Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Shanghai

1. The Bund(上海外滩)

Attraction Highlights: The Bund is one of Shanghai’s most famous tourist destinations, often referred to as the “Paris of the East.” Its history dates back to the early 19th century. It features a collection of European-style buildings from the early 20th century, the iconic Huangpu River and Shanghai skyline, and modern skyscrapers. It’s the ideal place for experiencing Shanghai’s history and modernity.

Route and Duration: Start your visit from the south, walking along Nanjing Road and admiring the historical buildings while enjoying the scenic views of the Huangpu River. Plan for 2-3 hours.

Tickets and Facilities: The Bund is free to visit, but some specific buildings, such as No. 22 on the Bund, require admission fees. There are numerous dining and shopping options in the vicinity, and transportation is convenient.

Review and Recommendation: The Bund is a must-visit landmark in Shanghai. You can appreciate historical architecture and modern skyscrapers while enjoying beautiful riverside views, making it a great spot for photography.

2. Oriental Pearl Tower(东方明珠广播电视塔)

Attraction Highlights: The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks and one of the world’s renowned skyscrapers. It stands at 468 meters, making it the third tallest tower globally and the tallest in Asia. The tower features a revolving restaurant, observation decks, and a museum, offering panoramic views of the city and the Huangpu River, making it an ideal place to experience Shanghai’s modernity.

Route and Duration: Start your visit at the base, explore the museum, and then take the elevator to the observation deck and revolving restaurant. Plan for 1-2 hours.

Tickets and Facilities: Tickets for the Oriental Pearl Tower vary by type, with adult tickets costing around 120 CNY. There are plenty of dining and shopping options around the tower, such as Lujiazui Financial City. Transportation is convenient.

Review and Recommendation: The Oriental Pearl Tower is a must-visit spot for tourists coming to Shanghai. It offers breathtaking views of the city and showcases the city’s modernity and development.

3. Shanghai Disneyland(上海迪士尼乐园)

Attraction Highlights: Shanghai Disneyland is Disney’s first theme park on mainland China, covering 116 hectares of enchanting fun. The park boasts six themed lands, including Mickey Avenue, Gardens of Imagination, Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland. Visitors can enjoy various rides, shows, and meet Disney characters, making it a perfect destination for families.

Route and Duration: Buy tickets in advance and plan your visit according to the park map. Expect to spend a full day there, so allocate enough time and energy.

Tickets and Facilities: Shanghai Disneyland offers different ticket types, with regular prices around 399 CNY for weekdays and 575 CNY for weekends. The park has multiple dining options, shops, baby care facilities, and offers FastPass services to minimize waiting times.

Review and Recommendation: Shanghai Disneyland is an ideal family destination, offering a mix of thrilling rides, live performances, and photo opportunities with beloved Disney characters, creating a joyful and memorable experience.

4. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town(朱家角古镇)

Attraction Highlights: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is a water town with a history of nearly 1,700 years, making it a renowned tourist spot in Shanghai. The town features ancient streets, historical buildings, old bridges, traditional wells, and temples, preserving the architectural style and way of life from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It’s a great place to experience the culture of the Jiangnan water towns.

Route and Duration: Start your visit from the town center, exploring the ancient buildings and landmarks. Plan for half a day to a full day.

Tickets and Facilities: Admission to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town costs around 80 CNY. There are plenty of dining and shopping options in the vicinity, and transportation is relatively convenient.

Review and Recommendation: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town offers a unique glimpse into the culture and history of the Jiangnan water towns. Visitors can explore ancient architecture and experience traditional customs, making it an authentic and memorable experience.

5. Shikumen Open House Museum(石库门景区)

Attraction Highlights: Shikumen, a traditional Shanghainese architectural style from the early 20th century, is a significant cultural heritage. This area preserves many well-preserved Shikumen buildings, which are known for their unique architectural style and historical value, attracting many tourists to explore this historical district.

Route and Duration: Start your visit from Tianzifang and explore the Shikumen buildings and landmarks. Plan for half a day to a full day.

Tickets and Facilities: Admission to Shikumen Open House Museum is free, and there are various dining and shopping options nearby, along with convenient transportation.

Review and Recommendation: Shikumen Open House Museum provides a distinctive look into the unique architecture and historical value of Shanghai. It’s an offbeat experience for those interested in exploring the city’s cultural heritage.

6. Guyi Garden(古猗园)

Attraction Highlights: Guyi Garden is a classic example of a Jiangnan-style garden, dating back to the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty. The garden boasts features like small bridges over flowing water, rockeries, and lush plantings, offering visitors a serene escape in a tranquil environment.

Route and Duration: Enter the garden from the south gate and explore the garden’s beautiful scenery, which will take about 1-2 hours.

Tickets and Facilities: Admission to Guyi Garden is approximately 40 CNY per person. The garden offers dining options and a café, as well as the possibility to rent space for various events.

Review and Recommendation: Guyi Garden is an excellent place for a leisurely stroll and relaxation. With its beautiful landscapes and cultural atmosphere, it’s perfect for enjoying the flowers in summer and the red leaves in autumn. Visitors can sit down, have some tea, and savor the garden’s beauty and cultural ambiance.

7. Shanghai World Financial Center(上海环球金融中心)

Attraction Highlights: The Shanghai World Financial Center is China’s tallest skyscraper, reaching a height of 632 meters, making it one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. Inside the building, you’ll find high-end offices, luxury hotels, an observatory, and more, providing panoramic views of the Shanghai cityscape.

Route and Duration: Start your visit from the ticket center, and plan for 1-2 hours to explore the observatory and enjoy the breathtaking views.

Tickets and Facilities: The ticket price for the Shanghai World Financial Center is around 120 CNY per person. There are dining options and a café, and they offer various customized services.

Review and Recommendation: The Shanghai World Financial Center is a fantastic spot for photography and sightseeing. The observatory provides unparalleled views of the city, especially when the city lights up at night. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

8. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum(上海科技馆)

Attraction Highlights: The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is a comprehensive science museum dedicated to science education. Established in 1999, it was one of China’s first large-scale science museums. The museum features numerous interactive exhibitions and scientific installations covering fields such as physics, chemistry, life sciences, and more, making it an ideal place for families, children, and students to learn and have fun.

Route and Duration: Enter the museum from the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum subway station, and plan for 3-4 hours to explore the exhibits.

Tickets and Facilities: Admission to the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is approximately 55 CNY per person. The museum offers restaurants, a café, and various science experience programs and educational courses.

Review and Recommendation: The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is a perfect destination for families and students, with its interactive exhibitions and scientific installations providing an enjoyable way to learn about science. Plan your visit to avoid weekend and holiday crowds.

9. Shanghai Film and Television City(上海影视乐园)

Attraction Highlights: Shanghai Film and Television City is a theme park dedicated to film culture. Established in 1996, it was one of the earliest film and television theme parks in China. The park features numerous film sets and studios, allowing visitors to explore the behind-the-scenes world of filmmaking.

Route and Duration: Start your visit at the ticket center, and plan for 3-4 hours to explore the sets and enjoy the attractions.

Tickets and Facilities: Admission to Shanghai Film and Television City costs around 200 CNY per person. The park has dining options, a café, and various performances and interactive experiences.

Review and Recommendation: Shanghai Film and Television City is a fantastic place for movie and photography enthusiasts. You can take photos and videos at various film sets, experiencing the magic of the film industry. Plan your visit in advance and choose attractions based on your interests and preferences.

10. Madame Tussauds Shanghai(上海杜莎夫人蜡像馆)

Attraction Highlights: Madame Tussauds Shanghai is a museum featuring lifelike wax figures of numerous national and international celebrities from various fields, including politicians, sports stars, and film icons. Visitors can admire and take pictures with their favorite celebrities, making it a popular spot for photography and fan experiences.

Route and Duration: Start your visit at the ticket center, and plan for 1-2 hours to explore the museum and interact with the wax figures.

Tickets and Facilities: Admission to Madame Tussauds Shanghai is approximately 180 CNY per person. The museum offers dining options, a café, and various personalized services.

Review and Recommendation: Madame Tussauds Shanghai provides an exciting opportunity to interact with lifelike wax figures of famous personalities. It’s an ideal place for photography and enjoying the company of your favorite stars. It’s advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.