Shanghai is a city that is constantly buzzing with energy. There are always things to do and places to see, making it the perfect destination for tourists. Whether you’re looking for amazing food, historical sites, or fun activities, Shanghai has something for everyone. In this article, we will discuss the 15 best tourist attractions and things to do in Shanghai!
#1 – Take a Stroll along Shanghai’s Promenade: The Bund
Most visitors to Shanghai are drawn to its lively neighborhoods and iconic skyscrapers. However, for a more relaxed experience, take a stroll along the Bund. Officially known as the Lujiazui Riverside Promenade, this promenade offers stunning views of the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline. This historic waterfront area offers stunning views of the skyline and is a great place to people watch. This world-famous promenade offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, featuring some of the most iconic landmarks. You can also find some of the best restaurants and bars in Shanghai along The Bund.
#2 – Visit Shanghai’s Oldest Green Space: Yu Garden
Yu Garden is Shanghai’s oldest and most famous garden. Located in the heart of the old city, it is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and tranquility. The garden was first built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, making it over 400 years old! There are five main areas to explore in Yu Garden: the Court of Honor, Pinnacle Pavilion, Inner Garden, Parental Palace, and Tower of Prosperity. Each area is filled with lovely pavilions, ponds, pagodas, and rock formations. Today, it is a major tourist attraction with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and rock gardens. This top-rated tourist attraction is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai life and relax in peace and tranquility.
#3 – See the Priceless Statues of the Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Shanghai. It was founded in 1882 and is home to two white jade Buddhas. The temple also has a museum with a large collection of Buddhist artifacts. The Jade Buddha Temple is a must-see for anyone interested in Buddhism or Chinese history. This stunning temple is home to some of the most beautiful statues you will ever see. The highlight of the temple is two statutes of Buddha made from jade. These statues are absolutely breathtaking and worth seeing for yourself!
#4 – Learn about Chinese Culture at the Shanghai Museum
Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum remains China’s most important museum of classical Chinese art. With over 120,000 precious relics, the museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts. The Shanghai Museum is an excellent place to learn about traditional Chinese art, culture, and history. The museum’s collection includes ceramics, jades, bronzes, calligraphy, sculptures, and paintings. If you’re interested in learning more about China’s rich cultural heritage, the Shanghai Museum is a must-visit! You’ll get a real sense of the depth and diversity of Chinese culture, from ancient pottery to modern paintings.
#5 – Visit Historic Longhua Temple and Pagoda
Longhua Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples in Shanghai. The temple dates back to the Three Kingdoms period (220-280 AD), making it over 1500 years old! The temple complex covers an enormous area, with many beautiful buildings, gardens, and sculptures. The highlight of Longhua Temple is the magnificent Longhua Pagoda. The pagoda is over 100 meters tall and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries. The current incarnation was reconstructed in 2004. The pagoda is also a recent construction, having been built in 2009. Visitors to Longhua Temple and Pagoda can enjoy beautiful gardens, impressive architecture, and stunning views of Shanghai from the top of the pagoda. Admission is free for both the temple and pagoda.
#6 – See the Views from the Oriental Pearl Tower
No visit to Shanghai would be complete without a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower. This iconic building offers visitors stunning views of the city and its surrounds, from high up in the sky. The Oriental Pearl Tower is a massive structure in Shanghai, China. At 468 meters high, it offers some of the best views of the city. Visitors can take an elevator to the top for panoramic views or head to one of the many restaurants inside. The tower is also home to a museum and several shops. This iconic structure offers visitors stunning 360-degree views of the cityscape and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a bird’s eye view of the Huangpu River or an up-close look at the skyscrapers that line it, this top-rated Shanghai tourist attraction is definitely worth a visit!
#7 – Shop Until You Drop on Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is one of the most famous shopping streets in Shanghai. It’s over five kilometers long and lined with all sorts of shops, from high-end designer brands to local Chinese souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for a new outfit or just window shopping, Nanjing Road is a great place to spend an afternoon. And if you get tired of walking, you can always hop on one of the many buses that run up and down the street. This iconic street is home to some of the best shopping in the city, with everything from top global brands to local stalls selling traditional handicrafts. With something for everyone, Nanjing Road is a must-visit for any shopper looking for a bargain.
#8 – Gather at the People’s Square
People’s Square is the largest public square in Shanghai and is a great place to people watch. On any given day, you’ll see locals practicing tai chi, playing chess, or just relaxing in the park. The square is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Some are here to take a leisurely stroll, others to enjoy one of the many street performances, but most are here for one thing – the food. The aroma of fried dough and barbecue fills the air as locals and visitors alike sit down at the makeshift tables and enjoy a meal under the stars. Whether you’re trying out a new dish or indulging in a classic favorite, this popular Shanghai tourist attraction is always a delicious choice.
#9 – The French Connection: Tianzifang
For a taste of Europe in the heart of Shanghai, head to Tianzifang. This charming pedestrian area is filled with narrow alleyways lined with boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. Tianzifang was once a traditional residential area, but has since been transformed into a popular tourist destination. Visitors can find everything from traditional Chinese art to trendy fashion here. Tianzifang is the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring, shopping, and people watching. This labyrinth of alleyways is crammed full of boutiques, art galleries, and trendy restaurants, all curated with a distinctly French flair.
#10 – Xujiahui Cathedral and the Sheshan Basilica
Both Xujiahui Cathedral and the Sheshan Basilica are Jesuit Catholic churches in Shanghai. Completed in 1869 and 1934, respectively, they are some of the most impressive religious buildings in China. Despite their close proximity to one another, these two landmarks offer very different experiences to visitors. Xujiahui Cathedral, also known as the Xujiaping Cathedral, is a Catholic church located in the Xujiahui area of Shanghai. The cathedral was built in 1906 and is one of the oldest Catholic churches in Shanghai. The Sheshan Basilica, located on nearby Sheshan Hill, is also worth a visit. Each one has a unique story to tell. Whether you’re interested in history or architecture, there’s something for everyone to appreciate in Shanghai’s religious sites.
#11 – Visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is one of the largest science museums in China. The museum has 14 exhibition halls, covering topics such as space exploration, transportation, energy, telecommunications, and more. With over 800 exhibits on display, the museum is a great place to learn about the latest scientific and technological advances from China and around the world. With exhibits on science, technology, and history, this popular Shanghai tourist attraction has something for everyone. And with its location in downtown Shanghai, it’s easy to get to.
#12 – The China Art Museum
The China Art Museum is a museum of Chinese art, located in the Cultural District of downtown Shanghai. The museum is divided into two sections: the east and west wings. The east wing contains ancient Chinese art, while the west wing contains modern and contemporary art. The museum has a collection of over 200,000 pieces of art, making it one of the largest museums in the world. It also has one of the most complete collections of Chinese art in the world. In addition to its permanent collection, the China Art Museum also organizes special exhibitions throughout the year.
#13 – Visit Shanghai Disney Resort
When Shanghai Disneyland Resort opened on June 16, 2016, it was the sixth Disney Park to open worldwide and the first in mainland China. The resort is located about 40 kilometers west of downtown Shanghai and occupies 5.5 square kilometers. It features attractions based on classic Disney stories and characters, as well as new experiences exclusive to Shanghai Disneyland. With its turrets and spires, the Enchanted Storybook Castle is the tallest and largest castle at any Disney theme park. The $5.5 billion resort has been a popular destination since it opened with occupancy rates reaching 98% in its first two months of operation. Visitors have praised the park’s attention to detail and its many unique attractions. Even Mickey Mouse made an appearance at the grand opening ceremony!
#14 – Jin Mao Tower and Skywalk
The Jin Mao Tower is a skyscraper in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. It is 420.0 metres tall and has 88 stories, with a total floor area of 380,000 square metres. The building’s name translates as “Golden Wealth Building”. The Jin Mao Tower contains a shopping centre, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai hotel, and office space. It is the tallest building in China and the fifth-tallest in the world. The tower has a trapezoidal footprint and is constructed from reinforced concrete. The exterior cladding is made of glass, aluminium, and stainless steel. The Skywalk is a walkway on the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. It is 120 metres above the ground and offers views of the city. The walkway is made of glass and steel, and is enclosed by a handrail. This building is home to some of the most thrilling attractions in the city, including a skywalk and a viewing deck.
#15 – Shanghai Natural History Museum
Shanghai is a city that is constantly growing and changing. As new buildings go up and the skyline expands, it can be easy to forget about some of the older treasures that the city has to offer. The Shanghai Natural History Museum is one such treasure, hiding in plain sight amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Shanghai. The museum may not be as large as its counterparts in Europe or North America, but it’s worth a visit for anyone interested in learning more about China’s natural history. The museum is dedicated to the exhibition and study of natural history, with exhibits ranging from prehistoric fossils to animal specimens from all over the world. There are also interactive displays and a planetarium on site.
Conclusion
Shanghai is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for historical attractions, world-class shopping, or amazing food, Shanghai will not disappoint. We hope our list of the best tourist attractions and things to do in Shanghai helps you plan your next visit. What’s your favorite attraction or activity on our list? Have you been to any of these tourist spots in Shanghai? What was your favorite thing to do there? Let us know in the comments below!
