Sights in Shanghai

The Oriental Pearl Tower, a landmark in Shanghai, faces the Bund's World Architecture Exhibition complex across the river, making it an excellent place to admire Shanghai's night view. The tower is connected by 11 spheres of varying sizes, and inside it there are also a revolving restaurant, a development exhibition hall, and a science fiction city. The Shanghai History Museum, among others, specializes in Shanghai's development history over the past century. The exhibits inside the museum depict the concessions, the old Shanghai municipal construction, and street scenes, all with realistic designs.

Binjiang Boulevard is a pedestrian thoroughfare along the Huangpu River, facing the Bund across the water. When the lights come on, on one side, the Oriental Pearl Tower and modern skyscrapers shimmer, while on the other, the Bund's elegant and retro architecture clusters. Binjiang Boulevard has become Shanghai's "Little Bund." In the center of Binjiang Boulevard stands a fountain plaza with 21 sprinklers. On the Fudu World section of Binjiang Boulevard, the yacht marina, renovated from an old pier, is uniquely charming, with a massive anchor perched atop. The massive fountain, illuminated by colorful lights, shimmers brilliantly in the night sky, a truly captivating experience.

The Jin Mao Tower, once Shanghai's tallest building, boasts offices, restaurants, and a hotel. The glass-walled observation deck on the 88th floor offers expansive views, offering breathtaking vistas of the cityscapes on both sides of the Huangpu River and the Yangtze River Estuary. From the deck, you can also gaze down at the atrium of the Jinmao Hyatt Hotel, a structure architects have dubbed a "time tunnel." The building's two direct elevators, each traveling at 9.1 meters per second, are a true "time machine," reaching the rooftop in just 45 seconds.
Sky Post Office: The Observation Hall also houses China's tallest "Sky Post Office". Sending a postcard to a friend or yourself here is a great gift.
How to relax: Have a cup of coffee in the lounge on the 87th floor, sit in a window seat (preferably a non-smoking area, where the view is the best), and enjoy the service of a 6-star hotel while looking at the view.

The Shanghai World Financial Center boasts a 100-story observation deck, including the Skyloft, currently the world's highest observation deck, surpassing the CN Tower in Canada, currently known as the "world's tallest observation deck." A stroll through the 474-meter-high Skyloft feels like walking among the clouds. Overlooking Shanghai, visitors can take in the breathtaking scenery of both banks of the Huangpu River, gaze directly at the spire of the Oriental Pearl Tower, and feel the roof of the Jin Mao Tower hovering beneath their feet. The glass roof of the 97th-floor observation bridge can be opened, allowing visitors, weather permitting, to gaze directly at the blue sky and white clouds, truly experiencing a sense of unity between man and nature.

Century Park is the largest ecological urban park within the Shanghai Ring Road. Its vibrant blossoms in spring, the refreshing lotus breeze in summer, the frost-resistant chrysanthemums in autumn, and the winter's icy plum blossoms attract crowds. With its expansive lawns and large lake, it's a favorite spot for campers. The central lake island, rural gardens, and international gardens are all part of the park. On a sunny spring day, it's a delightful place to go fishing, fly kites, or even have a picnic. The park is large, so bicycles are best used, and rentals are available within the park itself, though walking can be tiring.

Some say, "The story of the Bund is the story of Shanghai." The essence of the Bund lies in its 52 buildings, each of varying styles, known as the "International Architecture Expo." Despite its relatively small size, the Bund boasts over 20 buildings representing diverse periods, countries, and styles. The renowned Bank of China Building, the Peace Hotel, the Customs House, and the HSBC Building evoke the grandeur of the former "Wall Street of the Far East." While these buildings were not designed by the same architect or constructed in the same period, their color palette remains largely consistent, and their overall contours are remarkably harmonious. Whether gazing from afar or strolling through them, one senses a powerful, majestic, and regal aura.

Built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Yu Garden is the only remaining Ming Dynasty garden in the old city. With its diverse pavilions, towering rocks, and shimmering lakes, the garden is known as the "mountain forest in the city" and is also said to be "the most beautiful in the southeast." Today, the term "Yu Garden" usually includes the several bustling streets leading into it.
Besides the plaques and inscriptions by renowned artists, Yu Garden's most striking feature is its various beautiful dragons. The Nine-Curve Bridge and the Lakeside Pavilion are iconic landmarks of the garden, offering opportunities for tea, chess, or scenic views. Visitors can walk along the winding, twisting, and zigzagging bridges, enjoying a changing landscape. Yangshan Hall offers a prime spot for admiring the grand rockery.
Nearby attractions: Yuyuan Shopping Mall, City God Temple, Yulongfang, Shanghai Old Street

Nanjing Road is a must-see for everyone visiting Shanghai for the first time. The "Four Major Companies"—Shibaiyi (formerly Daxin Company), Yong'an Department Store, Shanghai Fashion Company (formerly Sincere Company), and No. 1 Food Store (formerly Xinxin Company)—intertwine Nanjing Road's past and present. From the intersection of Henan Road to the pedestrian street, continuing eastward to the Bund on Nanjing East Road, pedestrians feel transported back to the 1930s and 1940s: narrow streets, tall buildings, gray walls and shuttered windows, high ceilings, and pointed roofs—each building records a tortuous story.

The Shanghai Museum is one of the four major museums in China, on par with Beijing, Nanjing and Xi'an. It has 12 special exhibition rooms, covering 21 categories including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, jade and ivory objects, bamboo and wood lacquerware, oracle bones, seals, and ethnic minority crafts, among which bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings are particularly distinctive.
The collection of ceramics features the finest pieces from Jiangnan, including rare pieces of finely carved pottery from the prehistoric Liangzhu culture. The collection of primitive celadon is also a highlight of the museum.

Xintiandi is a pedestrian street renovated from Shanghai's distinctive Shikumen (Shikumen) residential district. The Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China is also located within Xintiandi. The southern section features mostly modern buildings, while the northern section is dominated by the original Shikumen structures. The Shikumen buildings retain their original brick walls and roof tiles, creating a sense of time travel back to the 1920s. Inside, each building houses an international gallery, a fashion store, a themed restaurant, or a cafe bar.

This was the Shanghai office of the Chinese Communist Party delegation. The residence of General Zhou Enlai was officially known as the Zhou Mansion, hence its name. During World War II, Zhou Enlai hosted General George Marshall, the US President's special envoy, and held a press conference there.
It was originally owned by a French merchant. It has two small Western-style buildings and two large gardens. As soon as you enter the door, you can see the wisteria flower rack, which looks quiet and pleasant.

Tianzifang showcases Shanghai's friendly, warm, and bustling side. A stroll through this alleyway, now a distinctly Shanghai neighborhood, will easily reveal its unique character. As you wind your way through the maze of lanes, you'll stumble upon unique shops and art studios. From teahouses and alfresco restaurants to cafes, galleries, home furnishings, handicrafts, and many of Shanghai's most renowned creative studios, the area offers a wide variety of options.

Once known as Rue Pétain in the French Concession, it is now Shanghai's most prestigious leisure and entertainment street, and a beloved bar street for bar connoisseurs. Plane trees, lush greenery, tranquility, exotic charm, European architecture, and bars—this is Hengshan Road.
The stretch from Hengshan Road to West Fuxing Road is the French Concession, home to many garden villas and a quiet, cool escape from the bustling city. Hengshan Road also has a short branch, Dongping Road, which is dotted with more than a dozen garden villas, all of which are the residences of modern and contemporary celebrities.

This French medieval Gothic-style building features red brick walls, white stone columns, a slate-tiled roof, and two bell towers, facing north and south, soaring into the sky. It was hailed as the premier building in old Shanghai and has been used as a filming location for many films and TV series. Slippers and shorts are not permitted inside, and photography is prohibited.

Jing'an Temple is a famous ancient temple in Shanghai, and Jing'an District is renowned for it. Legend has it that it was built during the Chiwu reign of the Three Kingdoms period (1644-1711). Relics still remain, including a stone stele inscribed by Emperor Guangzong of Song and a large bell from the second year of the Hongwu reign. Every year on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, a three-day temple fair is held, creating a lively atmosphere. There are many delicious restaurants near Jing'an Temple, and you can enjoy them on Nanjing West Road and Yuyuan Road.

Duolun Road, a century-old Shanghai. Paved with stone, Duolun Road is only 550 meters long, yet its winding paths offer a tranquil escape. Many cultural figures, including Lu Xun, Qu Qiubai, Guo Moruo, and Mao Dun, have met and lived here.
The current style of Duolun Road is a combination of traditional and modern art. You can see many jade and porcelain shops decorated in traditional style, as well as modern art galleries.
Don't miss: Gongfei Coffee House (ruins), Hongde Hall, No. 59; Kong (Xiangxi) Residence; Bai (Chongxi) Residence, No. 210; Tang (Enbo) Residence, Xishi Bell Tower (No. 119 Duolun Road)

Tianai Road, affectionately known by Shanghainese as the most romantic street, is lined with walls and metasequoia trees, obstructing views. It exudes a unique tranquility, a soothing atmosphere, and a touch of mystery. Many love stories have been paved along Tianai Road.
There is a very popular love mailbox on Tianai Road. Every letter posted from this love mailbox will be stamped with an English love stamp. The "Love Wall" on both sides of the road, composed of 28 famous love poems from China and abroad, makes this romantic road glow with infinite sweetness.

Once the largest slaughterhouse in the Far East, it is now a creative park, blending food, shopping, galleries, and studios, creating a vibrant artistic atmosphere. From the rooftop terrace, the complex walkways, the streamlined design of inner circles and outer squares, and the use of rough materials, create a labyrinthine feel. Inside, the transparent aerial stage, the Confucian-inspired umbrella-shaped columns, the varied covered bridges, the floor-to-ceiling lattice windows, the steeply curved spiral staircase, and the cattle track are all worth a visit.
There are many photography enthusiasts gathered here now. Girls are especially recommended to wear beautiful long skirts. You will definitely gain something in the afternoon when the light is soft and not too hot.

This was once the Shanghai Chunming Woolen Mill. Today, M50, located along the Suzhou Creek, has been transformed into a creative park, much like it was in 1933. It houses several artist studios and galleries, including the ShanghART Gallery, founded by Swiss artist Lawrence, and the BizArt Center, founded by Italian artist Davide Quadrio, among the best in China. However, the highlight is the hundreds of meters of graffiti wall along Moganshan Road. After your visit, don't forget to take a look at the Suzhou Creek, known as Shanghai's Mother River, the birthplace of Shanghai's modern national industry.

Longhua Temple is the oldest and largest ancient temple in Shanghai. Most of the halls in the temple today were built during the Tongzhi and Guangxu periods of the Qing Dynasty, including the Maitreya Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Main Hall, the Three Saints Hall, the Abbot's Room and the Sutra Library.
The Qinglong bronze bell, cast during the Guangxu reign, became known as the "Longhua Evening Bell" and was once one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Shanghai." During the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty, the 718-fold Tripitaka, the Thousand-petal Lotus Vairocana Buddha, and the imperial gold seal were granted as the "Three Treasures" of Longhua Temple.

The Shanghai Botanical Garden boasts 17 gardens, including a bonsai garden, peony garden, osmanthus garden, rose garden, maple garden, pine and cypress garden, herb garden, bamboo garden, and orchid room. It is a favorite outdoor photo spot for Shanghai photographers. The bonsai garden is one of the largest in the world, and the cherry blossom area within the rose garden boasts the highest concentration of cherry blossoms in Shanghai.

Sheshan is divided into East and West Sheshan. It is the back garden of Shanghai and a Catholic holy place in Southeast Asia. The twelve peaks in the garden are like twelve emeralds of different sizes stretching from southwest to northeast.
The West Sheshan Scenic Area boasts the best environment and largest area among the Nine Peaks of Yunjian. It is home to Sheshan Cathedral, the largest Catholic church in the Far East, and Sheshan Observatory, China's first astronomical observatory. The tea plantations on the southwest slope are the only source of "Shanghai Longjing" tea.
Dongsheshan National Forest Park has beautiful mountains, lush forests, and rich animal and plant resources. It is especially famous for its bamboo shoots with a subtle orchid fragrance.

This area is actually an upscale villa complex modeled after the Thames River in England. Although it's a residential area, it exudes a British atmosphere and has unique architecture. It's now a popular wedding destination. There's a church, a small lake, and a train that takes you around the town.

Zhujiajiao is known as the Venice of Shanghai and the Hollywood of Shanghai. It is the best-preserved ancient water town in the south of the Yangtze River in Shanghai.
The town is filled with small bridges and flowing water, imbued with ancient charm. Zhujiajiao's most famous landmark is the Fangsheng Bridge, built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty and the largest five-arch stone bridge in Shanghai. North Street is home to many specialty snack shops, exemplified by the saying, "Three miles of long street, thousands of shops."

Fengjing Town, established as a city in the Song Dynasty and a town in the Yuan Dynasty, straddles the borders of Wu and Yue. Characterized by numerous bridges, temples, celebrities, and alleys, it is a typical Jiangnan water town.
The area is covered with water networks and has many rivers. It is known as "two bridges every three steps and ten harbors in sight". There are many small towns in the town, shaped like lotus leaves. The area is shaded by trees, with houses lined up, clear rivers flowing rapidly, and lotus flowers planted everywhere, which is elegant and beautiful.
The old street is lined with two-story buildings, with wooden lattice windows revealing the original color of the wood, which is an authentic late Qing Dynasty style.

Qibao Ancient Town, a thousand-year-old town in the Taihu Lake Basin in the south of the Yangtze River, boasts picturesque scenery, a typical town within a city, and is the closest ancient town to downtown Shanghai. Qibao Old Street boasts a rich variety of local snacks and quaint buildings.

Shanghai's last authentic ancient town, Xinchang, is known as "Thirteen Archways, Nine Ring Dragons, a small town rivaling Suzhou." But were it not for the filming locations of "Lust, Caution" and "Ip Man," it might still be hidden deep within the city. The residential buildings here are mostly from the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period, many showcasing a fusion of Eastern and Western styles.
Xinchang Street runs through the ancient town. Xinchang's commercial atmosphere is relatively unpretentious, with shops primarily catering to local residents. The street's pedestrians are mostly locals. The lack of artificial decorations and the pristine environment allow first-time visitors to quickly immerse themselves in the local lifestyle.

The Xisha Wetland is Shanghai's only natural wetland with natural tides and extensive tidal flats and forests. The Xisha Wetland reflects the setting sun, and a winding pier evokes a sense of leisure. The vast wetland is thickly covered with reeds and interspersed with a variety of vegetation communities. Looking out, it resembles a vast expanse of green waves, a breathtaking beauty.
The sunset glow in the Xisha Wetlands is very beautiful, and it looks unique against the backdrop of the mudflats.

This is currently the largest plain man-made forest in East China. The park boasts lush trees, clear blue waters, a beautiful environment, and a rich sense of nature. Characterized by seclusion, tranquility, beauty, and wildness, it also offers a variety of recreational facilities. To the north of the forest park is a farmhouse where you can fish, catch shrimp, and sample Chongming local cuisine. Staying in a cabin there at night is a unique experience.

Chongming Dongtan is located on the essential migratory route for birds migrating from north to south across the Asia-Pacific region, making it a popular stopover for migratory birds. Millions of waterfowl migrate and overwinter at Chongming Dongtan each year.

The museum comprises five main pavilions, including the Heaven and Earth Pavilion, the Life Pavilion, the Wisdom Pavilion, the Creation Pavilion, and the Future Pavilion, as well as temporary pavilions. It features seven exhibition areas, including Exploring the Earth's Crust, the Myriad of Living Things, the Light of Wisdom, the Audiovisual Paradise, the Designer's Cradle, the Children's Science Park, and the Natural History Museum. It also houses three cinemas, one featuring a giant screen, one dome, and one featuring 4D technology. The comprehensive content covers a wide range of topics, encompassing both natural science and technology. Children can participate, experience, and interact with the museum, and many accessible demonstrations offer a deeper understanding, allowing both children and adults to gain a deeper understanding.

The park has a wide variety of animals, including sea lions, elephants, goats, lions and tigers, and animal training performances. You can also take a vehicle to visit the wild animal area and get close to the guys who only appear on TV.

It consists of a space museum, a maritime museum, a toy museum, an exhibition hall, a dome cinema and a multi-functional hall.
The Space Museum and the Maritime Museum use real objects, models, pictures, videos, multimedia and other means to showcase the past, present and future of aerospace and navigation technology; the Toy Museum displays various toys from ancient and modern times, both Chinese and foreign, and children can make them on the spot in the handicraft room; the Universal Cinema shows 180-degree full-dome movies on a daily basis.

This is a child's perspective on the adult world, complete with a fire station, a bank, a convenience store, and a chocolate factory-themed exhibit. Children can become flight attendants, repair electrical wiring, milk cows, bake burgers, and even broadcast the news. Entering Monday Town is like stepping into a completely unfamiliar miniature country, where they can find jobs, work, earn money, and spend money—all while role-playing and experiencing what it's like to be an adult.

Visit the National Defense Park to see a simulated aircraft carrier, visit the military weapons exhibition hall and naval submarines, participate in simulated shooting, ride an amphibious vehicle, and enjoy a thrilling 3D motion picture. Then, board a sightseeing bus and journey along Ginkgo Avenue, Green Energy, Lakeside Boulevard, Moon Bay, and Fisherman's Wharf, taking in the breathtaking views of the vast expanse of Dianshan Lake. Families of three can also explore the "Brave Road," the "Wisdom Maze," and the "Fun Bridge World," strolling along the world's first sculpture avenue, home to 168 masters of wisdom.