More

    Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Shanghai. Photos and a brief description.

    Shanghai
    clear sky
    76.9 ° F
    78.7 °
    74.9 °
    87 %
    1.9mph
    0 %
    Mon
    76 °
    Tue
    82 °
    Wed
    82 °
    Thu
    82 °
    Fri
    84 °
    About Shanghai

    Shanghai is a huge metropolis in which neighboring districts are often completely different from each other. Such diversity is a godsend for tourists: you can learn a lot of new and unusual things in one trip. The city is constantly changing, while relying on traditions. Therefore, both lovers of antiquities and fans of progress will find it fascinating.

    The Huangpu River divides the city into two parts. Located on its eastern shore, Pudong district is developing faster than others, as it has a special status. The tallest skyscrapers are concentrated here. Excursion ships sail along the river, observation decks are open on high-rises.

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

    Top Tourist Attractions in Shanghai

    Pudong New District

    Located on the east coast of Huangpu. It received the status of a special economic zone in 1990. This allowed him 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. Representative offices of many foreign companies are also located here.

    Pudong New District
    Bund Bund

    Bund Bund

    It passes along the bank of the Huangpu. The length is one and a half thousand meters. Its main feature is the exceptional architectural diversity. 52 of the available buildings belong to different styles and time intervals. Representatives of many foreign countries had a hand in their construction. Among the buildings there is also a "Russian Bank", dated 1901. The Pudong Free Economic Zone begins on the other side of the river.

    Nanshi Old Town

    Modern Shanghai began its development from this place. Narrow streets, buildings of the XV century, part of the protective wall have been preserved here. In the very center there is a traditional Asian bazaar and shops for every purse. Among other things, you can buy antiques. The best time to visit is Chinese New Year. Attractions: Tea house, temple of the City of God, pagodas.

    Nanshi Old Town
    Yu Yuan Garden

    Yu Yuan Garden

    It has been spread out in the old districts of Shanghai since the XVI century. The translation of the name is "the garden of joy". The area is about 4 hectares . Classic landscape design suffered during colonial wars and uprisings. Renovated in 1956. The garden is divided into 6 sectors, very different from each other. There are ponds, flower beds, bridges, galleries and shops. Since 1982, it has been one of the protected cultural monuments of China.

    Zhujiajiao Ancient City

    It is located by the Dyanshanhu Lake in the suburbs of Shanghai on the western side. It is also called the city on the 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 traveled by boat. It will not be difficult to hire a watercraft – there are many offers, you can also have a guide who will conduct an excursion.

    Zhujiajiao Ancient City
    French Quarter

    French Quarter

    It occupies the area around Huaihai Zhonglu Street and the "Zhejiang Hotel". At the beginning of the XX century, a French concession was located here. Since then, houses and mansions have been rebuilt for shops and residential complexes, but they have mostly preserved their facades. Suitable for leisurely walks, century-old plane trees grow around. It is believed that it was in this quarter that the Communist Party of China was born.

    Tianzifang District

    Among domestic tourists, it was named "Chinese Arbat". The area is quite old and houses of the poor and beautiful restored buildings are adjacent to it. The intersecting streets are filled with merchants and shops. Here you can get around on foot or by bike. There are places for snacks and traditional Chinese snacks are sold everywhere. Large restaurants are also open, as well as art workshops.

    Tianzifang District
    Nanjing Street

    Nanjing Street

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

    Oriental Pearl

    The TV tower was opened in 1994. The height is 468 meters. One of the highest in Asia. The name is explained by architectural features: 15 different-sized spheres-pearls are located on different levels. Inside there are two observation decks with a glass floor: at a height of 263 and 360 meters. For convenience, there are 6 elevators. They can accommodate from 30 to 50 people and deliver passengers from the first floor to the last in 40 seconds.

    Oriental Pearl
    Shanghai Tower

    Shanghai Tower

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

    Shanghai World Financial Center

    Construction was completed in 2008. The work was delayed for a decade due to the global financial crisis. The number of floors is 101, the height together with the roof is 492 meters. Because of its unusual shape, it received the popular name "opener". The building is able to withstand an earthquake of up to 7 points. On each 12th floor there are special places in case of fires, where people can take shelter before the arrival of rescuers.

    Shanghai World Financial Center

    Jin Mao Tower

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

    Shanghai Museum

    People's Square is located in the center of the city. Iconic entertainment events take place here, and government offices and cultural centers are concentrated around. One of them is the Shanghai Museum. Its goal is to preserve the ancient Chinese culture and convey its principles to the people. The exposition is distributed across 11 galleries and 3 exhibition halls. The building is square with a round dome. It symbolizes the earth and the sky.

    Shanghai Museum of Natural History
    Museum of Jewish Refugees

    Museum of Jewish Refugees

    It is located in the Hongkou district. During the Second World War, Shanghai received about 25 thousand Jewish refugees who fled from the persecution of fascists from different countries. The capital of China has officially granted them asylum, unlike a number of other states. The museum building is the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue. The exposition consists of documentary evidence, personal belongings of migrants, archival photos.

    Shanghai History Museum

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

    Shanghai History Museum
    Shanghai Museum of Natural History

    Shanghai Museum of Natural History

    It was 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 funds number 240 thousand units of storage. The museum is one of the largest in the world in its thematic category. The collection consists of samples of plants and animals, Stone Age exhibits, mineral deposits and even mummies.

    Art Museum of China

    It began 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 the artists of the Celestial Empire. Retrospectives are held not only of famous masters, but also of those who have not yet made a name for themselves. Classical paintings of past centuries are also exhibited.

    Art Museum of China
    Propaganda Poster Art Centre

    Propaganda Poster Art Centre

    A small private museum, existing since 1995. The owner collects propaganda and patriotic posters from different periods. There are especially many posters from the time of the Cultural Revolution in his collection. The museum is located in the French Quarter, which is not accidental: the first communist cells were born here. The exposition is located in two basement halls of an apartment building.

    Automobile Museum (Shanghai Auto Museum)

    It has been receiving visitors since 2007. The first museum of such a plan in China. The exhibition areas occupy about 1.2 hectares. The exposition is divided into 3 pavilions by subtopics: history, rare cars, research in the automotive industry. The number of retro cars in perfect condition available in the museum's collection has already approached 50 pieces. In total, 20 manufacturers are represented here.

    Automobile Museum (Shanghai Auto Museum)
    Shanghai City Planning Exhibition Center

    Shanghai City Planning Exhibition Center

    It is located on the People's Square. The exposition is devoted to the development of the city, the history of its development and making changes to the already existing appearance. Thanks to the photos and layouts, you can compare the modern views of the city and how it looked in the past. There are also interactive tours of virtual streets. Each floor has its own theme. For example, the 3rd floor is almost completely occupied by the impressive layout of Shanghai.

    Jade Buddha Temple

    It was founded in 1882. The most visited Buddhist temple in the city. The main value is two statues made of solid pieces of jade. Their color is not the usual emerald, but light and delicate. About 70 monks live within the walls of the monastery. The height of the seated Buddha is just under 2 meters. It is richly decorated. The reclining Buddha is twice as low and decorated with jewels. The Shanghai Institute of Buddhism is located in the temple.

    Jade Buddha Temple
    Temple of Confucius

    Temple of Confucius

    It has been known since 1294. However, it was rebuilt and restored, especially after the battles of government troops and rebels in the middle of the XIX century. In its current form, it has existed since 1995. The only temple associated with Confucius in Shanghai. The complex hosts all kinds of events: from exhibitions to book fairs. Attracts tourists during religious holidays.

    Lunhuasa Buddhist Temple

    The most famous temple in Shanghai. It occupies an area of more than 20 thousand m2. It was built in the III century, but was destroyed. In 977, it was restored and a 40-meter-high pagoda was erected. It was restored in the middle of the last century. Themed statues are installed in the halls of the Heavenly Kings, the Three Sages, the Abbot, Maitreya, the Great Sage. The Tripitaka House, where the Chinese Buddhist Canon is kept, is also erected here.

    Lunhuasa Buddhist Temple

    Jingansy

    The temple and monastery complex was founded in the III century on the coast of the Suzhou River. In 1216 it was moved to its present location. Another large-scale restructuring took place in the 80s of the XIX century. The complex includes 6 temples: Heavenly Kings, Jade Buddha, Good Deeds, Three Saints, the Great Victor and Guanyin. The abbot's chambers were also built on the territory, stone statues and a bronze bell were installed.

    Shanghai Aquarium

    It was opened in 2002. All the aquatic inhabitants who are somehow connected with China live here. In addition, the main theme of the aquarium is acquaintance with the underwater world of all continents. There are a total of 28 zones here. Each has a special system, depending on the conditions that the inhabitants need. For example, polar regions or sea depths are presented separately.

    Shanghai Aquarium
    Shanghai Circus World

    Shanghai Circus World

    Shanghai Circus is considered one of the best in China. Its program is diverse and includes different directions. There are 2 playpens: acrobatic and for animals. Modern sound and light equipment has been installed to give, including performances using illusions. Thematic events and exhibitions are held on the territory of the "Circus World".

    Happy Valley Amusement Park

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

    Happy Valley Amusement Park

    Disneyland

    Opened in 2016. In mainland China, this is the first entertainment park associated with the film industry. It occupies an area of 390 hectares in Pudong district. It is divided into thematic 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: carousels with Dumbo the elephant, "Treasure Cove", an adventure based on "Toy Story".

    Shanghai Maglev

    The fastest of the commercial maglev railway lines opened in 2004. It stretches between Longyang Lu Metro Station and Pudong Airport. Thanks to the developed speed up to 431 km/ h, it passes 30 km 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 incurring losses.

    Shanghai Maglev
    Huangpu River

    Huangpu River

    The longest one crossing Shanghai. The length is about 97 km, the average width is 400 meters. It divides the city into two parts: Pudong district is located on the eastern shore, Pusi district is located on the western shore. 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 the economic needs of the population.