Shanghai is full of iconic sights, offbeat local hangouts, and new experiences to keep you busy. If you’re visiting China, you’ll want to make the most of your time here.
Start your trip with a stroll along the Bund Promenade, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s home to some of Shanghai’s most beautiful buildings. This boardwalk area has a European feel to it and is a great place to snap that infamous ‘iconic’ photo of Shanghai.
Bund Promenade
Located along the Huangpu River in the center of Shanghai, the Bund Promenade is a must-see attraction. This mile-long strip of European-style buildings is a recognizable symbol of the city’s colonial past.
Besides the iconic architecture, this area is also home to many excellent restaurants and boutique shops. You will also find plenty of high-end brands like Prada, Cartier and Dolce & Gabbana.
You can take a stroll on the Bund promenade either by day or at night; it’s an easy way to soak up some of the city’s historic charm while enjoying the dazzling views of the modern skyscrapers opposite the Huangpu River. Alternatively, you can go on a boat cruise to get a more panoramic view.
Yuyuan Garden
The Yuyuan Garden is a renowned green oasis modeled after the famous Suzhou gardens. This classic garden consists of beautiful classical buildings scattered around charming ponds, bridges and rockery.
It is a masterful example of Chinese garden architecture, with asymmetrical use of the elements according to Feng Shui principles. Its zigzagging bridges and nooks are all designed with precision, making it an ideal place for a tranquil stroll.
After you’ve viewed the gardens, make your way over to the nearby Yuyuan Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise featuring local restaurants and shops. Take your pick from a wide range of upscale stores, including Tiffany, Mont Blanc and Omega, and dozens of specialty shops that sell choice silk goods and jade statuary.
Jing’an Temple
If you’re a fan of Buddhist temples then you might want to consider visiting the Jing’an Temple when you’re in Shanghai. It’s a prime spot in the city and is often included in city tour trips or tourist guides.
The temple’s main hall is stunningly ornate, with massive teak pillars and carefully carved beams. The ceilings are also decorated with wood panels.
There’s a lot to see inside the temple, but it can get busy, so it’s best to plan your visit ahead of time.
Originally located in the western suburbs of Shanghai, the Jing’an Temple was a popular tourist destination in the 19th century. It was a place where many people wrote about their tours in old records and poem collections.
Shanghai Museum
If you’re a history buff or you just have a lot of time to kill, consider making the trip to the world-class Shanghai Museum. Located in the heart of People’s Square, this five floors museum contains more than 120,000 pieces spread across 11 galleries.
The museum features everything from ancient coins and paintings to priceless ceramics, traditionally carved wooden furniture, and ancient bronze artifacts. The main ceramics exhibit showcases masterpieces from the Neolithic period through to the Qing dynasty.
The Xintiandi district is a shopping-and-dining hub, but most Shanghai residents used to live in shikumen (stone gate houses). This area features an open house museum that allows visitors to view the original and newly-built shikumen.
Shanghai World Financial Center
Shanghai World Financial Center is one of the city’s most iconic sights. The building’s unique design makes it possible for travelers to reach the world’s highest observation deck at 474 meters, which is higher than the observatory of CN Tower in Canada and Burj Dubai (Burj Khalifa) in Dubai.
The 100-floor observatory also gives visitors an unforgettable view of downtown Shanghai, Huangpu River and Oriental Pearl Tower. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves high-rises and skyline views!
Whether you’re a history buff or simply want to check out Shanghai’s modern architecture, you’ll find plenty to do and see in this dynamic metropolis. From shopping on the trendy Tianzifang pedestrian street to a stroll along the Bund’s promenade, there are many reasons to make Shanghai your next destination!
