11 Best Tourist Attractions in Shanghai to Visit

Shanghai is a highly populated city with about 24 million people according to a survey done in 2014. The extensive metro service helps in maintaining the thriving city and its ever-increasing population. The Chinese Government turned Shanghai into Asia’s New York. 

The city also ranks third in the most populous cities in the world in terms of metropolitan area population or commuter zone population. In the last few decades, Shanghai has boomed and has become an international hub of culture and finance. Many new businesses are growing in Shanghai which has led to an increase in new opportunities for foreigners and China’s middle class. Shanghai has also witnessed constant growth and has many international companies that work within China. The city is known for its name in art, design, and fashion. Shanghai is also the birthplace of China’s cinema.  

Shanghai is also home to the world’s longest metro system that covers 400 miles of track and tunnels beneath the city. There are about 393 metro stations in the city that connects Shanghai tourist attractions that making it easier for international visitors to navigate. It also has the fastest train in the world, the Shanghai Maglev connecting Downtown Shanghai to Pudong International Airport.

Shanghai is also called the Paris of East. It is used as a gateway to enter China. It can be daunting to see things in Shanghai. It is a megacity where every corner has something worth seeing which makes it difficult to decide where to start from. Before visiting the city, you must get a definitive guide of places to visit in Shanghai so that your stay is entertaining. Having a list of things to see can help you save time and have a better stay.

Tourists love to visit this vibrant city because it is filled with popular iconic places such as great parks, towering skyscrapers, museums, historical venues, exotic streets, etc. Some of the best landmarks or places to visit are the Nanjing Road, Bund, Yu Garden & Bazaar, and the Oriental Pearl of TV Tower. Some famous Shanghai tourist spots include Shanghai Disneyland, Zhujiajiao Water Town, etc.

Let us Have a Look at the 11 Best Tourist Attractions in Shanghai, That You Must Try:

1. The Bund

The Bund in Shanghai

The Bund is one of the famous landmarks of Shanghai that is also known as the “International Architectures gallery”. The place has the best view of the city. Tourists can take a walk along the Huangpu river embankment. You can also view and capture the architectural beauty of Baroque, Gothic, the Renaissance, and the Romanesque and Classicism styles. You can find another beautiful backdrop of Lujiazui which is one of the modern skyscrapers across the Huangpu River.

2. Yu Garden & Bazaar

Yu Garden in Shanghai

The Yuyuan Garden is one of the greenest spaces in Shanghai since the 16th Century. It is also known as the “Forest and Mountains within the City”. The serenity of the place attracts many tourists every single day. The intimate enclaves and ornate structures are divided by splendid dragon walls. Some of the highlights of this tourist spot include the Lotus Pool, The Jade Magnificent Hall, and the Heralding Spring Hall.

3. Oriental Pearl of TV Tower

Oriental Pearl of TV Tower in Shanghai

The Oriental Pearl of TV Tower stands at the ending point of the famous river, Huangpu. The tower soars 468 metres and has a setting character of an urban area and cityscape. The panorama view of this tourist spot from Asia’s TV tower is amazing. It is also the world’s third tallest which pumps adrenaline feeling when walking on the glass floor. The place is worth visiting especially during the afternoon as you can witness the city and the sunset. 

4. Shanghai Disney Resort

Shanghai Disney Resort

This tourist spot is the world’s sixth and first resort of Disney located in Mainland China. In this park, tourists can explore Mickey Avenue, Fantasyland, Treasure Cove, Gardens of Imagination, Tomorrowland, Adventure Isle, with different characters, themes, and activities. Disneyland Park is a dreamland for adults and children. 

5. World Financial Centre

World Financial Centre in Shanghai

This tourist spot is a vital landmark of the city. The World Financial Centre is the world’s fifth tallest building with a height of 492 metres. This tourist spot provides tourists with the highest observatory in the world at 474 metres height. It is also the best desk that allows tourists to enjoy the panorama of the city along with the Jinmao Tower, Oriental Pearl of TV Tower, the Bund, and Huangpu River. 

6. Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road in Shanghai

Nanjing Road is one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. You can also admire the beautiful surrounding of the buildings in the daylight. 

7. Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower is 632 metres high and is China’s tallest skyscraper. It is also the second tallest building in the world with Burj Khalifa Tower being the tallest in Dubai. The tower has a top-class environment, great functions and the world’s best observation. This tower attracts many visitors from across the globe. 

8. Jinmao Tower

Jinmao Tower in Shanghai

This tourist spot is located at the centre of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone. It is an 88-storied skyscraper which makes it one of the world’s tallest buildings. It offers an amazing topside view and visitors can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire city.

9. Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum

Shanghai Museum is the biggest museum in China that is filled with fine Chinese artefacts. It also contains more than 120,000 items and cultural relics. This museum is arranged on the basis of theme and not a dynasty. It exhibits many bronze wares, porcelain, pottery, and a wide variety of paintings and calligraphy works.

10. Huangpu River

Shanghai Huangpu River

This River is also called Shanghai’s Mover River. It is also one of the largest rivers in the city. 

11. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town in Shanghai

This tourist spot is called “Venice in Shanghai”. The ancient town is 1700 years old and is very well-preserved. You can reach the waterside town through a traditional boat or cruise and enjoy the beautiful old residences, bridges, and shops. The town is filled with the classical architecture of the Qing and Ming Dynasties. The tourist spot is a treat to watch as it displays the beauty of the ancient era between 1368-1911. 

If planning when to visit the city of Shanghai then do consider the weather and most preferred travelling time. Most tourists like to visit the city in autumn and spring. The temperature in summer is around 32°C or more along with high humidity levels. It is also freezing cold and damp in winters. Therefore, people like to avoid visiting Shanghai during hot summers and cold winters. The autumn and spring seasons offer much milder and clearer weather that makes travelling comfortable and enjoyable.

Visiting during spring is one of the best times because it is during this time that many beautiful flowers and green spaces bloom. Tourists must also find a comfortable serviced apartments in Shanghai at the most suitable locality to have a comfortable vacation. Being well-informed about the transportation facility, food joints, and the weather is a part of an easy trip.