Shanghai Spectacular-Must-See Tourist Destinations

The Bund is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Shanghai and is the best Shanghai Tourist attractions. The Bund is located on the western bank of the Huangpu River in the heart of Shanghai’s central business district. It stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometers from Yan’an East Road in the south to Waibaidu Bridge in the north.

The Bund has a rich history dating back to the 19th century when it was a major financial and trading hub for international businesses and banks. During the colonial era, the area was divided into concessions controlled by various foreign powers, including the British, French, and Americans. As a result, the architecture along the Bund is a mix of different styles, including Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco.

The Bund is renowned for its stunning collection of historic buildings, many of which have been meticulously preserved and restored. Notable landmarks include the Peace Hotel (formerly known as the Cathay Hotel), the Customs House, the Bank of China Building, and the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. One of the main attractions of the Bund is its panoramic views of the modern skyscrapers in Pudong, across the Huangpu River. Visitors can stroll along the riverside promenade and admire the contrasting skyline, especially at night when the buildings are illuminated with colorful lights.

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The Bund features a wide pedestrian promenade along the riverbank, which is perfect for leisurely walks, jogging, or simply soaking in the ambiance. Along the promenade, you’ll find benches, gardens, and sculptures, as well as street vendors selling snacks and souvenirs. A popular way to experience the Bund is by taking a river cruise on the Huangpu River. Daytime cruises offer scenic views of the skyline, while evening cruises provide a dazzling display of lights and reflections on the water.

3. Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is a striking architectural marvel and one of the most iconic landmarks in Shanghai. Standing at a staggering height of 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower is currently the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, surpassed only by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The Shanghai Tower is located in the Lujiazui financial district of Pudong, Shanghai’s modern business and commercial hub. It is surrounded by other notable skyscrapers such as the Shanghai World Financial Center and the Jin Mao Tower.

Designed by the architectural firm Gensler, the Shanghai Tower features a distinctive twisting, cylindrical shape. The tower is divided into nine distinct vertical zones, each with its own enclosed atrium space, which helps to reduce wind loads and improve energy efficiency. The Shanghai Tower offers visitors the opportunity to experience breathtaking views of the city and beyond from its observation deck, located on the 118th floor. The observation deck provides panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, allowing visitors to see landmarks such as the Bund, the Huangpu River, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

The Pudong skyline in Shanghai is one of the most iconic and recognizable cityscapes in the world and is the best Shanghai Tourist attractions. Pudong is located on the eastern bank of the Huangpu River, directly across from the historic Bund area in central Shanghai. It was once an undeveloped area of farmland and warehouses but has since been transformed into Shanghai’s modern financial and commercial district.

Pudong is home to some of the tallest and most futuristic skyscrapers in the world. Notable landmarks include the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building globally, the Shanghai World Financial Center with its distinctive trapezoidal aperture, and the Jin Mao Tower with its pagoda-inspired design. These skyscrapers dominate the skyline and create a striking contrast with the historic buildings on the Bund. At the heart of Pudong lies Lujiazui, a bustling financial and commercial hub that serves as Shanghai’s central business district (CBD). Lujiazui is home to numerous multinational corporations, financial institutions, luxury hotels, and shopping malls. It also features the Oriental Pearl Tower, a futuristic TV tower with observation decks, and a revolving restaurant.

The Pudong skyline is especially breathtaking at night when the skyscrapers are illuminated with colorful lights, creating a dazzling spectacle of light and reflections on the Huangpu River. Many visitors opt to take a nighttime cruise on the river to admire the skyline from the water, while others prefer to view it from the Bund promenade. The development of Pudong represents China’s rapid economic growth and modernization over the past few decades. From its humble beginnings as agricultural land, Pudong has transformed into a vibrant and dynamic urban center, symbolizing Shanghai’s emergence as a global financial and commercial powerhouse.

In addition to its impressive skyline, Pudong offers a variety of tourist attractions and cultural landmarks. These include the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, the Shanghai Aquarium, the Century Park, and the Shanghai Disneyland Resort.

6. Jing’an Temple

Jing’an Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located in the Jing’an District and is the best Shanghai Tourist Attractions. Jing’an Temple has a history spanning over 780 years, dating back to the Song Dynasty (circa 1216 AD). Originally built in Suzhou, the temple was later relocated to its current location in Shanghai during the Yuan Dynasty. Over the centuries, it has undergone several renovations and expansions.

The temple’s architecture blends traditional Chinese architectural styles with elements of Buddhist art and symbolism. The main hall, known as the Mahavira Hall or Daxiongbaodian, houses a large golden Buddha statue. Other notable structures within the temple complex include the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Three Saints, and the Hall of the Jade Buddha. The centerpiece of Jing’an Temple is a majestic golden Buddha statue known as the Jing’an Buddha. The statue stands at over 3 meters tall and is made entirely of pure gold. It is a revered object of worship for Buddhists and a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Jing’an Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in Shanghai and holds significant cultural and religious importance. It serves as a place of worship, meditation, and spiritual reflection for residents and visitors alike. The temple is also a popular destination for tourists interested in exploring Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage. Jing’an Temple is located in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Jing’an District, surrounded by modern skyscrapers, shopping malls, and luxury hotels. Despite its urban surroundings, the temple provides a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, offering visitors a serene retreat from the chaos of urban life.

7. Shanghai World Financial Center

The Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) is a prominent skyscraper located in the Pudong district of Shanghai. The Shanghai World Financial Center stands at a height of 492 meters (1,614 feet), making it one of the tallest buildings in China and the world. It held the title of the tallest building in China until the completion of the Shanghai Tower in 2015.

Designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, the SWFC is characterized by its distinctive trapezoidal shape with a rectangular opening at the top. This unique design creates a dramatic and visually striking silhouette on the Shanghai skyline. The Shanghai World Financial Center serves as a mixed-use skyscraper, housing office space, conference facilities, hotels, shopping malls, and observation decks. It is home to several multinational corporations, financial institutions, and luxury brands.

One of the main attractions of the Shanghai World Financial Center is its observation decks, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city and beyond. The Sky Walk, located on the 100th floor, provides an exhilarating experience for visitors who dare to walk on a transparent glass floor. The SWFC is also home to the Park Hyatt Shanghai, one of the highest hotels in the world. Occupying floors 79 to 93, the hotel offers luxurious accommodations, fine dining restaurants, spa facilities, and panoramic views of the city skyline.

8. Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple, located in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, is one of the oldest and most renowned Buddhist temples in the city and is the best Shanghai Tourist attractions. Longhua Temple has a history dating back over 1,700 years, making it one of the oldest temples in Shanghai. It was originally founded in 242 AD during the Three Kingdoms period and has since undergone several renovations and reconstructions.

The temple complex is characterized by its traditional Chinese architectural style, featuring ornate halls, pagodas, courtyards, and gardens. The main hall, known as the Grand Hall of the Great Sage (Da Xiong Bao Dian), houses a large golden statue of the Buddha Shakyamuni. One of the most prominent features of Longhua Temple is its seven-story pagoda, known as the Longhua Pagoda. Built during the Song Dynasty (circa 977 AD), the pagoda is a fine example of ancient Chinese pagoda architecture and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from its upper levels.

Longhua Temple holds significant cultural and religious importance as a center of Buddhist worship, meditation, and education. It is also a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims seeking to explore Shanghai’s rich spiritual heritage and architectural treasures. Longhua Temple houses several precious Buddhist relics, artifacts, and scriptures, including ancient stone carvings, statues, and ceremonial objects. These relics are considered sacred by Buddhists and are an integral part of the temple’s cultural and religious heritage.

Things to do in Shanghai