– the main shopping street of the city. It is always noisy here, there are a lot of people, and the shops on both sides sparkle with lights, attracting customers. Some shoppers like Nanjing Street, but some don't. In the second case, we recommend shopping centers in the Pudong area.
Nanjing Street runs from the Bund to the People's Square (or "People's Square"), where there are parks, the Shanghai Grand Theater and. We recommend visiting it and looking at the unique collection of ancient Chinese items. In addition, visiting it is free. You can see a large collection of photos of exhibits in our article, link above in this paragraph.
Not far from the square there are two more attractions that are worth talking about.
The most famous place that almost everyone has heard of is. Here you can see a relic - a jade statue weighing three tons, depicting Shakyamuni Buddha during meditation and a second smaller statue of a reclining Buddha. Both of them were brought from Burma, and now this monastery is the center of Buddhism in Shanghai and the surrounding area.
The second important attraction of the Puxi area is, which is not entirely correct to call a garden. This is the estate of a wealthy official from the Ming Dynasty, which is perfectly preserved, and now we can look at how life was lived in China at that time. Yuyuan has preserved many antiques that will be of interest to tourists.
Pudong District
Tourists are most interested in the observation decks and lower rooms of famous buildings. We will talk about each of them separately.
The first tower in the area was a television tower, stylized as a spaceship. Its opening took place back in 1994. Its observation deck has not lost its status as the most popular in the Pudong area, as tourists love the transparent floors, which give the feeling that you are about to fall down. Unfortunately, there's not much else to see here.
The next most built was a skyscraper, which may be more interesting to travelers. There is not only an observation deck, but also shops and cafes on the lower floors of the building. The skyscraper is designed in the style of a traditional Chinese pagoda, and is worth a look if only for aesthetic pleasure.
The third high-rise building in the Pudong area is the building. Particularly interesting is the roof of this building with a special “window” that serves to reduce wind resistance. For this feature it is called a “bottle opener”. Here is the most expensive observation deck for visitors and the highest on the planet, which offers stunning panoramic views of Shanghai.
And the last building is not yet open to visitors at the time of writing this article - this. Even now it is the second tallest building on Earth. When it opens, tourists will have the opportunity to look at Shanghai from a height of almost 600 meters, we are looking forward to it.
And, of course, the shopping centers of the Pudong district will be of interest to fans of inexpensive but branded shopping. Each of the skyscrapers has a shopping center, except for the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. There is also a large shopping center - Super Brand Mall located nearby - this is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in the world.
Shanghai is the financial center of Asia, the most European city in China, where foreigners feel at home!
If you are going to travel around the Middle Kingdom, you should definitely visit this metropolis to feel all the grandeur and power of the city's architecture. It is here that traditional Chinese life and modern Western innovations are combined into one whole.
Let's look at the most spectacular
1. Bund of the Bund and Nanjing Road
The number 1 place in Shanghai, which gives you the opportunity to get a complete picture of the scale of the city of 34 million! It offers views of the financial center of Pudong.
2. Yu Yuan Garden of Joy
A place after visiting which you simply cannot remain indifferent. The gardens have been preserving the cultural heritage of China for many years. The spirit of tradition and antiquity reigns all around.
You can find out more about Gardens of Joy.
3. TV tower “Pearl of the East”
One of the tallest buildings in Asia. The height is as much as 468 meters. The tower received its name in honor of the design idea - its levels are made in the shape of glass balls, supposedly symbolizing pearls. At an altitude of 263 meters there is a glass observation deck, on which you literally get the opportunity to lie over Shanghai) On the platform, located at an altitude of 360 meters, there is a restaurant where you can taste delicious dishes and admire the panorama of the city.
Cost of visiting the glass observation deck - 160 yuan (about $30), dinner at a restaurant - 300 yuan (about $45).
4. French Quarter
In the city center there is a whole quarter with beautiful French streets, shops and bars. The fact is that historically, Shanghai changed hands between the Chinese, British and French during constant wars. And so it turned out that the French left their contribution to the development of the city, rebuilding houses in their own style. In general, being here, for some time you even forget that you are in China.
You can start your walking tour of the French Quarter by getting off at the metro station Da Pu Qiao (打浦桥) — 9th branch. Drive towards the station Xin Tian Di (新天地).
4. Shanghai Circus "ERA"
I'll say it briefly. If you want to see one of the most spectacular circus performances in the world, then come here! Here are some incredible tricks that reveal the capabilities of the human body.
5. Shanghai Zoo
The second largest zoo in China (after Beijing). More than 600 species of wild animals live here in coziness and comfort. The “highlights” of the zoo are the panda (I hope you are lucky to catch her awake), the cheerful King Kong and the incredibly funny kangaroos.
The zoo is located at the metro station Shanghai ZOO (上海动物园), line 10.
6. Jade Buddha Temple
Shanghai is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, where towering skyscrapers and glittering entertainment centers coexist with traditional Chinese architecture. Having been under British protectorate for more than 100 years, the city took all the best from Western civilization. The interweaving of Western business culture and advanced technologies with original Chinese traditions is modern Shanghai.
Architectural sights of Shanghai: photos with descriptions
Longhua Pagoda
Longhua PagodaThis is the most interesting architectural landmark of the city. The pagoda, built together with Longhua Temple in 247, has undergone many renovations over its long history, the last of which was carried out in 1979. Since then, entry into it has been prohibited because the structure is not strong enough. Therefore, tourists are allowed to admire this wonderful structure only from the outside.
The height of the pagoda is 40 meters. The seven tiers have an octagonal shape and a roof shape traditional for ancient Chinese architecture. Therefore, for a Buddhist atmosphere, go to Longhua Temple. In five spacious halls you can admire beautiful statues, the most famous of which is the gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. The temple library contains Buddhist relics, including sutras, traditional Chinese instruments and many works of art.
Of the most remarkable architectural monuments of Shanghai, you should definitely visit the following:
- Temple of Confucius in Shanghai. A 14th-century temple with an interesting history, architecture and interior contents. At the end of the tour, you will take part in a traditional tea ceremony;
- Temple of the Jade Buddha. Center for Chinese Buddhism, where religious and scientific-historical conferences, as well as classes on Buddhism, are periodically held. For tourists, the temple is notable for its two jeweled Buddha sculptures carved from rare Burmese white jade. This is also the best place to buy Chinese souvenirs;
- Chenghuangmiao Temple. A 15th-century temple complex dedicated to the guardian god of the city. Traditional Chinese festivals are often held here. The tea house deserves special attention.
During the First Opium War, Shanghai was captured by British troops and the Treaty of Nanjing gave Western trading companies extensive trading rights. American and British settlements appear in the city. Therefore, along with traditional Chinese places of worship, there are Christian churches in Shanghai, the most interesting of which are the Cathedral of St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Sheshan Basilica of the Virgin Mary.
Shanghai Museums
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum This museum should definitely be included in your list of things to see in Shanghai in one day. It was founded in 1952 and is one of the largest repositories of historical and cultural artifacts in the world. The Shanghai Museum has three spacious halls and eleven galleries, displaying more than 8 thousand exhibits from different eras and peoples.
Of particular interest is the collection of more than 400 bronze items, including jewelry, weapons, dishes and musical instruments. Jade and porcelain are no less revered by the Chinese, the products from which amaze with the skill of their execution.
Did you know? Seals were invented in China and were made of jade, which has a softness suitable for minting small designs.
Special attention is paid to ancient Chinese calligraphy and painting, as well as sculpture and furniture made for the imperial dynasties by the best craftsmen from expensive wood. And numismatists and bonsists will be attracted by the richest collection of metal and paper money from China and neighboring countries. Also in the Shanghai Museum you can see works of handicraft and folk arts of Tibet and other small peoples of China.
The cultural, historical and material heritage of China is presented in more than 250 museums of various themes and orientations. Tourists can spend their time most interestingly in this way:
- Drivers and connoisseurs of antique cars can devote a whole day to the Automobile Museum in Shanghai, where rare cars from different countries and times are exhibited in five spacious pavilions. There are also many screens where interesting stories about the structure and operating principles of the car are broadcast;
- get acquainted with a lot of interesting exhibits at the Shanghai Urban History Museum. More than 30 thousand exhibits are presented here, colorfully telling the history of the city. Of particular interest are life-size models of houses and huts, and realistically made wax figures demonstrating various scenes from city life. Tourists all over the world consider this museum to be the best in Shanghai;
- learn the history of the emergence and development of acupuncture, acupuncture and herbal treatment at the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Even people who are not interested in such topics will like it here;
- Philatelists and history buffs will be interested in the Shanghai Postal Museum, where the history of postal communication from signal lights and drums to the telegraph and modern technologies is very interesting and detailed. The collection of stamps from different times and countries of the world will appeal even to non-philately fans;
- people who remember Soviet propaganda posters well will be interested in exploring the exhibition of the Museum of Propaganda Posters. Samples of printed propaganda materials are exhibited here, the subjects of which colorfully and clearly reflect the history of the development of the Chinese state in the 20th century and are strikingly similar to propaganda posters of the USSR.
Natural attractions of Shanghai
Shanghai Uplands is a must-see destination. Here, in the bamboo groves and deciduous forests, there is a whole network of parks with many architectural objects, a suspension bridge, picturesque alleys with sculptures and various services for tourists.
In the eastern part of the park, the main emphasis is on nature and plants. Most of all, tourists like the picturesque tea forest, tea pavilion and tea shop, where you can buy the best varieties of Chinese tea at an affordable price.
Taking the cable car to the western part of the park, you can visit the Catholic Basilica of St. Mary, the butterfly garden and the observatory. In autumn, a sand sculpture festival is held here, in which the best masters of this art from all over the world take part. You can take home bamboo shoots, orchids and rare blue tea. Children can enjoy delicious honey peaches.
You can also take a break from the city noise and admire the picturesque nature in the following places:
- Shanghai Botanical Garden;
- Century Park;
- Fuxing Park;
- Jing'an Sculpture Park;
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan).
Yu Garden (Yuyuan) Where to feel the city: observation decks and places to walk in Shanghai
China ranks first in the world in the number of skyscrapers, three of which are located in Shanghai, being one of the main attractions of the city. It is impossible to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of Shanghai without visiting one of the city's observation platforms. Here you can not only take great photos and experience thrills (for example, walking with insurance on the roof of a 400-meter building), but also have lunch or dinner in one of the restaurants, while admiring the panorama of Shanghai. The best viewing platforms in Shanghai are:
- Shanghai World Financial Center (472 m);
- Jin Mao Tower (400 m);
- TV tower “Pearl of the East” (267 m).
Observation Deck, Shanghai World Financial Center Be sure to take time to stroll through the French Quarter, where the French Concession was located in the 19th and 20th centuries. The architecture of the cozy establishments recreates the atmosphere of the 20s. Everything here is so organic and harmonious that, walking along these European streets, you sometimes forget that you are in China.
Also in Shanghai you should definitely visit the following interesting places:
- the water city of Zhujiajiao, called the “Shanghai Venice”, where the unique atmosphere of ancient China has been preserved;
- Yuyuan Old Street is a piece of ancient China in the center of a modern metropolis. Here you can buy interesting souvenirs and admire Chinese architecture;
- entertainment complex Intercontinental Shimao Wonderland Shanghai, built inside an artificial canyon filled with water. In one of the hotel rooms or from the Jacuzzi at the spa center, you can watch the sea creatures swimming near the windows. There are also plenty of other interesting activities for the whole family.
What to see in Shanghai in 1 day
- Happy Valley Park;
- Shanghai Botanical Garden;
- Longhua Pagoda;
- Shanghai Museum;
- Shanghai World Financial Center.
What to see in Shanghai in 2 days
- Shanghai Automobile Museum;
- Mount Sheshan;
- Basilica of the Virgin Mary;
- Shanghai Zoo;
- Temple of Confucius in Shanghai;
- Jin Mao Tower.
What to see in Shanghai in 3 days
- Temple of the Jade Buddha;
- Yu Garden;
- Shanghai Aquarium;
- Shanghai Urban History Museum;
- TV tower "Pearl of the East".
What to see in Shanghai in 5 days
If you have more time to get to know Shanghai, then you can devote the fourth day to visiting Disneyland, and the next day go to the following places:
- Jinjiang Action Park;
- Chenghuangmiao Temple;
- French Quarter;
- Yuyuan Old Street;
- Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine;
- Century Park.
Where to go in Shanghai with children
Like any tourist city, Shanghai pays great attention to family recreation and entertainment for children. Having listed all such city attractions, you can create a rather weighty guide, so we will focus on the most interesting and popular of them:
- The youngest Disneyland, opened in 2016. It consists of six thematic areas with a lot of interesting attractions and entertainment for children of all ages. For those who want to take a break from the noise and general fun, there is a separate park - “Wishing Star Park”. Here is the tallest Sleeping Beauty Castle in the world. Be sure to wait until the park closes, followed by spectacular fireworks displays;
- amusement park "Happy Valley". Another modern amusement park with interesting themed areas and water attractions. The park is less crowded and noisy, but no less interesting than Disneyland;
- Jinjiang Action Park. A small but interesting and cozy amusement park, opened in 1984. The main attraction here is the 108-meter Ferris wheel with stunning views of Shanghai;
- Shanghai Circus. A must visit place in Shanghai. Especially for those who don’t like clowns and feel sorry for circus animals. There is neither one nor the other here. Instead, you will be offered an enchanting, stunning show of famous Chinese acrobats, incredible stunts on bicycles, a breathtaking show of motorcyclists in the sphere and many other unforgettable performances;
- Shanghai Zoo. A great holiday destination for the whole family with many animals, including such rare ones as the golden monkey. Children are especially delighted, of course, by pandas, dancing elephants and a family of gorillas with their funny, human-like habits. The animals live in comfortable conditions, and the park itself is very green and cozy. In addition to watching animals, visitors are provided with other interesting entertainment and the opportunity to have a tasty and inexpensive snack in one of the cafes;
- Shanghai Aquarium. An excellent place with a wide variety of sea inhabitants. The cold zone with penguins and, of course, the aquarium with jellyfish deserve special attention, the multi-colored lighting of which creates a colorful, unforgettable spectacle that is really hard to tear yourself away from.
Video review of Shanghai attractions
Shanghai is one of the most interesting places for , and also quite an interesting place for lovers of city tours . And this is not surprising, because Shanghai is rich in sights that you can talk about for hours. But despite this, we have selected a short but informative video for you.
Shanghai is a city that you need to visit more than once, because even in a week you won’t be able to see all its attractions. Moreover, in an economically developed city, places of interest for tourists appear every year. And visiting Shanghai parks is like visiting good old friends.
Shanghai is constantly changing. New shopping centers, restaurants, nightclubs, and theme parks are built while the old is torn down and forgotten. Shanghai has become a model city for the 21st century, an example for every other city in the world, in less than ten years. Tourists from foreign countries will immediately notice how Shanghai differs from other large Chinese cities. Shanghai is a mixture of the atmosphere of traditional Chinese culture and modern Western culture and architecture. Tall skyscrapers in the eastern part of the city overlooking classical architecture and ancient buildings on the western side.
Sights of Shanghai
1. Shanghai Promenade, The Bund
The Bund (Waitan) or promenade is a 1.5-kilometer boulevard on the west bank of the Huangpu River and is one of Shanghai's most famous architectural symbols. The word "Bund" comes from the Anglo-Indian word for "dirty embankment". The Bund or promenade in Shanghai dates back to 1846, when the first offices of British companies opened on the riverbank. Today, Shanghai's promenade boasts over 50 different buildings in a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical and Renaissance, as well as one of the world's most impressive collections of art architecture. -deco These beautifully preserved buildings now house various boutiques and restaurants, as well as antique shops. The Bund is rightfully considered one of the main attractions of Shanghai.
2. Yuyuan Garden
Yu Yuan Garden or "Garden of Happiness" is the most famous garden in Shanghai and one of the oldest surviving gardens in China. It is located in the heart of the Old City, Yu Yuan Garden is one of the main attractions of Shanghai.
Yu Yuan Garden was founded in 1559 - 1577 during the Ming Dynasty by a wealthy Chinese official for his old parents. The Garden of Peace and Comfort, as he called it. In Chinese, "yu" means peace and health. The park occupies only 2 hectares, but how beautiful these 2 hectares are! This is a classic example of southern Chinese landscape design that reflects the diversity and beauty of the southern nature. You will notice exquisite ponds, beautiful landscapes and artistic architecture typical of garden design in the style of the time.
The park is divided into 6 areas using the so-called dragon walls. These are the Great Mountains Area, the Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion, the Hall of Freshness, the Hall of Jade Splendor, the Inner Garden, and the Lotus Pool.
The Great Mountains region features 14-meter stacked mountains with peaks, cliffs, winding caves and gorges that are made of 2,000 tons of rock.
The Ten Thousand Flowers Pavilion is decorated with a dragon's head and paved with scale-like tiles, which create the illusion of a huge dragon resting in the garden.
The Hall of Freshness contains weapons and coins made by the Small Swords Society, a society that led a rebellion against the Qing Dynasty and occupied Shanghai for 17 months in 1853-1854.
Yu Yuan Garden is an architectural marvel of the Yangtze River region in southeast China. You will get a lasting impression of peace and tranquility during a tour of it!
3. The Jade Buddha Temple
The Jade Buddha Temple is the most famous Buddhist monastery. The temple was originally built in 1882 and named after two jade Buddha statues. In the temple, there are many other priceless masterpieces - such as paintings and Buddhist scriptures, as well as a wonderful collection of porcelain. The Jade Buddha Temple is not famous for its architecture, which is very new and built in the standard style of the Song Dynasty. Two Buddhas are located inside, both made from white jade in Burma and depict Shakyamuni Buddha (the historical Buddha).
4 The Shanghai Museum
Founded in 1952, the Shanghai Museum remains the most important museum of classical Chinese art. The museum embraces traditional Chinese ideas about the earth - the museum's four floors include impressive collections of bronzes and ceramics from prehistoric cultures, ink drawings, calligraphy, as well as large collections of art from ethnic minorities throughout China. There is a rich collection of jade, coins and furniture from the Ming and Qing periods (1368-1912).
5. Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu), the main shopping street of Shanghai, was built in the second half of the 19th century. Nanjing Road is 5.5 kilometers of shops, boutiques and restaurants that are visited by an average of about 1.7 million people every day. In total, there are more than 600 shops of various types on the street, from branded, expensive boutiques to simple souvenir shops.
6. The Oriental Pearl Tower
The East Pearl Tower is a 468-meter high radio and television tower in Pudong Park on the east bank of the Huangpu River. Built in 1991, the tower takes its name from its 11 connected spheres of varying diameters, the tallest of which, the Cosmos module, sits at 350 meters and has a glass floor. The Oriental Pearl Tower is the tallest in Asia and the third tallest in the world. The Tower offers beautiful panoramic views of Shanghai. The Pearl Tower is one of the main architectural landmarks of Shanghai.
7. People's Square
Built on the site of the city's former hippodrome, People's Square is currently the main square in Shanghai. People's Square is the ideal place to start a city tour. The square is surrounded by the Shanghai Municipality Buildings, the Shanghai Grand Theater and the Shanghai Museum building.
8. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum
The Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is the largest of its kind in China and one of the largest in the world, attracting more than two million visitors every year. Opened in 2001, the museum contains numerous fun, interactive, multimedia exhibits and permanent exhibits on modern science and technology. Museum highlights include cutting-edge scientific advances, fascinating robotics exhibits, and exhibits focusing on space travel. The museum also includes the Shanghai Aquarium with a 120-meter tunnel through the water column with the inhabitants of the world's oceans.
9. Shanghai World Financial Center (World Financial Center)
The Shanghai World Financial Center is the tallest building in Shanghai and the fourth tallest in the world. The skyscraper was built in 2007 and reaches a height of 492 meters. The skyscraper has two viewing platforms with beautiful panoramic views of Shanghai. There are several high-speed elevators inside and it is not as crowded as the TV tower, but it is much higher. The Shanghai World Financial Center is one of the symbols of the city and a landmark of Shanghai.
10. The China Art Museum
The museum is located in the former China Pavilion of Expo 2010. With 166,000 square meters, it is the largest art museum in Asia. It houses the most important collections of contemporary art, focusing on the collection of Chinese contemporary art, as well as numerous works related to the cultural development of Shanghai over the decades.
In one of the most amazing cities on earth, where skyscrapers are harmoniously combined with pagodas and gardens, a traveler can spend a whole month and still not have time to see everything.
Therefore, for those who are going to Shanghai for a short time and want to see all the main attractions, we have selected ten places that cannot be missed.
The best way to start a sightseeing tour of Shanghai is from the Bund of the Bund or with a boat trip on the Huangpu River. The embankment looks best in the light of evening lights, and during the day it resembles the streets of New York and Chicago with its skyscrapers and dense infrastructure.
Now the embankment is considered a symbol of Shanghai, and tourists are entertained here by street performers and musicians. By the way, you can buy the best souvenirs here, in one of the many shops.
The Shanghai museum, theater and city government building are concentrated in People's Square. However, it is absolutely not like a traditional city square, because it is a park with sculptures, fountains, benches and quiet clearings for relaxation.
People's Square will be a great place to relax with friends or take a secluded walk.
Created more than half a century ago on the grandstands of a former hippodrome, the Shanghai Museum has 11 galleries. Connoisseurs of art and antiquities can spend the whole day here and not get bored.
The museum has a wonderful sculpture hall, an art gallery, and a selection of ancient porcelain, items made of precious stones and metals. And the picturesque jade hall is of particular value to the museum.
In the old part of the city there is a huge garden spread over four hectares, part of which is the ancient Yu Yuan Bazaar. This garden was founded in the 16th century by a family of wealthy officials and was called the Mandarin Garden. Shopping malls soon grew around it, which still exist today.
Among the hundreds of shops you can find traditional souvenir shops, antique shops, and food shops. And in a local cafe you can have a snack with chicken soup, radish pies and wash it all down with hot tea or inexpensive wine.
The Jade Buddha Temple was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Its main shrine is a Buddha statue made of white stone, which was brought here by an anonymous monk. However, he is not alone here, because his peace is guarded by three more gilded sculptures and hundreds of stone guards.
The temple is open to guests on all days except the Chinese New Year, when religious services take place there, however, photography is still not allowed here. Well, as a consolation, tourists can buy themselves small gongs, copied from those used in the temple.
Longhua Pagoda has remained a landmark that can only be admired from the outside for many years. Built in the middle of the 3rd century, it has already been restored several times and still remains too fragile to admit crowds of tourists who dream of seeing the pagoda from the inside.
However, no one forbids taking photographs of the seven-story building, and there are a lot of people around the pagoda at any time of the day.
A popular place among families with children is the modern Shanghai Zoo. Here you can see the living symbol of China - the panda, and for such an unusual spectacle, thousands of people flock to the walls of the zoo.
By the way, the animals live here in conditions as close as possible to wild ones, so people will have to hide and travel on buses in a strictly limited area.
The Temple of Confucius is small, but very popular among locals. This building, dating back several centuries, was destroyed by the imperial army and restored only at the end of the 20th century. Now a statue of the philosopher greets guests on the threshold of the temple, and his sayings can be found inside.
It’s worth visiting the temple if only to appreciate the elegance of the national architecture and take a break from the crazy flow of tourists that, as a rule, surrounds all the sights.
The giant Shanghai Aquarium is located on twenty thousand square kilometers. It is rightfully considered one of the best in the world and receives more than a million visitors annually.
The oceanarium is divided into nine zones, each with its own habitat. More than 450 species of sea creatures live here in conditions similar to those in their homeland. During a tour of the aquarium, the visitor seems to be transported from China to other countries, to continents and even to the opposite hemisphere.
And of course, any Russian tourist is simply obliged to visit the monument to his great compatriot. Perhaps in Russia there are monuments to A.S. Pushkin in every second public garden, but in Shanghai this is the only monument to a foreign poet.
The uniqueness of this bronze bust is also that in the 20th century alone it was destroyed and restored twice. Like the relationship between the Soviet Union and China, the history of the monument was not easy, but now it is popular among the population and evokes only respect and love among the residents of Shanghai.
Of course, a couple of days will not be enough to get around all this. But don’t rush and run from one attraction to another. Try to feel the magical atmosphere of Shanghai, and you can leave a few monuments until your next visit.