Shanghai, China’s largest city and financial hub, offers an intriguing blend of East and West, tradition and futurism. For first-time visitors, the sheer size and pace of this metropolis can be overwhelming. This guide highlights the 10 essential attractions that showcase the best of Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage and modern marvels.

1. The Bund (Wàitān)

The Bund stands as Shanghai’s most iconic landmark, a mile-long waterfront promenade along the western bank of the Huangpu River. This living museum of colonial architecture features 52 buildings in various styles—Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, and Art Deco—dating back to Shanghai’s days as a center of foreign concessions.

Visitor Tips:

  • Visit both during daytime to appreciate the architectural details and after sunset when buildings on both sides of the river are illuminated.
  • The best photographs are taken from the viewing platform at Chenyi Square.
  • Take a leisurely stroll from Yan’an Road to Suzhou Creek for the full experience.
  • Consider a Huangpu River cruise for spectacular views of both the Bund and Pudong skyline.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: Free to walk along the promenade
  • Hours: Accessible 24/7, best viewed from 5 PM to 10 PM for night scenery
  • Location: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District
  • Nearest Metro: East Nanjing Road (Line 2 or Line 10)

2. Yu Garden (Yù Yuán) and Old City

Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1559), Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that has survived over 400 years of Shanghai’s history. The 5-acre garden features traditional pavilions, winding paths, rockeries, ponds, and exquisite dragon walls.

Visitor Tips:

  • Visit early morning on weekdays to avoid crowds.
  • The Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse offers a traditional tea experience.
  • The surrounding bazaar (Yuyuan Market) is perfect for souvenir shopping and sampling local snacks.
  • Don’t miss the famous Nanxiang xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at the nearby restaurants.
  • The Nine-Turn Bridge is said to prevent evil spirits (who can only travel in straight lines) and makes for great photos.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: ¥40 (April-June, Sept-Nov); ¥30 (July-Aug, Dec-March)
  • Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (last entry 5 PM)
  • Location: 218 Anren Street, Huangpu District
  • Nearest Metro: Yuyuan Garden (Line 10)

3. Shanghai Tower

Soaring 632 meters (2,073 feet) into the sky, Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building and the world’s second-tallest. This architectural marvel features a unique twisted design that reduces wind pressure by 24% and includes sustainable features like rainwater collection systems and wind turbines.

Visitor Tips:

  • The observation deck on the 118th floor offers 360° panoramic views of the city.
  • Visit on a clear day, ideally in the late afternoon to witness both daytime and nighttime views.
  • Purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long queues.
  • The Tower houses art exhibitions, restaurants, and a luxury hotel worth exploring.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: ¥180 for observation deck
  • Hours: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM (last entry 9:00 PM)
  • Location: 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong New Area
  • Nearest Metro: Lujiazui (Line 2)

4. Shanghai Museum

Housing over 120,000 pieces, the Shanghai Museum is one of China’s premier museums of ancient Chinese art. Its distinctive architecture resembles an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a “ding,” symbolizing its role as a treasure house of Chinese culture.

Visitor Tips:

  • Free audio guides are available in multiple languages.
  • Plan at least 3 hours to explore the 11 specialized galleries.
  • Highlights include the bronze collection, ceramics, calligraphy, and Ming and Qing dynasty furniture.
  • The museum shop offers high-quality replicas of artifacts.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: Free (limited to 8,000 visitors daily)
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Mondays (last entry 4:00 PM)
  • Location: 201 Renmin Avenue, People’s Square, Huangpu District
  • Nearest Metro: People’s Square (Lines 1, 2, and 8)

5. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Stretching 5.5 kilometers from the Bund to Jing’an Temple, Nanjing Road is China’s premier shopping street with over 100 years of history. The eastern section is a pedestrian paradise lined with both modern malls and traditional Chinese stores.

Visitor Tips:

  • Visit in the evening when neon signs create a vibrant atmosphere.
  • Look for the historic shops like the Shengping Hat Store (est. 1887) and Wing On Department Store (est. 1918).
  • Take the vintage sightseeing trolley that runs the length of the pedestrian section.
  • Be cautious of scammers approaching tourists with offers of “tea ceremonies” or “art exhibitions.”

Practical Information:

  • Cost: Free (shopping prices vary)
  • Hours: Most shops open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Location: Nanjing East Road, from the Bund to People’s Square
  • Nearest Metro: East Nanjing Road (Lines 2 and 10) or People’s Square (Lines 1, 2, and 8)

6. Jade Buddha Temple (Yùfó Sì)

Founded in 1882, this active Buddhist monastery houses two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple’s Song dynasty architectural style provides a peaceful contrast to Shanghai’s modernity.

Visitor Tips:

  • Visit during morning prayer sessions (around 9:00 AM) to experience authentic Buddhist rituals.
  • The reclining Buddha is located in a separate hall requiring an additional small fee.
  • Respect religious customs: dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos of monks.
  • The vegetarian restaurant within the temple complex serves excellent authentic Buddhist cuisine.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: ¥50 (includes entrance to all halls)
  • Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Location: 170 Anyuan Road, Jing’an District
  • Nearest Metro: Jing’an Temple (Lines 2 and 7)

7. Shanghai Disney Resort

Opened in 2016, Shanghai Disney Resort is Disney’s newest and largest international theme park. It features uniquely Chinese elements while maintaining Disney’s signature magic.

Visitor Tips:

  • Purchase tickets online in advance and use the Shanghai Disney Resort app for real-time wait times.
  • Arrive early and head directly to popular attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run or Pirates of the Caribbean.
  • The Garden of the Twelve Friends reimagines the Chinese zodiac with Disney characters.
  • The Enchanted Storybook Castle is the largest Disney castle in the world.
  • Consider staying until closing for smaller crowds and spectacular nighttime shows.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: ¥399-699 depending on season (check official website for current pricing)
  • Hours: Generally 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies by season)
  • Location: Pudong New District
  • Transportation: Take Metro Line 11 to Disney Resort Station or direct buses from various city locations

8. Tianzifang

Tucked away in the former French Concession, Tianzifang is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways (longtangs) transformed from residential buildings into a bohemian enclave of art studios, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.

Visitor Tips:

  • Get deliberately lost in the maze-like alleys – unexpected discoveries await around every corner.
  • Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
  • Look for local designers and artists selling unique handcrafted items.
  • The area retains authentic Shanghai shikumen architecture (stone-gated houses).
  • Many cafes have rooftop or second-floor seating offering views over the neighborhood.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: Free entry (shopping and dining costs vary)
  • Hours: Most shops open 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
  • Location: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District
  • Nearest Metro: Dapuqiao (Line 9)

9. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

One of Asia’s largest science museums, this interactive educational facility covers everything from natural history to space exploration. The striking modern building houses 13 exhibition halls across five floors.

Visitor Tips:

  • Plan at least half a day to explore properly.
  • Don’t miss the 4D theater, robot demonstrations, and the giant indoor rainforest ecosystem.
  • The “Spider Exhibition” and dinosaur gallery are particularly popular with children.
  • Most exhibits have English descriptions.
  • The museum’s basement connects to a popular underground market selling souvenirs and replicas.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: ¥60 (main exhibition halls), additional fees for special exhibitions
  • Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:15 PM, closed Mondays
  • Location: 2000 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area
  • Nearest Metro: Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (Line 2)

10. Former French Concession

This charming district, once administered by the French between 1849 and 1943, is characterized by tree-lined avenues, European architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere that contrasts with Shanghai’s bustling commercial centers.

Visitor Tips:

  • Wukang Road (formerly Ferguson Road) features exceptional examples of Art Deco architecture.
  • Fuxing Park is perfect for people-watching, with locals practicing tai chi, dancing, and playing mahjong.
  • Xintiandi and Sinan Mansions areas offer upscale dining and shopping in renovated shikumen houses.
  • Join a walking tour to learn about the area’s fascinating history and famous former residents.
  • Huaihai Road offers high-end shopping in a more relaxed setting than Nanjing Road.

Practical Information:

  • Cost: Free to explore (individual attractions may have entrance fees)
  • Hours: Always accessible (businesses have varying hours)
  • Location: Spans parts of Xuhui and Huangpu Districts
  • Nearest Metro: South Shaanxi Road (Line 1, 10, 12), Shanghai Library (Line 10), or Xintiandi (Line 10, 13)

Best Time to Visit These Attractions

  • Spring (March-May) et Autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather for sightseeing.
  • Many attractions are less crowded on weekdays and early mornings.
  • Consider visiting indoor attractions like museums on rainy days or during summer heat waves.
  • Chinese national holidays, especially Chinese New Year (January/February) and National Day (October 1-7), bring enormous domestic tourist crowds.

Transportation Tips

  • Shanghai’s metro system is extensive, affordable, and has English signage throughout.
  • Purchase a Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenient access to the metro, buses, and taxis.
  • DiDi (China’s equivalent of Uber) has an English app and accepts international credit cards.
  • For attractions in close proximity, like the Bund and Nanjing Road, walking is often the best option.
  • Consider a private guide for more remote attractions or if you’re short on time.

Shanghai’s blend of colonial history, traditional Chinese culture, and futuristic development creates a unique experience for visitors. These top 10 attractions offer a comprehensive introduction to this dynamic city, providing memories that will last long after your visit ends.