What to See in Shanghai: Main Attractions

From the historic waterfront to futuristic skyscrapers – a complete guide to the city's best places. Routes, prices, guide tips.

Why visit Shanghai? Shanghai is a phoenix city where ancient gardens and temples stand side by side with the world's tallest skyscrapers. Over the last 30 years, it has become China's financial and cultural capital while preserving its unique atmosphere. In this guide, we have collected 10 places that will allow you to feel the pulse of the metropolis, touch history and enjoy contemporary art.

TOP-10 Shanghai Attractions

The Bund (Waitan)

Historic centre City centre 1–2 hours
The Bund in Shanghai: historic buildings and view of Pudong skyscrapers

The Bund is Shanghai's postcard. A 1.5 km waterfront with 26 colonial buildings (Art Deco, neoclassicism) facing the futuristic Pudong district. The best photos are taken at sunset and at night when the skyscrapers are lit up.

Architecture Hong Kong-Shanghai Bank building, Peace Hotel, Customs House.
Skyline View of Pudong towers: Shanghai Tower, SWFC, Jin Mao.
Stroll Pedestrian zone, benches, musical fountains.
How to get there Metro East Nanjing Road (Line 2/10).

Practical information

  • Admission: free.
  • Best time: evening (6:00 PM – 10:00 PM).
  • Tip: walk from the People's Heroes Monument to Huangpu Park.

Pudong: Shanghai Tower, SWFC, Jin Mao

Observation decks Lujiazui area 2–3 hours
Night view of Pudong skyscrapers: Shanghai Tower, SWFC, Jin Mao

Symbols of new Shanghai – three giant towers. Shanghai Tower (632 m) is China's tallest, its observation deck on the 118th floor offers breathtaking views. Nearby are Jin Mao Tower (88 floors) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) with its glass "bottle opener" platform.

Shanghai Tower Ticket: 180 yuan, open until 9:30 PM.
SWFC (100th floor) 180 yuan, open terrace with glass floor.
Jin Mao Tower 120 yuan, panoramic lift, view of both towers.
Tip Pick one tower (Shanghai Tower is best), buy tickets online.

Practical information

  • Metro: Lujiazui (Line 2), exit to the towers.
  • Opening hours: usually 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM, last ascent 30 minutes before close.
  • Photo: best shots from The Bund.

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) and Old Town

Classical garden Old City 2–3 hours
Classical Chinese Yu Garden in Shanghai

Yu Garden is a gem of classical Chinese gardening from the Ming Dynasty. Pavilions, artificial mountains, koi ponds and winding galleries. Nearby is the City God Temple bazaar, where you can try famous soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and buy souvenirs.

Age Garden founded in 1559, restored in 1956.
Area 2 hectares, 6 main zones.
Market Fangbang Road, tea houses, shops.
Food Xiaolongbao at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.

Practical information

  • Admission: 40 yuan (garden), market free.
  • How to get there: Metro Yuyuan Garden (Line 10), exit 1.
  • Opening hours: garden 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (summer until 5:30 PM).

Jade Buddha Temple

Spiritual centre Jing'an district 1–1.5 hours
Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai

Jade Buddha Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Shanghai. The main relic is a white jade Buddha statue brought from Burma. The temple is active, monks live here. Inside – a collection of ancient sutras and elegant architecture.

Jade Buddha 1.9 m, weight 1 ton, inlaid with jewels.
Hall of 10,000 Buddhas Hundreds of miniature statues.
Etiquette Photos allowed without flash, remove shoes before entering.

Practical information

  • Admission: 20 yuan + 10 yuan for the Buddha hall.
  • Metro: Changshu Road (Line 7), exit 5, walk 10 min.
  • Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Tianzifang

Arts district French Concession 2 hours
Narrow alleyways of Tianzifang, shops and cafes

Tianzifang is a maze of narrow lanes where restored shikumen houses host artist studios, designer shops, cafes and bars. Perfect for leisurely walks, buying souvenirs and tasting craft beer.

Atmosphere Cosy courtyards, street art, live music.
Workshops Ceramic painting, calligraphy.
Food Street snacks, restaurants with a view.

Practical information

  • Admission: free.
  • Metro: Dapuqiao (Line 9), exit 1, walk 5 min.
  • Best time: daytime (shops open from 10:00 AM), evening – bars.

Xintiandi & French Concession

Fashion hub City centre 2–3 hours
Xintiandi street with restored shikumen houses

Xintiandi is a glamorous area with restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs built on the site of traditional shikumen houses. Next to it is the French Concession: plane‑tree lined avenues, old villas and cafes. Best spot for lunch or dinner.

Architecture Restored 1920s houses.
Gastronomy Chinese and European cuisine restaurants.
Stroll Xinle Road, Fuxing Park.

Practical information

  • Metro: Xintiandi (Line 10/13), exit 2.
  • Tip: visit the Shikumen House Museum (free).
  • Best time: evening when the lights come on.

Shanghai Museum

Cultural heritage People's Square 2–3 hours
Shanghai Museum building on People's Square

Shanghai Museum is one of China's finest museums. The collection numbers more than 120,000 items: ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade and furniture. The building is shaped like an ancient bronze vessel.

Bronze Gallery Unique Shang-Zhou ritual vessels.
Jade Collection Items from the Neolithic to the Qing.
Calligraphy Works of famous masters.

Practical information

  • Admission: free (passport required).
  • Metro: People’s Square (Line 1/2/8).
  • Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Monday.

Nanjing Road

Main shopping street City centre 1–2 hours
Busy pedestrian Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is Shanghai's main pedestrian shopping artery where you can find everything from luxury boutiques to souvenir shops and street food. In the evening, the street glitters with thousands of lights, and a tourist tram runs along it.

East Nanjing Road Lively pedestrian section, shops, restaurants.
West Nanjing Road High‑end boutiques, shopping malls.
Tram Runs from People's Square to the Bund, 5 yuan.

Practical information

  • Metro: People’s Square (Line 1/2/8) or East Nanjing Road (Line 2/10).
  • Tip: try fried dumplings (shengjian) from street stalls.

Longhua Temple

Oldest temple South Shanghai 1 hour
Longhua Temple pagoda in Shanghai

Longhua Temple was founded in 242 AD – it is the oldest Buddhist temple in Shanghai. A seven‑storey pagoda from the 10th century, a hall of a thousand arhats and a well‑kept grounds. On weekends, a fair is held here. Admission 10 yuan.

Pagoda Height 40 m, symbol of the temple, closed to visitors.
Hall of a thousand arhats 500 golden arhat statues.
Fair Souvenirs, street food (Saturday‑Sunday).

Practical information

  • Metro: Longcao Road (Line 3), walk 10 min.
  • Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Shanghai Disneyland

Family fun 30 km from centre Full day
Shanghai Disneyland castle and attractions

The first Disneyland in mainland China with unique rides Tron and Pirate Battle. The largest castle of any Disney park. Shows, parades and fireworks.

Rides Tron Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean.
For kids Fantasyland, Toy Story Land.
Tip Book tickets in advance, arrive at opening time.

Practical information

  • Metro: Line 11, Disney Resort station.
  • Tickets: from 399 yuan (weekdays) to 599 yuan (weekends).
  • Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai Attractions

How much time do I need to see the main Shanghai attractions?

To get acquainted with the main sights (The Bund, Pudong, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang) 2–3 days are enough. If you want to visit Disneyland or the surroundings, plan 4–5 days.

What is the best time of year to visit Shanghai?

The best seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). The weather is comfortable, cherry blossoms or golden leaves. Summer is hot and rainy, winter is cold and windy.

Do I need to buy observation deck tickets in advance?

Yes, especially during high season and weekends. Tickets can be purchased online on official websites or via WeChat/Alipay. Queues at ticket offices are often long.

✨ Useful Tips for Travellers

Transport Use the metro (all stations have English signs). Buy a transport card or pay with Alipay.
Payment Cash is rarely accepted, install Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Language Tourist areas have English signs, but Google Translate with Chinese downloaded will help.
Weather Take an umbrella in summer, a warm jacket in winter.

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