Skip to Content

Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai


Welcome to my blog about the Best Places to Visit in Shanghai!

This amazing city has so much to offer, from its towering skyscrapers to its bustling streets. There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or a night out on the town. So, let’s get started and enjoy the top 12 best places you should visit in Shanghai!

Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai

One of the best things to do in Shanghai is to visit the Bund, where you can see some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Make sure to walk along the waterfront for some great views. Another must-see is the Yu Garden, a beautiful oasis in the middle of the city.

If you’re looking for a taste of traditional Chinese culture, head to the Old City. Here you’ll find the city’s most historic temples and monuments. For a more modern experience, check out the many art galleries and museums Shanghai has to offer.

There are many reasons to visit Shanghai – it is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture. It is also a great place to shop, eat and drink. 

Travel time

The best time to visit Shanghai is in the spring or autumn, when the weather is mild and the city is at its most beautiful. The climate in Shanghai is humid and subtropical, with hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters. There are four distinct seasons in Shanghai, so there is always something to see and do.

Geographical Position

YouTube video
Top Places to Visit in Shanghai

Shanghai is located on the east coast of China, in the Yangtze River Delta. It is the country’s most populous city, with over 24 million people. The city is divided into two parts by the Huangpu River: Puxi (the older, central part of the city) and Pudong (the newer, eastern part).

Puxi is home to the city’s historic center, as well as its financial district. The Bund, a waterfront area on the Huangpu River, is one of Shanghai’s most popular tourist destinations. It is lined with colonial-era buildings, many of which have been converted into hotels, restaurants, and bars.

Pudong is the site of the city’s skyline, with its towering skyscrapers and modern architecture. The area is also home to many of Shanghai’s attractions, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai

1. The Bund

The Bund - Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
The Bund

The Bund is a famous waterfront area in the city of Shanghai, China. It is located on the western bank of the Huangpu River, and is known for its stunning views of the city skyline, as well as its historic architecture.

The Bund is home to a wide range of buildings, including banks, hotels, and former colonial trading houses. Many of these buildings date back to the early 20th century, and reflect a mix of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Deco.

One of the most popular activities for visitors to the Bund is to take a stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the views of the city and the river. There are also a number of cafes, restaurants, and bars along the Bund, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

At night, the buildings along the Bund are lit up, creating a stunning and memorable sight. It is a popular spot for photographers, who often come to capture the dramatic skyline and the reflections of the city lights on the water.

Overall, the Bund is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Shanghai, offering a unique combination of history, architecture, and stunning views of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.


2. Yu Garden

Yu Garden - Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
Yu Garden

A beautiful and traditional Chinese garden, Yu Garden is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

It is a famous classical garden in Shanghai, China. Located in the Old City, it dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is considered one of the city’s most beautiful and tranquil places to visit.

The garden covers an area of around 20,000 square meters and is divided into six distinct areas, each with its own unique features and attractions. These areas include rockeries, pavilions, ponds, bridges, and courtyards.

One of the most famous landmarks in Yu Garden is the Exquisite Jade Rock, a large and uniquely shaped rock that is said to have been brought from Lake Taihu. Another popular feature is the Huxinting Teahouse, a historic teahouse located in the middle of a pond that offers visitors the chance to relax and enjoy traditional Chinese tea and snacks.

In addition to its natural beauty, Yu Garden is also home to a number of historic buildings, including the Hall of Spring and Autumn, a two-story structure that was once the home of a government official.

Overall, Yu Garden is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Shanghai who wants to experience the beauty and tranquility of a traditional Chinese garden. It offers a unique combination of history, culture, and natural beauty that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors.


3. Tianzifang

Tianzifang - Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
Tianzifang

Tianzifang is a popular tourist destination in the city of Shanghai, China, known for its unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Located in the former French Concession area of the city, Tianzifang is a maze of narrow alleyways and lanes that are lined with restored shikumen houses, traditional brick houses that are a distinctive feature of Shanghai.

Tianzifang is a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the city’s unique culture and architecture. The area has a bohemian feel, with a mix of international and local shops and galleries that offer a range of goods, including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

In addition to its shopping and art scenes, Tianzifang is also known for its cafes and restaurants, which offer a range of local and international cuisine. Visitors can sample traditional Chinese snacks and tea, or enjoy a range of international options, including French, Italian, and Japanese food.

Overall, Tianzifang is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Shanghai who wants to experience the city’s unique blend of traditional and modern culture. It offers a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors


4. Xintiandi

Xintiandi - Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
Xintiandi

Xintiandi is a popular tourist destination in Shanghai, China, known for its unique blend of traditional and modern architecture, shopping, and dining options. It is located in the former French Concession area of the city and is a pedestrian-only area that features restored shikumen houses, traditional brick houses that are a distinctive feature of Shanghai.

Xintiandi offers a wide range of boutique shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants that cater to both local and international visitors. The area is known for its upmarket shopping and dining options, as well as its vibrant nightlife scene.


5. Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road

One of the busiest shopping streets in the city, Nanjing Road is a great place to find souvenirs and shop for clothes and electronics.


6. The Pearl Tower

The Pearl Tower - Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
The Pearl Tower

The Pearl Tower is a famous landmark and a popular tourist attraction in Shanghai, China. The tower stands at a height of 468 meters and was completed in 1994. It is located in the Lujiazui financial district of Pudong and is a distinctive feature of the Shanghai skyline.

The tower has 11 spheres of various sizes and is designed to represent pearls that are dropping onto a jade plate. It is one of the tallest towers in Asia and is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Shanghai. Visitors can take the elevator to the observation deck, located at a height of 350 meters, to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.


7. The Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum - Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum houses a collection of art and artifacts from China’s long history and a must-see for history and culture buffs.


8. The Shanghai World Financial Center

Shanghai World Financial Center
Shanghai World Financial Center

The tallest building in Shanghai, the Shanghai World Financial Center is a 101-story skyscraper with an observation deck on the 100th floor.


9. The Jin Mao Tower

The Jin Mao Tower
The Jin Mao Tower

The third tallest building in Shanghai, the Jin Mao Tower is an 88-story skyscraper with an observation deck on the 87th floor.

10. The Temple of the Town God

Temple of the Town God
Temple of the Town God

A popular temple in the city, the Temple of the Town God (or City God Temple of Shanghai) is a great place to learn about Chinese religion and culture.

11. The Humble Administrator’s Garden

Humble Administrator’s Garden
Humble Administrator’s Garden

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Humble Administrator’s Garden is a beautiful Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and bridges.

12. The Shanghai Zoo

Shanghai Zoo
Shanghai Zoo

A great place to see some of China’s native animals, the Shanghai Zoo is home to pandas, tigers, and other wildlife.

Summary of Best Places to Visit in Shanghai

Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai
Top 12 Best Places to Visit in Shanghai

There’s so much to see and do in Shanghai, it’s hard to know where to start! The city is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history and vibrant contemporary scene.

Shanghai’s Old Town is a great place to get a feel for the city’s traditional culture. The narrow streets are lined with traditional shops and homes, and there’s a great atmosphere. Make sure to try some of the local food here – it’s delicious!

For a taste of the contemporary scene, head to the Bund. This waterfront area is home to some of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings and buzzing nightlife. There’s always something going on here, so it’s a great place for people to watch and soak up the atmosphere.

Of course, no trip to Shanghai would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China. This amazing structure is one of the most impressive things you’ll ever see, and it’s well worth the journey out of the city.

Whether you’re interested in history or culture or just want to experience a truly unique city, Shanghai has something for everyone.

Thank you for reading the Best Places to Visit in Shanghai! You can find more Asia blogs.

Or the Best Places to Visit in Thailand.


Marcel Kuhn