Shanghai floors everyone from day one. Whether you're taking in the colonial buildings on The Bund, getting lost in the Shikumen lanes of Tianzifang, or riding up to the skyline views from China's tallest tower, this is a city that holds a 400-year-old garden, a Disneyland, and one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Every corner of Shanghai has a story waiting to be found.
#1 The Bund
A historic 1.5 km riverside promenade lined with more than 52 Beaux-Arts and Art Deco buildings put up between 1860 and 1930, when Shanghai was the financial heart of East Asia. At night, the towers of Pudong across the water reflect on the river to make the most beautiful view in China. It's the number-one symbol of Shanghai.
- Come at dawn to walk the architecture without the crowds.
- After 8 pm the lights on the Pudong side look their best.
- Take the ferry across to the Oriental Pearl Tower for just 2 yuan.
#2 Yu Garden
A classic Chinese garden built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty by the official Pan Yunduan as a gift for his father. It covers 2 hectares with giant South China Sea rocks, pondside pavilions, narrow stone lanes, and carved wooden halls across more than 40 viewing spots. Today it's surrounded by a souvenir market and the famous xiaolongbao.
- Buy tickets online ahead of time to skip the long queue, especially on holidays.
- Walk the Yuyuan Bazaar around the garden for food and souvenirs.
- The Huxinting teahouse in the middle of the pond is one of the prettiest photo spots in the garden.
#3 Oriental Pearl Tower
Shanghai's landmark TV tower, 468 metres tall, finished in 1994 and designed with eye-catching pink-purple spheres. It has 3 levels of viewing decks, including a glass floor you can look straight down through, plus a thorough Shanghai History Museum in the basement. It's still one of the most photographed buildings in China.
- Go up to the 263-metre and 350-metre decks; the view is wider than from the very top.
- A combined Oriental Pearl + Shanghai History Museum ticket is much better value.
- The history museum downstairs is well worth it, don't walk past it.
#4 Nanjing Road
The busiest shopping street in Asia and one of the busiest in the world. It starts at The Bund and runs 5 km, with a 1.2 km pedestrian stretch up to the Xizang Road junction. There are flagship department stores, big-name brand shops, local stores, and street food stalls. At night the neon signs glitter spectacularly.
- Walk west from The Bund; the pedestrian route is flat and very easy.
- Roving vendors on East Nanjing charge more than usual, so you can haggle.
- Side lanes often have local restaurants with better prices than the main road.
#5 Shanghai Tower
The tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world, 632 metres and 128 floors, designed with a 120-degree twist to cut wind load. The Top of Shanghai observation deck on floors 118-121, at 546-562 metres, is the highest viewing deck in the world. It sees all of Shanghai, and on a clear day you can see more than 100 km out.
- The high-speed lift hits 18 m/s and reaches floor 118 in 55 seconds.
- Buy tickets ahead on the official site to avoid the long queue.
- Pair it with the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center in one day.
#6 Tianzifang
A bohemian arts district that grew out of a 1933 Shikumen community that escaped demolition. A maze of narrow lanes is full of art galleries, cafes, designer souvenir shops, and international restaurants tucked into old stone houses. The name comes from a Chinese sage of the Warring States period, Tian Zifang, regarded as the first artist in Chinese history.
- Explore the small inner lanes as deep as you can; the best shops are usually at the back.
- Weekends are packed, so come on a weekday morning.
- Prices don't haggle down much, but the souvenirs here are better quality than the usual markets.
#7 Shanghai Disneyland
The first Disneyland on the Chinese mainland, opened in 2016 on 390 acres. It has 6 fantasy lands designed with a special blend of Chinese culture. The Enchanted Storybook Castle at the center is the tallest castle of any Disneyland in the world, drawing more than 11 million visitors a year from across Asia.
- Buy tickets online and download the official app first to plan your FastPass.
- The new Zootopia Land opened in 2023 and should be your first stop.
- Weekdays in the off-season have noticeably shorter queues than public holidays.
#8 Former French Concession
The largest former French territory in China, from 1849 to 1946, and now the most charming part of Shanghai. The streets are lined with shady plane trees, Art Deco villas and Shikumen, threaded with cafes, boutiques, and excellent restaurants. Wukang Road and Fuxing Road are the favorite photo spots.
- Walk Wukang Road in the morning to shoot the light through the golden leaves.
- The cafes in the Anfu Road lanes are a favorite break spot for Shanghai locals.
- Fuxing Park in the middle of the district is a shady public space, good for a rest mid-walk.
Where to stay in Shanghai for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Shanghai — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre
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Metropolo Jinjiang Hotel Classiq Nanjing Road
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Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road on the Bund
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Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
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Tours, tickets & activities in Shanghai
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Shanghai — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Shanghai is a city that rewards the more you explore it. From dawn at the waterfront of The Bund to the evening lights of Pudong that never go dark, this city promises memories you won't forget.