Shanghai’s Top 10 Must-Visit Places
Discover the most iconic attractions and hidden gems, ranked by visitor satisfaction and local expertise
10
Top Attractions
6
Districts Covered
4.8
Average Rating
2.5M
Annual Visitors
How We Rank These Places
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Visitor Reviews
TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, and direct feedback from our clients
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Cultural Significance
Historical importance and cultural value to Shanghai’s heritage
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Accessibility
Ease of access, transportation options, and visitor facilities
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Local Expert Opinion
Recommendations from our team of Shanghai specialists
Shanghai Districts Map
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Top 10 Locations by District
[1] The Bund
[2] People’s Square
[3] Nanjing Road
[4] Yu Garden
[5] Shanghai Museum
[6] Oriental Pearl Tower
[7] Shanghai Tower
[8] Tianzifang
[9] Fuxing Park
[10] French Concession
The Complete Top 10 Ranking
1
The Bund (ε€ζ»©)
β β β β β 4.9/5
π Huangpu District
π₯ 2.1M Annual Visitors
Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade offering breathtaking views of the Pudong skyline. This historic area showcases 52 buildings of various architectural styles, representing the city’s colonial past and modern future. Perfect for sunrise and sunset photography, romantic walks, and understanding Shanghai’s transformation.
Best Time: Early morning or evening
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: Historic architecture, Skyline views, River cruise departure
Metro: East Nanjing Road (Lines 2, 10)
2
People’s Square (δΊΊζ°εΉΏεΊ)
β β β β β 4.7/5
π Jing’an District
π₯ 1.8M Annual Visitors
The cultural and administrative heart of Shanghai, featuring the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center. This massive public square serves as a central hub connecting multiple metro lines and offering a glimpse into both traditional Chinese culture and modern urban planning.
Best Time: Weekday mornings
Duration: Half day
Entry: Free (museums charge separately)
Highlights: Museums, Theatre, Urban planning center
Metro: People’s Square (Lines 1, 2, 8)
3
Nanjing Road (εδΊ¬θ·―)
β β β β β 4.6/5
π Jing’an District
π₯ 1.5M Annual Visitors
One of the world’s busiest shopping streets, stretching from the Bund to Jing’an Temple. This pedestrian-friendly boulevard combines historic department stores with modern shopping malls, traditional Chinese shops with international brands. The neon-lit street comes alive at night, offering endless shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Best Time: Evening for lights
Duration: 3-4 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: Shopping, Dining, Historic stores
Metro: East/West Nanjing Road (Lines 2, 10, 12, 13)
4
Yu Garden (豫ε)
β β β β β 4.8/5
π Huangpu District
π₯ 1.2M Annual Visitors
A magnificent example of classical Chinese garden design dating back to the Ming Dynasty. This 400-year-old garden features traditional pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and the famous Exquisite Jade Rock. The surrounding bazaar offers authentic Chinese crafts, snacks, and souvenirs in a historic setting.
Best Time: Early morning
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry: Β₯40 (Garden), Free (Bazaar)
Highlights: Classical garden, Historic bazaar, Traditional architecture
Metro: Yu Garden (Line 10)
5
Shanghai Museum (δΈζ΅·εη©ι¦)
β β β β β 4.7/5
π Huangpu District
π₯ 900K Annual Visitors
World-class museum housing one of China’s finest collections of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. The distinctive round-topped building contains 120,000 precious cultural relics spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and jade sculptures.
Best Time: Weekday mornings
Duration: 3-4 hours
Entry: Free (ID required)
Highlights: Ancient bronzes, Ceramics, Calligraphy
Metro: People’s Square (Lines 1, 2, 8)
6
Oriental Pearl Tower (δΈζΉζη ε‘)
β β β β β 4.5/5
π Pudong District
π₯ 800K Annual Visitors
Shanghai’s iconic TV tower and symbol of the city’s modernization. Standing 468 meters tall, this distinctive structure offers panoramic views from multiple observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and the Shanghai History Museum at its base. The tower’s unique design with spherical elements makes it instantly recognizable.
Best Time: Clear weather days
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry: Β₯160-220 (varies by deck)
Highlights: City views, Revolving restaurant, History museum
Metro: Lujiazui (Line 2)
7
Shanghai Tower (δΈζ΅·δΈεΏε€§ε¦)
β β β β β 4.9/5
π Pudong District
π₯ 600K Annual Visitors
China’s tallest building and the world’s second-tallest skyscraper at 632 meters. This architectural marvel features the world’s fastest elevators and the highest observation deck in the Western Hemisphere. The twisted glass facade and sustainable design make it a masterpiece of modern engineering and environmental consciousness.
Best Time: Sunset hours
Duration: 2 hours
Entry: Β₯180 (Observation deck)
Highlights: Highest viewpoint, Fast elevators, Modern architecture
Metro: Lujiazui (Line 2)
8
Tianzifang (η°εε)
β β β β β 4.4/5
π Hongkou District
π₯ 500K Annual Visitors
A charming arts and crafts enclave built within traditional shikumen (stone gate) houses. This labyrinth of narrow alleyways houses boutique shops, art galleries, cafes, and studios where local artists work and display their creations. The area perfectly blends old Shanghai residential architecture with contemporary creative culture.
Best Time: Afternoon
Duration: 2-3 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: Art galleries, Boutique shopping, Traditional architecture
Metro: Dapuqiao (Line 9)
9
Fuxing Park (ε€ε ΄ε ¬ε)
β β β β β 4.3/5
π Yangpu District
π₯ 400K Annual Visitors
Shanghai’s oldest park, originally designed in French style and later incorporating Chinese elements. This peaceful oasis in the heart of the former French Concession offers beautiful gardens, historic monuments, and a glimpse into local life as residents practice tai chi, play cards, and socialize in the early morning hours.
Best Time: Early morning
Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: French gardens, Local culture, Historic monuments
Metro: Shaanxi South Road (Lines 1, 10, 12)
10
French Concession (ζ³η§η)
β β β β β 4.6/5
π Xuhui District
π₯ 350K Annual Visitors
A historic neighborhood that retains much of its European charm with tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and sophisticated cafes. This area offers the perfect blend of East and West, featuring boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries, and beautifully preserved buildings that tell the story of Shanghai’s international past.
Best Time: Any time
Duration: Half day
Entry: Free
Highlights: Colonial architecture, Cafes, Boutique shopping
Metro: Multiple stations (Lines 1, 7, 10, 12)
Visitor Statistics & Trends
Annual Visitor Numbers (in millions)
The Bund ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ 2.1M
People’s Square ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ 1.8M
Nanjing Road ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ 1.5M
Yu Garden ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ 1.2M
Shanghai Museum ββββββββββββββββββββββββ 0.9M
Oriental Pearl ββββββββββββββββββββ 0.8M
Shanghai Tower ββββββββββββββββ 0.6M
Tianzifang ββββββββββββ 0.5M
Fuxing Park ββββββββββ 0.4M
French Concession ββββββββ 0.35M
Monthly Visitor Distribution
Peak Season
Oct-Nov: 35% of annual visitors
High Season
Apr-May: 25% of annual visitors
Moderate
Dec-Mar: 25% of annual visitors
Low Season
Jun-Sep: 15% of annual visitors
Visitor Demographics & Insights
Origin Distribution
International: 65%
β’ Europe: 25%
β’ North America: 20%
β’ Asia-Pacific: 15%
β’ Other: 5%
Domestic: 35%
β’ Beijing/Guangzhou: 15%
β’ Other Chinese cities: 20%
Age Demographics
25-34 years: 35%
35-44 years: 25%
45-54 years: 20%
18-24 years: 12%
55+ years: 8%
Millennials and Gen X represent 60% of all visitors
Travel Patterns
Solo travelers: 30%
Couples: 35%
Families: 20%
Groups: 15%
Average stay: 3.2 days
Repeat visitors: 22%
Key Insights for 2024
π Growth Trend: 15% increase in international visitors compared to 2023
π Top Rated: Shanghai Tower and The Bund maintain highest satisfaction scores
π± Digital Impact: 78% of visitors use mobile apps for navigation and information
π Hidden Gems: Tianzifang and French Concession gaining popularity among younger travelers
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