Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai is an international city full of charm. It always draws lots of visitors. When you're here, it feels like you are in a world of different cultures. You can walk along the Bund and see old buildings from many countries. Or you can go to Nanjing Road and enjoy the busy shopping. There are also tall buildings in Lujiazui.
In Shanghai, you can walk through the old alleyways and feel the special Shanghai style. You can visit Yu Garden and see beautiful traditional Chinese architecture.
Basic Information about Shanghai
- Location: East China
- Abbreviation: Hu
- Area: 6340.5 square kilometers
- Postal code: 200000
- Zip code: 310000
- Administrative divisions: Huangpu, Xuhui, Changning, Jing'an, Putuo, Hongkou, Yangpu, Pudong New Area, Minhang, Baoshan, Jiading, Jinshan, Songjiang, Qingpu, Fengxian, Chongming
Best Time to Visit Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is in April, May, September, or October. During these months, the weather is very nice. It's not too hot and not too cold, which makes it perfect for walking around and exploring.
In April and May, the city is full of beautiful flowers like cherry blossoms and tulips. The parks and streets look like colorful paintings. In September and October, the weather gets cooler, and the sky is often clear and blue. The leaves start to change color, making the parks and old buildings look even more beautiful. Plus, there are fewer tourists than in the summer, so you can enjoy the famous places like the Bund and Nanjing Road more easily.
Attractions in Shanghai
In Shanghai, you can walk along the Bund and see the old buildings. They make you feel the weight of history. Then you can go to Lujiazui and see the tall buildings. It's full of energy and excitement. The two different styles of buildings on both sides of the Huangpu River show you how amazing this city is.
Transportation in Shanghai
Shanghai is an important transportation hub in China, with developed transportation facilities. Shanghai has several main railway stations, including Shanghai Station, Shanghai South Station, and Shanghai Hongqiao Station. Shanghai Station is located in the city center and is very convenient for transportation. Shanghai South Station is close to the Xujiahui business district, which makes it easy for residents to travel. Shanghai Hongqiao Station is a large comprehensive transportation hub. It has many high-speed rail lines and is connected to the airport.
There are 2 airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Hongqiao Airport is closer to the city center and mainly operates domestic flights and some short-haul international routes. Pudong Airport is larger and farther from the city center. It is the main airport for international flights, with routes all over the world.
Shanghai metro is also one of the main transportation in this city. There are already 20 subway in operation, and the ticket price starts at CNY3. There are 1,596 bus routes currently in operation in Shanghai, with a ticket price of CNY2.
Related Reading: Shanghai Transportation System
Things to Do in Shanghai
When you come to Shanghai, you can walk along the Bund and see the beautiful old buildings and the bright river. You can go up the Oriental Pearl Tower to look at the whole city. And you can go into the narrow alleys to feel the old Shanghai life. These are all things you must do in Shanghai!
- Visit the Bund to admire the historical architecture and the skyline of Lujiazui.
- Climb the Oriental Pearl Tower for a panoramic view of Shanghai.
- Explore the Shanghai Museum to experience the charm of ancient Chinese art.
- Visit the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum to enjoy the fun of science and technology.
- Wander around the Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple area to taste local snacks.
- Watch a local Shanghai opera performance to learn about local culture.
- Shop on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to experience the commercial atmosphere of Shanghai.
- Visit the Shanghai Disney Resort to enjoy a fairy-tale-like amusement experience.
Related reading: Things to do when visiting Shanghai
Food in Shanghai
Shanghai is a famous food capital in China. It has many delicious local snacks. Xiao long bao and sheng jian bao are two of the most popular ones. Both locals and tourists love them.
Shanghai's famous soup dumplings are a must-try! The dough is super thin, and when you bite in, hot, savory broth gushes out. The filling is pork mixed with a special broth jelly that melts into soup when steamed.
Sheng jian bao is cooked in a pan until the bottom turns golden and crunchy, then steamed with water to make the top soft. Sprinkled with sesame seeds and green onions, they're best eaten hot.
Find more delicious food and popular restaurants in Shanghai:
The Best Food Street in Shanghai
Best Vegetarian Food Restaurants in Shanghai
Indian Food Restaurants in Shanghai
Shopping in Shanghai
Shanghai is a famous paradise, known for the last couple of centuries as "the Paris of the Orient". You can find high-end shopping malls on Nanjing Road and stylish stores on Hengshan Road while interesting stuff can be expected to see on different night markets and other local markets. Antiques in Dongtai Road attract numerous foreigners.
Nanjing Road is a famous shopping street in Shanghai, located in Huangpu District. It's known for its long history, rich variety of brands, and comfortable shopping environment. There are many international brands, local time-honored shops, and fashionable boutiques here. You can find both high-end department stores and unique small shops, which can meet the needs of different shoppers.
Xintiandi is a comprehensive commercial area in Shanghai that combines shopping, dining, entertainment, and culture. It's located in Huangpu District. The area is famous for its Shikumen architectural style and modern commercial elements. There are many international brands, fashionable shops, and unique stores here, which are perfect for people who want something special.
Start your shopping trip in Shanghai:
Water Town Near Shanghai
Near Shanghai, there are many beautiful water towns. They are like quiet little worlds hidden beside the bustling city. These water towns feature quaint architecture, clear rivers, and a leisurely pace of life, making them great places for people to get away from the noise of the city and relax.
Cities Around Shanghai
Shanghai is one of China's economic centers. Many vibrant cities surround it, including Suzhou, Wuxi, Jiaxing, and Ningbo. These cities form a closely connected area around Shanghai. Each city has its special features. For example, Suzhou is famous for its history and culture. Ningbo is known for its beautiful natural scenery. Wuxi attracts people with its delicious food.
Quick Facts About Shanghai
Shanghai, Hu for short, also known as Shen, is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features. The city has a status equivalent to a province, and reports directly to the central government. Serving as the largest base of Chinese industrial technology, one of the most important seaports, and China's largest commercial and financial center, Shanghai draws the attention of the whole world.Shanghai Administrative Divisions
Shanghai is divided into 16 districts and 3 counties. There are 205 towns, 9 townships, 99 subdistrict committees, 3,278 neighborhood committees, and 2,935 villagers' committees in the city. The 16 districts are Hangpu, Luwan, Changning, Putuo, Hongkou, Minhang, Jiading, Jinshan, Songjiang, Qingpu, Nanshi, Xuhui, Jing'an, Zhabei, Yangpu, Baoshan, and Pudong New Area. The 3 counties are Fengxian, Nanhui, and Chongming.
Shanghai Population
Shanghai is one of the most populated cities in China. It has a permanent resident population of 23,019,200, of which 12.21 million live in the urban areas. Shanghai's population accounts for 1.1% of the Chinese population, with an average density of 2059 inhabitants per square kilometer (3854 in the urban areas). There is a huge floating population of itinerant workers, probably numbering two million.
Shanghai Area
The city covers an area of 6,340.5 square kilometers, which extends about 120 kilometers north and south and nearly 100 kilometers east and west. Shanghai has an urban area of 2,643 square kilometers, a land area of 6,219 square kilometers, and a water area of 122 square kilometers. The city's Chongming Island is the third largest island in China, covering an area of 1,041 square kilometers. Check out zip codes for different areas of Shanghai.
Shanghai City Emblem
The design of the city emblem of Shanghai was approved by the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress in 1990. The triangle emblem consists of a white magnolia flower, a large junk, and a propeller.
The propeller symbolizes the continuous advancement of the city; the large junk, one of the oldest vessels plying Shanghai's harbor, represents the long history and bright future of the port; and the large junk is set against a white magnolia flower blossoming in the early spring.
Related Reading: Spring Flowers Viewing in Shanghai
Shanghai City Flower - the White Magnolia
In 1986, the standing committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress passed a resolution adopting the white magnolia as the city flower. The white magnolia is among the few spring flowers in the Shanghai area.
It is in full blossom in early spring and before the clear and bright festival, which usually falls on April 5. The flower has large, white petals and its eye always looks towards the sky. Therefore, the flower symbolizes the pioneering and enterprising spirit of the city.
Shanghai Culture
Shanghai is an international city that melts with different cultures from all over the world; we call it Shanghai Regional Culture. Shanghai Culture originates from Traditional Chinese Culture and merged with the Wu and Yue Dynasty Culture, and with a deep influence from Western Culture.
Shanghai created a new regional culture, with its unique characteristic, it feather in absorbs culture from all over the world, good at abandoning and pursuing excellence and innovation. The basic characteristics of this culture are more open, creative, and diverse.
Related Reading: Culture of Shanghai
Shanghai Industry
Banking on the large industrial centers and large projects, the city’s industries achieved a continued growth rate. In 2005, Shanghai realized an industrial added value of CNY415.523 billion, 1.4 times that of 2000, based on the statistics; It represents an average annual growth rate of 17%.
The heavy industrial sector made up for CNY291.293 billion while the light industrial sector accounted for CNY108.175 billion. The city's total industrial output value has reached CNY1,687.678 billion, up 1.4 times from 2000, based on the statistical history; it means an average annual growth of 19.2%.
Related Reading:
Top Places to Enjoy an Industry Visit in Shanghai
Central Shanghai
Broadly, central Shanghai is divided into two areas: Pudong (east of the Huangpu River) and Puxi (west of the Huangpu River). On the east side of the Huangpu River is Pudong, a special economic zone of banks, skyscrapers, and new residential compounds. The bund lies on the historic Puxi side of the Huangpu River and looks across to the new skyline of the Pudong business district.
West of the old town and hidden in the backstreets north and south of Huaihai Road (Shanghai's premier shopping street) is the Former French Concession, with tree-lined streets, 1930s architecture, cafes, and bars. At its western end is a major collection of western-style restaurants and bars. Continuing southeast is Xujiahui with its massive shopping intersection. Further south is the Shanghai stadium.
Western shanghai is dominated by Hongqiao, a zone of hotels, conference centers, and business offices. Farther west is Gubei, an expat area. Northeastern Shanghai has an industrial feel and is home to several universities. Further northwest is Zhabei and Shanghai Train Station. Street names are given in Pinyin, which makes navigating easy, and many of the streets are named after cities and provinces in China.
Pudong New Area
Pudong New Area is situated in the east of Shanghai, it takes the benefit of the location at the junction of the middle China coastal area and the mouth of the Yangtze River, and faces the wide range Pacific Ocean. The average temperature is around 16 degrees centigrade, a comfortable temperature for living. In 1990, the China State Council officially announced to opening of a new area to strengthen the economy of Shanghai, and Pudong was lucky to open a new page of history.
Natural Resource
Shanghai, neighboring the East China Sea, is rich in fishery resources. According to statistics, there are various fish of 108 economically important fish over more than 20 of them in Shanghai. In addition, Shanghai is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, the River is wide and an intersection of sea and freshwater, as well as natural lakes and rivers, abundant snails and oyster are span on the river bottom, providing good conditions for freshwater aquaculture.
Dotted with many rivers and lakes, the Shanghai area is known for its rich water resources. Most of the rivers are tributaries of the Huangpu River. Originating from the Taihu lake, the 113-kilometre-long Huangpu River winds through the downtown area of the city. The river is about 300 to 770 meters wide, with an average width standing at 360 meters. The ice-free Huangpu River is the main waterway in the Shanghai area.
Shanghai Geographical Features
Except for a few hills in the southwest corner, most of the Shanghai area is flat and belongs to the alluvial plain of the Yangtze River delta. The average sea level elevation is about 4 meters.
Shipping
Shanghai Port has developed to 16 international container liner routes; the container shipping number has reached 1,967 per month, of which 942 are international ships.
International Ocean Routes: the ships from Shanghai port will arrive in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Asia Countries, Australia, Israel, the Eastern Mediterranean, North West Europe, South Africa, South America, and the West Coast of the United States.
Coastal Route: Can be reached from the major ports along the coast in the city from the North.
Yangtze River Route: can reach the river ports of the middle and downstream of the Yangtze River.
River Trade Routes: Can be reached from the river ports of the eastern part of coastal cities by the Jiangnan water network.
Top Shanghai Day Trip Destinations
Shanghai is one of China’s most iconic cities. The former open port has received influences from many different cultures, and is now an ex-pat, artistic, culinary, fashion, and cultural mecca.
Theme parks, quaint nearby villages, and ancient - as well as modern - historical sites can all be found in and around Shanghai.
With so much to do in Zhejiang (from wandering the metropolises to the verdant hills and mountains), it’s hard to figure out what places are most worth a visit.
The following list is designed to help visitors and locals alike find the best of what Shanghai offers.
1. Tongli Water Town
Outside of Suzhou, Tongli Water Village is a well-preserved water town, over 1000 years old, that is defined by its prolific historical and cultural achievements. The town itself takes up 63 square kilometers and houses 33,000 people, and is made up of 7 islands connected by bridges. From ancient times, Tongli has been favored by poets, scholars, painters, and government officials.
Bridges: 49 stone bridges join the 7 isles, 15 rivers, and 5 lakes that make up Tongli. The Bridges were built in medieval times; the oldest was built during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). These structures vary from simple stone arch walkways to elevated crossings (for boats to traverse beneath) with eaved roofs.
Houses: Tongli stands out due to its preserved houses as well. Dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, these houses have elegantly carved windows, signature flying eaves, gardens, and stairs leading down to the waterways.
How to Get There: From Shanghai, the only way to get directly to Tongli is by Bus. Tourist buses can be taken from the General Station of the Shanghai Tour Bus Center or the Shanghai Tour Bus Hongkou branch. Buses from both of these locations go directly to Tongli, and take approximately 2-3 hours. Tourists can get there by taking Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station. Exit 1 is the closest to The Pearl.
2. The Bund
There is nothing more iconic in Shanghai than the Pearl. The Bund, The Pearl, and the Skyline that go with it are the definitive must-sees for any visitor to Shanghai.
The Bund is a waterfront area in central Shanghai. This area is known for its large colonial-style stone buildings housing upscale shopping, hotels, bars, and restaurants.
The iconic old buildings were once trading houses for various nations and consulates, as Shanghai was one of the only open ports in imperial China. In the 1970s and 1980s, during economic reform, the Bund area gradually returned to its former use.
The most iconic image from the Bund is the view of the skyscrapers across the river. Sitting on an open rooftop bar, watching the sun disappear behind the skyline and the city lights turn on is an experience like no other.
3. Oriental Pearl Tower
If there’s any part of the Shanghai skyline to sea, it’s The Pearl. This iconic building is the Symbol of Shanghai.
468 meters high, it was the tallest tower in China from 1994 to 2007. Visitors can look down on the city from one of 15 observatory levels- the highest at 351 meters with an outside observation area. The tower also contains a shopping center, and a revolving restaurant at 267 meters If a tourist is having one picture taken in Shanghai, it better be in front of this building, or on top of it.
4. The Former French Concession
For a break from the hustle and bustle of the modern city, visitors check out the French Quarter, a relaxed, European-style old town. Walking through this quarter is a trip through the last 150 years. Cafes, villas, and shops galore can all be found here.
Xintiandi: tourists and Shanghainese alike flock here for glitzy, high-end entertainment, bars, clubs, boutiques, and restaurants. Located in the former French Concession, this area features European colonial architecture, stone brick buildings, plazas, and narrow streets.
You can find both upscale dining and drinking establishments, as well a more laid-back places to relax outside and enjoy watching the city buzz around them. Late-night street food, Western, and Chinese cuisine are all available at Xintiandi.
Tianzifang: also known as Taikang Road, these former residences are now artsy boutiques, shops, bars, craft shops, and design studios.
The legacy houses that make up Tianzifang are known as Shikumen. Shikumen means “stone doors” and is characterized by housing with stone doorframes and solid wooden doors. Besides the Shikumen, there are French buildings from the 1920s and 1930s. Sailors, doctors, artists, and white collar workers used to live in this bohemian community. Many original residents still live here.
Now it’s not just a boutique art area, but is a frontier of Chinese artistic expression and creativity. Tianzifang’s artistry and attitude also serve to protect and maintain Shanghai’s cultural heritage.
How to Get There: Take metro line 8 or 10 to Laoximen metro station and walk northwest for a few minutes. Xintiandi and Tianzifang are within the French Quarter.
5. Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a beautiful university city. Stroll or cycle down its long, tree-lined boulevards, check out the coffee shops and book stores in a university district, or get lost in the park in the famous West Lake district. Hangzhou also offers Western food restaurants and bars, with a few night-life hot spots and clubs.
Nature-oriented visitors can take a boat on the lake and city waterways. They can also visit the nearby mountainous terraced fields, which are presently sprouting wind turbines. Hikers can visit Moganshan and the Laushulin, which are only about 90 minutes from Hangzhou.
Travelers with an interest in history can see Song Dynasty historical constructions, like Imperial Street and 8 Diagram Field.
Hangzhou’s laid-back atmosphere, small-city vibe, and plentiful things to do make it a great place to visit to get away from the big city without getting bored.
How to Get There: Hangzhou is easy to get to from Shanghai. The high-speed train takes about 1 hour, and the standard train takes about 2.
From Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, trains leave for Hangzhou East Railway Station from 6:00 am to 21:30, at an interval of 5-15 minutes.
From Shanghai South to Hangzhou Railway Station, trains leave Shanghai South Railway Station for Hangzhou Railway Station starting at 4:20 and ending at 20:40.
6. Zhujiajiao Water Town
With a history of 1,700 years, Zhujiajiao is the best-preserved among the four ancient towns near Shanghai. Suzhou may claim to be China’s Venice, but Zhujiajiao is called Shanghai’s Venice.
The town is famous for its historical bridges, dating back to the Qing and Ming Dynasties (1644-1911, and 1368-1644). The bridges show the advancement of medieval Chinese construction, typically made from stone and using arches for structural integrity.
The ancient North Street exhibits Ming and Qing dynasty structures, with signature lions guarding the gateways and narrow walkways, evoking the time before motor vehicles.
Kezhi Gardens, on Xijin Street, has an ancient traditional Chinese garden. Within the gardens is the tallest structure in the ancient town: Moon View Pavilion.
How to Get There
Metro: Take line 17 to Zhujiajiao metro station, and walk north for about 1 kilometer for 15 minutes.
Bus: the Huzhu Express and Huzhu Special line will go to Zhujiajiao station. From there, it’s about a 1-kilometer walk west.
Huzhu Special Line can be taken from Hongqiao Airport, where Gaohong and Shenkung Roads meet. Huzhu Express Line can be taken by going to Dashijie Metro Station, and then heading to the junction of Pu’an Rd and Yan’an Rd.
7. Disneyland Resort Shanghai
This Disney park resort is the first in Mainland China, and the second in Greater China (the first being in Hong Kong).
Disneyland park is a typical Disney entertainment district- with rides, food, and people dressed as characters from popular Disney movies.
There are also 2 themed hotels, a lake, and transportation hubs.
Travelers who want a bit of Americana in China have found the right place.
Located in Pudong District, visitors can take Metro Line 11 right to the Disney Resort Station.
8. Xitang Water Town
What separates Xitang Water Town from the other Qing and Ming Dynasty villages near Shanghai is its unique walkways. The walkways were once all roofed roads. Nowadays, they have cafes, restaurants, and places for tourists to relax and watch the boats go by on the waterways.
Xitang was one of the cradles of early Zhejiang and Jiangsu (the province Shanghai is in, and the neighboring province, respectively) culture, and has over 1000 years of history. Walking the town, visitors will find shops, houses and gardens dating back to the Ming dynasty. There are also over 100 ancient bridges and 120 ancient lakes for the history-minded tourist to visit.
How to Get There
Train: the Bullet Train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Jiashan South takes 30 minutes, and costs CNY30.
The standard train from Shanghai South Railway Station to Jiashan South only costs about CNY13, but takes 40-50 minutes.
From Jiashan South Railway Station, it takes about 40 minutes by taxi and 1 hour by bus to get to Xitang. Buses visitors can take from Jiashan are the following: K215, K165, K702, K216, K210, K218, and 152.
Bus: from Shanghai South Bus Terminal, numerous buses leave directly to Xitang, starting at 8:45 and the last bus leaving at 18:19. The trip takes 2 hours, and costs about CNY36.
From Shanghai Bus Terminal 4, buses leave for Xitang. The earliest is at 9:40 am and the last is at 18:30. The trip costs CNY37 and takes 2 hours.
9. Suzhou
This major city, about 100 kilometers northwest of Shanghai, is a major center of trade and commerce, is the 2nd largest city in Jiangsu province, the first being Nanjing, the provincial capital.
Suzhou now has the kind of modern accommodation and restaurants that can fit any budget or taste. 4 and 5 star hotels, hostels, Western and Asian Restaurants can be found throughout the city. Most of the fine dining and foreign food can be found around the Jinji Lake district, or west of the lake, toward the city center.
The city’s location on the Yangtze River delta, as well as its intricate paths, arched bridges, waterways, and gardens, has earned it the nicknames “the Venice of China” and “the Venice of the East.”
Suzhou’s geography and climate lend it well to flora, so there are many botanical festivals. Tiger Hill Art and Flower Festival, Azalea Tourism Festival, Changshu Shanghu Lake Peony Show, and Biluochun Tea and Tourism Festival are all attractions for nature-oriented visitors.
There is also a gourmet food festival in Taicang, not to be missed by gourmands visiting from Shanghai.
How to Get There:
By Train: Suzhou has 4 train stations: Suzhou Railway Station, North Railway Station, Suzhou New District Railway Station, and Industrial Park Station. Bullet trains from major cities all over China pass through Suzhou. From Hongqiao Passenger Terminal (connected to Hongqiao Airport) in Shanghai, visitors can take the 30-minute bullet train to Suzhou.
By Bus: Suzhou has a North, South, and West station that serves long-distance buses to nearby provinces.
Pudong Airport in Shanghai also has buses that leave every 30 minutes, starting at 10:00 and ending at 20:00 each day. Fare is about CNY90, and it takes about 3 hours.
10. Fengjing Water Town
This quaint canal city provides a nice contrast to the development and wealth of modern Shanghai. This swampy area was once considered the southwest gate to Shanghai, but is now favored by artists who come to paint its scenic beauty and the old farmers who still live there.
Old temples still stand residences still stand here, and shops and restaurants now line the canals. At night, the canal glows, lined with red lanterns.
Fengjing is a pleasant visit for tourists looking to take a relaxing boat ride, or just get away from the big city.
How to Get There
Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to Jinjiang Park Station. From nearby West Meilong Bus Station, one can take the Feng Mei Xian Line to arrive in Fengjing in about 45 minutes.
Bus: From Shanghai Tour Bus Center, Hongkou Station, regular buses leave directly to Fengjing every day.
11. City God Temple
The City God Temple or Temple of the City Gods is a traditional temple in old Shanghai. It was originally built when Shanghai was raised to municipal status. The Temple exists to venerate 3 figures, honored as city gods.
Many ancient and medieval cities in China included temples dedicated to 1 or more immortal protectors/spirits/gods of the city. This temple was converted to the Shanghai City God Temple in 1403. The commercial area around the city is Yu Garden, or Yuyuan.
12. Yu Garden
Also known as Yuyuan, Yu Garden is a massive traditional Chinese garden in the old city of Shanghai.
The garden itself is a historic site, replete with classical Chinese architecture, numerous pavilions, streams, bridges, manicured trees and shrubs, and a massive 5-ton boulder called "The Exquisite Jade Rock."
Yu Garden has been renovated and rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1559, so the various buildings and constructions are windows into different times over the last 460 years in China.
13. 1933 Old Millfun
Formerly the largest slaughterhouse in Shanghai, called either 1933 or Old Millfun, is a testament to the brutalist architecture of the 20th century. Located in the historic Hongkou District, and designed by British architects, 1933 looks more like it belongs in Gotham City and was designed by M.C. Escher. Nowadays, this architectural relic is the last of its kind in the world.
Visitors presently can find aspiring arts centers, fancy cuisine, and high-end businesses here.
How to Get There: Take metro line 4 or line 10 to Hailun Road Metro. Walk east on Hailun Road until crossing the river, then go right (south) on Laoning Road. The 1933 will be on the left, right before Liyang Road.
14. Shanghai Museum
Situated on the People’s Square in Huangpu, the Shanghai Museum houses 4 floors of ancient Chinese art.
The museum’s beginnings were humble, starting in the Former Shanghai Racecourse Clubhouse. The first works in the museum were accidental finds and private property confiscations made by the People’s Liberation Army from their conquest of Shanghai, and artifacts confiscated by customs services.
Now, everything from sculpture, painting, and the costumes and art of ethnic minorities can be found here. The Shanghai Museum has been enriched by donations, government purchases, and archaeological excavations.
How to Get There: The Shanghai Museum is in the south part of the People’s Square, so visitors can head to the People’s Square Metro Station on lines 1, 2, and 8.
15. Madame Tussaud’s
Exactly what one would expect it to be, Madame Tussaud’s is the famous wax sculpture museum.
Number 6 in the world, Madame Tussaud’s Shanghai is the 6th Tussaud’s museum in the world, and claims to be the most advanced.
You can see Chinese and Western influential figures, from celebrities to athletes to politicians.
How to Get There: Go to the People’s Square Metro Station on lines 1, 2, and 8. It’s right at the metro station, on the northwest corner of the intersection of Nanjing W Rd. and Xizang Middle Rd.
16. China Art Museum
Also called the China Art Palace, or the Shanghai Art Museum, this museum of modern Chinese art is located in the Pudong area in Shanghai.
Famous for its inverted pyramid and futuristic décor, the China Art Museum is one of the largest museums in Asia and holds over 14,000 pieces of art.
The museum permanently hosts an exhibition with works by some of China’s most famous modern artists. Also, many specially-themed exhibitions are displayed, including Taiwanese, Shanghainese, and French works.
How to Get There: Take Metro Line 8 to the China Art Museum Metro Station.
You can take metro line 7 to Yaohua Road Station, and then walk north on Shangnan Road about 800 meters.
17. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
For those looking for window shopping, eclectic figures, and a nice walk, look no further.
Nanjing Road is considered China’s most famous shopping street. Starting at the Bund and ending at Jing’an Temple, running east to west, this street covers 5½ kilometers and brings in fashionistas from all over the world.
Large shopping malls have given way to high-end specialty shops and international hotels as the city has changed and this famous street with it.
Visitors not interested in fashion can try centuries-old traditional food like smoked fish, moon cakes, wine-cured crabs, wontons, and mud snails.
Finally, the night-time view of this area is spectacular, the lights from street-level are marvelous, but the real beauty is up above. On the roofs of fancy hotels and businesses, there are open-air bars and restaurants where visitors can soak up the city skyline, watching the sun go down and the lights turn on.
How to Get There: Located as one might imagine, on Nanjing East Road, visitors can take line 1, 2, or 8 to the People’s Square Metro Station, and then walk east along Nanjing Road. In just a few minutes, they will find themselves in the heart of China’s premier shopping road.