orient, is an adventure like no other. In contrast to Beijing’s gray skies and a more traditional Chinese experience, Shanghai’s glitz and glamour offer a view of a very different China. Here are some of my favourite places to visit in Shanghai on your next trip.
A brief history of Shanghai, the Pearl of the Orient
Shanghai, known as the Pearl of the Orient and the Paris of the East, has paved the way for Chinese reforms for over a century. It has been a hub of activity since the Opium Wars fought between the English and the Qing Dynasty over trade disputes.
After that war, Shanghai became one of the five treaty ports established under the Treaty of Nanking in 1842. This same treaty ceded the island of Hong Kong to the United Kingdom. The treaty ports ensured that foreign trade stayed open and accessible to the British. As such, Shanghai became a significant administrative, trading and shipping centre, and it remains so today. A genuine Pearl of the Orient.
Places to visit in Shanghai on your first trip
Shanghai is one of the world’s largest cities. It’s home to over 24 million people, and I was excited to see what it would be like to be in such a huge place. It’s like being in a city made of many urban centers. From cool coffee shops and restaurants to old temples, new skyscrapers and giant shopping malls. Here are a few fascinating places to visit in Shanghai you’ll love.
1. Stroll along The Bund
The Bund is one of the must-visit destinations in Shanghai, along the west side of the Huangpu River. You can’t come to Shanghai without ending up here at some point. The area is full of history, charm and money. Here, you’ll find rows of old colonial buildings that are a mix of European style with Chinese culture.
After the 1840s treaty, the Bund experienced rapid growth. It was home to major banks and consulates, as well as businesses and newspapers. Today, it remains Shanghai’s financial heart and a great spot to admire the bright lights of the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong across the river.
2. Shop your heart out down Nanjing Road
It’s China’s top shopping strip and one of the top places to visit in Shanghai for fashion lovers. Shanghai’s status as a treaty port helped transform this area into a shopping district. Nanjing Road starts at the Bund and continues for 5.5 km until Jing’an Temple and West Yan’an Street. It’s lined with hotels, restaurants and shops of all kinds.
The street is full of neon lights and people, tourists and locals alike. The options are wide and varied, from McDonald’s to Tiffany’s to street vendors. Nanjing Road is a sight during the day and night. Street art, outdoor bars, and street musicians add to the experience. You can even hop on a sightseeing train if you are tired of walking.
3. Visit the Golden Jing’an Temple
At the other end of Nanjing Road sits the famous Jing’an Temple. It’s among Shanghai’s most popular tourist attractions. The temple was first built during the Three Empires Period (220 to 280 AD) in a different location. It moved to its current spot during the Southern Song Dynasty, between 1127 and 1279 AD.
The original temple was destroyed during a fire in 1972. It reopened to the public in 1990 after major work. The Jing’an Temple is worth visiting during the day, but I suggest seeing it at night, too. It looks amazing with lights, and I couldn’t get enough of the place. Our hotel was just down the street, so I walked by it all the time.
4. Explore the Sacred Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple is another one of the must-see places to visit in Shanghai. It’s away from the wealthy parts of the city, in a humble area. The temple gets its name from two jade Buddha statues housed inside. The figures originated in Burma at the end of the 19th century, when the original temple was constructed.
Political unrest destroyed the first structure. The temple you see today was rebuilt in 1928, showing beautiful traditional Chinese architecture. This was my first time in such a place of worship – very different from what I knew. The smell of incense was a bit much, but watching was amazing. I tried to respect the worshippers, though I wondered if all the tourists bothered them. If they did, they didn’t show it. It’s a peaceful break from Shanghai’s busy streets.
5. Wander through the historic French Concession
Going back to Shanghai’s colonial past, the former French Concession area is another example of how the past has shaped the city we see today. It was pretty much what it sounds like. The government ceded the territory for development to the French in 1849, and it remained in French hands until World War II.
Today, the French Concession is a large area with tree-lined streets and old-world charm. There is a hipster vibe here with the low-key coffee shops, restaurants and bars. Not as flashy as other parts of the city, this is a great place for a leisurely walk to soak up the past.
6. Discover the beauty of Yu Garden
Yu Garden, along with the nearby tourist market and City God Temple, shows what I imagine old China looked like before modern times. It’s a classical Chinese garden that’s both detailed and beautiful, yet simple. The traditional architecture makes you feel like you’re in a different world. Pan Yunduan built this private garden around the middle of the 1500s for his father. Over the years, it has changed hands and undergone numerous improvements.
Today, it’s a very touristy area where you can buy anything. Despite pushy street vendors trying to sell me pearls, phones, and other things I didn’t need, I enjoyed walking here. The old buildings with the beautiful gardens are truly amazing. The only thing that spoiled it was the giant Starbucks sign in the middle. You have to pretend it’s not there to get the whole experience.
7. Explore modern Shanghai’s skyscrapers and technology
Shanghai’s modern architecture is just as impressive as its historical sites. The city skyline sports some of the world’s tallest buildings and most advanced designs. If you’re into modern architecture, you’ll love exploring Shanghai.
8. Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is Shanghai’s most famous symbol. This unique tower in the Pudong district offers great views of the city. At the observation deck, you can get amazing shots of central Shanghai and the Huangpu River. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions, especially at night when it lights up the sky.
9. Enjoy the views from the Shanghai Tower
The Shanghai Tower is a must-visit in Pudong and a highlight for anyone visiting Shanghai. As the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world, it offers a thrilling experience from start to finish. You can ride one of the world’s fastest elevators, reaching the observation deck on the 118th floor in under a minute. From there, the 360° views stretch across the Huangpu River, the historic Bund, and neighbouring towers like Jin Mao and the Oriental Pearl.
Book your Shanghai Tower with a drink experience today!
The Shanghai Tower features vertical sky gardens, wind turbines, and a clever double-layered façade that reduces energy use. To make the most of your visit, consider going on a weekday or near sunset, and check the weather for optimal visibility. Booking tickets ahead, especially if you want to skip the line or enjoy dinner with a view.
10. Experience the Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower
These two towers, along with Shanghai Tower, make up the impressive Pudong skyline. The Shanghai World Financial Centre features a distinctive hole at the top, making it easily identifiable. Jin Mao Tower mixes traditional Chinese design with modern technology. Together, they create one of the world’s most recognizable city skylines.
11. Learn at the Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum, located in People’s Square, is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai to learn about Chinese culture. The museum houses an impressive collection of art, history and traditional items. It’s located in the center of Shanghai, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
12. Browse the China Art Museum and Art Galleries
The China Art Museum showcases both traditional and modern Chinese art. There are also many smaller art galleries throughout the city, especially in the French Concession area. These spaces exemplify the fusion of traditional and modern Chinese culture.
13. Explore the Science and Technology Museum
Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai for families. It shows China’s advancements in science and technology through interactive, hands-on exhibits that make learning fun for all ages. Inside, you’ll find themed zones on space exploration, robots, biotechnology, computing and ecology.
The World of Robots and Earth Exploration Hall are especially popular with kids. There’s also an IMAX theatre, a virtual reality zone, and live animal exhibits like tropical fish and insects. It’s an easy way to spend a few hours while keeping everyone entertained and engaged.
14. Visit the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
While you might not consider an aquarium as one of the places to visit in Shanghai, it’s worth adding to your list. The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is home to sea life from around the world. You can see everything from local fish to giant pandas (though the pandas are actually at Shanghai Zoo). It’s a great indoor activity and one of the unusual things to do in Shanghai.
15. Take a Huangpu River Cruise
A Huangpu River cruise gives you amazing views of both old and new Shanghai. You’ll see the Bund’s historical buildings on one side and Pudong’s modern towers on the other. The cruise is especially beautiful at night when both sides light up. If you don’t have enough time in your itinerary for all the places to visit in Shanghai, you can take a cruise to get some of the highlights.
What and where to eat in Shanghai
Shanghai is a paradise for food lovers. The local cuisine, known as Hu cuisine, is rich, slightly sweet, and full of flavour. Must-try dishes include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), braised pork belly, and smoked fish slices. You’ll also find plenty of noodle dishes, freshwater fish and sticky rice cakes.
To learn more about the local food places to visit in Shanghai, join a guided food tour. It’s a great way to sample local food while exploring neighbourhoods, markets and local eateries you’d never find on your own. Plus, it’s a great way to figure out the food, especially if you don’t speak the local language.
For an authentic street food experience, head to Huanghe Road Food Market, one of the city’s most beloved spots for affordable and authentic eats. It’s a great place to sample Shanghai-style dumplings, noodles and skewers. Go in the evening when it’s busiest and buzzing with locals.
Getting around Shanghai
Public transport in Shanghai is excellent and covers the whole city. The subway system connects all the places to visit in Shanghai and its districts. It’s the best way to get around, especially during busy times. At first glance, the subway in Shanghai felt overwhelming, but once you get the hang of it, it’s great. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are also available and easy to use.
Best time to visit Shanghai
The best times to visit Shanghai are either spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These months offer mild weather, clear skies, and fewer extremes — summer can be hot and humid, while winter is damp and chilly. In spring, the city’s parks and gardens bloom with colour, making it ideal for walking tours and river cruises. Fall brings crisp air and fewer crowds, perfect for rooftop dining and sightseeing.
If you’re planning your trip around festivals, October’s National Day holiday means crowds but festive energy, while Chinese New Year (usually in late January or February) offers a unique experience, though many shops and restaurants may close. Avoid June to August if you don’t like the heat or typhoons. Overall, spring and fall strike the best balance between comfort and cultural events.
Travel tips for visiting Shanghai
As Shanghai is a huge city, it can be somewhat overwhelming. It’s definitely an adventure for all the senses. Here are some things I recommend before your trip.
- Learn a few basic Chinese phrases. English isn’t widely spoken, and while there might be signs in English, it doesn’t mean you’ll be understood.
- Pro tip: translate key phrases before you go (make sure they are actually correct) and have them on your phone as a note or a photo. You can show someone what you mean if pronunciation is not your strength. This trick made my visit a lot more convenient, and it’s something I relied on while I was there.
- Get yourself a VPN app before you go. Many websites or apps that can help you (ex., Google Maps) don’t work there, so you won’t be able to rely on them.
Planning your Shanghai adventure
Shanghai must be on your travel list if you want to see modern China. The city offers something for everyone – from historical sites to modern attractions, from street food to fancy dining, from traditional gardens to cutting-edge architecture. If you’re looking for places to visit in Shanghai, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the offerings.
Whether you’re interested in Chinese culture, modern buildings, shopping, or just want to experience one of the world’s most dynamic cities, Shanghai delivers. It’s a must-visit destination for urban adventurers that will challenge what you think you know about China.
I’m glad I had the chance to visit the Pearl of the Orient. Shanghai leaves a lasting impression that stays with you long after you leave. It’s a city that perfectly shows China’s past, present, and future all in one amazing place. If you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it.
