Three Must-Visit Areas in Shanghai
Discover Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront, magical theme park, and futuristic new district
ποΈ
The Bund
Historic waterfront promenade showcasing colonial architecture and modern skyline views
2.1M Annual Visitors
π°
Shanghai Disneyland
World-class theme park featuring unique attractions and authentic Disney magic with Chinese elements
11M Annual Visitors
π
Lingang New Area
Futuristic free trade zone showcasing cutting-edge technology and sustainable urban development
500K Annual Visitors
1
The Bund (ε€ζ»©)
β β β β β 4.9/5
π Huangpu District
π₯ 2.1M Annual Visitors
π 24/7 Access
Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade, stretching 1.5 kilometers along the Huangpu River. This historic area showcases a stunning collection of colonial-era buildings from the 1920s and 1930s, offering unparalleled views of the futuristic Pudong skyline across the river. The Bund represents the perfect juxtaposition of Shanghai’s rich past and dynamic future.
Major Attractions & Landmarks
πΆ
The Bund Promenade
The heart of The Bund experience, this elevated walkway offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pudong skyline. The promenade is beautifully illuminated at night, creating one of the world’s most spectacular urban vistas. Street performers, photographers, and vendors add to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the day and evening.
Best Time: Sunset & Evening
Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry: Free
Highlights: Skyline views, Photography, Street performances
Metro: East Nanjing Road (Lines 2, 10)
π¨
Fairmont Peace Hotel
A legendary Art Deco masterpiece built in 1929, the Peace Hotel is one of Shanghai’s most iconic buildings. Once known as the Cathay Hotel, it hosted famous guests including Charlie Chaplin and George Bernard Shaw. The hotel’s distinctive green pyramid roof and elegant facade make it a architectural gem of The Bund.
Built: 1929
Style: Art Deco
Famous Guests: Charlie Chaplin, Noel Coward
Highlights: Historic lobby, Jazz bar, Rooftop views
Address: 20 Nanjing East Road
π°οΈ
Shanghai Custom House
Built in 1927, this neoclassical building features the famous Big Ching clock tower, often called “Big Ben of the East.” The building served as the customs headquarters during Shanghai’s international settlement period and remains an important symbol of the city’s commercial heritage. The clock tower chimes every 15 minutes and can be heard throughout The Bund area.
Built: 1927
Height: 79 meters
Style: Neoclassical
Highlights: Clock tower, Historic architecture, River views
Nickname: “Big Ben of the East”
ποΈ
Former HSBC Building
Completed in 1923, this magnificent neoclassical building was once the headquarters of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Known for its impressive dome and grand entrance hall with beautiful mosaic ceiling, the building was considered “the most luxurious building from the Suez Canal to the Bering Strait.” Today it houses the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank.
Built: 1923
Architect: Palmer & Turner
Style: Neoclassical
Highlights: Mosaic ceiling, Grand dome, Historic banking hall
Current Use: Pudong Development Bank
π
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
A unique underground tunnel connecting The Bund to Pudong, featuring an automated train system with a spectacular light and sound show. The 647-meter journey takes visitors through a psychedelic experience with colorful LED displays, themed sections, and immersive audio effects. While touristy, it offers a fun and memorable way to cross the Huangpu River.
Length: 647 meters
Duration: 5 minutes
Entry: Β₯55 one-way
Highlights: Light show, Automated trains, River crossing
Operating: 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Insider Tips for The Bund
π
Best Photography Times:
Golden hour (6:30-7:30 PM) offers the most spectacular lighting for skyline photos. The buildings are illuminated while natural light still provides detail.
πΆ Crowd Avoidance:
Visit early morning (7-9 AM) or late evening (after 9 PM) for fewer crowds. Weekdays are significantly less busy than weekends.
π½οΈ Dining Options:
Historic buildings house world-class restaurants. Book rooftop bars in advance for sunset dining with panoramic views.
2
Shanghai Disneyland (δΈζ΅·θΏͺ士尼δΉε)
β β β β β 4.7/5
π Pudong District
π₯ 11M Annual Visitors
π’ 6 Themed Lands
The newest and most technologically advanced Disney theme park in the world, opened in 2016. Spanning 963 acres, Shanghai Disneyland combines classic Disney magic with uniquely Chinese elements, creating an authentic yet culturally relevant experience. The park features cutting-edge attractions, immersive storytelling, and the largest Disney castle ever built.
Six Magical Themed Lands
π
Mickey Avenue
The grand entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, featuring the world’s first Mickey-themed main street. This vibrant area showcases Art Nouveau architecture with Chinese design elements, housing character meet-and-greets, shopping, and dining. The Avenue of M. Mouse offers unique merchandise and immersive Disney storytelling from the moment guests enter.
Key Attractions: Character greetings, Shopping
Unique Feature: First Mickey-themed main street
Best For: All ages
Highlights: M. Mouse Mercantile, Remy’s Patisserie
Architecture: Art Nouveau with Chinese elements
Duration: 30-60 minutes
πΈ
Gardens of Imagination
A celebration of Chinese culture and Disney imagination, featuring beautiful gardens inspired by the 12 Chinese zodiac animals. This unique land includes the Dumbo ride, Fantasia Carousel, and the Marvel Universe attractions. The area seamlessly blends traditional Chinese garden design with Disney storytelling and modern attractions.
Key Attractions: Dumbo, Fantasia Carousel
Theme: Chinese zodiac gardens
Best For: Families with young children
Highlights: Marvel Universe, Chinese gardens
Cultural Element: 12 zodiac animal gardens
Duration: 2-3 hours
π°
Fantasyland
Home to the magnificent Enchanted Storybook Castle, the largest Disney castle ever built at 196 feet tall. This magical land features classic Disney attractions including Peter Pan’s Flight, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The castle houses multiple attractions, dining, and shopping experiences across its multiple levels.
Key Attractions: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Castle Height: 196 feet (60 meters)
Best For: All ages, families
Highlights: Largest Disney castle, Peter Pan’s Flight
Unique Feature: Multi-level castle experiences
Duration: 3-4 hours
π΄ββ οΈ
Treasure Cove
The world’s first Pirates of the Caribbean-themed land, featuring the groundbreaking Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure attraction. This immersive land recreates a Caribbean pirate port with detailed theming, interactive experiences, and cutting-edge technology. The signature attraction uses advanced robotics and projection mapping for an unprecedented pirate adventure.
Key Attraction: Battle for Sunken Treasure
World First: Pirates-themed land
Best For: Thrill seekers, all ages
Technology: Advanced robotics, projection mapping
Theme: Caribbean pirate port
Duration: 2-3 hours
π
Adventure Isle
A mysterious prehistoric world featuring the thrilling TRON Lightcycle Power Run, one of the fastest Disney coasters ever built. This futuristic land also includes Roaring Rapids white-water adventure and the Challenge Trails rope course. The area combines high-tech attractions with natural landscapes, creating an immersive adventure experience.
Key Attractions: TRON Lightcycle Power Run
Speed: Fastest Disney coaster
Best For: Thrill seekers, adventure lovers
Highlights: Roaring Rapids, Challenge Trails
Theme: Prehistoric adventure world
Duration: 3-4 hours
π
Tomorrowland
A futuristic realm featuring space-age attractions and cutting-edge technology. Home to Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, Jet Packs, and Stitch Encounter interactive show. The land showcases Disney’s vision of the future with sleek architecture, innovative attractions, and immersive experiences that blend storytelling with advanced technology.
Key Attractions: Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue
Theme: Space-age future
Best For: Families, sci-fi fans
Highlights: Jet Packs, Stitch Encounter
Technology: Interactive experiences
Duration: 2-3 hours
Essential Disneyland Tips
π« FastPass Strategy:
Download the official app and book FastPass+ for popular attractions like TRON and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train early in the day.
β° Best Times:
Arrive at park opening (8:00 AM) and stay for evening fireworks. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
π½οΈ Dining Reservations:
Book character dining and signature restaurants 60 days in advance. Try unique Chinese-Disney fusion dishes.
3
Lingang New Area (δΈ΄ζΈ―ζ°ηεΊ)
β β β β β 4.5/5
π Pudong District
π₯ 500K Annual Visitors
ποΈ Est. 2019
Shanghai’s newest and most ambitious development project, the Lingang Special Area represents China’s vision of a future smart city. Covering 119.5 square kilometers, this free trade zone showcases cutting-edge technology, sustainable urban planning, and innovative architecture. As a testbed for new policies and technologies, Lingang offers visitors a glimpse into the future of urban development.
Key Attractions & Innovations
π
Tesla Gigafactory 3
Tesla’s first manufacturing facility outside the United States, representing a landmark achievement in international automotive manufacturing. This state-of-the-art facility produces Model 3 and Model Y vehicles for the Chinese market and export. The factory showcases advanced automation, sustainable manufacturing practices, and serves as a symbol of China’s commitment to electric vehicle technology.
Opened: 2019
Production: 450,000+ vehicles/year
Investment: $2 billion USD
Models: Model 3, Model Y
Technology: Advanced automation
Tours: Limited availability
π
Dishui Lake (ζ»΄ζ°΄ζΉ)
A stunning artificial lake at the heart of Lingang, designed as a perfect circle with a diameter of 2.6 kilometers. The lake serves as both a recreational area and a symbol of the district’s innovative urban planning. Surrounded by modern architecture and green spaces, it offers walking paths, cycling routes, and water activities. The lake’s design incorporates advanced water management and environmental sustainability features.
Diameter: 2.6 kilometers
Shape: Perfect circle
Activities: Walking, cycling, boating
Features: Sustainable water management
Surroundings: Modern architecture
Best Time: Sunset hours
π
Shanghai Maritime University
A prestigious maritime education institution with a beautiful modern campus in Lingang. The university specializes in maritime technology, logistics, and ocean engineering, reflecting the area’s focus on innovation and international trade. The campus features contemporary architecture, advanced research facilities, and serves as an important educational hub for the region’s development.
Specialization: Maritime technology
Campus: Modern architecture
Students: 20,000+
Research: Ocean engineering, logistics
International: Global partnerships
Visits: Campus tours available
π‘
Technology Innovation Centers
Multiple cutting-edge research and development facilities focusing on artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing. These centers attract international companies and startups, creating a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. Visitors can explore exhibition halls showcasing the latest technological breakthroughs and future city concepts.
Focus Areas: AI, autonomous vehicles
Companies: 500+ tech startups
Investment: $5+ billion
Exhibitions: Future city concepts
Tours: Technology showcases
Innovation: International partnerships
π’
Yangshan Deep Water Port
One of the world’s largest automated container ports, showcasing the future of maritime logistics. The port features fully automated cranes, autonomous vehicles, and AI-powered operations systems. Connected to the mainland by the impressive Donghai Bridge, this engineering marvel handles millions of containers annually and serves as a crucial gateway for international trade.
Capacity: 47+ million TEU/year
Technology: Fully automated
Bridge: 32.5 km Donghai Bridge
Ranking: World’s largest container port
Innovation: AI-powered operations
Viewing: Observation decks available
Lingang: City of the Future
π± Sustainability:
Carbon-neutral development with renewable energy, green buildings, and smart waste management systems integrated throughout the district.
π€ Smart City:
IoT sensors, 5G networks, and AI systems create an interconnected urban environment that responds to residents’ needs in real-time.
π Global Hub:
International business center attracting multinational corporations and fostering innovation through cross-cultural collaboration.
Three Areas Comparison
| Aspect | The Bund | Shanghai Disneyland | Lingang New Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Appeal | Historic architecture & skyline views | Family entertainment & Disney magic | Future technology & innovation |
| Best For | Photography, history lovers, couples | Families, children, Disney fans | Tech enthusiasts, business visitors |
| Time Needed | Half day (4-6 hours) | Full day (8-12 hours) | Half day (4-6 hours) |
| Cost Level | Free (dining/shopping extra) | High (Β₯399-599 tickets) | Low to moderate |
| Transportation | Metro Lines 2, 10 (city center) | Metro Line 11 (45 min from center) | Metro Line 16 (60 min from center) |
| Crowd Level | Very high (especially evenings) | High (weekends & holidays) | Low to moderate |
| Unique Features | Colonial architecture, river views | Chinese-Disney fusion, largest castle | Smart city technology, Tesla factory |
Recommended 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: The Bund
Morning: Historic buildings tour
Afternoon: Promenade walk & photography
Evening: Sunset views & dinner
Night: Illuminated skyline
Day 2: Disneyland
Early: Park opening & FastPass
Morning: Fantasyland & castle
Afternoon: Adventure Isle & TRON
Evening: Fireworks spectacular
Day 3: Lingang
Morning: Dishui Lake & cycling
Afternoon: Innovation centers tour
Late: Tesla factory (if available)
Evening: Future city exploration
Experience All Three Iconic Areas
From historic elegance to magical adventures to futuristic innovation – discover Shanghai’s past, present, and future with our expert guides
π +86 150 2657 7566 | βοΈ [email protected] | π Expert guidance for all three areas