Top 15 tourist attractions you can't miss in Shanghai

Shanghai also known as the Pearl of the Orient, is well known for being full of vibrant energy, as well as China's financial hub. What was once the ten-mile Shanghai International Settlement, established by the British in conjunction with Americans and French living along the Huangpu River in present-day Puxi, the metropolis currently develops and changes every day.

There are historical and cultural architectural wonders lining the Bund and Xintiandi, as well as fashionable attractions in Pudong, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Disneyland Resort. Young creative souls can go to the Former French Concession’s Tianzifang and 1933 Laoyangfang (a former slaughterhouse turned into unique shops and art galleries) to experience what the area was once like centuries ago. The fashionable can walk up and down Nanjing Xi Shopping Street to their hearts’ content. Foodies can go to the Chenghuang (City God) Temple in the Yu Garden complex to try Shanghai delicacies. Shanghai is a multifaceted place no one will regret visiting.

As the first Disney resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort is a world-class family entertainment destination. It features Shanghai Disneyland Park, an entertainment district, two themed hotels, recreational facilities, a lake, and associated transportation hubs. One unique aspect about Shanghai Disney is the way the park incorporates Chinese tastes into its design. With plenty to do and fun for people of all ages, the Shanghai Disney Resort is certainly one of the city’s premiere attractions.

The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower is arguably the most recognizable feature on Shanghai’s skyline. Situated across the Huangpu River from the Bund, the Oriental Pearl tower stands 468 m to the top of its antenna spire. Completed in 1994, it has come to symbolize China’s modernization and emergence on the global scene. Visitors travel up and down the Oriental Pearl Tower in double-decker elevators that can hold up to fifty people. Located on the tower’s lower levels is the Shanghai Municipal History Museum. Given its iconic status, this is certainly a can’t-miss attraction.

Opened in 1995, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park was one of the first AAAAA (highest-rated) tourist attractions in China. Visitors can see more than 10,000 exotic animals, most of which are rare wildlife, including giant pandas, snub-nosed monkeys, takins, crested ibis, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, white rhinos, and cheetahs. The park is divided into drive-through and pedestrian areas. The drive-through portions are modeled on safari parks where animals roam through natural habitats. Another popular attraction is the park’s tiger feeding pen where you can witness up close giant tigers. With lots to see and do, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park is fun for people of all ages.

Shanghai Happy Valley is a large-scale theme park located in the Songjiang district of Shanghai, about 40 km west of the city center. It includes seven themed areas: Sunshine Harbour, Happy Times, Hurricane Bay, Gold Mine, Happy Ocean, Shanghai Beach, and Shangri-La. Happy Valley features many thrilling rides, circus shows and parades, and even a Mayan Carnival. The park is great for kids and makes for an enjoyable outing. With plenty of thrilling rides, adults also have much to enjoy from a day spent at Happy Valley.

The Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is located in the bustling Lujiazui section of Pudong, Shanghai. Located near the Oriental Pearl Tower, the aquarium exhibits a wide variety of marine life. The Aquarium's 168 m underwater tunnel is a central attraction and provides visitors the chance to explore several, distinct aquatic environments. The many animal species on display include spotted seals, Antarctic penguins, giant salamanders, and Chinese alligators, not to mention such aquarium treasures as weedy seadragons and zebra sharks.

Arguably Shanghai's most-famous tourist attraction, the Bund is a waterfront promenade and famous business district in central Shanghai. Historically, the Bund was the city’s main financial and trading center, and was located within the Shanghai International Settlement, an area under nominal British control between 1843 and 1941. The walking areas extend roughly 1.6 km along the west bank of the Huangpu River. Owing to its historic status and zoning restrictions, the Bund contains fantastic examples of classic Shanghai architecture. For this reason, it is a popular spot for photography, offering the best views across the river to Shanghai’s modern skyline in Lujiazui. No visit to Shanghai would be complete without a visit to the Bund.

Located near Century Park, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum (SSTM) is the city’s premiere museum dedicated to enhancing public awareness of and engagement with science and technology. The museum’s large collection covers everything from geology and plate tectonics to space exploration and human health. With many interactive features, SSTM is a great destination for families with young children. No matter who you are, there is something to spark your curiosity. You won’t regret spending a few hours exploring this vast museum.

The Top of Shanghai Observatory is the observation desk in the Shanghai Tower, the world's second tallest building. Located in the Lujiazui section of Pudong, the Top of Shanghai Observatory is currently the world's tallest observation desk. Visitors can rocket up the 118 floors in elevators that travel 74 km/h! You will then enjoy stunning views of Shanghai from the 360-degree observation deck. On clear days it's nothing short of breathtaking. Access to the observation desk includes entry to the Top of Shanghai Exhibition Hall featuring information about the planning and construction of Shanghai Tower. Shutter bugs won't want to miss the chance to snap some truly memorable photos.

The Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) is a skyscraper located in the Pudong area of Shanghai. Having a total of 101 floors and a height of 492 m, it is the second tallest skyscraper in Shanghai, and is similar in shape to a bottle opener. The 100th floor features a sightseeing hall where, on a clear day, you get a fantastic view of the whole city. The observation desk also boasts a 55 m long glass floor, providing a sunning look at the scenery below. When conditions are right, it can feel like you're walking in the clouds. The SWFC has been lauded for its design, and in 2008 it was named by architects as the year's best-completed skyscraper.

Madame Tussauds Shanghai has become famous throughout the world for its lifelike wax figures. As only the second Madame Tussauds located in Asia, the museum features uncannily lifelike reproductions of nearly 80 celebrities, including Yao Ming, Jackie Chan, David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, and Bill Clinton. Each figurine is elaborately made in a London studio with more than 200 years of wax making experience. By incorporating new technologies into the figurines, Madame Tussauds Shanghai is able to offer visitors a more immersive experience. Certainly this particular museum lives up to the reputation Madame Tussauds has garnered throughout the world.

Yu Garden is located in central Shanghai’s Huangpu District, on a spot within the boundaries of former Old City. It is the only classic Chinese garden in the downtown area and was once a private garden for Ming Dynasty officials. The garden covers roughly two hectares and contains various rambling pathways, hidden pavilions, and classic flora. It is a good place to escape the bustling modern city outside. Take note of the hundreds of plaques and inscriptions written by well-known individuals, as well as the park’s collection of stone carvings. Yuyuan Bazaar, located nearby, is good to browse for antiques and souvenirs.

Shanghai Natural History Museum is located in Jing'an Sculpture Park. The museum is housed in a purpose-built space designed to resemble a nautilus shell. Natural elements are depicted across the building’s façades. The 44,517 square meter exhibit space offers visitors the opportunity to explore the natural world. On display are more than 10,000 artifacts from all seven continents. Visitors can learn about the history of the development of the universe, observe various animals, and excavate fossils with their own hands. The Shanghai Natural History Museum is an excellent choice for a family outing.

Located near Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai Zoo is a modern metropolitan zoological garden featuring more than 6,000 animals in additional to various plant life. Species native to China include giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, lions, South China tigers, hoopoe, black bulbuls, scimitar-horned oryx, great hornbills, and Bactrian camels. With its convenient location and visitor-friendly design, the Shanghai Zoo provides a fun outing for the entire family.

Changfeng Ocean World is a marine aquarium located in Shanghai's Changfeng Park. When it opened in 1999, it was China's first large-scale aquatic museum and exhibition. Interestingly, the aquarium's main building is located 13 m below Yin Chu Lake. The star attraction is undoubtedly the beluga whale and sea lion performance hall. Changfeng Ocean World is a great place for children to come in close contact with nature and marine life. The interactive displays are informative and user-friendly. It is a superb destination for families to visit while on holiday.

Shanghai is one of the safest cities in China, where violent crime is rare, and streets are safe to walk about at night.

Tap water in Shanghai is safe for teeth brushing, but not safe for consumption, unless boiled. Bottled water is widely available in all convenience stores, supermarkets, and dining areas.

Chinese Yuan (元/¥), otherwise known as Renminbi (RMB)

Religion is not widely practiced in Shanghai, but you'll find Buddhist temples, Protestant and Catholic churches, and mosques around the city.

Modern day Shanghai fuses Western cultures with the local Wuyue culture.

Since 2018, the local Shanghainese government has stepped up their environmental protection efforts. To date, most hotels in Shanghai have stopped providing disposable toiletries, most vehicles are electric, and the use of plastic bags and containers have been banned.

😉Read more:

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2. A Guide to Shanghai Suburbs

3. A Planning Guide to The Shanghai Disney Resort

4. Best Travel Guide to Shanghai Museum

5. Shanghai Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Visit Shanghai

6. Shanghai Nightlife: 8 Best Things to Do Besides Clubs in Shanghai

7. Shanghai's 7 Most Beautiful Street: Locals' Guide

8. Go and Check Shanghai Modern Skyline with Bird's Eye View