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Top 10 Popular Attractions in Shanghai

1. The Bund (外滩)
   Located along the Huangpu River, The Bund is one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, featuring a blend of historic architecture and modern skyscrapers. The night view is especially stunning, making it ideal to visit in the evening. The Bund stretches 1.5 kilometers and is home to over 20 buildings of various architectural styles, earning it the nickname “The Museum of International Architecture.” It offers a unique atmosphere where history and modernity merge, with buildings along the riverbank and towering skyscrapers creating a picturesque view. It’s a perfect spot for enjoying the vibrant nightscape of Shanghai. To get there, it’s recommended to take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station and walk to the site. The lighting time is from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and it may be extended during holidays.
2. Yuyuan Garden (豫园)
   Located in Huangpu District, Shanghai, Yuyuan Garden is one of the representative classical gardens in China, featuring numerous ancient buildings and exquisite landscaping. The garden’s rockeries, ponds, and flowers offer different views in each season. It embodies the essence of Jiangnan culture, with pavilions, towers, and corridors arranged in an orderly manner, creating a feeling of stepping back into the elegant times of classical gardens—making it a great place for photography. The quality of snacks is average, and the prices are on the higher side. Additionally, some attractions within the garden can get crowded, and long queues may be required. It is easily accessible by taking Metro Line 10 or Line 14 to Yuyuan Station. The opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and it is recommended to check for relevant information in advance.
3. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
   Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, established during the Daoguang era, boasts a long history. Stretching 5.5 kilometers, it is home to world-renowned brands and local trends, making it an ideal shopping and entertainment hub. The street retains many century-old buildings, and its shops showcase a wide variety of brands. At the end of the pedestrian street lies The Bund, with its dazzling lights at night offering a captivating view. Although it is a shopping paradise, the area is often crowded, particularly near The Bund, and some spots have popular photo op points that require tickets. The area is easily accessible via Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, or Line 1, Line 2, and Line 8 to People’s Square Station.
4. Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠)
   The Oriental Pearl Tower is a landmark building in the Lujiazui area of Pudong, Shanghai, standing at 468 meters tall. The tower features an observation deck that offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The light show at night is particularly stunning and is a must-see. As one of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, it provides a great vantage point for viewing the city skyline and the scenic Huangpu River. The tower also houses the Shanghai Urban History Development Exhibition Hall and multiple observation levels. It is important to note that the queue time can be long, especially during peak hours, with waits of up to one or two hours. The tower is easily accessible by taking Metro Line 2 or Line 14 to Lujiazui Station, then walking from Exit 2. Ticket prices for the observation deck start at 199 RMB.
5. Disneyland (迪斯尼乐园)
   Located in Pudong, Shanghai Disneyland is the largest theme park in Asia, featuring seven major themed areas, including the Fairy Tale Castle, Adventure Isle, and Treasure Cove, making it an ideal destination for family trips. The park awakens the childlike wonder and dreams within, offering a wide range of attractions and performances that will keep visitors entertained. However, the air conditioning inside the park can be quite cold, and the temperature difference may make some visitors uncomfortable. Due to the popularity of the attractions, queue times can be long, so it’s advisable to plan ahead. Popular rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Soaring Over the Horizon, and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are must-try experiences. Purchasing early bird tickets can offer discounts.
6. Wukang Road (武康路)
   Wukang Road is lined with buildings mostly constructed in the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing a variety of architectural styles that reflect Shanghai’s unique “Shanghainese” culture. It’s a perfect spot for photography and checking out the picturesque streets. The avenue, dotted with sycamore trees, has a distinctive charm, and there are many cafés, art shops, and old buildings nearby, making it ideal for leisurely walks and city exploration. During the summer, the area can be quite crowded, which may affect the overall experience. The road is easily accessible by taking Metro Line 10 to the Jiaotong University Station and walking to the destination. Notable attractions along Wukang Road include the Wukang Mansion and the former residence of Song Qingling.
7. City God Temple (城隍庙)
   City God Temple is a famous attraction in Shanghai, rich in historical significance and traditional cultural charm. The night view is particularly beautiful, with many food stalls and shopping areas nearby. The pedestrian street is especially picturesque when the lights are on at night, making it perfect for photos and strolling while sampling local snacks. The area also has other attractions like Yuyuan Garden, creating a lively atmosphere. However, the snacks here tend to be expensive and average in taste, so it’s not highly recommended to dine here. In the summer, the area can get crowded and hot, which may affect the experience. It’s easily accessible via Metro Line 10 or 14, with a short walk from Yuyuan Station. The entrance fee is 10 RMB, and visitors receive three free incense sticks upon entry.
8. Jing’an Temple (静安寺)
   Located in the Jing’an District of Shanghai, Jing’an Temple is one of the city’s oldest Buddhist temples, with a stunning contrast between its golden, ornate architecture and the modern cityscape. It embodies the charm of “finding tranquility amidst the bustle.” The temple has a long history, dating back over 1,700 years to the Three Kingdoms period. Built with pure gold, its intricate carvings attract many visitors, making it a popular spot for both prayer and sightseeing. However, the entrance fee of 50 RMB may feel steep to some visitors, especially given that the temple can be explored in less than 10 minutes. The temple is easily accessible by Metro Line 2 or Line 7. The lights are turned on every Friday and Saturday evening at 7 PM, so it’s recommended to plan your visit accordingly.
9. Lujiazui (陆家嘴)
   The area is filled with towering skyscrapers, exuding a strong sense of modernity, while the winding Huangpu River flows nearby, offering a stunning view of The Bund across the water. The night view is dazzling and mesmerizing, making this location a paradise for photography enthusiasts, especially after the lights come on in the evening. The best spot for photos is near the Jin Mao Tower and Grand Hyatt Hotel. When visiting, walking or biking is convenient, but it’s important to plan your itinerary carefully to avoid overexertion. The area is easily accessible via Metro Line 2 or Line 14, with a short walk to the main attractions after exiting the station.
10. Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)
    Located at People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum features 11 specialized galleries, including collections of bronzeware, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings, housing an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art. The museum’s collection spans from ancient relics to modern artworks, offering a comprehensive view of the richness of Chinese civilization. However, the guided tours can be complex, the audio guides are not very user-friendly, and the exhibition spaces can be noisy, particularly when there are many children, which may affect the viewing experience. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays, and advance reservations are required. It is easily accessible by walking from People’s Square Station on Metro Line 1.

Additional Information

* For certain attractions, foreign passport holders can buy tickets directly on-site without the requirement for advance reservations.

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