Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Shanghai

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a huge metropolis where neighbouring districts are often quite different from each other. This diversity is a boon for tourists: you can learn a lot of new and unusual things in one trip. The city is constantly changing, while building on tradition. Therefore, both antiquity lovers and fans of progress will find it fascinating.

The Huangpu River divides the city into two parts. Located on its eastern bank, the Pudong district is developing faster than the others because of its special status. The highest skyscrapers are concentrated here. Excursion ships sail along the river, observation decks are open on the high-rises.

The old parts of the city are rich in Chinese flavour: museums with historical and cultural exhibits, avenues with architectural monuments and shopping streets where markets and boutiques are located side by side.

Top-30 Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

Pudong

 0/5

Located on the eastern coast of Huangpu. It received the status of a special economic zone in 1990. This allowed it to develop at an accelerated pace. In just a few years, new impressive skyscrapers have grown here. It is divided into 4 sectors: financial, export, customs, high technology. Many foreign companies have their representative offices here.

The Bund

 4.7/5

4167 reviews

It runs along the bank of the Huangpu River. It is 1,500 metres long. Its main feature is its exceptional architectural diversity. 52 buildings belong to different styles and time periods. Representatives of many foreign countries had a hand in their construction. Among the buildings there is the “Russian Bank”, dated 1901. On the other side of the river, the Pudong Free Economic Zone begins.

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Shanghai Old Street

 4.5/5

445 reviews

This is the place where modern Shanghai began its development. Narrow streets, 15th century buildings and part of the defence wall have been preserved here. In the very centre there is a traditional Asian bazaar and shops for every wallet. Among other things you can buy antiques. The best time to visit is Chinese New Year. Attractions: Tea House, City of God Temple, pagodas.

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Yu Garden

 4.4/5

2658 reviews

Spread in the old neighbourhoods of Shanghai since the 16th century. The translation of the name is “garden of joy”. The area is about 4 hectares. The classical landscape design suffered during the colonial wars and rebellions. It was restored in 1956. The garden is divided into 6 sectors, very different from each other. There are ponds, flowerbeds, bridges, galleries and market stalls. Since 1982, it has been one of China’s protected cultural monuments.

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Zhujiajiao

 0/5

It is located by Dianshanhu Lake in the west side suburbs of Shanghai. It is also called the city on water. There are 36 stone bridges spanning numerous canals. They have names, and each has an interesting real story or legend associated with it. Some streets can only be travelled by boat. Hiring a boat is easy – there are many offers, and you can also hire a guide who will give you a tour.

Shanghai French Concession Needle General Yard Former Site

 4.4/5

13 reviews

Occupies the area around Huaihai Zhonglu Street and the Jinjiang Hotel. At the beginning of the 20th century, it was home to the French Concession. Since then, the houses and mansions have been converted into shops and housing estates, but the facades have been largely preserved. It is suitable for leisurely strolls and is surrounded by century-old plane trees. This neighbourhood is believed to be the birthplace of the Chinese Communist Party.

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Tianzifang

 4.2/5

1278 reviews

Among domestic tourists it is called “Chinese Arbat”. The neighbourhood is quite old and neighbours poor people’s houses and beautiful restored buildings. The intersecting streets are filled with traders and shops. You can get around on foot or by bicycle. There are places to eat and traditional Chinese snacks are sold everywhere. Large restaurants are also open, as well as art workshops.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Nanjinglu Street

 0/5

One of the busiest streets on the planet. The main shopping street of Shanghai. Although it existed before, it began to take its present form in the first half of the XX century. Then the excitement began with the construction of 8 large department stores. Now there are about 600 shops on the street. Elite boutiques are located in the western part. The length of the street is about 5 kilometres, of which about 1.2 kilometres is exclusively pedestrian zone.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

 4.6/5

5905 reviews

The TV tower was opened in 1994. It is 468 metres high. One of the tallest in Asia. The name is explained by its architectural features: 15 different-sized pearl spheres are located on different levels. Inside there are two observation platforms with a glass floor: at a height of 263 and 360 metres. There are 6 lifts for convenience. They accommodate from 30 to 50 people and take passengers from the ground floor to the top floor in 40 seconds.

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Shanghai Tower

 4.6/5

1798 reviews

Built in Pudong district by 2015. Number of floors – 130, height – 632 metres, area – 380 thousand m². The tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world. It is illuminated at night. It has an interesting shape, as if spiralling up to the roof. Nearby are the equally impressive Shanghai World Financial Centre and Jin Mao Tower.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Shanghai World Financial Center

 0/5

Construction was completed in 2008. The works were delayed for a decade due to the global financial crisis. The number of floors – 101, height together with the roof – 492 metres. Because of its unusual shape, the building is popularly known as “opener”. The building can withstand an earthquake up to 7 points. On each 12th floor there are special places in case of fires, where people can take shelter until the arrival of rescuers.

Jin Mao Tower

 4.6/5

427 reviews

Construction began in 1994 and was completed 4 years later. American architects led by Adrian Smith were responsible for the project. The architecture is dominated by classical elements with the addition of Gothic style. The height with the spire is 421 metres. The number of floors is 88, of which more than 30 are occupied by a status hotel. On the last floor there is a viewing platform for excursion groups.

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Shanghai Museum

 4.4/5

913 reviews

People’s Square is located in the centre of the city. It hosts iconic entertainment events, and government offices and cultural centres are concentrated around it. One of them is the Shanghai Museum. Its purpose is to preserve ancient Chinese culture and bring its principles to the people. The exposition is spread over 11 galleries and 3 exhibition halls. The building is square with a round dome. It symbolises the earth and the sky.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

 4.5/5

80 reviews

It is located in the Hongkou district. During World War II, Shanghai received about 25,000 Jewish refugees fleeing Nazi persecution from various countries. The capital of China officially granted them asylum, unlike some other countries. The museum building is the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue. The exposition consists of documentary evidence, personal belongings of the immigrants, and archive photos.

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Shanghai History Museum

 4.3/5

55 reviews

The year of foundation was 1983. The funds contain 30 thousand exhibits. In 2001, the museum temporarily moved to the ground floor of the Oriental Pearl. Now it is located in the building of Shanghai Race Club. The exposition tells about the ancient stages of history, the life of citizens, construction of ports, foreign settlers, preserved traditions of Shanghai. Particularly valuable items: a huge jade screen, an ancient bronze cannon, embroidery “Flowers, Insects and Fishes”.

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Shanghai Natural History Museum.

 4.6/5

270 reviews

Founded in 1956. Occupied the premises of the Chinese Cotton Exchange. In 2015, it was moved to a specially constructed building in the sculpture park. The museum has 240,000 items in its collections. The museum is one of the largest in the world in its thematic category. The collection consists of plant and animal specimens, Stone Age artefacts, mineral deposits and even mummies.

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China Art Museum

 4.5/5

227 reviews

Started as the Shanghai Art Museum in 1956. It was expanded and changed its name in 2012. The exposition was moved to the pavilion built for EXPO 2010. The exhibitions reflect all stages of the creative path of artists of the Celestial Empire. There are retrospectives not only of famous masters, but also of those who have not yet made a name for themselves. Classic paintings from the past centuries are also exhibited.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

上海宣传画艺术中心

 4.5/5

118 reviews

A small private museum that has existed since 1995. The owner collects propaganda and patriotic posters from different periods. His collection is particularly rich in posters from the Cultural Revolution. The museum is located in the French Quarter, which is not accidental: this is where the first communist cells were born. The exposition is located in two basement halls of an apartment building.

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Shanghai Auto Museum

 4.4/5

51 reviews

It has been welcoming visitors since 2007. The first museum of its kind in China. The exhibition area occupies about 1.2 hectares. The exposition is divided into 3 pavilions by sub-themes: history, rare cars, research in the field of automotive industry. The number of retro cars in perfect condition in the museum’s collection has already approached 50 pieces. A total of 20 manufacturers are represented here.

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Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

 4.2/5

217 reviews

It is located on Narodnaya Square. The exposition is devoted to the development of the city, the history of its construction and changes to the existing appearance. Thanks to photographs and models, you can compare modern views of the city and how it looked in the past. There are also interactive tours through virtual streets. Each floor has its own theme. For example, the 3rd floor is almost entirely occupied by an impressive-sized model of Shanghai.

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Jade Buddha Temple

 4.6/5

431 reviews

Founded in 1882. The most visited Buddhist temple of the city. The main value is two statues made of solid pieces of jade. Their colour is not the usual emerald, but light and gentle. Within the walls of the monastery lives about 70 monks. The height of the seated Buddha is just under 2 metres. It is richly decorated. The reclining Buddha is twice as low and is decorated with jewellery. The temple houses the Shanghai Institute of Buddhism.

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上海文庙

 4.1/5

60 reviews

It has been known since 1294. However, it has been rebuilt and restored, especially after battles between government troops and rebels in the mid-19th century. It has existed in its present form since 1995. It is the only temple associated with Confucius in Shanghai. The complex hosts all kinds of events: from exhibitions to book fairs. It attracts tourists during religious festivals.

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Longhua Temple

 4.6/5

108 reviews

The most famous temple in Shanghai. It occupies an area of more than 20 thousand square metres. It was built in the 3rd century but was destroyed. In 977 it was rebuilt and a 40 metre high pagoda was erected. It was restored in the middle of the last century. In the halls of Heavenly Kings, Three Sages, Abbot, Maitreya, Great Sage there are thematic statues. The Tripitaka House, where the Chinese Buddhist Canon is kept, is also erected here.

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Yangjing Residential District

 0/5

The temple and monastery complex was founded in the 3rd century on the coast of the Suzhouhe River. In 1216 it was moved to its present location. Another large-scale reconstruction took place in the 80s of the XIX century. The complex includes 6 temples: Heavenly Kings, Jade Buddha, Good Deeds, Three Saints, Great Winner and Guanyin. Also on the territory are built the abbot’s quarters, installed stone statues and a bronze bell.

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

 4.1/5

317 reviews

Opened in 2002. It is home to all aquatic inhabitants associated with China in one way or another. In addition, the main theme of the oceanarium is to discover the underwater world of all continents. In total there are 28 zones. Each zone has a special system depending on the conditions that the inhabitants need. For example, polar regions or sea depths are presented separately.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Shanghai Circus World

 4.1/5

67 reviews

Shanghai Circus is considered one of the best circuses in China. Its programme is varied and includes different directions. There are 2 arenas: acrobatic and for animals. Modern sound and lighting equipment is installed to give, including performances using illusion. The World of Circus hosts thematic events and exhibitions.

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上海欢乐谷

 4.1/5

120 reviews

Opened in 2009. It is located outside Shanghai and is a very colourful place. There is a lot of greenery around, among which there is entertainment for all tastes. There are typical roller coasters, as well as water adventures. The entrance ticket is a pass to all attractions at once. Restrictions on individual rides only by height and age – for the safety of holidaymakers.

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Shanghai Disneyland Park

 4.5/5

833 reviews

Opened in 2016. In Mainland China, it is the first entertainment park associated with the film industry. It occupies an area of 390 hectares in the Pudong district. It is divided into themed zones like all other Disneylands in the world. There is an avenue where parades are held, there is a shopping area with numerous shops. Popular attractions include Dumbo the elephant carousel, Treasure Cove, and the Toy Story adventure.

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Shanghai Maglev Transportation Development Co., Ltd.

 4.8/5

40 reviews

The fastest of the commercial magnetically suspended railway lines opened in 2004. It stretches between Lunyang Lu underground station and Pudong Airport. With speeds up to 431 kilometres per hour, it travels 30 kilometres in less than 8 minutes. There are projects to extend the road to other important urban sites and even to other cities, but so far they are unprofitable: the network is already making losses.

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Huangpu River

 4.5/5

182 reviews

The longest of those crossing Shanghai. It is about 97 km long and 400 metres wide on average. It divides the city into two parts: on the eastern bank is the Pudong district and on the western bank is the Puxi district. The river is important for tourism, as it is used by cruise ships with sightseeing tours. They last from 30 minutes to several hours. Its waters are also used for household needs of the population.