Places to Visit in Shanghai

The Bund, also known as Waitan is a historical district located in central Shanghai. This area is a waterfront and is famous for its buildings and wharves located in the area and its neighbourhood. This area used to be a rich and powerful centre during the 1860s to 1930s and operated as a treaty port that was legally protected.

It is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai housing numerous historical buildings, including consulates and clubs. You can stroll along the bund and appreciate the 52 historical buildings with amazing architecture, take a cruise on the Huangpu River, or spend some leisurely time in Huangpu Park.

Location: Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Wai Tan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Yu Garden or the Yuyuan Garden is the most famous classical Chinese Garden in a long list of numerous tourist places in Shanghai. The beautiful views offered by the Yu Garden has earned it the title ‘the crown of beauty in Southeast China’. It was built by the Ming Dynasty and it is a maze of many artificial mountains, green trees, dragon walls, rockeries, bridges, traditional buildings, and pavilions. You can explore the six parts of the garden namely the Sansui Hall, the Dianchun Hall, the Wanhua Chamber, the Yuhua Hall, the Huijing Hall, and the Inner Garden.

Location: 279 Yuyuan Old St, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000

Entry Fee: 40 CNY per head

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM

In order to find a house for the two jade Buddha statues bought by a monk named Huigen from Burma, a temple was built in 1882. After being destroyed during the revolution, the temple was rebuilt in 1928 and named the ‘Jade Buddha Temple’. The Buddha statues are made of white jade and besides being unique cultural relics, these are also beautiful porcelain artworks. Besides these two big statues, you can also see a small Buddha statue bought in 1989 from Singapore, Buddhist scriptures, and many other ancient paintings.

Location: 170 Anyuan Rd, Jing'an District, China

Entry Fee: CNY 20 per head

Timings: 8 AM to 4.30 PM

Opened in the year 1995, this Shanghai Museum houses about 120,000 precious and rare cultural pieces. There are three exhibition halls and eleven galleries, spread across the four floors of the museum. Here you can see the high-quality collection of Chinese bronze, paintings, furniture, ceramics, seals, calligraphy, sculptures, jades, and ancient coins.

This museum is one of the top four museums of China and one of the best places to visit in Shanghai. You can also learn about the numerous artefacts by taking a travel guide for help.

Location: 201 Renmin Ave, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, China, 200003

Timings: 9AM to 5 PM

Longhua, the oldest and largest temple of Shanghai was first built in 242 AD. The temple has several halls namely the Maitreya Hall, the Devaraj Hall, Mahavira Hall, Three Sages Hall, Abbot’s Hall, and the Sutras Hall. Here you will also find two accessory halls, the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower. The courtyard of the temple is built in a traditional Buddhist symmetry style. You can also see the seven-storied Longhua Pagoda located in front of the temple. The bells attached on each side of the octagonal eaves make the surrounding cheering and lively. In the late spring, you can attend the temple fair along with several other tourists and pilgrims.

Location: 2853 Longhua Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China

Entry Fee: 10 CNY per head

Timings: 7 AM to 4:30 PM

Nanjing Road is located between the Bund, Jing’an Temple, and West Yan’an Street. This premier shopping street of China is one of the top tourist attractions in Shanghai for shoppers seeking fashion. This shopping street is almost a century old and has gone through several significant structural changes.

Though the modern speciality stores, theatres, shopping malls, and international hotels have overshadowed the traditional stores, you can still explore and shop in almost hundreds of traditional stores. You can find many ancient traditional food stores here, offering you a taste of authentic Shanghai food.

Location: Nan Jing Lu, Huangpu Qu, Shanghai Shi, China

The People’s Square is located at the centre of Shanghai and is one of the most crowded places in the city. The People’s Avenue and the People’s Park was built in 1949, but before that, it used to be a racecourse. It is the largest public square of Shanghai, stretching in an area of 140,000 square meters.

Here you can see the new Municipal Government Mansion and many underground structures. You can also explore the Shanghai Museum, which looks like a Chinese cooking pot, and the Shanghai Grand Theater made entirely of glass and balanced on one side by the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall.

Location: People's Square, Huangpu, China

Timings: Open 24 hours

The Xujiahui Cathedral or the St. Ignatius Cathedral is the biggest and the most famous cathedral in Shanghai. This cathedral is also known as the ‘Vatican of Shanghai’ and its outside shape resembles a Latin cross. Inside the cathedral, you can find amazing examples of design and architecture in the form of pillars, windows, altars, etc.

Follow the rules regarding personal attire while visiting. Sheshan Basilica, also known as Basilica of Mary, Help of Christians, is an important Roman Catholic Church of Shanghai. The best time to visit here is in May when crowds of pilgrims come here for the annual pilgrimage.

Location: 158 Puxi Rd, Xu Jia Hui, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China

The Propaganda Poster Art Centre is home to an extensive collection of brilliant original posters made by the Chinese history buffs and design enthusiasts of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. One of the main attractions of the exhibition is the collection of impressive cigarette posters dating back to the 1920s. You can also find a shop inside the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, selling amazing collector’s objects, such as postcards and replica posters.

Location: Bldg B/4, President Mansion, 868 Huashan Rd, Shanghai, China

Entry Fee: ¥25 per head

Timings: 10 to 5pm, Closed on Monday

The Madame Tussauds, the sixth one in the world, was opened for the public in the year 2006. Add this museum to your list of places to visit in Shanghai and enjoy your visit on the New World Plaza’s 10th floor. There are about 80 wax statues of celebrities in Shanghai’s Madame Tussauds, including the statues of Liu Xiang, Yao Ming, Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, David Beckham, and Bill Clinton. The statues are displayed in seven Themed Pavilions showing the different stages involved in the making of the statues and some legendary historical figures.

Location: 10th floor of the New World Department Store, Nanjing Xi Road, Shanghai, China.

Entry Fee: 190 RMB per head for adults, 150 RMB per head for students, 110 RMB per head for children & senior citizens

Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM

The Disneytown is located at the Shanghai Disney Resort in the Pudong district of Shanghai. It is one of the famous places in Shanghai where people come for dining, shopping, and enjoying the entertainment complex. This complex was opened in 2016 and it also houses the Walt Disney Grand Theatre and an Art Deco theatre that regularly hosts The Lion King’s Mandarin Broadway version.

Here you can explore the various stores and restaurants such as the Shanghai Min, The Cheesecake Factory, the Lego Store, Starbucks, Coconut Paradise, Cetc.

Location: Chuanshaxinzhen, Pudong, Shanghai, China

Also known as the China Art Palace, this museum is located in the 2010 Shanghai World Expo’s China Pavilion. The museum houses more than 1400 artworks, including many prints, oil paintings, sculptures, and Chinese paintings depicting the history of Chinese modern art.

This free museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Shanghai and you just have to book an entry ticket two days prior to your visit. While exploring the museum, a visit to Exhibition Hall 5 is most recommended. This hall shows the Riverside Scene at the Qingming Festival through an electronic mode.

Location: 205 Shangnan Rd, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200010

Entry Fee: 20 CNY per head

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM, Closed on Monday

Located off the east China sea coast, the Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park is the best ocean-themed park built in China till now. This park is divided into 5 main themes and an ocean resort with international standards in the project quality, construction level, and thematic features.

Get a breathtaking view of the deep sea, arctic and antarctic ecology, and the mesmerising volcano lava. You can also enjoy the wonderful animal show, the extraordinary adventure, and the animal-themed 5-star hotel rooms. The rooftop of the park offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the landscape around it.

Location: China, Shanghai Shi, Pudong

Entry Fee: RMB 299 per head for adults, RMB 170 per head for children

Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM

If you want to see the remnants of the French Colonial era, Fuxing Park is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai for you. During the Ming Dynasty, it used to be a private park and is now open for the public. This park acts as a gateway from the hustle of the city and offers you a peaceful experience. You can take a walk along the pathways of the park and practice tai-chi for relaxation. The main attractions of the park are the flowerbeds and the Statue of Marx and Engels.

Location: 516 Fuxing Middle Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

This automobile museum is located in the Auto Expo Park of the Shanghai International Automobile City and is one of the unique places in Shanghai that you can visit on your trip. Opened for the public in 2007, it is the first and one of its kind specialist museum in China. You can explore the four parts of the museum namely history, exploration, collection, and temporary exhibitions.

You can see a collection of almost 100 classic automobiles from China and all over the world. You can also explore the Antique Car Pavilion of the museum exhibiting different models of cars manufactured between 1900 and 1970.

Location: 7565 Boyuan Rd, Jiading District, Shanghai, China

Entry Fee: CNY 60 per head for adults, Free for children

Timings: 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Closed on Monday

Jin Mao Tower, the third tallest building in Shanghai, and was built from 1994 to 1999. This 88 storied building is a mix of traditional Chinese culture and a new architectural style. In this building, you can find a luxury 5-star hotel, modern offices, banquet halls, exhibition halls, entertainment facilities, and an observation deck. In this tower, you can also enjoy skywalking from the 88th sightseeing floor. This service is also called ‘wander in the cloud’ and offers a walk along a glass skywalk without any rails, giving a panoramic view of the Huangpu River banks.

Location: 88 Century Ave, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong, China

Entry Fee: CNY 388 per head

Timings: 9 AM to 9:30 PM

Also known as Soochow Creek, Suzhou Creek is one of the many branches of the Yangtze River. You can see the old European style bridges built on the river while taking a walk along the river bank. There are also many Shikumen residences and western-style buildings either while strolling on the river bank.

You can enjoy the breathtaking views of the landscape by taking a cruise on Suzhou Creek, one of the fascinating tourist attractions in Shanghai. There are several cruise routes with different duration and timings which you will need to confirm on the spot.

Located on the People’s Square, The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center was opened in the year 2000 to display the achievements of the city construction and planning. This building serves various functions such as a centre for exhibition, research, communication, recreation, reference, and entertainment.

The main building displays the development of Shanghai from the historical times to the present and even some futuristic plans. This beautiful design of the building is inspired by the traditional Chinese city gates making it one of the most amazing places in Shanghai.

Location: 100 Renmin Ave, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Entry Fee: 30 CNY per head

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM

Formerly known as the Western Suburban Park, the Shanghai Zoo is located near the Hongqiao International Airport. This zoo has more than 6000 species of animals, including about 600 rare animals. Here you can see animals found only in China such as golden monkeys, South China tigers, giant pandas, Manchurian tigers, elks, and Yangtze alligators.

This zoo is one of the most beautiful places in Shanghai and has 5 exhibition areas divided into Primates, Carnivores, Herbivores, Birds, and Amphibians. The zoo also displays various types of flowers in its extensive green belt and a first of its kind in China, a Scientific Building.

Location: No. 2368 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China

Entry Fee: CNY 40 per head for adults, Free for children

Timings: 7.30 AM to 5 PM

The Shanghai Circus World is one of the unique places to visit in Shanghai and is regarded as the ‘Number 1 Circus World in China’. This circus has a beautiful golden vault and unique architecture. Many international and domestic circus programs are held here with advanced lighting, stage facilities, and sound equipment.

You can also enjoy acrobatics, dancing, and singing performances. The Shanghai International Magic Festival and Competition held at the circus are its main attractions. The two most famous and regular programs held here are the ‘ERA Intersection of Time’ and the ‘Happy Circus’.

Location: 2266 Gonghexin Rd, Peng Pu Xin Cun, Zhabei Qu, Shanghai, China, 200072

Timings: 9 AM to 7.30 PM

If you want to feel your connection with nature, the Shanghai Natural History Museum is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai. The museum was established in 1958 and was moved to the Jing’an Sculpture Park in the year 2015. In the museum, you can find a collection of 240,000 samples of flora and fauna, including about 135,000 plant specimens, 62,000 specimens of animals, 1700 mineral specimens, and 700 Stone Age specimens. You can also see some rare species only found in China such as a giant salamander, a giant panda, a Yellow River mammoth, and a Yangtze Alligator.

Location: Jing'an District, Shanghai, China

Entry Fee: CNY 30 per head for adults, CNY 12 per head for children under 18 years

Timings: 9 AM to 5:15 PM

Located in the People’s Square, the Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai or MOCA Shanghai is a well-known contemporary art museum and one of the famous tourist places in Shanghai. The museum was established in 2005 and it focuses on promoting Chinese and international contemporary art. Along with the art exhibitions, the museum also hosts various talks, seminars, and educational programs that can be attended both by adults and children. On the third floor of the museum, you can also visit the MoCA on the Park, previously an Art Lab, which is a restaurant with a bar and rooftop patio.

Location: 231 Nanjing W Rd, Ren Min Guang Chang, Huangpu, Shanghai, China

Timings: 11 AM to 7 PM; Closed on Monday

This aquarium is located between the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Jin Mao Tower in the Pudong District. It has the longest submarine viewing tunnel in the world making it one of the most popular tourist places in Shanghai.

You can explore the pyramid-shaped buildings of the museum and a huge exhibition area with a gift shop and an excellent restaurant. It is the only aquarium in the world having a China Zone, housing the aquatic organisms and their ecology of Yangtze valley, and also exhibiting some of China’s endangered aquatic species.

Location: 1388 Lujiazui Ring Rd, Lu Jia Zui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200031

Entry Fee: CNY 160 per head for adults, CNY 110 per head for children

Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM

RAM or the Rockbund Art Museum is a contemporary art museum located in the central Shanghai region. The museum is housed in the former building of the Royal Asiatic Society near the Bund waterfront. The museum is dedicated to promoting projects in the international contemporary art field. You can see the work of famous Chinese artists named Cai Guo-Qiang and Zeng Fanzhi. The rich historical and cultural heritage of the museum makes it one of the well-known places to visit in Shanghai for art lovers.

Location: 20 Huqiu Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200085

Entry Fee: 50 RMB

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM; Closed on Monday