Shanghai Tourist Attractions

Shanghai Tourist Attractions: Top Sights, Culture & Must-See Experiences

Welcome to Shanghai, China’s modern masterpiece where East meets West. From the timeless beauty of the Bund and Yu Garden to the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, the best Shanghai tourist attractions tell a story of transformation — from colonial heritage to global innovation.

Step into the French Concession for tree-lined boulevards, cafés, and art deco buildings that whisper of old-world charm. Or take a sunset stroll along the Huangpu River, where neon reflections light up the night.

Shanghai is not just a city — it’s a pulse, a rhythm of modern life and timeless culture. Explore our curated blogs below for detailed travel guides, hidden gems, and tips to make the most of your visit to China’s most cosmopolitan destination.

Night view of the Bund in Shanghai, China

Top Shanghai Tourist Attractions

Night view of The Bund’s historic buildings illuminated along the Huangpu River in Shanghai

The Bund

Daytime panoramic view of the Oriental Pearl Tower and Lujiazui’s three towers — Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower under clear blue sky

Lujiazui & the Oriental Pearl Tower

Night view of Yuyuan Garden Shanghai from visitor’s perspective, illuminated traditional architecture and glowing ponds

Yuyuan Garden

Historic buildings on Nanjing Road Shanghai showing old architecture and heritage charm

Nanjing Road Shanghai

Enchanted Storybook Castle at Shanghai Disneyland with daytime reflection on water

Shanghai Disneyland

Panoramic view of tourists rowing boats through Zhujiajiao Water Town canals.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Cultural and Natural Attractions in Shanghai

A characteristic European-style apartment building on Wukang Road, shaded by plane trees, typical of Shanghai's former French Concession area.

Wukang Road & Anfu Road

Scenic view of Chongming Island, a peaceful getaway among Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Chongming Island

Entrance of Shanghai LEGOLAND Resort 2025, the world’s largest LEGO theme park in China.

Shanghai LEGOLAND Resort

Street jewelry shop in Tianzifang, Shanghai, perfect for souvenirs during a Shanghai day trip

Tianzifang

Shikumen-style roadside architecture in Xintiandi during the day, illustrating the district’s heritage appeal in Shanghai.

Xintiandi

Exterior of the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, one of the most futuristic Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Shanghai Astronomy Museum

Shanghai Natural History Museum showcasing wildlife exhibits, a popular spot among Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Shanghai Natural History Museum

Historic architecture at Sinan Mansions, blending heritage and modern culture within Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Sinan Mansions

Serene lake scenery at Dianshan Lake, a relaxing nature escape within Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Dianshan Lake

Lush greenery and hills at Sheshan National Resort, a top nature-focused choice among Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Sheshan National Tourist Resort

Aerial view of the Guangfulin Shanghai underwater museum floating on Fulin Lake.

Guangfulin

Cherry blossoms in full bloom at a springtime park, a seasonal highlight of Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Chenshan Botanical Garden

Shanghai and Surrounding Water Town Attractions

The classic saying goes, “In Heaven there is Paradise; on Earth, Suzhou and Hangzhou.”
Now that you’re already in Shanghai, these two gems are just a short trip away. Take the opportunity to explore their enchanting water towns and let the gentle, poetic charm of Jiangnan elevate your entire journey.

Classical Suzhou garden scenery, an elegant extension of Shanghai Tourist Attractions within the Jiangnan region.

Suzhou Gardens

Double Bridge in Zhouzhuang water town with morning reflection, China’s No.1 water town

Zhouzhuang

West Lake landscape in Hangzhou, a must-see cultural gem near Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Hangzhou West Lake

Daytime canal scenery of Xitang Water Town from Shanghai, featuring traditional riverside houses.

Xitang Water Town

Blue-dye workshop in Xizha with cloth drying under the sun, a cultural stop on a Wuzhen day trip from Shanghai.

Wuzhen

Traditional canals and bridges in Tongli Water Town, a picturesque day-trip option from Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Tongli Water Town

Sunny day in Nanxun Water Town from Shanghai, showing canals, traditional buildings, and clear skies.

Nanxun Water Town

Freshly brewed Longjing tea in a glass, Longjing Village near Shanghai tea experience

Longjing Village

West Lake landscape in Hangzhou, a must-see cultural gem near Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Hangzhou West Lake

Daytime canal scenery of Xitang Water Town from Shanghai, featuring traditional riverside houses.

Xitang Water Town

Blue-dye workshop in Xizha with cloth drying under the sun, a cultural stop on a Wuzhen day trip from Shanghai.

Wuzhen

Traditional canals and bridges in Tongli Water Town, a picturesque day-trip option from Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Tongli Water Town

Intangible Cultural Heritage Attractions in Shanghai

Shanghai Yue Opera performance of Jia Baoyu and Lin Daiyu from Dream of the Red Chamber, part of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

Yue Opera

Shanghai-style dragon and phoenix qipao, showcasing traditional embroidery techniques in China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage

Shanghai-Style Cheongsam Craftsmanship

Shanghai velvet embroidery tiger head, a vibrant piece of craftsmanship from China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

Shanghai Wool Embroidery

Close-up of juicy Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, a classic Shanghai Xiaolongbao delicacy

Shanghai Xiaolongbao

Temples Attractions in Shanghai

Main entrance of Longhua Temple Shanghai, historic Buddhist temple in Xuhui District

Longhua Temple

Main entrance gate of Jing’an Temple in Shanghai, welcoming visitors to the Buddhist temple

Jing’an Temple

Tranquil temple architecture at Baoshan Temple, a serene cultural site among Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Baoshan Temple

Entrance of Shou'an Temple, Shanghai, with stone lions and traditional gate

Shou’an Temple

Entrance gate of Zhenru Temple in Shanghai, showing the peaceful traditional architecture.

Zhenru Temple

Peaceful courtyard at Fashan An, a hidden cultural gem listed under Shanghai Tourist Attractions.

Fashan Nunnery

Entrance of Xiahaimiao Temple in Shanghai, a historic Zen sanctuary on the Huangpu River.

Xiahaimiao Temple

Main entrance gate of Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai, welcoming visitors to the Buddhist temple

Jade Buddha Temple

Explore further through our:

Discover Shanghai’s top tourist attractions, from historic temples and scenic parks to vibrant streets and local markets. Plan your visit with tips on must-see sights, cultural experiences, and insider insights for an unforgettable Shanghai adventure.

Experience where tradition meets the future — only in Shanghai.

Shanghai
Ignite the Dream fireworks at Enchanted Storybook Castle, Shanghai Tourist Attractions

Shanghai Tourist Attractions FAQs

Don’t miss The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower/Pudong skyline, French Concession streets, Nanjing Road, and Water Town like Zhujiajiao. These represent both historic and modern Shanghai.

Exploring the core city attractions is best done over 2 to 3 days. If you wish to explore the museum district or the Suzhou-Hangzhou region within a 2-hour drive, we recommend adding an extra day or two.

Some attractions (like Shanghai Tower, popular museums) accept or require tickets in advance. On peak days, booking ahead is more reliable and helps avoid sold-out time slots.

The Shanghai metro covers major tourist areas. Buses and taxis work well. For attractions on the edge (like Zhujiajiao water town), take shuttle buses or combination tickets.

Generally yes — Shanghai is modern and visitor-friendly. Usual precautions apply: watch for pickpockets in crowded areas, ensure taxi drivers use the meter, and avoid deserted alleys late at night.

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