Shanghai
Tourism Sites
Huangpu River Cruise
🧠 Fact: Offers incredible views of both the Bund and Pudong skylines.
💡 Tip: Best enjoyed at sunset or night.
Info - A Huangpu River Cruise offers one of the best ways to admire Shanghai’s striking skyline. Departing from the Bund, boats glide along the river, offering postcard-worthy views of the historic colonial buildings on one side and the towering skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the other. The nighttime cruises are especially magical, with both riverbanks illuminated by dazzling lights. Passengers can spot landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Nanpu Bridge. Available in various lengths and styles, from luxury yachts to casual sightseeing boats, the cruise is a relaxing and scenic highlight of any Shanghai visit.
Jade Buddha Temple
🧠 Fact: Houses two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma.
💡 Tip: Respect local customs and dress modestly.
Info - One of Shanghai’s most famous religious sites, the Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 and houses two exquisite jade Buddha statues brought from Burma. The seated Buddha, carved from pure white jade, radiates serenity and craftsmanship. The temple complex features ornate halls, fragrant incense, and peaceful courtyards, offering a quiet retreat from city life. Monks perform daily rituals, and visitors can partake in vegetarian meals at the temple’s restaurant. It’s a cherished spiritual landmark in modern Shanghai, blending traditional Buddhist culture with a welcoming atmosphere for both worshippers and curious travelers.
Nanjing Road
🧠 Fact: : One of the world’s busiest shopping streets.
💡 Tip: Perfect for window shopping and light shows at night.
Info - Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s premier shopping street, stretching from the Bund to People’s Square. Divided into East and West sections, it’s home to a vibrant mix of luxury boutiques, department stores, and international brands. By day, the street is a bustling shopping haven; by night, it transforms into a neon-lit spectacle. Visitors can find everything from high-end fashion to quirky souvenirs and traditional snacks. Street performers and historic hotels add to its lively atmosphere. Nanjing Road is the perfect place for retail therapy, people-watching, and soaking in Shanghai’s energetic urban vibe.
Oriental Pearl Tower
🧠 Fact: Fact: A futuristic tower with panoramic observation decks.
💡 Tip: Try the glass-floor skywalk if you’re brave.
Info - Rising 468 meters over Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in the futuristic Lujiazui area of Pudong, the tower features multiple observation decks, including a thrilling glass-bottomed skywalk offering stunning 360-degree views. Inside, visitors will find a history museum, revolving restaurant, and entertainment facilities. Its distinctive spheres and sci-fi design make it a highlight of Shanghai’s skyline. At night, the tower glows with colorful LED lights, reflecting beautifully in the Huangpu River. It’s a must-visit for city views, dining with a skyline backdrop, and family-friendly attractions.
Shanghai Museum
🧠 Fact: One of China’s best museums with ancient artifacts.
💡 Tip: Admission is free, but queues can be long on weekends.
Info - Situated in People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum is one of China’s premier art and history museums. Renowned for its impressive collection of over 120,000 artifacts, it covers Chinese bronzes, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, jade, and ancient coins. The museum’s circular design and square base symbolize heaven and earth in traditional Chinese cosmology. Highlights include ancient pottery from Neolithic times, Ming Dynasty furniture, and rare ethnic minority costumes. Entry is free, making it a favorite cultural stop for visitors. Its modern galleries and well-curated exhibits provide an insightful journey through thousands of years of Chinese civilization.
Shanghai Tower
🧠 Fact: The tallest building in China and second tallest in the world.
💡 Tip: The elevator to the top is one of the fastest globally.
Info - Standing at a staggering 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world. Its sleek, twisting design symbolizes Shanghai’s rapid modernization. The observation deck on the 118th floor offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond, accessible via one of the world’s fastest elevators. Inside, the tower houses luxury hotels, offices, and exhibition spaces. Its eco-friendly architecture and futuristic design make it a symbol of contemporary Shanghai. Whether visited by day or night, the tower provides an unforgettable perspective of the city’s sprawling urban landscape and neighboring skyscrapers.
The Bund
🧠 Fact: A waterfront promenade lined with historic colonial architecture.
💡 Tip: Visit at night for the iconic skyline views.
Info - The Bund is Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade, stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River. Lined with grand colonial-era buildings reflecting Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco styles, it offers panoramic views of the modern Pudong skyline, including landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. A stroll along The Bund is a journey through Shanghai’s fascinating blend of old and new. At night, the riverfront transforms into a dazzling light show, perfect for evening walks and photos. It’s one of the city’s most popular spots for sightseeing, romantic dates, and skyline photography.
Tianzifang Art District
🧠 Fact: : A maze of lanes filled with artsy shops, cafés, and studios.
💡 Tip: Great spot for indie gifts and street photography.
Info - Tianzifang is a trendy arts and lifestyle district set within a maze of narrow alleyways in Shanghai’s French Concession. Formerly a traditional residential area, it’s been transformed into a bohemian enclave filled with art studios, quirky boutiques, cozy cafés, and international restaurants. Preserving its old Shikumen-style architecture, the district combines history with creative energy. Visitors can explore hidden galleries, sip craft coffee, or shop for handmade jewelry and ceramics. Tianzifang is a favorite hangout for locals and tourists seeking a more laid-back, artistic side of Shanghai away from the skyscrapers and shopping malls.
Yu Garden & Bazaar
🧠 Fact: A classical Ming dynasty garden oasis in the city.
💡 Tip: Explore the bazaar for local snacks and souvenirs.
Info - Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, offering a peaceful escape amid Shanghai’s urban bustle. Famous for its intricately designed pavilions, koi ponds, rockeries, and ancient trees, the garden embodies traditional Chinese landscaping. Next door, the lively Yu Bazaar is packed with souvenir shops, street food stalls, and teahouses. Visitors can sample local delicacies like soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) and shop for silk goods, jade, and handicrafts. The combination of serene garden scenery and bustling marketplace makes it one of Shanghai’s most atmospheric destinations, perfect for culture lovers and photographers.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
🧠 Fact: A 1,700-year-old water town with canals and arched bridges.
💡 Tip: Take a boat ride to explore the traditional lanes.
Info - Nicknamed the “Venice of Shanghai,” Zhujiajiao is a 1,700-year-old water town famous for its charming canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. Located about an hour from central Shanghai, this ancient town offers a glimpse into old-world China with its boat rides, ancient temples, and preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty houses. The narrow streets are lined with artisan shops, snack stalls, and teahouses overlooking the water. Highlights include the 72-room Kezhi Garden and the iconic Fangsheng Bridge. It’s a perfect day-trip destination for those seeking tranquility, history, and picturesque river scenes near Shanghai.