Best Places to Visit in Shanghai for Culture and Nightlife

places to visit in shanghai
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Shanghai, the largest city in China, is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. There are many places to visit in Shanghai, including the Bund, Yu Garden, and the Shanghai Museum. The Bund is a waterfront area on the Huangpu River that is home to many historical buildings. Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden that was built in the 16th century.

There are many things to do in Shanghai, one of the most famous and vibrant cities in the world. A few of the top attractions include visiting the city’s world-class museums and art galleries, such as the Shanghai Museum and the China Art Museum. Wandering through the narrow streets of the old town, or “Nanshi”, is also a popular thing to do, as is spending time in one of the city’s many parks or gardens. With its bustling nightlife, Shanghai is also a great place to party.

What’s Shanghai famous for?

Shanghai is one of the most famous cities in China and is known for its international atmosphere and its historical landmarks. There are many places to visit in Shanghai, including the Bund, which offers a beautiful view of the Huangpu River; Yuyuan Garden, a traditional Chinese garden; and the Oriental Pearl Tower, a television tower with an observation deck.

15 Top-rated tourist attractions & things to do in Shanghai:

places to visit in shanghai

#1 The Bund

The Best popular places to visit in Shanghai, with great views of the city’s skyline

places to visit in shanghai

#2 Yu Garden

The garden was originally built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan, a government official from southern China

places to visit in shanghai

#3 Nanjing Road 

The Best popular places to visit in Shanghai, with great views of the city’s skyline

places to visit in shanghai

#4 Longhua Temple and Pagoda

The Longhua Temple and Pagoda are some of the most awe-inspiring places to visit in Shanghai

places to visit in shanghai

#5 Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shanghai

places to visit in shanghai

#6 Learn about Chinese Culture at the Shanghai Museum

Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum remains China’s most important museum of classical Chinese art

places to visit in shanghai

#7 Visit Historic Longhua Temple and Pagoda

Located in a pleasant park in the southwest area of Shanghai, the splendid Longhua Temple remains one of the oldest religious sites in Chin

places to visit in shanghai

#8 To See the Views from the Oriental Pearl Tower

A must-visit while in Shanghai is the 468-meter-tall Oriental Pearl Radio and TV Tower

places to visit in shanghai

#9 Gather at the People’s Square

The Best popular places to visit in Shanghai, with great views of the city’s skylineBuilt on what was once the city’s racecourse

places to visit in shanghai

#10 The French Connection: Tianzifang

Fuxing Park is another notable tourist attraction with a distinctly French flavor

places to visit in shanghai

#11 The French Connection: Tianzifang

A highlight of a visit is following the 14 Stations of the Cross, which zigzag up the hill to the church

places to visit in shanghai

#12 Visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

Opened in 2001, the museum offers numerous things to see and do, including interactive multimedia exhibits

places to visit in shanghai

#13 The China Art Museum

Highlights of a visit include its fascinating collections of Chinese modern art, exhibits of prominent Chinese artists

places to visit in shanghai

#14  Visit Shanghai Disney Resort

Highlights include Gardens of Imagination, with its pleasant Chinese gardens and Dumbo carousel, and Fantasyland

places to visit in shanghai

#15 Shanghai Natural History Museum

This stunning world-class facility was established in 1956 and only recently opened up in its new state-of-the-art location in Jing’an Sculpture Park in 2015

#1 Take a Stroll along Shanghai’s Promenade: The Bund

places to visit in shanghai

The Bund is a historic riverfront area in downtown Shanghai. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Shanghai, with great views of the city’s skyline. The area is home to a number of landmarks, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Peace Monument. There are also a number of restaurants and bars in the area, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

The Bund or Waitan is a waterfront area in Shanghai. It stretches for over 1.5 kilometers and is flanked by some of the city’s most iconic buildings, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower. The Bund has been a popular tourist destination for years, and with good reason—it’s one of the best places to take in the view of Shanghai’s impressive skyline.

In addition to its stunning architecture, the Bund is also home to a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can find everything from high-end boutiques to street food vendors here. And if you’re looking for a place to relax, the Bund offers plenty of benches and open spaces where you can take in the views.

LocationOn the west bank of Huangpu River, in Huangpu District, Shanghai
Length1,500 meters (0.93 miles) stretching from the Waibaidu Bridge to East Jinling Road
HighlightsBest night view in Shanghai, sightseeing waterfront, western-style building clusters
Light Opening Hours19:00-23:00 from May to October, 18:00-21:00 from November to April
Time Needed for a Visit 1 – 2 hours
 

Places to visit:

  • Shanghai’s promenade and one of the most popular areas for tourists!
  • Anything we want, from food to shopping, we’ll find in this area.

#2 Visit Shanghai’s Oldest Green Space: Yu Garden

places to visit in shanghai

Located in the center of Shanghai, Yu Garden is a well-preserved classical garden. The garden was originally built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan, a government official from southern China. It took him 10 years to construct the garden. After several expansions and renovations, the garden reached its current size.

Yu Garden has five main areas: the entrance area, eastern area, central area, western area, and back area. Each area has its own features and attractions. The entrance area is known for its delicate stone carvings while the eastern area is home to a large rockery. The central area is most famous for its three-story pavilion known as “The Hall of Hanging Lanterns”. The western area has a beautiful pond with a bridge that spans it. And the back area features a number of small teahouses.

LocationNo. 137, Anren Street, Huangpu District, very close to the Old City God Temple
Length20,000 square meters (about five acres)
HighlightsExquisite classical gardening art, rockeries, and carvings, Yuyuan Bazaar
Best Seasons for VisitSpring and autumn
Time Needed for a Visit2 hours
 

Places to visit:

  • This is Shanghai’s principal shopping street and it’s where locals and tourists alike go to spend some money.
  • The street contains everything from souvenir shops to boutiques containing traditional arts and crafts and huge shopping malls.

#3 Nanjing Road 

places to visit in shanghai

Nanjing Road is a famous shopping district in Shanghai. The road is about 5.5 kilometers long, and it has over 600 shops. You can find anything you want on Nanjing Road, from clothes to souvenirs to electronics. The best way to experience Nanjing Road is to just walk down the street and explore all the different shops.

If we’re looking for something specific, there are a few places worth checking out. The Huaihai Road Shopping District is home to some of Shanghai’s most high-end stores, while the Yuyuan Bazaar has a more traditional Chinese feel and offers lots of souvenir options. If you’re looking for electronics, the Shanghai Zhongshan Park area is a great place to go.

No matter what we’re looking for, Nanjing Road is sure to have something for us!

LocationStart from The Bund and west to Middle Xizang Road, Huangpu District;
Lengthabout 1,600m (1,750 yards)
Highlights1h metro ride away from Pudong International Airport;
Best Seasons for VisitMap of East Nanjing Road
Time Needed for a Visit30mins metro ride away

Places to visit:

  • This is Shanghai’s principal shopping street and it’s where locals and tourists alike go to spend some money.
  • The street contains everything from souvenir shops to boutiques containing traditional arts and crafts and huge shopping malls.

#4 Longhua Temple and Pagoda 

places to visit in shanghai

The Longhua Temple and Pagoda is an important Buddhist temple in Shanghai. The temple was first built in the 8th century, but the pagoda was added in 1097. The pagoda is a seven-story tower that is over 60 meters tall. The temple and pagoda are popular tourist attractions in Shanghai.

The Longhua Temple and Pagoda are some of the most awe-inspiring places to visit in Shanghai. Dating back to around the tenth century, these structures are still standing as a testament to their former glory. While the temple has been renovated over the years, much of its original beauty remains intact, making it a popular tourist destination. The pagoda is equally impressive, with its seven tiers reaching high into the sky. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning views of Shanghai and its surroundings.

LocationNo. 2853, Longhua Road, Xuhui District
Lengthabout 1,600m (1,750 yards)
HighlightsLonghua Pagoda, New Year Bell-Striking Ceremony, Longhua Temple Fair, Peach Blossom
Areamore than 20,000 square meters (215,000 sq ft)
Time Needed for a Visit30mins metro ride away

Places to visit:

  • Otherwise known as the Garden of Happiness.
  • This garden offers a beautiful and serene escape from the craziness of the city.

#5 The Jade Buddha Temple

The Jade Buddha Temple is a Buddhist temple in Shanghai. It was constructed between 1882 and 1884. The temple is named after two jade Buddhas that were brought to Shanghai from Burma by sea. One of the jade Buddhas is housed in the main hall of the temple, while the other is displayed in the rear hall. The main hall also contains a statue of the Maitreya Buddha.

The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Shanghai. The temple is well known for its beautiful architecture and its two magnificent Buddha statues. The jade Buddha statue is especially famous and is considered one of the most important Buddhist statues in China. The temple has been rebuilt and expanded several times over the years and now covers an area of over 46,000 square meters. The temple has many different sections, including a Hall of the Kings of Buddhism, a Hall of the Heavenly Kings, and a Mahavira Hall.

The temple is also home to many beautiful sculptures and paintings, as well as two large jade Buddhas. The Jade Buddha Temple is definitely worth a visit when in Shanghai.

LocationNo. 170, Anyuan Road, Putuo District
Inauguration Date 1928
Highlights Chinese architecture
AreaNeighborhood: Jiangning Lu (Jiangning Road)
Time Needed for a Visit1-2 hours

Places to visit:

  • A beautiful temple that contains two Shakyamuni statues that were brought from Burma.
  • The temple is divided into 3 halls and two courtyards that all contain treasures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Shanghai is a fascinating city with plenty of places to visit. With its mix of traditional and modern cultures, there is something for everyone. Whether we are looking for historic sites, shopping districts, or beautiful parks, Shanghai has it all. So be sure to add Shanghai to our list of places to visit on our next trip to China.