Top 10 Shanghai Attractions

Shanghai is a fascinating city with attractions to satisfy all interests. Whether you like historic sites, beautiful architecture, culture, nature, shopping or art this is the city for you! Here are a few select must-see Shanghai attractions, whenever you will take a Shanghai local tours, you should not miss them!

1. Bund

The Bund lies on the edge of the river (hence the name Bund which means embankment) and was the site of Anglo-Saxon settlements as early as the 1840s. the British built their offices and homes in this area imitating the architecture of Europe. The area has about 50 restored historic buildings in a variety of classic European styles including Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque and neo-classic.

2. Shanghai Skyscrapers

Whether you choose to ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl Tower or the Jin Mao Tower you will get 360° views of the city. High speed elevators in each of these monumental skyscrapers whisk you to the upper floors to the observation decks where you can get breathtaking views of the city.

3. Huangpu River

Huangpu River divides Shanghai in two and whether you take a cruise at night or by day it is a must-do activity in Shanghai. You will get to see the city from a new viewpoint. There are boat tours of various lengths which pass by several of the city’s main sites like the Bund.

4. Shanghai Museum

This outstanding museum holds a collection of rare cultural artifacts including Chinese bronze, paintings, sculptures, calligraphy and ceramics. You can see ancient seals, Chinese furniture and traditional crafts by Chinese minorities.

5. Old French Concession

This area was once designated as the French colonial residential area. The charming neighborhood has narrow lanes, sidewalk cafes, beautiful architecture and shady avenues. Among the historic buildings you can also find some of the finest boutique stores.

6. Acrobatic Show

For nighttime entertainment there is nothing more traditional or thrilling than a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe which is considered one of the finest in the country. The acrobats perform gravity defying feats and mind boggling stunts which will keep you on the edge of your seat.

7. Zhujiajiao Water Town

Not far from the center of Shanghai in the Qingpu District is a traditional water town. Along the shore are historic buildings, restaurants and stores. While there don’t miss the Fangsheng Bridge built in 1912 and wander the cobbled stone lanes. You could also take a boat trip in one of the traditional boats or a gondola ride through the old town.

8. Jade Buddha Monastery

This temple was completed in 1918 and the design is reminiscent of the Song Dynasty. There are several halls, courtyards, beautiful upturned roof eaves and brightly colored walls. The highlight of the temple is the 1.9 meter high white jade Buddha brought from Burma in 1882.

9. Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar Shanghai

Shanghai has many parks and gardens providing a green oasis in the urban jungle but the Yu Yuan Garden is by far the most popular and famous. The name of the garden means Peace and Health and it is intended to comfort and give respite to city residents from the fast pace of Shanghai.

10. Nanjing Road

Shanghai’s main pedestrian thoroughfare runs for 5.5km and is lined with a wide range of stores, hotels and boutiques. This is a great place to people watch and do some shopping. At the eastern end of the street there is an all-weather walkway but the entire stretch of Nanjing Road runs from the Bund to Jing An Temple.
Of course there are many, many more outstanding sites and attractions in Shanghai waiting to be discovered but the above mentioned top 10 Shanghai attractions are a good place to start!