A Guide to Downtown Shanghai: Attractions, Delicacies, Suggested Routes & Transportation Details

Written by Natalia | Updated November 06,2025

Shanghai is attracting more and more tourists from all over the world. Where does its charm lie in? It lies in the Bund, the skyscrapers, and the arts. It lies in the seamless integration of the rich history and ambitious future. Most importantly, it lies in downtown Shanghai, the global hub for business, culture, and tourism, and also the best highlights of Shanghai.

The guide serves as a compass to give you a detailed information of downtown Shanghai about the attractions, delicacies, and transportation plans. You can’t miss it if you are planning a Shanghai tour.

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• Where is Downtown Shanghai?
• Popular Attractions in Downtown Shanghai
• Shopping in Downtown Shanghai
• Dining in Downtown Shanghai – What and Where to Eat
• Nightlife in Downtown Shanghai
• Transportation in Downtown Shanghai
• Accommodation in Downtown Shanghai
• How to Plan a Trip in Downtown Shanghai
• Tips for Exploring Downtown Shanghai
• FAQs about Downtown Shanghai
• Discover Highlights of Shanghai with China Xian Tour

Where is Downtown Shanghai?

Generally speaking, downtown Shanghai is the area in Huangpu District that stretches between People’s Square and the Bund. Within Downtown Shanghai, there are several places that are considered as the heartlands, such as Jin’an Temple, Nanjing East Road, and Xujiahui.

Popular Attractions in Downtown Shanghai

The Bund

The Bund is about 1.5 kilometers long. It is the best place to appreciate the modern architectural complex of Lujiazui. There are 52 ancient buildings of different styles there.

The breathtaking skyscrapers within Pudong’s Lujiazui finance district, like the Shanghai Tower, the Oriental Pearl Tower stand directly across it. The modern buildings form a sharp contrast to those ancient architectures, bringing a powerful visual impact. Whether day or night, it is a must-visit for travelers.

People’s Square

The People’s Square was the center of the Shanghai Race Club during Shanghai’s colonial era. Now it has developed into a grand central plaza and primary public space. Several Shanghai important institutions are located in this square, making it the administrative and cultural hub of downtown Shanghai.

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is a typical Chinese landscaping garden. It was constructed at the time of Ming Dynasty in the 16th century and it has a history of more than 450 years. There are curving paths, elaborate pavilions, and beautiful ponds in the garden. The crowd of Yuyuan Bazaar will probably meet you and you can purchase local snacks and a souvenir there.

Recommended tour: Best Shanghai Day Tour to the Bund, Yu Garden, Jinmao Tower…

Skyscrapers in Shanghai

Shanghai is known for its various and iconic skyscrapers. The most famous are the big three of Lujiazui, Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower.

The Bund certainly offers a panoramic picture of the whole skyline of Lujiazui. In case you prefer a close and low perspective view of the skyscrapers, the Binjiang Avenue will present a perfect solution.

These iconic skyscrapers offer great viewing decks where tourists can view the magnificent skyline of Shanghai. With a height of 546 meters, the 118 th and 119 th floor of the Shanghai Tower is the highest viewing deck in the world. Standing on the deck, you can observe the dazzling view of the whole city incluing the Jin Mao Tower and SWFC. It is exciting to take the world’s fastest elevator.

SWFC has the skywalk adventure of 474 meters in the 100th stories. On the skywalk, the view is of the lovely images of both sides of the Huangpu river, the skyscrapers of Lujiazui, and the structures of the Bund.

The skywalk on the Jin Mao tower has no guardrail and is completely transparent. It has a length of 60 meters, width of 1.2 meters and a height of 340.6 meters above the ground. being an adventure for the darings.

Recommended tour: Shanghai Classic City Tour with Modern Attractions

The Former French Concession

The former French Concession was constructed in the middle of the 19th century and was under the management of the French throughout almost one century. The avenues with trees are ideal for riding bikes. There are cocktail bars, cafes, and food restaurants. You will have a relaxing feel that is unlike the downtown Shanghai’s busy life.

Suggested tour: Shanghai Classic City Tour: Former French Concession

Shopping in Downtown Shanghai

Shopping in Downtown Shanghai is convenient and crazy. You have an opportunity to shop at huge, multi-story shopping malls, at colorful pavements, and in charming boutique lanes. You can find everything, including luxury products of the highest quality, local handcrafted products, and the latest electronic gadgets.

Here we list some places for you to have a wonderful shopping experience.

Nanjing Road

The Nanjing Road is regarded as the busiest shopping street in the world. This colorful street would suit any type of taste and budgets. It adopts an asymmetrical layout form and uses a “gold belt” of 4.2 meters wide as the main street. There are 34 flower beds of different styles on this road.

The legendary road that spans over the Bund to the center of the city provides the jaw-dropping international luxury flagships, renowned Chinese brands, and magnificent department stores. Just be careful not to get lost in the dazzling neon signs.

Suggested tour: One-Day Shanghai Classic City Tour with Yu Garden, Nanjing Road

Xintiandi

Xintiandi is located at Pudong and was renovated in 2001. The designer has remained its former architectural appearance and historic character. Now it is a leisure pedestrian street with the function of catering, shopping, and performance. In 2025, it was rated as the national tourism leisure street and hosted larger activities including sports event and art exhibitions.

Xintiandi is a place where creative design and various arts are combined together. It hosts cafes, high-end restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries. Just enjoy your time with a cup of cocktail.

Shanghai IFC Mall

Shanghai IFC Mall is a big commercial complex located at Pudong new area of Lujiazui. It was officially open at 2014 and position itself at a top luxury shopping mall.

You can see a wide range of the world’s most coveted brands, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and high-end watchmakers and jewelers. The stores in the Mall all highlight elements of fashion and luxury in terms of the shape, color temperature and effect of their lighting fixtures.

Dining in Downtown Shanghai – What and Where to Eat

Xiaolongbao

Every tourist who comes to Shanghai will try Xiaolongbao. The thin and delicate skin covers delicious pork fillings. A single bite can spread the hot and savoury broth through your mouth. It is available almost all over Shanghai in both street vendors and upscale restaurants.

Here are two recommended restaurants.

• Jia Jia Tang Baois located at 127, Huanghe Road, Huangpu District.
• Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant is located at 85, Yuyuan Road, Cheng Huang Temple, Huangpu District.

Shengjianbao

Shengjianbao has thick skin and is pan-fried. Unlike Xiaolongba, the bottom of its skin is fried to crispy and gold brown and the top remains soft and light. The filling is usually pork.

Here are two recommended restaurants:

• Yang’s Dumpling: There are many branches in Shanghai.

The location of the Nanjing Road branch is No. 299, Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District, and the location of the Bund Neo branch is No. 399, Renmin Road, Huangpu District.

Shanghai-Style Braised Pork

It is among the most renowned Shanghai cuisines. It has a fatty and juicy belly of pork and is cooked in soy sauce, rice wine and sugar. The pork is reddish-brown in color and melts in your mouth. It has a sweet tender taste.

Here are two recommended restaurants:

• Lao Ji Tangis located at  600, Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District.
  • Shanghai Minis located at  168, Lujiazui West Road, Pudong New Area.

Nightlife in Downtown Shanghai

Illuminated by the neon lights, nightlife in downtown Shanghai is dazzling and exciting. Rooftop bars are perfect for night views and clubs and bars like Found 158 are ideal for people with high energy.

Shanghai is in the process of becoming a 24-hour vibrant city. More and more 24-hour businesses have sprung up, like the 24-hour gyms, 24-hour self-study rooms, 24-hour hot spring baths, and 24-hour pet houses. There is no need to worry about running out of time at all.

Get inspiration from our popular Shanghai night tours for more ideas to spending your night in Shanghai.

Transportation in Downtown Shanghai

How to Get from Shanghai Airports to Downtown Shanghai?

From Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Downtown

• Maglev Train

Route: Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Metro Station (in Pudong).

Time: 8 minutes from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Metro Station.

Price: 50 CNY for Maglev Train.

• Ride-hailing (Didi)

Route: Direct to your destination.

Time: 45-90 minutes.

Price: Over 100 CNY.

• Shanghai Metro

Route: Pudong Airport to your destination.

Time: 60-75 minutes.

Price: Around 7-9 CNY.

• Airport Shuttle Bus

Route: Pudong Airport to Hongqiao, Jing’an Temple, and other destinations.

Time: 60-90 minutes.

Price: 18-34 CNY.

From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to Downtown

• Shanghai Metro

Route: Hongqiao Airport to your destination.

Time: 40-60 minutes

Price: Around 4-6 CNY.

• Ride-hailing (Didi)

Route: Direct to your destination.

Time: 35-50 minutes.

Price: 50-100 CNY.

• Airport Shuttle Bus

Route: Hongqiao Airport to various destinations.

Time: 40-60 minutes.

Price: 36 CNY.

How to Get from Shanghai Train Stations to Downtown Shanghai?

From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

• Shanghai Metro

Route: The station is directly connected to Line 2 and 10.

Time: 40-50 minutes.

Price:  4-6 RMB.

• Taxi / Ride-hailing (Didi)

Route: Directly to your destination.

Time: 20-30 minutes.

Price:  50-120 RMB.

From Shanghai Railway Station

• Shanghai Metro

Route: The station is directly connected to Line 1, 3 and 4.

Time: 20-30 minutes.

Price:  3-6 RMB.

• Taxi / Ride-hailing (Didi)

Route: Directly to your destination.

Time: 10-30 minutes.

Price:  20-40 RMB.

From Shanghai South Railway Station

• Shanghai Metro

Route: The station is directly connected to Line 1, 3 and 15.

Time: 20-30 minutes.

Price:  4-6 RMB.

• Taxi / Ride-hailing (Didi)

Route: Directly to your destination.

Time: 30-60 minutes.

Price:  40-60 RMB.

How to Travel Around the Downtown Area

Shanghai Metro

Line 2: Hongqiao Airport, Pudong Airport, Jing’an Temple, People’s Square, and Lujiazui.

Line 1 and Line 8: People’s Square and South Shaanxi Road.

Line 10: Xintiandi, Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing East Road, and Jing’an Temple.

Taxis

It is the most convenient way that can be taken to your destinations. Nevertheless, traffic congestion would be a possibility. The flag-fall fare will be 14 yuan up to the first 3 kilometers and 2.5 yuan on the extra kilometer. The cost of taxi in Shanghai is a bit high.

Shared Bikes

It is a perfect choice for short distances. You can scan the QR code on the bike with WeChat to unlock it. Some may need a deposit. The cost of shared bikes is low, 1.5 yuan in the first 15 minutes and 0.5-1.5 per minute.

The Former French Concession and the bike lane on the Bund are the ideal places for bike riding.

Walking

The Bund is an appropriate location to take a stroll and enjoy the evening wind. It is also possible to stroll the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street that is an automobile-free shopping area.

Related reading: Shanghai Transportation: Getting to & around

Huangpu River Cruises Tours

Here is a detailed information about the Huangpu River night cruise.

Accommodation in Downtown Shanghai

The hotel charge is usually higher in downtown Shanghai due to the good location. There are various choices, both five-star hotels and those that are not very expensive.

If you choose the luxury one, particularly the hotels located in the Bund and in Lujiazui, Pudong, you can have the magnificent night scenes inside the hotel. The cheaper ones can be situated in the less modern areas of the city.

Here are some recommended high-end hotels:

• The PuLi Hotel and Spa

Location: Jing’an District

Price: Over 3,000 CNY per night.

• Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Location: Huangpu District

Price: Over 2,000 CNY per night.

Recommended affordable hotels:

• Hostels: There are many hostels near Yuyuan, People’s Square, and the Former French Concession. Each berth costs about 50 CNY per night.
• Homestay: The price is about 400 CNY per night. It is a perfect choice for group travelers.

How to Plan a Trip in Downtown Shanghai

A 2-day trip in downtown Shanghai mainly covers some iconic landmarks. See the sample 2-day itinerary below:

Day 1: People’s Square – Shanghai Museum – Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street – Yuyuan Garden – The Bund

Day 2: Shanghai Tower – Former French Concession – Jing’an Temple – Xintiandi – Oriental Pearl Tower

Day Trips from Downtown Shanghai

If time permits, you can also visit the surrounding areas outside downtown Shanghai.

• Zhujiajiao Water Town is famous for its canals, stone bridges, and historical streets, which can date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• Shanghai Disney Resort is a magical theme park. It welcomed 7 million tourists in 2024.

Tips for Exploring Downtown Shanghai

• Best time to visit Shanghai: April-May / September-November
• Beat the crowds:

The peak periods are 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM on weekdays. Most attractions are crowded on weekends and during Chinese public holidays. You can avoid those periods.

• Prepare for the transportation:

You can download Metro Daduhui app and scan QR code at the gates to take the metro.

Alipay and WeChat Pay are highly recommended.

FAQs about Downtown Shanghai

What is the main area of Shanghai?

The main downtown area is centered around the Huangpu District.

Can I visit Downtown Shanghai in one day?

Yes. Just choose some major attractions, like People’s Square, the Bund, and Shanghai Tower.

What is the difference between Puxi and Pudong in Shanghai?

Puxi is also called old Shanghai and it is more historic.

Pudong is called modern Shanghai and it is more futuristic,

How safe is it to walk around downtown Shanghai at night?

Very safe.

How can I get a good city view of Shanghai’s skyline?

You can enjoy it from the Bund and the Huangpu River Cruise.

Can you easily walk between The Bund, Nanjing Road, and People’s Square?

Yes. It only takes 10 minutes from Nanjing Road to the Bund. From People’s Square to Nanjing Road, it takes 14 minutes.

Discover Highlights of Shanghai with China Xian Tour

How charming Shanghai is! Only by experiencing by yourself can you truly feel its glamour. China Xian Tour provides a customized itinerary for you and ensures a joyful Shanghai tour. The landmarks in Shanghai are scattered. With our reasonable route, you can visit all the attractions in a quick and effortless manner.

Our practised tour guide and drivers are ready to offer some insider tips. Contact us and start your journey.