Shanghai Attractions – For the Tourist, The 7 best places to visit in Shanghai

Shanghai is a fast-paced dynamic city where the continued side by side the old and the new, the traditional and the modern. Tourist attractions in Shanghai include it as one of the largest and most diverse cities in China that can accommodate anyone’s fancy. Whether visitors’ tastes run to gleaming steel-and-glass towers, elegant art galleries, and museums, colorful markets, or stately formal gardens, they will not be disappointed.

Below we have compiled a list of seven must-visit attractions and places that no visitor to Shanghai should ever miss; Starting with the famous Bund and the new Shanghai Tower, moving on to the expansive Yu Garden and museum, ending with the fascinating city skyline and so much more. Other important areas of information that should be included are things to do and see, when to visit among other crucial advisories about the various locations.

Being a progressive city that boasts of its rich cultural heritage, Shanghai serves up a dosage of excitement and discovery that any traveler does not wish to miss. Read our guide to the essential sights and learn what attractions you should not skip in this amazing city. If you are interested in seeing remarkable architectural designs, getting acquainted with Chinese history, or simply feeling the energy of the city, Shanghai can accommodate all of that.

The 7 best places to visit in Shanghai

1. The Bund (Wai Tan)

Wai Tan or The Bund which is situated along the western bank of the Huangpu River is one of the most popular and important tourist attractions in Shanghai. Stretching along the West Bank of the Huangpu River, the Bund boasts a 1.5-kilometer-long walking pavement with impressive colonial buildings that are iconic for being the former home to banks and trading companies.

Since Shanghai was forced to open as a treaty port in the mid-19th century, the Bund emerged to be the commercial and financial center of East Asia by the early ‘20 century. Today, fifty-two buildings located in Bund serve as the historical and cultural memorial of Shanghai and its glamorous past. It includes constructions in Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, and Renaissance-Revival architecture.

Whether a person chooses to walk through the buildings, take a leisurely walk along the broad promenade for views of the Pudong contemporary architecture on the opposite side of the river, or come at night when the buildings are all lit, the Bund is undoubtedly one of the attractions that one cannot afford to miss when in Shanghai. Strolling down the Bund and getting acquainted with the city shall give one a rich feel of the beauty that once was the “Paris of the East”.

2. South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market

Situated in the very heart of the South Bund district in Shanghai, the South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market is a perfect place for those willing to buy fabric and other materials needed for DIY projects. Located at three stories and more than 50000 square meters, this wholesale market covers hundreds of stalls with aesthetic merchandise including arts, crafts, and DIY tools and supplies.

When it comes to embellishments, they can be said to have numerous types of items including Ribbons, Buttons, Beads, Fabrics, Felt, and yarns among others. Experience the hustle and bustle of the enclosed space filled with hanging satin ribbons of every hue of the rainbow, gaze at mountains of fabrics longing to become the ideal project, and marvel at the possibility of letting your imagination go wild as you explore new ideas and materials. This incredible market offers everything from clothing to furniture, with unbelievably low prices – that’s why this place is a heaven for artisans, who come to shop from different cities in China and even from other countries. Well, don’t let the creative fun pass you by, and do visit the place next time you visit Shanghai, the South Bund Soft Spinning Material Market.

3. Yu Garden (Yuyuan)

Among one of the oldest and most well-preserved gardens in Shanghai, Yu Garden is a masterpiece of architecture that reflects the Ming dynasty style. Strolling around this garden, the labyrinth of rockeries, ponds, and pavilions, is like walking through the past.

The garden was initially known as Pan’s Garden and was constructed in 1559 by the Pan family; in 1961, it was transformed into a public garden. Today, visitors can see the symbolic architecture in the garden with Chinese culture and arts featured such as the Bridge of Nine Turnings with its winding shape and the Exquisite Jade Rock which symbolizes the Chinese aesthetics for the best of nature. It is recommended not to visit the nearby Chinese bazaar with a great variety of snacks and snacks and handicrafts not to be tasted.

Spending time walking around this park is a good way to unwind and be lost in this Chinese sanctuary right in the middle of the business district of Shanghai. This makes it even more an extraordinary experience that deserves its World Heritage status.

4. Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu)

The Oriental Pearl Tower is a television tower situated in the Pudong area of China’s largest city – Shanghai. With a height of 468m, it was the tallest building in China to be completed in the year 1994. This building was created by Chinese architect Jiang Huan Chen and it consists of eleven spheres of different sizes that are interconnected with columns, the highest of them is at the top and it has an observation deck. The spheres are lighted up at night in varying colors making the Oriental Pearl Tower picturesque against the skyline of Shanghai. It is estimated that over 3 million people pay a visit to it annually to take an elevator ride to the observation decks to be treated to breathtaking views over vast expanses of Shanghai below as well as walk around on the lower spheres that are filled with restaurants, shops, and even a revolving restaurant cum sightseeing platform. The Oriental Pearl Tower is more than just a communications tower; it has now become a cultural icon that symbolizes new progress and the transformation of Shanghai into an international city. Visitors willing to go and experience this city that has a rich past but also a rather modern face cannot miss this attraction.

5. Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)

Stretching more than 5 kilometers in length, and located in downtown Shanghai, is the most famous shopping area in the city, Nanjing Lu or Nanjing Road. Nanjing Lu is a famous shopping area that runs through the commercial and business area of Shanghai linking the Bund to People’s Square; it is a busy area that attracts both domestic and international visitors. The older and traditional side is the Eastern end of Nanjing Lu near The Bund with … some of the oldest shops here selling curios, antiques, pieces of jewelry, and arts and crafts, while the newer and posh side is the western end displaying great shopping mall with all the world’s premier luxury brand names. There is virtually everything one can think of in Nanjing Lu ranging from clothes, shoes, handbags, electronic items, cosmetics, and even Chinese souvenirs and food. Do not fail to make a few stops at one of the lovely cafes lined along Nanjing Lu for a refreshing snack break and a chance to people-watch. If you want to see Nanjing Lu with bright neon signs while having drinks in the rooftop bars watch the nightlife of Shanghai in the evening. Any tour to Shanghai will not be complete without a visit to Nanjing Lu for shopping, tasting various foods, and enjoying various forms of entertainment.

6. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

The historical water town of Zhujiajiao is located just outside of Shanghai and boasts an array of elegant structures. Founded approximately 1700 years ago, this exceptional town can take you back in time through its beautiful network of waterways and the old stone aqueducts that run alongside the houses. Cycling or taking a boat ride through the rivers to admire the 36 arched stone bridges that overpass the rivers each of which has a story behind them. Roam the vibrant old architecture and lanes to discover some of the ancient structures of the Qing Dynasty such as the post office, or the beautifully carved wooden temples with remarkable artworks. Be sure not to lose sight of the Yuanjin Buddhist Temple which has historical origins dating back centuries and has beautiful gardens. The town also has some quaint and exciting museums and galleries, shopping and eating facilities where you can sample local arts and crafts and foods. Zhujiajiao is a picturesque town that presents enchanting views of waterways, old architecture, and bridges, which by and large make it a window to old China located within the sphere of influence of Shanghai.

7. Shanghai Disneyland

Tens of millions of people are welcome here, this is the Shanghai Disneyland, a world of Disney’s magical kingdom! Once you pass through the ubiquitous ticketing arches, you are in for a delightful Disney experience studded with familiar faces, fascinating performances, and adrenaline-pumping rides.

Younger guests will delight in Mickey Avenue's larger-than-life Mickey and Minnie meet-and-greets and lively musical extravaganzas like Tarzan: The title of the piece can be translated as ‘Call of the Jungle’. At Disney’s Tomorrowland for example, families are free to participate in an interactive treasure hunt on Soaring Over the Horizon or they can choose to fire at targets on Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue.

When you’re tired, take a walk inside the Fantasyland’s fairy-tale like the Enchanted Storybook Castle, or grab a bite at one of the thematically based restaurants like Royal Banquet Hall. As the sun goes down do not forget about the Ignite the Night parade accompanied by the fireworks that illuminate the park, especially the Enchanted Storybook Castle. Considering such a density of magic that is present at every turn, Shanghai Disneyland is a unique and rather remarkable place to visit for people of any age.

Conclusion

Shanghai is a city that has an ancient history of the Asian region and at the same time has a quite modern face. For tourists looking to experience the essence of this cosmopolitan city, here are the top 7 attractions to include in your itinerary: Start at the Bund, an impressive waterfront in Shanghai with an impressive skyline, and the Huangpu River view. Then visit the confusing network of streets of Old City which houses interesting arts and crafts markets, tea houses as well as Yu Garden filled with typical Chinese architecture. The district across the river, Pudong of the future, awaits the visitor with panoramic views of the city from the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Also recommended is the Shanghai Museum and its collections of over 120000 pieces covering Chinese history. For more of the local culture, walk around Xintiandi, which is full of shikumen-planned architecture. And don’t leave without having a drink at the Observation Deck on the 100th floor of the SWFC, the world’s second tallest building. This way you will be enjoying the modern and the traditional part of Shanghai at once.