As China’s largest city, Shanghai boasts a mix of modern and traditional, old and very new, and our list of the ten best places to visit in Shanghai can help you make the most of this coastal city. Note that the bustling metropolis is also a global financial hub, and the mix of skyscrapers and colonial buildings is well worth examining. So whether you’re interested in crazy-high buildings or beautiful temples and amazing food, rest assured that the town has got it – including the world’s fastest train and a Disney outpost. Here are the ten of the best places to visit if you’re traveling to Shanghai, and top things to do while you’re exploring the town.
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Multiple Locations |
Want to ride faster than the wind? Or at least travel 270 miles per hour? Then get a ticket to ride on the Maglev, from the airport to the city’s center. You’ll feel the rush. |
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Multiple Locations |
The Bund is Shanghai’s promenade, located along the west bank of the Huangpujiang River. Check out the 52 unusual, Colonial-era buildings and what is one of the world’s best collections of Art Deco architecture as well. Take a stroll, stay in one of the many boutique hotels, and enjoy a river cruise. |
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100 Century Ave, Pudong |
One of the world’s tallest buildings, this skyscraper offers some of the best views of the metropolis. Take a 49-second elevator ride to the 94th and 97th floors, or just go straight to the 100th floor, where you’ll enjoy the world’s highest observatory. |
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218 Anren St, Huangpu |
Craving some green space in this bustling metropolis? This Ming Era garden took 20 years to build, and it’s got six main scenic areas, plus 30 pavilions to explore, which makes it one of the ten must-see places to visit in Shanghai. |
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170 Anyuan Rd, Jing’an |
This magnificent temple in the Anyuan Lu district was originally built just to house two giant statues from Burma, but over time, more and more statues were added. Besides the jade Buddhas, there are also three impressive Buddhas in gold. |
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Multiple Locations |
If you want to shop until you drop, then head to Shanghai’s equivalent of Fifth Avenue: Nanjing Road. This is where you’ll find the stores fashionistas frequent, and you’ll also even find 37 manhole covers that are works of art. |
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People’s Square, 201 Renmin Ave |
If you’re interested in rare artifacts and ancient art, then head to the Shanghai Museum, where there are more than 120,000 works. Among the relics, there’s even a 400-plus collection of bronzes, along with ceramics and statues and much more. |
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Huangzhao Rd, Chuan Sha Xin Zhen, Pudong Xinqu |
With two hotels and dozens of attractions ranging from Fantasia Carousel to a Tron-themed ride to Honeypot spinning cups, this is Disney, Shanghai style. If you love all things Mickey or Jack Sparrow, then this is your theme park. |
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1 Century Ave, Pudong |
Shanghai’s most recognizable landmark has three legs, 11 spheres and 15 observatory levels. It’s also got a revolving restaurant so you can dine and drink in the city views. And there’s even a Municipal History Museum in the tower, too. |
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29 miles west of downtown, Qingpu, |
Check out the bridges, canals and architecture by strolling through this old watertown, or just enjoy a boat or ferry ride on the waterways. |
Cheat Sheet
See the sights and hear the sounds of this incredible city for yourself, with more of the best places to visit in Shanghai and top things to do in China to be found here:
Jeanette Hurt is the award-winning writer and author of eight culinary and drink books, including The Cheeses of California: A Culinary Travel Guide, which received the 2010 Mark Twain Award for Best Travel Book, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Wine and Food Pairing. She's written for TheKitchn.com, Four Seasons Magazine, Wine Enthusiast, Entrepreneur.com, and dozens more publications.
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