Shanghai: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Urban Experiences
Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan metropolis, a city where centuries of history and rapid modern development coexist in a constantly evolving skyline. Once a modest fishing town, Shanghai rose to global prominence in the 19th and early 20th centuries as an international trading port. That era left behind a legacy of European architecture, riverfront promenades, and cultural openness that still defines the city today.
Modern Shanghai is a study in contrast. On one side of the Huangpu River, futuristic skyscrapers define Pudong’s skyline, while across the water, historic buildings line the Bund in elegant symmetry. Traditional gardens and temples sit just blocks from luxury shopping streets and creative dining districts. Despite its size, Shanghai is surprisingly accessible, with neighborhoods that invite exploration on foot.
What makes Shanghai especially rewarding is its rhythm. Mornings feel purposeful, afternoons are ideal for museums and strolling tree-lined streets, and evenings bring glowing city lights and riverside walks. Whether visiting for history, architecture, food, or urban atmosphere, Shanghai offers depth, energy, and a strong sense of place.
Top Attractions & Experiences
The Bund
The Bund is Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade, stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River. Lined with grand early 20th-century buildings, it reflects the city’s international trading past and remains one of its most recognizable sights.
From the Bund, visitors enjoy sweeping views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline across the river, creating one of the world’s most striking urban contrasts.
- Walk along the historic waterfront
- Admire colonial-era architecture
- View Pudong skyline across the river
- Visit in the evening for city lights
How to get there: Metro or taxi to East Nanjing Road area.
How much time to spend: 45–60 minutes
Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Evenings are busiest but most atmospheric.
Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and one of the tallest in the world. Its twisting glass façade symbolizes the city’s ambition and modern identity.
The observation deck offers panoramic views over the entire metropolis, providing a dramatic sense of Shanghai’s immense scale.
- Visit the observation deck
- Enjoy panoramic city views
- Photograph the skyline from above
How to get there: Metro to Lujiazui Station.
How much time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
Address: Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Clear days offer the best visibility.
Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks, defined by its distinctive spheres and futuristic design. Built in the 1990s, it became an early symbol of Pudong’s transformation.
Beyond its exterior, the tower offers observation levels that frame the Bund and historic Shanghai from across the river.
- View Shanghai from observation decks
- Photograph the tower from the Bund
- Explore surrounding Lujiazui area
How to get there: Metro to Lujiazui Station.
How much time to spend: 1 hour
Address: Pudong, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Popular with first-time visitors.
Huangpu River Sunset Walk
A walk along the Huangpu River at sunset offers one of Shanghai’s most memorable experiences. As daylight fades, skyscrapers illuminate and reflections shimmer across the water.
This riverside stroll connects many of the city’s major landmarks while providing a calmer pace than busy streets.
- Watch the city light up at dusk
- Walk between Bund viewpoints
- Photograph skyline reflections
How to get there: Access from the Bund promenade.
How much time to spend: 45–60 minutes
Address: Huangpu River Promenade, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Comfortable shoes recommended.
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s most famous shopping street and one of the busiest commercial avenues in the world. Bright lights, historic department stores, and modern malls line the pedestrian section.
The street captures the energy and scale of Shanghai’s consumer culture.
- Walk the pedestrian shopping zone
- Observe city life and crowds
- Visit historic storefronts
How to get there: Metro to East Nanjing Road Station.
How much time to spend: 45–60 minutes
Address: Nanjing Road, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Very busy in the evenings.
Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Its pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and bridges offer a peaceful contrast to surrounding modern development.
The garden provides insight into traditional landscape design and aesthetics.
- Explore classical garden design
- Walk stone bridges and pavilions
- Visit nearby historic bazaars
How to get there: Metro to Yuyuan Garden Station.
How much time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
Address: Huangpu District, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Shanghai Museum & People’s Square
The Shanghai Museum is one of China’s most respected cultural institutions, housing extensive collections of ancient Chinese art, including ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and jade.
Located in People’s Square, the museum sits within a large public space that reflects Shanghai’s civic life.
- Explore Chinese art collections
- Walk around People’s Square
- Relax in open public spaces
How to get there: Metro to People’s Square Station.
How much time to spend: 2–3 hours
Address: People’s Square, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Museum visits are best on weekdays.
Xintiandi
Xintiandi is a redeveloped historic area featuring restored shikumen houses blended with modern dining and shopping. The neighborhood represents Shanghai’s approach to adaptive reuse.
The atmosphere is relaxed yet upscale, especially in the evenings.
- Explore restored historic architecture
- Dine in pedestrian streets
- Enjoy evening ambiance
How to get there: Metro to Xintiandi Station.
How much time to spend: 1–1.5 hours
Address: Xintiandi, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Evenings are most atmospheric.
French Concession Walk
The former French Concession offers tree-lined streets, historic villas, and a slower pace than central Shanghai. The area reflects the city’s international past and remains one of its most pleasant districts for walking.
Exploring on foot reveals cafés, boutiques, and everyday neighborhood life.
- Walk shaded residential streets
- Observe historic architecture
- Stop at local cafés
How to get there: Metro to South Shaanxi Road area.
How much time to spend: 1.5–2 hours
Address: French Concession, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Ideal for relaxed afternoon walks.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites
Morning Walks in the French Concession
Locals enjoy the French Concession in the early morning, when streets are quiet and neighborhood life unfolds slowly. Tai chi practitioners, dog walkers, and café owners preparing for the day create a gentle rhythm.
This time offers a more intimate experience of Shanghai away from major attractions.
- Walk quiet streets early
- Observe local routines
- Enjoy peaceful surroundings
How to get there: Metro or walk within the district.
How much time to spend: 1 hour
Address: French Concession, Shanghai Google map
Notes: Best before mid-morning.
Photography Hotspots
- The Bund skyline views
- Shanghai Tower observation deck
- Oriental Pearl Tower from the river
- Yu Garden pavilions
- Huangpu River at sunset
Pro Tips & Local Secrets
- Use the metro for efficient travel
- Visit major sights early or late
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Plan skyline views on clear days
- Balance modern and historic districts
Shanghai stands as one of Asia’s most compelling megacities, offering a powerful mix of tradition, modern ambition, and everyday life. From historic riverfronts and classical gardens to soaring towers and creative districts, the city delivers experiences that are visually striking and culturally layered. Travelers seeking urban exploration, architectural contrast, and authentic city energy will find Shanghai endlessly fascinating.
