What to See in Shanghai: The 19 Best Attractions and Practical Tips About the City

With its over 20 million residents, it's the most populous city in the entire world. It's referred to as "the Pearl of the Orient", where the two souls of Chinese civilization coexist: the traditional, historical one, rich in charm and mystery, and the contemporary one, characterized by skyscrapers, efficient public transport, and frenzied shopping. It would take a lifetime to know Shanghai, but just a moment to fall in love with this extraordinary Eastern metropolis.
Ready to set off with us? Let's discover what to see in Shanghai with this guide filled with practical tips about the city!

The Bund is the waterfront overlooking the Huangpu River, along which historical buildings coexist with new, hyper-technological skyscrapers.

Along what we can improperly call a "promenade", we find some of the main attractions in the area: a group of sculptures called Light of the Huangpu River, Sail and Wind; Chenyi Square, where the namesake statue stands, a tribute to Shanghai's first Mayor; the scenic tunnel, the first pedestrian underwater tunnel in all of China. It is also a must-see to admire and photograph the famous Shanghai skyline.

In Zhongshan Lu, the Bund can be reached by metro using Line 2 (green) to Nanjing Road East station, exit 2, then walk toward the river for about 10 minutes or Line 10 (purple) to Yuyuan Garden station and walk for about 15 minutes. - Get directions

Visit duration: 1 hour

A journey into the Earth's marine depths, featuring over three hundred marine species and more than 12,000 rare and endangered fish from all continents. An unparalleled experience for both adults and children, enjoyed in the beauty of 180 meters of pure crystal tunnels.

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is developed over 20,500 square meters and consists of 2 pyramid-shaped buildings. One is the main building and the other is an annex. The main building has 3 floors and a basement. There are 8 exhibition zones: China Zone, South America (Amazon) Zone, Australia Zone, Africa Zone, Cold Water Zone, Polar Region Zone, Sea and Shore Zone, and Deep Ocean Zone. Recommended for families, enthusiasts, and novices, for anyone wanting to carve out a dream moment, perhaps immersing themselves in the story of the famous little fish Nemo!

One of the landmarks of the Lujiazui district. Standing 468 meters tall, the Oriental Pearl Tower is among the tallest buildings in the world.

The tower features a unique design, consisting of 11 spheres of various sizes connected by pillars. Inside the spheres are various environments, including a futuristic city and a visiting hall, a hotel, a revolving observation restaurant, a piano bar, and various karaoke rooms.

At the base of the building is the Shanghai Civil History Museum, while at higher levels, we find 3 observation platforms: Space Module, at 350 meters high, Sightseeing Floor, at 263 meters, and Space City, at 90 meters.

The new financial district of Shanghai developed on a peninsula formed by a bend in the river. Currently, the district hosts more than 30 buildings and over 504 national and foreign financial and insurance companies. Recently, this area has also become a tourist destination, thanks to the presence of five-star hotels.

Among the most notable buildings is the Shanghai World Financial Center, the tallest skyscraper in the city, a multi-functional building that includes observation platforms and shopping centers, equipped with 31 elevators and 33 escalators. The 79th floor hosts the luxurious Park Hyatt Shanghai, the second tallest hotel in the world. And also the Shanghai IFC, a complex made up of two towers, the north tower and south tower, completed in 2009 and 2010 respectively. The south tower houses the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The district is connected to the rest of Shanghai via ferry services operating from two docks. By metro, take Line 2 (green) to Lujiazui - Get directions

Visit duration: 1 hour

The Shanghai Tower, also located in the financial district of the city, is the tallest tower in all of Asia, and is also one of the tallest towers in the world, second only to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai! This skyscraper dominates all the other buildings in the district with its height of 632 meters, with 128 floors, covering a total area of 380,000 square meters.

A record-breaking building: it houses, in fact, the fastest elevators in the world and the highest observation deck in the world, located at a height of 562 meters. From here, you can truly enjoy the most beautiful view of the entire city! Inside, it is divided into 9 public zones, including a lobby, gardens, bars, restaurants, and several platforms with spectacular views of Shanghai. Shopping centers and events are located at the base of the tower.

The "Garden of Happiness", built about 400 years ago by the legendary Ming dynasty, is now one of the jewels of Shanghai tourism. A characteristic garden covering over 40 acres, featuring bamboo groves, koi ponds, and pavilions from the Ming dynasty.

During your walk, you will encounter pavilions with quite poetic names. Among them, the largest is The Hall of Three Grain Ears, which contains intricate carvings representing a bountiful harvest. In the pavilion of the Ten Thousand Flowers, you can admire a giant fern planted there 400 years ago! One of the most beloved attractions of the garden is, finally, the Exquisite Jade Stone. The last section accessible is the Inner Garden, where you will find the Hall of Serenity and the Wave Observation Tower, where local calligraphy works are often exhibited.

It's also worth mentioning the main hall of the park, Sansui Tang, famous for its rich roof ornaments and walls decorated with dragon paintings.

One of the most important Taoist temples in the city, boasting a history of 600 years! Covering an area of 2,390 square meters, it is composed of 9 palaces: Huo Guang Palace, Sixty-Year Cycle Palace, Fortune God Palace, Cihang Palace, City God Palace, Empress Palace, Parents' Palace, Guansheng Palace, and Wenchang Palace.

The City God Temple is dedicated to three important local figures/deities: Huo Guang, remembered for having deposed a young emperor; Qin Yubo, who refused to comply with a corrupt court; and Chen Huacheng, a general who defended the city to the death during the First Opium War.

Shanghai residents visit the temple to offer incense to their favorite deity, hoping to obtain good fortune. Besides praying, it is also possible to witness various folk performances, participate in rooster fights, special calligraphy, and other acrobatic displays.

The most famous commercial street in Shanghai is a pedestrian area surrounded by both traditional and luxury shops. This shopping zone has a history of over a century. The street was once the heart of the trade of imported goods coming from the West. Today it is divided into two sections: Nanjing Dong Lu (east) and Nanjing Xi Lu (west). The pedestrian section in the east is characterized by historic sites and recently added irregular branches, while the western half boasts a more modern style with numerous luxury shops.

One of the main attractions of the area are the so-called "Big Four": the Department Store, Provisions Store, Shanghai Fashion Company, and Hualian Commercial Building. After sunset, the street shines: lit up by the colorful neon lights of the signs and enlivened by street musicians.

To reach it: Metro: Line 2 or 10, station Nanjing Road East or Line 2, 12 or 13, station West Nanjing Road - Get directions

Visit duration: 1 hour

A true global institution. Currently, Shanghai is one of the 11 locations of the Madame Tussauds museum, dedicated to lifelike wax reproductions of the most important living and deceased figures in the fields of politics, sports, and showbiz.

The museum hosts 7 exhibition areas, featuring replicas of public figures like Angelina Jolie, Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, Jackie Chan, Sylvester Stallone, Princess Diana, Bill Clinton, Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama, Winston Churchill, Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Charlie Chaplin, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Deng Yaping, Liu Xiang, Yao Ming, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods.

Also located in People's Square, the fascinating Shanghai Grand Theatre stands 10 stories tall (of which 2 are underground), offering opera and ballet enthusiasts every type of performance, also serving as a venue for a variety of performances. Inaugurated in August 1998, its construction took four years of work, from 1994 to 1998. It covers an area of 11,528 square meters and houses three stages: the main stage with 1,800 seats, a medium theater with 600 seats for chamber orchestras, and a small one with 200 seats, for dramas and fashion shows.

Additionally, it includes a range of services: a café, restaurant, VIP area, and underground parking.

One of the most important museums of classical Chinese art. Located in the picturesque People's Square, which deserves to be explored thoroughly, it is a truly majestic structure, organized over 4 floors and, incredible but true, free to visit.

Inside, there are over one hundred thousand artifacts of all kinds that tell the story of 5,000 years of Chinese history across eleven well-organized galleries: ink paintings, bronze and ceramic objects, furniture from the Ming and Qing periods, ancient coins, and much more. At the top of this modern building (which is itself a work of art), a distinctive round dome rises, giving an elegant appearance to the construction.

What inspires its shape? Its structure, appearing very modern, is actually inspired by an ancient Chinese ding vessel.

Characterized by a distinctly retro air, Xin Tian Di (literally: "New Heaven, New Earth") is the pedestrian area of the charming French Concession of Shanghai.

Perfectly split by Xiengye Lu (site of the first Congress of the Chinese Communist Party) into two well-coexisting areas (the northern area hosts restaurants, while the southern area has boutiques, cinemas, and entertainment venues), the atmosphere in this zone is genuinely pleasant, thanks to the blend of maintaining ancient Shikumen architecture and integration of modern venues, all kinds of shops, and meeting points for locals and tourists.

It's located south of People's Square and can be reached on foot from the center by taking Huang Pi S. Road (15 min). Alternatively, the metro (line 10), exit 6 for Madang Road - Get directions

Visit duration: 1.5 hours

Built in the early decades of the 20th century, the Jade Buddha Temple is currently "operational." Inside, there are about seventy monks engaged in prayer or daily tasks. The structure emanates an atmosphere of peace and contemplation, enriched by the beauty of the setting.

With its white jade Buddha statue (the temple's centerpiece), saffron-colored walls, and the perfect symmetry of halls and courtyards, the Jade Buddha Temple rightfully enters the list of dream attractions in Shanghai. Dating back to 1882, the temple consists of three halls housing various sacred statues and a collection of Buddhist manuscripts.

The Jing'an Temple, located in the eponymous district, is one of the most visited temples in Shanghai. Moreover, it is very close to the aforementioned Jade Buddha Temple.

Completely surrounded by tall skyscrapers, it best represents the great contrast between the ancient and the modern that characterizes the entire city. Inside, it houses the largest Buddha in all of China, standing at 4 meters tall, a unique spectacle! We recommend not to miss it.

It is the most important museum of science and technology in the nation. Housed in a vast and futuristic glass structure, it offers two thematic areas-one dedicated to Earth and nature and another that covers various sciences: from computer science to robotics, human sciences to astronomy.

In addition to various interactive exhibits, there are 4 high-tech cinema halls that offer thousands of screenings each year. Without a doubt, it is an ideal stop for families.

It may seem paradoxical, but if you ever manage to stroll through the vibrant streets of Shanghai, you can't ever skip a raid of wild shopping, strictly of... counterfeit items!

There are numerous areas dedicated to "fake" merchandise, from DVDs to high-fashion clothing, as well as artifacts, bags, and shoes. The most "famous" market for such a show of goods is the Xiang Yang market, where you can take home some genuine Chinese souvenirs at really low prices.

The market is located near the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, reachable by bus 49 from People's Square - Get directions

Visit duration: 1 hour

Important museum of modern Chinese art located in Pudong. Hosted in the former China Pavilion of Expo 2010, it is one of the largest art museums in all of Asia. Inside, there is a collection of around 14,000 works of art, primarily of modern Chinese art.

The museum is developed on the basis of permanent exhibitions. "The Bright Moon Rises from the Sea - Origin of the Chinese Modern and Contemporary Art" tells the story of contemporary Chinese art development, from the Shanghai School at the end of the Qing dynasty; the exhibition dedicated to the famous painters includes works by some of the most famous modern Chinese artists, including Hua Tianyou, one of the founders of modern Chinese sculpture. Very interesting is "Art with the History and Culture of Shanghai" where works of art are displayed that were created for a government project encouraging works that represent the city's historical and cultural development. The themes include people, historical events, folk customs, and architecture.

The Longhua Temple is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. Despite subsequent reconstructions, the temple retains the architectural design of the Song era. It is the largest temple in Shanghai and comprises 5 buildings: the Maitreya Hall (Mile Dian), the Hall of the Emperor of Heaven (Tianwang Dian), the Great Treasure Hall (Daxiong Baodian), the Three Sages Halls (Sansheng Dian), and the Abbot's Hall (Fangzhang Shi).

Covering an area of over 20,000 square meters, the tallest structure in the complex is the Longhua Pagoda, which rises to 40.4 meters. With seven levels, it is one of the most admired and appreciated, as well as one of the 16 oldest in the city. Due to its age and the fragility of the building, unfortunately, the pagoda is not open to the public.

Also, don't miss the temple fair that takes place every third day of the third month of the lunar calendar!

Shanghai Disneyland Resort is the first Disney park resort in mainland China and the second in Greater China, after Hong Kong. Opened in June 2016, it features a large Disney theme park, two themed hotels, various recreational facilities, a parking lot, a lake, and a hub for transport to and from the park. Like all the other Disney parks in the world, this one also boasts a castle in the central area, but for the first time, this building is not dedicated to Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. The Enchanted Storybook Castle has its own design, resulting from a mix of already adopted styles and something still novel.

The themed areas are: Mickey Avenue, the park's entrance corresponding to the classic Main Street USA; Gardens of Imagination, a classic garden in Chinese style covering 5 acres; Tomorrowland, the futuristic area; Fantasyland, dedicated to classic Disney animated films; Treasure Cove, a themed area set in a Spanish port town in the 18th century located on a Caribbean island; and Adventure Isle, themed on a lost and mysterious world full of hidden treasures.

With more days available, you can afford to discover "secondary" attractions in Shanghai. Here are a few examples.

Let's start with the neighborhoods! The Qibao neighborhood is a popular and very picturesque place, characterized by stunning views of the canal that crosses it and its delightful street food. The Tianzifang neighborhood, which was the French Concession area during colonial times, is now the perfect destination for art and craft enthusiasts: many sophisticated art galleries and craft shops can be found here where you can acquire unique pieces. Nearby is Fuzing Park, the largest public park in the city, which contains fountains and French-style gardens from the early twentieth century. We also note Shanghai Old Street, a dive into the Shanghai of the past! Walking here feels like stepping onto a movie set, amidst buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is located near Yuyuan Garden.

In the religious theme, in the city center, north of the French Concession, is the Jing'An Temple, which literally means the Temple of Peace and Tranquility. The main center of Catholicism in southern China is represented by the Church of St. Ignatius, a massive Gothic building.

Finally, for seeing another side of China and spending a day in relaxation, we recommend a stroll along the canals of one of the many water villages nearby. Houses, bridges, and cobbled paths from bygone eras, where life flows slowly according to traditional rhythms.

Shanghai has two airports: Pudong and Hongqiao: most international airlines land at the former (compare flights - from $325.00). It is hard to find a direct flight from Italy, which would be very expensive nonetheless. Usually, one stop is sufficient, in Moscow, Munich, or Vienna, for a total duration of about 15 hours.
The best periods are spring and fall, with mild weather. High season periods are not recommended: the week of Chinese New Year (between January and February), the Labor Day bridge (May 1-3), and the first week of October (October 1-7), dedicated to celebrating the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Regarding accommodation, the neighborhoods to prioritize are the Bund, Nanjing Road, Renmin Square ("People's Square"), and the Pudong skyscraper area (compare accommodations on booking). We do not recommend walking, as there is too much traffic and you could easily get lost. Better to opt for the excellent city metro system.

The nightlife is crazy. The pedestrian island of Xintiandi has dozens of crowded bars and clubs; some of the most elegant venues are found on the Bund, but most are concentrated in the former French Concession.
Shanghai is also family-friendly: with the Aquarium, Zoo, and Disneyland, there's ample choice. Finally, it is not particularly expensive: attractions like neighborhoods, the waterfront, and the Shanghai museum can all be enjoyed for free! Even meals can be inexpensive, the highest expense is undoubtedly the airfare!

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