Shanghai, often called the “Paris of the East,” is a city where ancient culture meets cutting-edge modernity. In recent years, it has become one of the top destinations for Western travelers exploring China. From history enthusiasts and shopaholics to food lovers and families, Shanghai offers a wide range of experiences that cater to every interest. Here’s your guide to the must-see highlights of Shanghai, complete with local tips to make your trip unforgettable.
1. The Bund and Huangpu River: Witness Shanghai’s Timeless Charm

The Bund is perhaps Shanghai’s most iconic landmark, stretching along the Huangpu River. Here, early 20th-century European-style architecture stands side by side with gleaming modern skyscrapers, creating a unique skyline that symbolizes the city’s blend of tradition and innovation. Strolling along the Bund during the day offers stunning views of historic facades, while at night, the illuminated skyline of Pudong reflects on the river, offering a magical photo opportunity. For travelers seeking a combination of history, architecture, and scenic beauty, the Bund is a must-visit destination.
2. Tianzifang: A Hub of Art, Creativity, and Local Crafts

Located in Shanghai’s former French Concession, Tianzifang is a charming alleyway district brimming with artistic energy. Visitors can explore boutique art galleries, quirky craft shops, and cozy cafés tucked into renovated traditional Shikumen houses. It’s the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs and soak in Shanghai’s creative spirit. Whether you want to watch local artists at work, sip coffee while people-watching, or discover handmade jewelry and ceramics, Tianzifang captures the city’s artistic soul.
3. Shanghai Museum: Dive Deep into China’s Rich History

Situated in the bustling People’s Square, Shanghai Museum is one of China’s premier cultural institutions. The museum houses extensive collections of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. Exhibits are thoughtfully arranged, providing a window into China’s rich history and cultural evolution. For Western travelers, it’s an opportunity to connect with thousands of years of Chinese civilization in a modern, well-curated space. Don’t miss the special exhibitions that often feature rare artifacts from across the country.
4. Shanghai Disneyland: Family Fun and Adventure

Shanghai Disneyland is the first Disney park on mainland China and a must for families or Disney fans. The park combines beloved classic attractions with unique experiences tailored to Chinese culture. From thrilling rides and live shows to opportunities to meet favorite Disney characters, it promises a full day of fun. Highlights include the futuristic Tron Lightcycle Power Run, the enchanting Enchanted Storybook Castle, and seasonal events that bring magic to every visit. Families will find Shanghai Disneyland both exciting and memorable.
5. Culinary Delights: Savor Shanghai’s Food Scene

Shanghai is a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from street snacks to high-end dining. Must-try local dishes include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), and crab roe soup dumplings, each bursting with flavor. For a more upscale experience, the Bund features fine-dining restaurants offering international cuisine with spectacular river views. Culinary tours are also popular, guiding travelers through hidden alleys to taste authentic flavors that locals love. Whether you’re a casual foodie or a gourmet adventurer, Shanghai’s food scene is sure to impress.
6. Nightlife in Shanghai: Experience the City’s Energy

When the sun sets, Shanghai transforms into a lively metropolis. Visitors can enjoy rooftop bars with panoramic views of the city, dance the night away in stylish clubs, or relax in intimate speakeasies tucked away in alleys of Xintiandi and Tianzifang. The city’s nightlife blends elegance with excitement, catering to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re seeking a quiet evening with cocktails or a vibrant night of music and dancing, Shanghai delivers an unforgettable experience.
Travel Tips for Western Visitors
- Language: While Shanghai is highly international, English may not be as widely spoken in everyday situations. Learning basic Mandarin phrases or using translation apps can greatly enhance your experience.
- Transportation: Shanghai’s public transportation system is highly efficient, including metro, buses, and taxis. Consider getting a rechargeable transportation card for convenience.
- Shopping: From luxury boutiques to local designer shops, Shanghai is a shopping haven. Popular streets include Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road, where you can find everything from high-end fashion to unique local brands.
- Safety: Shanghai is relatively safe, but always stay mindful of your personal belongings and avoid less crowded areas at night.
Overall, Shanghai offers an incredible mix of old and new, East and West. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, the city promises a unique journey full of culture, flavor, and excitement. Use this guide to explore Shanghai like a local and make the most of your adventure in China’s vibrant metropolis.

You can obviously feel that the park is working hard to build a brand: all the park staff are courteous; and all free performances are also carefully arranged, and they design different humorous topics, the whole performance are filled with ease and happiness, and there is no cruelty or discomfort to force animals to make the performances; public toilets, rest spots, small shops, shuttle buses and other supporting facilities are also reasonable and sufficient.
Shanghai Jinmao Tower is located at No. 88, Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai. It is located in the center of Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone, east to Pudong New Area, west to Shanghai and Huangpu River, south to Pudong Zhangyang Road Commercial and Trade Zone, and north to the Central green space which covers an area of 100,000 square meters.
Jinmao Tower was once the tallest building in Shanghai, and the buffet above it is Shanghai’s high-end cuisine. Compared with other buffets, Jinmao buffet food is better, which is very authentic, and it has two characteristics: its seafood ingredients are very delicious, authentic, salmon meat is fat and delicious, sweet shrimp is tasty, and the taste and quality of its dessert are super good, with fantastic appearance and excellent ingredients.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower, as an iconic building in Shanghai, is a best place to look up and down the high-rise buildings on both sides of the Huangpu River and feel the rhythm of the metropolis.
The 101-story, 492-meter-high super high-rise integrated development project is located in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, and the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Center is regarded as Asia’s international financial and trade center. The Shanghai World Financial Center is located in the center of the Lujiazui Finance and Trade Center. It is built on a 100-meter-wide Century Avenue that runs through the center of the area, along with a 100,000-square-meter Central Green Park. The area’s super high-rise buildings can be seen here and there, and many are still under construction, which are gathering government-related institutions and stock exchanges, various commodity exchanges, major banks, trading companies and so on. Moreover, the urban transportation infrastructure from here to the international hub airport Pudong International Airport is also well established.
When you are standing in the eye of Shanghai, the whole city seems to be at your feet. Overlooking the scenery on both sides of the Pujiang River during the day, you will feel the history and changes of Shanghai are clear at a glance. At night, you can look at the large and small wheels on the Huangpu River, which are dotted with the river surface like a spark, and the bustling and hustle of Shanghai at night are in front of you. It is a great place to overlook Shanghai landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl and the Bund on the top.
The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center is located at No. 100, Renmin Avenue, Shanghai. It takes 5 minutes to walk to there after you arrive at the People’s Square Station by subway. Visiting time for the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center: it will be closed on Monday, usually opens from 9:00 to 17:00, but it will stop checking ticket at 16 o’clock. Tickets for the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center are 30 yuan/person.
In the area of Shanghai Yu Garden (City God Temple), it is now mainly the Shanghai Commodity Market, and is also the most commercial center with Shanghai characteristics, but most of them are old-fashioned buildings and nostalgic places. This is mainly a distribution center for small commodities.
The Old Street is all together with Yu Garden and City God Temple, which features Red ancient buildings, lively small commercial streets, and there are so many people. It is very worthwhile to go a visit there. There are a few large ancient buildings, which are very stylish and lively, and all kinds of small goods are for sale on the street.
Old City God Temple is located in the center of Shanghai. It reflects the customs of Shanghai people.
It is true that Xintiandi is a fashionable gathering place that must to be visited during your trip in Shanghai. If you are lucky, you will see a Hollywood movie star meeting here. When playing in Shanghai, you must go deep into it, and you cannot experience the charm of the city without falling into the art of fashion and delicious food.
Shanghai Tower is a super high-rise landmark skyscraper. The Shanghai Tower has a project area of 433,954 square meters and the main building has 118 floors, with a total height of 632 meters and a structural height of 580 meters. Among them, “the top of the world” is the functional experience zone, with the city show viewing platform, entertainment, VIP small bar, catering, sightseeing meetings and other functions.
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