Shanghai: top 20 sights of the giant city

Waitan Waterfront

It is Shanghai's calling card and one of the most beautiful places in the city. It stretches along the Huangpu River for almost one and a half kilometers and is famous for its panoramic views. On one side are European-style houses from the early 20th century, built when Shanghai was an international trade center. Their architecture combines classicism, baroque and art deco, making Weitan an open-air museum of world architecture.

On the other side, the modern skyscrapers of the Pudong district — the Shanghai Tower, the Jin Mao Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower — rise on the opposite bank. It is this contrast of old and new that makes the waterfront particularly striking.

The Pearl of the Orient TV Tower

This is one of the greatest masterpieces of modern architecture. Here you will see as many as 15 spheres resembling huge pearls. The height of the construction is 468 meters.

There are two variants of pastime at this location: to admire the construction from the observation deck or to visit the sphere itself. Both options are quite fascinating.

Nanjingdong Road

Shanghai's main shopping street and one of the busiest and most famous streets in China. It stretches for more than 5 kilometers from the Waitan waterfront to the western districts of the city. Here are concentrated large shopping centers, stores of world brands, boutiques and souvenir stores.

Apart from shopping, Nanjingdong Road is also interesting as a historical street: it has preserved houses of the XIX-XX centuries, telling about the colonial history of Shanghai.

Yu Yuan Garden

Yu Yuan Garden in the heart of the Old City is the area where Shanghai ceases to be a metropolis and quietens a step imperceptibly. It was created as a private garden for relaxation, but today it looks more like an artfully staged performance: every stone, every bridge and every curve of the wall works to immerse the visitor in another dimension.

Inside, visitors will find a network of pavilions, stone passages, carp ponds, decorative caves and curved bridges that form a complex but logical route to follow. One of the most famous details is the crenellated wall with dragons framing part of the area, as well as the Huge Rock, an artificial mountain about 14 meters high that offers a good view of the garden.

Chenghuangmiao Temple

One of the most famous Taoist temples in Shanghai. Its name translates to "temple of the God of the city". It is dedicated to the guardian spirit of Shanghai, which is believed to protect the city and its inhabitants

The first version of the temple appeared in the early 15th century. The current building was constructed in 1926. It retains traditional features of Chinese architecture: red walls, golden decor, carved columns, lanterns and images of deities. The complex consists of nine halls.

Jade Buddha Temple

The main feature of Jade Buddha Temple is not the architectural idea, the value of this temple lies in the Buddha figures that can be seen inside.

The seated Buddha is said to be encrusted with precious stones, weighing as much as a ton. The younger, semi-reclining Buddha is seated on a mahogany bed. There are three gilded Buddhas in the Great Hall, and other halls are inhabited by fierce looking deities. In total, about 7,000 Buddhist sutras can be found here, arranged on the walls.

This famous temple receives thousands of tourists every day.

Nanshi Old Town

Nanshi is a historic part of Shanghai located west of the Huangpu River. The name translates to "southern city", and it was indeed located in the southern part of historic Shanghai. Here in ancient times there was an administrative center surrounded by a stone wall, fragments of which are partially preserved to this day.

Over the centuries, Nanshi remained a Chinese territory even when other parts of Shanghai were built up by Europeans. As a result, it has retained the traditional architecture and spirit of old China.

Pudong District

The heart of one of the world's largest financial centers beats in the modern business district of Pudong. The iconic East Pearl TV Tower and the trio of skyscrapers — Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower and Jinmao Tower — are the city's most famous panorama.

If you stop in Pudong for a while, it is worth walking among the high-rises with a camera along the circular Lujiazui pedestrian bridge. If you have time to stay longer, you can go up to one of the observation platforms: on the TV tower or on the skyscrapers.

Shanghai Tower

The tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world at 632 meters. On the 118th floor there is an observation deck with the best view of the city panorama.

The tower is built according to the principles of ecological architecture and is equipped with one of the fastest elevators in the world, which takes guests to the top floors in seconds.

Zhujiajiao Ancient City

This unique location is located by Dianshanhu Lake in the west side suburbs of Shanghai. It is also called the city on the water. There are 36 stone bridges tipped over numerous canals. They have names, and each one has an interesting real story or legend associated with it.

Some streets can only be traveled by boat. Hiring a watercraft is not difficult — there are many offers, and you can also hire a guide who will give you a tour.

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is a treasure trove of Chinese art and history, located on Peoples' Square. The architecture of the building reflects the idea of "heaven and earth" by combining a round roof with a square base.

Inside, you will find rich collections of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings and rare household items belonging to different dynasties. Each exhibit introduces the stages of Chinese civilization, allowing you to experience its cultural and artistic heritage.

Oceanarium

This is a place that will fascinate both children and adults. The complex consists of different themed halls, where you can see a variety of inhabitants of the underwater world.

The excursion is accompanied by modern light and sound effects. On it you will get acquainted with the numerous inhabitants of the underwater world and learn a lot about their lives.

Xintiandi French Quarter

This is another historical center of the city, but the building here is not traditionally Chinese, but with obvious features of European style. Such a mix is even called in architecture — shikumen. It is characterized by the close arrangement of houses to each other, narrow streets, the facades of houses are decorated with gray bricks.

If you want to breathe in the vibe of Europe for a moment in the midst of a Chinese city, the French Quarter will fully satisfy this request.

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Huanghe Street

Huanghe Street is famous for its street food and traditional dishes. Shanghai specialties such as shengjian fried buns and the famous xiaolongbao can be savored here. Affordable prices and a lively atmosphere make this place a foodie's paradise.

Longhua Weather

One of Shanghai's oldest buildings and part of the Lunghua Buddhist temple complex in the south of the city. This octagonal seven-tiered structure, about 40 meters high, dates back to the 3rd century AD, during the B Dynasty. Throughout its history, the structure has been destroyed and restored several times. The last restoration took place in 1979.

The architecture of the pagoda is characteristic of traditional Chinese architecture: each floor is slightly narrowed to the top, the roofs have bent corners, decorated with figures of mythical animals, and small bells hang in the eaves. It is believed that this design protects against evil spirits and creates harmony.

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Several floors of interactive immersion into the living world of our planet. Unusual exhibits include moving dinosaurs with detailed muscular anatomy and a dissected horse mummy showing internal organs.

Wrapped in a lawn, a futuristic glass house surrounds the fantasy exhibits of the Jinan Contemporary Sculpture Park. Allocate at least two hours to visit this place.

Huangpu River

The best time to visit the Huangpu River is at dusk. As the sun sets, the Huangpu River is covered in the glare of neon lights from the buildings along the shore. Cruising the Huangpu River in the evening is one of the best ways to see old and new Shanghai.

Tianzifang District

Among domestic tourists is called "Chinese Arbat". The neighborhood is quite old and neighbors poor people's houses and beautiful restored buildings. The rows of streets are filled with vendors and benches.

You can get around here on foot or by bicycle. There are places to eat and traditional Chinese snacks are sold everywhere. Large restaurants are also open, as well as art workshops. This place captures well the lively, non-touristy atmosphere of Shanghai.

Jin'an Temple

Set amidst modern shopping centers and skyscrapers, Jin'an Temple attracts with its bright golden towers and ancient history dating back to the 3rd century.

It has been rebuilt and restored several times while retaining the authentic atmosphere of a Buddhist shrine. Inside the temple complex you can see magnificent statues of Buddha, decorated with exquisite carvings and traditional attributes of Buddhist rituals. There is a special spiritual harmony here, surprisingly blended with the rhythm of city life outside the temple gates.

Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland Shanghai is a fairytale kingdom where beloved characters and world-class attractions take on an Asian flavor. Opened in 2016, it has quickly become one of the most visited amusement parks in the country.

Here you can meet Mickey Mouse and his friends, ride the Tron roller coaster or shuttle in the Pirates of the Caribbean themed world. Shows with fireworks and musical performances complete the atmosphere of magic. The park is family-oriented and offers many dining options, souvenir benches and interactive areas for children.