Shanghai has been celebrated as one of the top destinations in China, beckoning tourists with its juxtaposition of the modern city skyline, natural beauty, and the heritage of historic streets and monuments. Located on the banks of the Yangtze River’s estuary, the Huangpu River passes through the city, playing a crucial role in Shanghai’s status as a tourist spot and global centre. Know the best places to visit in Shanghai before planning a trip to the ‘New York of China’.
Also, check out our guide on the best and most iconic tourist attractions in China.
Best places to visit in Shanghai
The Bund
Running along the western banks of the Huangpu River, the Bund is famous as the ‘golden mile’ of Shanghai. This waterfront is where the past and present flourish together, featuring colonial buildings, skyscrapers, and ancient monuments. The 1.5-kilometre road begins at the Waibaidu Bridge in the north and ends at Yan’an Road in the south, offering breathtaking views of Shanghai’s stunning architecture.
Yu Garden
Also known as the Yuyuan Garden, this is an exemplary symbol of classical Chinese garden design and architecture. Built by the Ming Dynasty approximately 400 years ago, the garden’s key features include Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden. Yu Garden’s beautifully manicured landscapes and artistic layout make it one of Shanghai’s finest places to visit.
Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm; closed on Mondays.
Tickets: Starting from CNY 30 (approximately HKD 31).
Address: 279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, 四牌楼 Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000.
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Shanghai Tower
Head to the tallest building in China, also celebrated as the third-tallest building in the world, to enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai’s magical city skyline. Standing 632 metres tall, experience the excitement of riding one of the fastest elevators in the world as you climb 128 storeys. Besides enjoying the views from the observation deck, the tower hosts a vibrant and illuminating damper show on the 126th floor.
Timings: 8:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Tickets: Starting from CNY 180 (approximately HKD 191).
Address: 501 Yincheng Rd (M), Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120.
Disneyland
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Experience the thrills and wonders of Asia’s largest Disneyland in Shanghai. Discover the eight theme areas: Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Adventure Isle, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, and Zootopia. The best way to enjoy Shanghai Disneyland is to spend a day riding fun rides and watching heart-warming musicals.
Timings: 8:30 am to 9:30 pm
Tickets: Starting from CNY 599 (approximately HKD 636).
Address: 4MV5+945, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 201205.
Shanghai Museum
Learn about China’s rich history and culture at the Shanghai Museum, which hosts one of the finest art collections. It is divided into 11 main galleries, chronologically narrating the tales of dynasties. Browse through sculptures, ceramics, jades, paintings, seals, calligraphy, furniture, and numismatics from the Ming and Qing dynasties and Chinese minority ethnic groups.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm.
Tickets: Entry free.
Address: 201 Renmin Ave, People’s Square, Huangpu, China, 200003.
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Tianzifang
Marvel at the picturesque enclave of Tianzifang, where the old French buildings are draped with traditional Chinese decor. The artistic streets and alleys known for handicrafts and local Chinese delicacies are filled with boutique shops, bars, and restaurants.
Address: 210弄 Taikang Rd, Huangpu, China, 200023
Jade Buddha Temple
One of the best places to visit in Shanghai is the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882. This holy Buddhist temple is a popular tourist attraction known for its beautiful architecture. The highlight of this religious site is the majestic jade Buddha statues, one in a sitting position and the other in a reclining position.
Timings: 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Tickets: Entry free.
Address: 170 Anyuan Rd, Jing’An, China, 200061
Zhujiajiao
Navigate the meandering canals of Zhujiajiao, the ancient water town with more than 1,700 years of history. Also known as Shanghai’s Venice, the quaint fan-shaped city features ornate bridges, historic streets, and picturesque gardens. The Kezhi Yuan, Fangsheng Bridge, and Qing Dynasty Post Office are the top attractions.
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Nanjinglu
Paris has the Champs-Elysées, New York has Fifth Avenue, and Shanghai has the iconic Nanjing Road. The premier shopping street, which stretches 5.5 kilometres from the Bund in the east to Yan’an West Road in the west, was the first modern commercial street in China. Visiting it to shop, eat, or enjoy the nightlife is the best way to glimpse Shanghai’s fast-paced life.
Jing’an Temple
Built during the Three Kingdoms Period, this Tangmi Buddhist temple has 780 years of rich history. The magnificent temple has three main halls — Mahavira Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings, and Three Sage Hall — and the biggest pure jade portrait of Sakyamuni in mainland China.
Timings: 7:30 am to 5 pm.
Tickets: Starting from CNY 50 (approximately HKD 53).
Address: 1686 Nanjing Rd (W), 久光 Jing’An, Shanghai, China, 200040.
Best time to visit Shanghai
Shanghai experiences intense summers and winters, so spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The weather from March to May and September to November is cool and pleasant, perfect for enjoying the outdoors and comfortable for travelling throughout Shanghai.
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How to reach Shanghai
By air: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport are the city’s two main airports.
By rail: There are four major railway stations in Shanghai — Shanghai Station, Shanghai South, Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai West.
(Feature image credit: Michael Myers/Unsplash)
Related | Chongqing, China: Why You Must Visit This Fascinating Futuristic City Soon
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Yes, Shanghai is famous for many things, especially for being one of the global financial centres of the world.
Four to five days is plenty time to see to see all that Shanghai has offer.
Written By
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer - Growth, TravelPriyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read More
