Top places to visit in Shanghai — 29+ famous, must-see & best places to visit in Shanghai

Shanghai, one of the most prosperous cities in China, is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. If you choose Shanghai for your discovery trip, let’s take a look at Shanghai’s most famous attractions and places to visit with us. So, where to go in Shanghai, where to visit in Shanghai? Let’s check out our top rated 29+ top places to visit in Shanghai which including best places to see in Shanghai, best places to visit in Shanghai, famous places to visit in Shanghai, must visit places in Shanghai, must see places in Shanghai, top 10 places to visit in Shanghai as follows!

Shanghai is the convergence of China’s national economy, finance, culture and education. This city not only stands out for its high-rise buildings, spectacular skyscrapers and modern architecture, but also has many interesting historical, cultural and religious heritages – including Buddhism. Shanghai is certainly an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience and feel the blend of contemporary city and cultural heritage.

The Bund (# best places to visit in shanghai)

Originally a concession area for foreigners to live in, the historical stories here are an endless source of inspiration for Chinese writers, poets, and directors to write poems and feature films full of attraction. If you have ever seen the Shanghai Bund through movies of the same name, then when you come here to visit in person, you will be even more surprised. The magnificent buildings in Gothic and Baroque styles are still intact, the busy and bustling shops and stores… all remind of a transitional Shanghai, young and dynamic but also full of nostalgia. This symbol of Shanghai city is definitely a must-visit place when you visit this city.

Those who love Chinese movies cannot miss the once-in-a-lifetime movie New Shanghai Bund along with the song The Bund, this place is beautiful and the lives of the people in the Shanghai Bund touch the hearts of many writers, filmmakers.

The buildings on the Shanghai wharf are extremely magnificent and majestic in intact Gothic and Baroque styles… or all the big brand fashion stores appear in this place, everything blends together remind us of a Shanghai that was both youthful and full of nostalgia.

Yu Garden (Yu Yuan) (# must see places in shanghai)

• Address: 279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, Shanghai, China
• Hours: 9:00 – 16:30). Closed on Monday, except national holidays.

An architectural complex with bold Chinese characteristics with a history of over 400 years, endlessly shimmering and brilliant, is what can be used to describe Yu Garden. This is Shanghai’s gift paradise, with shops and souvenir shops close together in ancient Chinese-style houses. The most popular items here include jewelry, handicrafts, clothes, shoes… and many other souvenirs. Visiting Yu Yuan in the evening to immerse yourself in the excitement of this shopping garden will be an extremely interesting experience for any visitor. You Garden is also one of the four most beautiful classic gardens in China.

Yu Yuan is a peaceful place of quiet gardens and ancient houses in the middle of bustling Shanghai city. The garden was built in the Ming Dynasty with many trees and flowers arranged harmoniously next to water streams and lotus ponds with bold Chinese aesthetics.

An ancient and interesting tourist place to visit. There are many ancient houses and pavilions built in this large area. A very nice place in the heart of Shanghai city. Everything is interesting – the architecture, the design, the flora. Now a national monument and one of Shanghai’s main attractions.

The unique architecture imbued with Chinese art, endlessly sparkling and brilliant are what can be used to describe Yu Garden, all of which make you excited to visit. Yu Garden means a peaceful garden with a 5-acre precinct.

Yu Garden is not large in area, but has all the components of a classical Chinese garden, including pavilion, main house, lake and harmonious layout. In particular, Lotus Lake is a enchanting beautiful place, with fresh lotus flowers and Spring Hall with an ancient architectural style. You should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Yu Garden when coming to Shanghai.

In addition to its beauty, Yu Garden is also known as Shanghai’s “gift paradise,” with shops and souvenir shops located next to each other. Coming to Yu Yuan at night, you will immerse yourself in the bustling and vibrant life of this shopping garden.

Nanjing Road (# must visit places in shanghai)

One of the best places to visit in Shanghai is Nanjing Road, which represents the prosperity of China’s upper class. Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s shopping, entertainment and cultural center, home to prestigious brands, shopping areas and vibrant life on Shanghai’s most prominent commercial street. It is about 5.5km long and has more than 600 large and small shops selling everything from cheap to luxury goods. Every day, about 1.7 million visitors visit Nanjing Road for shopping and sightseeing. In addition, Nanjing Road also has many restaurants, cafes and eateries serving the dining needs of tourists, from street food to high-end food.

Nanjing Street is also home to many large commercial buildings and the most modern shopping centers and malls in Shanghai. Not only is it an ideal shopping destination, this place also brings visitors many unique experiences, especially in the evening. When the sparkling lights shine, the shops, eateries and restaurants on the street are decorated with thousands of colored lights creating a romantic and magical space. Nanjing Street is also home to many attractive outdoor activities such as concerts, exhibitions and cultural exchanges. Events such as the Shanghai Festival of Lights or local music and culture festivals attract many visitors each year. This place is considered a symbol of Shanghai, not only contributing to the city’s economic and tourism development, but also being a place for visitors to explore and enjoy different aspects of culture and life in Shanghai.

Known as one of the busiest shopping areas on the planet, this nearly 6km long street is imbued with the identity of today’s Shanghai: youthful, dynamic, diverse, and rich. Bustling day and night, Nanjing Road is a must-visit place for shoppers and tourists every time they visit Shanghai.

Located right in the center of Shanghai, this place can be compared to the city’s “Avenue of Light”. On both sides of the road are luxurious buildings with eye-catching architectural styles. Visitors can also find stores of world-class luxury brands here such as Chanel, Cartier, Prada, Gucci, Omega, Rado, Longines… that shine brightly.

If you are a shopping enthusiast, you cannot miss Nanjing Road, also known as China’s First Road, where you can shop for all kinds of items from luxury to affordable. There is a busy, vibrant and bustling walking street about 5.5km long.

The street is full of big brand stores, silk and jade chains, or fast food chains.
Coming to this place not only satisfies your passion for “shopping”, but you can also feast your eyes on stunning beauties and “fashion” outfits worn on the street that are gorgeous, unique – strange too!

Shanghai Film Studio (# top 10 places to visit in shanghai)

• Address: 4915 Beisong Hwy, Chedunzhen, Songjiang District, Shanghai

An exciting trip to the past awaits you at the Chedun film studio in Shanghai, which vividly recreates the atmosphere and style of the years of the Republic. You will admire ancient costumes, romantic scenes and talented actors in famous Chinese films. Shanghai Film Studio is one of the largest and oldest film studios in Shanghai, built in 1998 in Songjiang District, southwest of the city. This is where the most beautiful moments of Chinese cinema, especially the historical movie genre, are recorded, with the perfect combination of technique and art. If you are a movie lover, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Chedun movie studio when coming to Shanghai.

No matter where you go in China, from Beijing, Guangzhou or Shanghai, you should pay a little attention to the film studios. Visiting Shanghai film studios, you will see many very familiar scenes and buildings in famous dramas about a transitional China. The film studio is only about an hour’s drive from the center of Shanghai, with an entrance ticket of only about Rmb$80/adult and Rmb$40/child, so if you visit this place, don’t miss this interesting place.

Jing’an Temple

• Address: 1686 Nanjing Rd (W), Jing’An, Shanghai
• Hours: 7:30 AM–5 PM

Jing’an Temple, also known as the Temple of the Jade Buddha, is one of the oldest and most famous cultural buildings in Shanghai. This temple has a history of more than 400 years, having witnessed many changes in Chinese history and culture. Although located in the middle of a busy central area, Jing’an still retains the solemn, majestic and pure beauty of a Buddhist temple.

This is the resting place of the rarest and most precious jade statue of Shakyamuni Buddha in China, with a record height of 3.8 meters and a weight of 11 tons. Besides, Jing’an temple also has many precious architecture and treasures for visitors to explore and admire. Jing’an is not only a spiritual destination but also a symbol of Chinese Buddhist culture, one of the important factors in the formation and development of this land. If you have the opportunity to come to Shanghai, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the temple, to feel the harmony between tradition and modernity, between nature and people, between material and spiritual.

Spiritual tourism is also an interesting feature when visiting Shanghai. There are many ancient temples in this city, the most prominent is Jing’an – the temple of peace and stand still. The pagoda is located right in the heart of the city, but stepping through the temple gate, all the hustle and bustle of the city disappears completely, like being lost in a green oasis right in the middle of bustling Shanghai.

Shanghai World Financial Center (# top places to visit in shanghai)

• Address: 100 Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120

Another unique Shanghai tourist place that many tourists coming to this city also want to visit is the world financial center in Shanghai. It is a creatively designed skyscraper, reaching 492 meters high into the sky. The 101-story building is home to the headquarters of 20 multinational financial institutions, shopping centers and a large hotel. Here, visitors can take the elevator to the top floor of the building to enjoy beautiful views of the bustling, prosperous city of Shanghai.

Nanpu Bridge

Nanpu Bridge is a river crossing connecting Huangpu district and Pudong new area in Shanghai, located on the Huangpu River waterway and is one of the components of the Shanghai Ring Expressway. Nanpu Bridge is the largest double-cable cable-stayed bridge in Shanghai with a total length of 836 meters, implying a giant dragon with its head held high above the Huangpu River, helping people. Shanghai realizes the dream of owning a “flying bridge over the Huangpu River”. The bridge is sturdy, straight and simple, gently flying over the Huangpu River, creating a magnificent landscape.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

• Address: 1 Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120

The tallest tower in Shanghai, the third tallest in the world, is definitely an extremely interesting place for every tourist. In addition to its famous height and its one-of-a-kind architecture, the unique architecture of the tower is also what makes many tourists curious to come and enjoy. At 468m high, there is no more perfect place for you to see panoramic views of Shanghai. Come here and at night, a vibrant and dynamic city with lights will appear before your eyes, sparkling and magical. Every year, the tower attracts up to three million tourists, so why don’t you try to experience it for yourself.

Located in Pudong District, next to the Huangpu River, Dongfang Mingzhu Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the tallest tower in Asia and the 3rd tallest on the planet. This is one of the charming Shanghai tourist destinations that attracts many tourists to visit.

The top of the building is clipped to create a sparkling light effect, highlighting the beauty of the place. At night, the TV tower is illuminated by brilliant LED lights, creating a majestic and sparkling scene. Shanghai TV Tower is not only an impressive architectural work, but also a symbol of the city and the country of China. This building attracts millions of tourists to visit and admire and is considered one of the wonders of the world.

The tower is not simply a television tower but also a multi-functional architectural complex. On this tower there are also museums, shopping centers, restaurants… And this is also an interesting place to help visitors admire the entire beauty of Shanghai city.

Even if you can’t get up to the tower, you’ll enjoy viewing it at night when the entire structure is lit up as part of a fascinating light show. Additionally, the glass floor of the outdoor observatory is perhaps one of the most thrilling attractions in Shanghai for those who love heights and adventure.

China Art Museum

China Art Museum is one of the world’s leading museums of ancient Chinese art. Located in the center of People’s Square, the museum has a unique architecture with a square representing the earth and a circle representing the sky, reflecting ancient Asian concepts. Inside the museum, visitors can admire valuable collections of ancient Chinese arts such as: antiques, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, ancient sculptures, ancient jade,… Each gallery are arranged harmoniously and scientifically, demonstrating the combination of Chinese wisdom and philosophy. China Art Museum is not only an ideal place for those who love Chinese art and culture, but also a symbol of the history and cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.

As a place to display and honor ancient artistic values, it can be said that the China Art Museum contains a part of Chinese history within itself. Here, you can admire bronze crafts that are thousands of years old and still retain their sophistication, and see sculptures, ceramics, and calligraphy from ancient Chinese kings. The museum is also a place to store furniture, primitive weapons or ancient Chinese crafts, which are truly extremely appealing.

It is a place to display and honor ancient values. Here you can witness and admire Chinese bronze crafts that are thousands of years old, you can also admire primitive weapons, crafts or furniture from ancient times.

Jade Buddha Temple

• Address: 170 Anyuan Rd, Jing’An, China, 200061

The Jade Buddha Temple has an area of nearly 20 hectares and has 72 rooms. The style of this pagoda bears the architectural features of the Song Dynasty thanks to its meticulous and smooth carvings.

Coming to the Jade Buddha Temple, you will be able to see with your own eyes two Buddha statues carved from very delicate and sharp white jade. The 2 Buddha statues are carved from 2 different positions, the first is the Buddha lying in the posture of entering nirvana, bringing the majesty of a Buddha.

And finally, Shakyamuni Buddha is carved in an equally solemn sitting position. This statue weighs about 1 ton and is encrusted with many diamonds and precious stones. The Jade Buddha Temple is a sacred place of peace and tranquil. Coming here will give you a feeling of peace away from all the hustle and bustle of life.

Longhua Temple and Tower

• Address: 2853 Longhua Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200232

Located on Longhua Street in Xuhui District, Longhua Park is famous for the ancient Longhua Temple, Longhua Pagoda, night bell ringing ceremony, and peach blossoms. The complex is surrounded by extensive gardens. Viewing peach blossoms is an annual attraction for visitors to Longhua Park.

An octagonal brick and wood pagoda, it is the oldest site in China. Over the centuries this temple was rebuilt many times and the current structure dates back to the 10th century. It is still used for regular Buddhist ceremonies, and includes five large halls, beautiful statues and 16th-century bells.

In addition, other highlights of the pagoda include the Bell Tower with a larger bell, 2m long and weighing 5 tons from 1382 that is still used today on special occasions, the pagoda also impresses with about 500 arahant statues are painted in very beautiful gold.

Longhua Tower, also known as “Bao’en Tower”, was built in the 10th year of Wu Chiwu during the Three Kingdoms period (247), located at No. 2853, Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai.

Longhua Tower is a communal-style tower built of brick and wood, with seven floors, eight sides, with a total height of 41.03 meters (calculated from the bottom corridor to the top of the tower). Each floor has a balcony with wooden railings surrounding it, and a curving octagonal tile roof above the balcony with wide ledges, bronze bells are hung at the corners of the ledges. With unique architecture, Longhua Tower is a typical structure of the combination of Chinese and foreign architectural cultures.

People’s Square

Shanghai’s premier public space, People’s Square is built on what was once the city’s racecourse. It is a key transportation center that attracts many visitors. There are many shopping malls selling fashion products, local electronics, and eateries.

Today, People’s Square is recognized by the state as a perfect place to start touring the city, it has huge, amazing displays and models and even has a 360-degree cinema very modern for tourists who come here to experience.

Shanghai Science and Technology Museum

• Address: 2000 Shiji Blvd, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 201204
• Hours: 9:00 – 17:15; closed on Mondays, except public holidays.

For those who love science and technology, this museum is your ideal destination! Coming here, you can freely explore natural science with a variety of modern equipment. The museum’s architecture is designed in a spiral shape including 1 basement and 4 floors, and a giant glass ball located in a pond represents rebirth in a very interesting way.

The museum’s themes mostly revolve around topics from natural history to information technology, one of the areas that attracts the most tourists is probably Robot World with modern wonders such as Robots play the piano, draw sketches or play Rubik’s cube. This place will satisfy your passion for the world of science and technology!

Tianzifang

• Address: 210 Taikang Rd, Huangpu, China, 200023
• Hours: Open 24 hours

Tianzifang was once a residential area within the French Concession in Shanghai. Today, it is an art district similar to Beijing’s 798 art district with lots of shops where visitors can buy arts and crafts or just wander around admiring the traditional architecture of China. Located in a maze of alleys off Taikang Road, Tianzifang is filled with small businesses including art supply stores, trendy studios, galleries and cafes. This district is known for its heritage architecture with traditional houses and buildings.

Those who are passionate about art, exploring and learning about art, Tianzifang will be your ideal destination. This place will “treat” your eyes with unique – beautiful – strange works of art, in addition this place is also full of jewelry stores, restaurants, bars, etc.

This is a beautiful market and is a maze of narrow streets and alleys in a relatively small area. As a modern fashion alley, there are many souvenir shops, and you can buy a lot of cute and fashionable items. The location is very strange, normal photos are also beautiful, suitable for a slow afternoon stroll.

The area contains a variety of building styles, including Eclectic, Neo-Renaissance, modernism, traditional Chinese wood and brick structures, Spanish style, English castle style, baroque style different. There’s nothing better than walking through this street, the feeling is indescribable!

Huangpu River

One of Shanghai’s most famous tourist attractions is the Huangpu River, the largest river and also the symbol of this city. Huangpu River contains many unique historical, cultural and architectural relics of Shanghai, reflecting the city’s development from ancient times to modern times on its both banks. It is also an important factor in promoting Shanghai’s economy and transportation, as the Huangpu River is a major waterway connecting different parts of the city and is a major transportation industry.

Huangpu River also gives tourists and Shanghai residents relaxing and romantic moments, when they can admire high-rise buildings and bridges glowing with light in the evening when taking a cruise tour along the river. Huangpu River is not only an attractive tourist destination, but also a cultural and civilizational heritage of Shanghai, contributing to the identity and pride of this city.

The origin of the Huangpu River dates back to the Warring States (Zhanguo or Chan-Kuo) period. This is a downstream branch of the Yangtze River and flows through inner city Shanghai. Currently, the river is one of the most important spots on the Shanghai tourist map.

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