Shanghai is one of the busiest cities in the world with its 24 million populations you will surely enjoy meeting people and all the best places to visit in Shanghai. Adventurous tourists like you will not run out of something fun to do, there are myriad of historic sites, museums, and shopping venues to complete your unforgettable Shanghai experience.
1. The Promenade Bund
The Promenade Bund is definitely must be on top of your things to do in Shanghai. This is one of the world’s most spectacular skylines because of the view of Huangpu River that stretches 500 meters wide and divides the city into two parts. You will be amazed to see old buildings with European feels and are now converted into restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and offices. This is where you can find architecture from the past that includes Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, Romanesque, and Neoclassical style. You can either walk or spend some extra money by taking a cruise.
2. Yuyuan Garden
The place is also popular as the Garden of Happiness built-in 1559. You can spend a day inside and find lots of Shanghai attractions in this 20,000 square meter garden. The garden is consists of an inner and outer section, the oldest one is the outer part of the garden where you can find the main hall. It was constructed during the 18th century with the addition of roof ornaments, windows, and the famous dragon wall. The inner part of the garden is smaller compared to the outer section, but you will enjoy its theatrical stage and small mountain ranges.
3. Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai museum can compete with other world-class museums in the world, it was established in 1952. This is the country’s pride because it showcases the old Chinese art inside its modern building. The four-story building consists of prehistoric displays and ceramics from the 19th century. Inside are a huge collection of old coins, jades, and furnishing from the Ming and Qing Dynasty.
4. Oriental Pearl TV Tower
As you make a list of what to do in Shanghai, the tower should be on top of your priority list. It has 15 observatory decks with different levels and the highest is 1,148 feet above that will allow you to admire the entire Shanghai metropolis. Experience their revolving hotel and discover the Shanghai Municipal History Museum.
5. Jade Buddha Temple
The Buddha temple is located at the Anyuan Lu District, the original structure was built during 1882 and rebuilt in 1928. It is the home for the iconic and religious Shakyamuni Temple that was brought by the Huigen monk from Burma. There are lots of things to do in Shanghai in the three courtyards inside the temple such as Hall of the Kings of Heaven, Hall of the Great Heroes, and the Jing’an Temple.
6. Water Town of Zhujiajiao
The water town is just an hour’s journey from the Shanghai central district. There are two options to explore the town; one is by foot and stroll around to reach awesome bridges, canals, and stunning old water town. Another good choice is to take a boat ride that will bring you to the main canal and a long ride that will tour you all over the town. There are numerous places to visit in Shanghai along with this water town and a two-day vacation is just enough for you to enjoy this traditional ancient water town.
7. Longhua Temple and Pagoda
This is an important landmark in the history of China since it was built during 242 AD. A long-standing holy worship place that survived a lot of damages through the year dated back from the 10th century. Up to this date, the place is still used for religious ceremonies inside its five main halls. The main highlight of your Shanghai attractions tour inside is the 2 meter and 5 ton Bell Tower.
8. Shanghai Tower
The Shanghai tower is known as the second-highest building in the globe and a popular place to witness a great birds-eye-view. Aside from that, you will love the fact that it has the fastest and most modern elevator around the world that can take you up to the 119 floors. It is good to know that you do not have to wait for a long queue so you will not be hampered on your long list of best things to do in Shanghai.
9. Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is the shopping capital of Shanghai since the 19th century. Budget is not a problem for shoppers as you will find a wide range of shops that sells affordable consumer goods, souvenirs, and expensive boutique. As you plan for what to do in Shanghai at the end of your trip, the Nanjing Road is a must place to visit.
10. Tianzifang
This is an old European district that was reconstructed to become a renowned arts and crafts destination. Tianzifang is a popular spot at night because of its many restaurants and cafes that offer good ambiance and lively music. Shanghai attractions are endless and 1 to 2 days are not enough to discover amazing places.