Shanghai Attractions: 15+ Best Places to Visit

Written by Natalia | Updated January 08,2026

As one of the largest cities in China, Shanghai treats every tourist with its dual charm – the coexistence of history and modernity. The foreign style architectural complex built in the last century on the Bund and the skyscrapers in Lujiazui represent the past and present of Shanghai, respectively. They are like one elder and one youth standing on either bank of the Huangpu River. What’s more, both classic gardens and bustling business streets welcome you to explore their stories.

This article will recommend the unmissable attractions in Shanghai and several tour packages ranging from 1 – 4 days for you to plan your own Shanghai tour.

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• Top Shanghai Attractions at a Glance
• Top Iconic Attractions in Shanghai
• Lujiazui & Skyscrapers
• Museums & Cultural Sites
• Water Towns & Day Trips
• How to plan a trip to Shanghai (1–4 days)
• Essential Shanghai Travel Tips
• Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour

Top Shanghai Attractions at a Glance

Top Iconic Attractions in Shanghai

The Bund

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 1 – 3 hours
• Metro stations: subway line 2 or 10: Nanjing East Road Station

When planning the tour, the Bund is always the top place to visit in Shanghai. Why is it so appealing to tourists? The famous 52 classic buildings and the modern skyscrapers face each other across the Huangpu River. This strong visual contrast is unparalleled even in the world, making the Bund a must-visit attraction. The most beautiful moment is when the landscapes are illuminated by the dazzling lights at night. So it is recommended to get there at dusk. Before the sunset time, you can stroll around to explore these architectures of diverse styles. In the evening, immerse in the splendid night views.

Nanjing Road

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 1 – 3 hours
• Metro stations: subwayline 2 or 10: Nanjing East Road Station

Nanjing Road is one of the most representative commercial streets in Shanghai. With the development over the past 100 years, both time-honored brands and international brands have opened their stores on this road. It also gathers many buildings with various styles. It can be said that the road perfectly combines the charm of old Shanghai and the prosperity of modern Shanghai. If you plan to purchase some characteristic souvenirs, the pastries or foods sold in the time-honored brands are the most authentic and highly recommended.

Yu Garden + Yuyuan Bazaar + City God Temple

• Ticket: Yu Garden: CNY 30; City God Temple: CNY 10; Yuyuan Bazaar: free
• Recommended visiting time: 3 – 5 hours
• Metro stations: subway line 10or 14: Yu Garden Station

For foreign tourists, the area composed of these three Shanghai attractions is the best place to experience the traditional folk culture and local life. Yu Garden is a classic garden built in the Ming Dynasty. Though it covers a small area, the pavilions, towers, rockeries and ponds inside the garden are all exquisitely designed. City God Temple is right next to the garden. This Taoist temple is featured by red walls and golden tiles. You can pray for yourself or your family here. After the tour, you must be hungry. Now, it’s time to enjoy a big meal or taste the local snacks in Yuyuan Bazaar. Besides, themed markets and cultural activities are held here from time to time, offering you rich experiences.

Tianzifan

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 1 – 3 hours
• Metro stations: subway line 9: DapuqiaoStation

Tianzifang is a unique corner in Shanghai that can free you from the fast rhythm of modern cities immediately and immerse in the local common life and creative trends. This artistic district consists of several criss-cross narrow lanes. On both sides are the characteristic Shikumen buildings. There is no fixed travel routes. The greatest joy is to wander leisurely and encounter the hidden creative stores, art galleries or designers’ workshops around the corners. Different from other commercial attractions, there are still ordinary people living here, where you can have a vivid glimpse into the everyday life in Shanghai’s alleys.

Xintiandi

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 3 – 5 hours
• Metro stations: subway line 10 or 13: XintiandiStation

The charm of Xintiandi lies in its diverse experiences. Transformed from Shikumen architecture, the block will amaze you at first sight. The well-preserved plain brick walls, black-lacquered gates and Shikumen lanes are ideal backgrounds for vintage photos. Inside the doors of these buildings are various modern businesses, such as international brands, art galleries, bookstores. Besides, it is also the gathering place of top restaurants. Several Michelin-starred restaurants and Black Pearl restaurants can be found here.

Former French Concession

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: about half a day
• Metro stations: subway line 1, 10 or 12: Shaanxi South Road Station; line 1 or 7: Changshu Road Station

Former French Concession is not like a standard tourist attraction, but is more like an open-air architectural museum and lifestyle experience zone. A large number of European style architectures and small Western-style buildings are retained. The unmissable scenic spots include Sinan Mansion, Wukang Mansion, Fuxing Park, etc. To explore its charm, city walk is the best way. During wandering, you will also discover the life scenes of the ordinary Shanghai people. There are also many characteristic stores, cafes and restaurants. If tired, it will be an interesting experience to step into a cafe at will and order a cup of signature coffee.

Shanghai Disneyland Park

• Ticket: CNY 435
• Recommended visiting time: at least one day
• Metro stations: subway line 11: Disney ResortStation

If the family visitors ask where to go in Shanghai, Disneyland Park is undoubtedly the top attraction in Shanghai. Its difference from other Disneyland Parks is that the design has integrated the unique Chinese elements. The Enchanted Storybook Castle is the world’s highest and largest and the enchanting firework show at night is also performed here. Of course, its charm goes beyond this. It also boasts the world’s first Zootopia Land, Treasure Cove and Tron Lightcycle Power Run. Tourists can also interact with his beloved characters and watch the themed parade. Just enjoy your time in this fairy tale world.

Recommended tour 

3 DAYS

Classic Private Shanghai City Tour

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Lujiazui & Skyscrapers

Shanghai Tower

• Ticket: CNY 180
• Recommended visiting time: 1 – 3 hours
• Metro stations: subway line 2 or 14: Lujiazui Station

Shanghai Tower is the highest super skyscraper in China and the third highest in the world. At The Top of Shanghai Observatory on the 118^th and 119^th floors (546 meters), you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai, including the other two nearby skyscrapers. Only at such a height, the strong contrast of the international architectures on the Bund and the skyscrapers in Lujiazui can be fully appreciated. To get to the viewing platform, you will also take the world’s fastest elevator. It can transport you from B1 to floor 118 in only 55 seconds. If you are planning a Shanghai Tower tour, book the ticket in advance and visit there on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Jinmao Tower

• Ticket: CNY 120
• Recommended visiting time: 1- 3 hours
• Metro stations: subway line 2 or 14: Lujiazui Station

In Jinmao Tower, the sightseeing hall on the 88^th floor (340 meters) offers the best experience. A 360-degree fully transparent glass curtain wall is equipped for tourists to overlook the surrounding landscapes. Also, be sure to look down and appreciate the unparalleled hotel atrium inside the building. The 28 corridors together are like a spatio-temporal tunnel under lights. For tourists who prefer adventure, try the skywalk, a unique project in Jinmao Tower. It is a 60-meter-long and 1.2-meter-wide skywalk without guardrails, right outside the hall. That will be a thrilling experience. To visit the tower, it is advised to book the ticket in advance.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

• Ticket: CNY 199 – 220
• Recommended visiting time: 1- 3 hours
• Metro stations: subway line 2 or 14: Lujiazui Station

Among all the Shanghai attractions, the Oriental Pearl Tower is the irreplaceable city landmark. The sightseeing experiences in the tower mainly concentrate in the three spheres at different heights. The lower sphere at 259 meters high is featured by the fully transparent suspended sightseeing corridor, this is the most exciting experience here. The main sightseeing floor is in the middle sphere at 263 meters. It offers a 360-degree circular view and is the classic spot for the Bund and Lujiazui. The upper sphere at 351 meters imitates the design of the space capsule. At the highest point, a broader vision is provided. Just choose as you like.

Recommended tour

1 DAY

Shanghai Highlight Tour

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Museums & Cultural Sites

Shanghai Museum

• Ticket: free and no need to reserve.
• Recommended visiting time: 3 – 4 hours
• Metro Stations: subway line 1, 2 or 8: People’s Square Station
• Closing day: Monday

Shanghai Museum earns the reputation of “half of Chinese art history”, because it gathers 31 categories of ancient Chinese art treasures with a total collection of more than 1,02 million. The three major categories are bronze wares, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings. These basic exhibitions are open for free all year round. During the sightseeing, try to find the renowned national treasures, such as the bronze vessel Da Ke Ding of the Western Zhou Dynasty and the painting Recluses by Sun Wei of the Tang Dynasty. Besides, some special enchanting exhibitions are often held, the themes are varied, such as qipao, lacquer wares, etc. For art lovers, visiting the museum is definitely the top thing to do in Shanghai.

Jade Buddha Temple

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 1 – 2 hours
• Metro Stations: subway line 13: Jiangning RoadStation

In the bustling downtown area, Jade Buddha Temple can offer you a tranquil atmosphere. Though this Buddhist temple was built in the Qing Dynasty, its style imitated the architectural style of the Song Dynasty. It got the name because of the seated jade Buddha statue of Sakyamuni in the core hall, Jade Buddha Tower. The other 2 major scenic spots are the Great Buddha’s Hall and the Reclining Buddha Hall. If time permits, it is recommended to taste the delicate vegetarian dish inside the temple, which also enjoys a high reputation.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 2 – 3hours
• Metro Stations: subway line 1, 2, 8: People’s Square Station
• Closing day: Wednesday

For tourists who are interested in the city history, this Urban Planning Exhibition Center is the most recommended attraction in Shanghai. It enables you to quickly grasp the past, present and even future of Shanghai, thus regarded as the best window to learn about this international metropolis. To provide an extremely immersive experience, a large number of high-tech means are employed, such as the amazing 5D digital immersive city sand table, the treasure of this exhibition center. The exhibition halls are themed by “City of Culture”, “City of Innovation” and “City of Ecology”, respectively. Different aspects of the city are displayed for every traveler.

Shanghai Museum East

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: 3 – 4hours
• Metro Stations: subway line 1, 2, 8: People’s Square Station
• Closing day: Tuesday

The categories of cultural relics are basically the same in both branches. But the branch situated at People’s Square Station is more like a traditional classic museum, while this East Branch offers more modern experiences, such as abundant interactive experience projects and unique exhibition ways. Tourists can witness the scene of restorers working in the Open-air Cultural Relics Restoration Hall and teenagers can role-play as a “restorer” in the Ancient Civilization Exploration Palace. To provide a more immersive experience, some sculptures are also displayed as if there are no protective casings with the aid of technology.

Shanghai Astronomy Museum

• Ticket: CNY 30
• Recommended visiting time: 3 – 4 hours
• Metro Stations: subway line 16: Dishui LakeStation
• Closing day: Monday

Shanghai Astronomy Museum is the world’s largest astronomy-themed museum. Its exhibition design is highly ingenious, allowing tourists to explore along a clear narrative line. You can start your cosmic journey in the “Home” Exhibition Area. Standing in front of the huge, slowly rotating model of the Earth, you will experience the awe-inspiring view of Earth from space. There are also precious meteorite samples from all over the world. Then move to the “Universe” Exhibition Area. Walk through an immersive “Interstellar” corridor, you will step from the solar system into the vast universe. The mysteries of the universe are vividly revealed through the interactive exhibitions. Finally, review the exploration of space by humans in the “Journey” Exhibition Area. Among the museums in Shanghai, this museum offers you a quite different experience.

Water Towns & Day Trips

Zhujiajiao Water Town

• Ticket: free
• Recommended visiting time: half a day – one day
• Metro Stations: subway line 17: Zhujiajiao Station

Renowned as the “Venice in Shanghai”, Zhujiajiao Water Town is one of the best water towns near Shanghai. So when planning the side trip in Shanghai, Zhujiajiao day trip always ranks top. It is a classic Jiangnan water town with a history of over 1,700 years. The Jiangnan style of small bridges, flowing water, ancient streets and deep alleys is perfectly preserved, meanwhile, modern culture creativity has been integrated. Tourists can stroll around the bridges and streets to explore the town. Another classic sightseeing way is to take a sculling boat and travel along the winding waterways. If hungry, head to the North Street to fill your belly with delicious snacks.

Day Trip to Suzhou or Hangzhou

Besides the Shanghai attractions, planning a day trip to the nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou is also popular among both locals and tourists. The high-speed trains from Shanghai to the two cities are very dense, so you can leave at any time. How to choose between them? Suzhou is known for the delicate gardens and ancient charm of water towns, and Hangzhou is famous for natural lakes and cultural attractions. Just choose as you like. The recommended one-day tour itinerary is listed below for your reference.

• Suzhou Day Trip:The Humble Administrator’s Garden – Suzhou Museum – Pingjiang Road – Shantang Street – Jinji Lake
• Hangzhou Day Trip:West Lake – Take a boat to Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon – Wander along the Su Causeway and Bai Causeway – Lingyin Temple – Hefang Street

Recommended tour

5 DAYS

Shanghai-Suzhou Private Tour

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How to plan a trip to Shanghai (1–4 days)

The question “how many days are needed in Shanghai” is frequently asked. 1 – 4 days are the common choices. To meet the needs of tourists with different lengths of stay, we list the following four plans for your reference. Hope you can find a suitable exploration way.

Shanghai 1-day Itinerary (Quick Highlights):

In the morning: the Bund – Nanjing Road – lunch – Yu Garden/Jade Buddha Temple or City God Temple

In the afternoon: Lujiazui (Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower) – The Bund

These attractions are close to each other, so you can travel between the scenic spots by walking for 10 – 20 minutes or taking the subway for one stop.

Shanghai 2–day Itinerary (classic):

Day 1: The Bund – Nanjing Road – Yu Garden + City God Temple – Taste Snacks in Old City Area – Huangpu River night cruise

Day 2: Lujiazui (Shanghai Tower/Jinmao/Oriental Pearl Tower/Urban Planning Exhibition Hall) – Pudong Riverside Area or Xintiandi/Tianzifang.

Shanghai 3-day Itinerary (In-depth Tour):

On the basis of the above 2-day tour, include Shanghai Museum, Jingan Temple/Jade Buddha Temple, Former French Concession (wander to explore Wukang Road or go shopping in Huaihai Road) on the third day. At night, experience the abundant nightlife as the locals.

Shanghai 4-day Itinerary (extended day trip)

On the fourth day, it is time to extend your trip to the attractions near downtown Shanghai, such as the Zhujiajiao Water Town or Shanghai Disneyland Park. These two attractions are the most popular ones.

Recommended tour

4 DAYS

Shanghai Private Tour with Zhujiajiao Watertown Tour

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Essential Shanghai Travel Tips

To make sure you can enjoy a better experience during your Shanghai travel, some useful tips are listed below.

• Best time to visit:Spring and Autumn are the best seasons with the most pleasant weather, leading to the best experience for all outdoor activities.
• How to travel around:Subway is definitely the main way. The dense lines cover almost all major attractions inside the city. Bus and taxi are important supplements.
• How to pay: Alipay and Wechat Pay are widely used. International credit cards are supported in major shopping centers, airports and train stations. Besides, Shanghai launched Shanghai Pass, a prepaid physical card designed for foreign tourists. This card can be used in almost all public transportation, over 50 attractions and many shopping centers. It is very convenient.
• Reservation:Most popular attractions in Shanghai require a reservation. It is highly recommended to reserve in advance through the official channels or tourism platforms to avoid wasted trips.

Explore Shanghai with China Xian Tour

After reading the article, you must be eager to explore the Bund, Lujiazui, Yu Garden, Disneyland or other Shanghai attractions to feel the diverse charm of the city. Then, you can choose the itineraries listed above according to your own time and save this guide for later use. Of course, if you need an in-depth experience, China Xian Tour is glad to offer help. We have abundant experience to customize a trip based on tourists’ preferences. And we will help you to buy the tickets and book the hotels and assign a guide and a driver for you. Just contact us now to start your perfect tour.