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Shanghai, also known as the “Paris of the East” is a must-visit destination for travellers, especially those who are interested in exploring China’s culture and traditions. With numerous skyscrapers, temples, museums, and entertainment hubs, there’s no shortage of places to visit in Shanghai. The city offers the perfect mix of cultural fusion and modernity. However, exploring such a vast city can be a daunting task, especially if you don’t have an itinerary. To make the most of your trip, you should prepare a proper travel plan and include the most popular attractions.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Shanghai
As the largest city in China, the places to visit in Shanghai have something in store for everyone. Before you set out to explore the place, make sure to have an itinerary handy.
1. The Bund
Located in Central Shanghai, The Bund is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It is said that your Shanghai tourist places list is incomplete without The Bund. Visiting this waterfront area allows you to enjoy stunning views of the Huangpu River and the modern architectural styles of the buildings. Besides the mesmerising views, The Bund is famous for its historical significance. But today, it has turned into a popular tourist destination, where you can see grand structures like the Peace Hotel and the Customs House.
Location: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002
Timings: 24*7
2. Longhua Temple And Pagoda
Photo: Guruh Budi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
When talking about tourist attractions in Shanghai, it is hard to miss Longhua Temple and Pagoda. Built in 242 AD, it happens to be the largest temple in the city. The most interesting thing about this shrine is the architecture, which features several Chinese elements. Besides that, the temple has many halls including the Devaraj Hall, the Maitreya Hal, the Three Stages Hall, the Sutras Hall, and the Mahavira Hall. After exploring these halls, you can go to the courtyard outside the temple which boasts a traditional Buddhist style architecture.
Location: 2853 Longhua Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200232
Timings: 7 AM – 4:30 PM
Fees: CNY 10
3. Yu Garden
Photo: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons
There’s a good chance you have seen classical Chinese gardens on the internet. But if you plan to experience it in person, you should head to the Yu Garden. Located at YuYuan Old Street, Yu Garden is one of the must-visit places in Shanghai. The garden is several decades old and was constructed by the Ming Dynasty. Here you can explore a variety of things, including green trees, artificial mountains, pavilions, buildings, bridges, and dragon walls. The garden is divided into six parts and each of them has something stunning to offer.
Location: 279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, 四牌楼 Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200000
Timings: 9 AM – 4:30 PM, last entry at 4 PM
Fees: CNY 40 from April to June and September to November; CNY 30 during other months
4. Nanjing Road
Photo: Lars Curfs (Grashoofd) / Wikimedia Commons
Various tourist places in Shanghai offer a lovely experience. But when it comes to shopping, there’s no other place better than Nanjing Road. Located between Jing’an Temple, The Bund, and West Yan’an Street, this place is famous among both tourists and locals. From specialty stores and shopping malls to theatres and hotels, you will find all types of things on Nanjing Road. Plus, the place gets more crowded in the evening when street performers and food stalls add to the vibrant atmosphere.
Location: Nanjing East Road & Nanjing West Road, Huangpu District & Jing’an District, Shanghai
Timings: 24*7
5. Madame Tussauds Shanghai
Photo: PQ77wd / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
America is not the only place where you can visit Madame Tussauds. If you want to see wax statues of global celebrities in China, you should go to Madame Tussauds Shanghai. Located near People’s Square, the museum features several themed sections, where you can pose with film stars, music icons, and other famous people. Besides that, you can enjoy interactive experiences like dressing up as a movie character or stepping onto a virtual stage. From Hollywood actors to historical leaders, Madame Tussauds Shanghai offers a fun way to connect with the top personalities in the world.
Location: China, CN 上海市 黄浦区 南京西路2-68号新世界商厦10楼 邮政编码: 200003
Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM, last entry at 8 PM
Fees: 175 RMB for adults per head, 160 RMB for children per head, and 330 RMB for couples
6. China Art Museum
When looking for places for Shanghai trip, you are likely to come across the China Art Museum which features 1400 artworks. This is no doubt an exciting place for those who are interested in historical stuff. As soon as you step inside the museum, you are greeted by numerous sculptures, oil paintings, and other stuff that reflects Chinese art. While you are in the museum, you should visit Exhibition Hall 5 to see the Riverside scene through an electric mode.
Location: 205 Shangnan Rd, 周家渡 Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200010
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM, closed on Mondays
7. Jade Buddha Temple
Photo: Canon EOS 60D / Wikimedia Commons
This is one of the Shanghai tourist places that is a must-visit for tourists. It doesn’t matter if you are a religious person or not, this place is open for everyone to visit. Built in 1882, this temple is home to Lord Buddha and offers a peaceful retreat. Besides the main idol, you should check out the beautiful courtyards and architectural works. Two statues of Lord Buddha are entirely made of white jade. According to locals, the statues symbolise enlightenment and tranquillity. For the best experience, you should visit the temple during Buddhist festivals when devotees gather for prayers and ceremonies.
Location: 170 Anyuan Rd, Jing’An, China, 200061
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Fees: CNY 20
8. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
Photo: Baycrest / Wikimedia Commons
If you want to spend an exciting day with your kids, you should plan a trip to Shanghai Ocean Aquarium. Located in Pudong, this aquarium is home to more than 15,000 marine creatures. The best thing about visiting this place is that it allows you to learn about the various aquatic ecosystems in the world. However, the highlight of the aquarium is the underwater tunnel, which is the longest in the world. Here you can see a variety of aquatic animals including Chinese sturgeon, and coral reefs.
Location: China, Shanghai, Pudong, Lujiazui, 陆家嘴环路1388号 邮政编码: 200031
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Fees: CNY 155
9. Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Another iconic landmark in Shanghai that you cannot miss is the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The good thing is that the tower is located close to the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, so you can explore both places on the same day. What’s impressive about the Oriental Pearl Tower is the futuristic design that consists of interconnected spheres. The tower is the perfect example of modern architecture and offers panoramic views to its visitors. It includes a skywalk and observation decks that further add to the excitement of the place.
Location: 1 Shiji Blvd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai, China, 200120
Timings: 8 AM – 9:30 PM
Fees: CNY 35 – 458
10. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, which is often referred to as “Venice of Shanghai,” is almost 1700 years old. Located an hour away from downtown Shanghai, it features charming canals, stone bridges, and traditional buildings. Besides exploring the town, you can take boat rides through the waterways, and check out the market areas. A major highlight of the place is the Fangsheng Bridge, which features a brilliant design. While you are in the town, make sure to try out some of the local delicacies like Zongzi, and smoked fish.
Location: Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai
Timings: 24*
The fascinating places to visit in Shanghai make your trip an unforgettable experience. It doesn’t matter where you go, you will find something interesting in every corner of the city. To make things more convenient, you should sort the places you want to visit in advance. That way, it becomes easier to navigate through the city even without a guide. Plus, you have TripXL to enhance your overall travelling experience to Shanghai.
Cover Photo: Markus Winkler /Pexels
