Shanghai, China: 5 Reasons to Visit

Known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and “Paris of the East,” Shanghai stands as a gleaming, ultra-modern metropolis - a testament to China's rapid development and the embodiment of East meets West. While cities like Beijing and Xi'an are often chosen first for their imperial histories, Shanghai's dizzying skyscrapers, unique blend of history and futurism, and relentless drive to be a top global city quickly convinced us to add it to our China itinerary. With its strong Western influence, Shanghai offers a foreigner-friendly entry point into China. However, we chose to save its glamour for the grand finale.

Even in the remote depths of China's national parks, we were impressed by the country's efficiency and convenience, and in Shanghai, this was amplified. We zipped from the airport to the city center in just eight minutes on the world’s fastest train, leaving us plenty of extra time to explore Shanghai's attractions. From architectural marvels to culinary delights, Shanghai things to do are boundless and indulgent. We also took day trips from Shanghai to bring you the most compelling reasons to add it to your bucket list. With Shanghai's tendency to revamp and renovate, it's a city that will always surprise you, even if you've visited before.

Reasons to Visit Shanghai

History and Culture

The sprawling metropolis and the world’s busiest container port began as a humble fishing village, which transformed after the 19th-century Opium War into a city shaped by British, French, and American concessions. This unique blend of influences is still visible in Shanghai's culture and architecture today.

Though little remains of the Shanghai Ancient City Wall, the Shanghai History Museum offers a closer look at the city's past, recounting 6,000 years of history through immersive wax and photo exhibits. For those who prefer to marvel at artifacts, the Shanghai Museum on People's Square and its recently opened East Campus are must-visits. Admission is free, and a shuttle bus conveniently connects the two locations. Be sure to check out the museum’s what’s on page and take your pick!

While the museums offer a deep dive into heritage, one of the best places to visit in Shanghai is Yu Garden in the Old City. Built during the Ming Dynasty as a peaceful retreat for a government family, Yu Garden still serves as an oasis for visitors admiring its classic Chinese gardens and architecture, which have been restored to their former glory after witnessing war and conflict. The magic lies not only in its pavilions, bridges, and koi ponds but also in the details, like the Exquisite Jade Rock - a porous stone able to let joss smoke or water seep through each of its 72 holes. Nearby, the Old City God Temple is another Shanghai must see, as is the Yu Yuan Bazaar, a pedestrian street adorned with hanging lanterns that once accommodated pilgrims and now feeds hungry tourists.

On your temple tour, don't miss the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882 and home to spectacular jade Buddha statues, including a reclining Buddha. The Longhua Temple, the oldest in Shanghai, dates back to 242 AD and features a reconstructed design reflecting Song Dynasty architecture. Jing’an Temple, a popular favorite, contrasts its glistening golden pagodas against the surrounding skyscrapers. Originally dating to 247 AD, it was turned into a plastic factory during the Cultural Revolution but was reconstructed in 1983.

Architecture

Shanghai's architecture, with its 164 ft fake mountain built on the side of a residential building in the name of feng shui, neighborhoods that will have you questioning if you might be in Europe instead, and the LED cluster known as Pudong, never failed to amaze us.

The city's unique neighborhoods, like the French Concession and waterfront promenade known as the Bund showcase Art Deco, Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, and Renaissance styles, juxtaposed against the futuristic skyline. One of the best evening activities in Shanghai is a stroll along the Bund, a one-mile-long outdoor gallery of superb architecture illuminated at night. We particularly enjoyed the views from the North Bund and Greenland section.

Across the river, Pundong's development over the last 30 years has given rise to some of Shanghai's most iconic skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the third-tallest in the world. With our affinity for bird’s eye city views, we made our way up to the observation deck, which happens to be the world’s highest at 1844 feet.

As lovers of libraries and bookshops, we couldn’t resist a visit to the Shanghai Library East Hall near Century Park, with its deformed cube representing a scholar’s rock that, on a sunny day, fills with light. We also made it a tradition to visit Zhongshuge Bookstores across China, a place we could count on to find peace and inspiration. Shanghai's location features signature mirrored ceilings with distinct flair.

Like Beijing's hutongs, Shanghai has longtangs - gated residential communities lined with multi-story housing originally built for new residents from all across China and the West. These range from traditional Chinese-style shikumen townhouses to Westernized apartment buildings in tourist-friendly neighborhoods like Tianzifang in the French Concession. The Shikumen Open House Museum in Xintiandi is a must-see for those interested in what these houses looked like in their heyday.

For nature lovers, Shanghai's manicured green spaces offer a refreshing addition to the urban landscape. Whether you choose to stroll through the historic Fuxing Park, where people-watching is one of the best Shanghai activities, soak in the lush expanse of the Shanghai Botanical Gardens, or take a day trip to the Chenshan Botanical Garden for a hike up Mountain Tianma, you'll find that Shanghai spoils you with options.

Art

Art in Shanghai is not only immersive but also highly accessible. Cafes, malls, and stores often double as art galleries, enhancing the customer experience. Even metro stations, like the futuristic Yuyuan station, are decorated with artistic flair.

Art aficionados will appreciate the China Art Museum, which showcases modern Chinese art, and the Power Station of Art, a contemporary art museum housed in a former electric plant. For a more immersive experience, the Temple of Light offers captivating digital art exhibitions. Attending the Piying Dream, inspired by Chinese shadow play, was one of our favorite activities in Shanghai.

Photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss Fotografiska, located in a former warehouse on Suzhou Creek. This vast open space serves as a cultural hub, hosting workshops, events, and lectures beyond visual storytelling. Then, armed with a camera, take to the streets of 1933 Old Milfun, a former slaughterhouse turned photographer’s paradise with cafes and shops hidden within a concrete maze.

The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Center is a two-in-one activity. Here, you can admire over 6,000 posters collected by a single individual and learn about China’s history during the Mao era as depicted in this unique collection. Tucked away in an unassuming building, the Propaganda Poster Museum is a true hidden gem in Shanghai.

Shanghai Cuisine

Shanghai is a paradise for the epicurean traveler. Shanghainese cuisine is milder and sweeter than other regional Chinese cuisines, and the city also offers a plethora of East meets West dining options to suit all budgets and tastes. Street food favorites include wonton soups, jiangbing (Chinese breakfast crepe with toppings), bao zi (pillowy buns stuffed with pork and vegetables), and shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings). Xiao long bao (soup-filled dumplings) and seafood-forward hot pot are must-try dishes.

Dining in Shanghai is an unparalleled experience. Every café and restaurant competes for attention with Instagrammable interior designs, photo opportunities, and performances. Some venues, like the hot pot kingdom Haidolao, go the extra mile by offering manicures. Your order will always be presented with flair, and this applies to the booming coffee scene as well – reports claim Shanghai has the largest number of coffee shops in the world. Coffee lovers, rejoice! And since it's customary to end your day with a drink while admiring the Bund, you'll be sipping in style from sunrise to sunset.

Day Trips from Shanghai

If the hustle and bustle of the city becomes overwhelming, several day trips from Shanghai offer a peaceful escape. The picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao, on the outskirts of Shanghai, is perfect for a gondola ride along canals lined with ancient buildings and bridges steeped in nearly two millennia of history. If you are short on time, Qibao is a small, younger version of Zhujiajiao and equally charming.

For those with a flexible China itinerary, we recommend a day trip to Hangzhou, the capital of a different province but just 45 minutes away by bullet train. What’s the appeal? As the former capital of China during the Song dynasty, Hangzhou boasts a rich history of over two millennia, particularly known for its Longjing tea plantations and the UNESCO-listed West Lake. The latter has attracted creatives for centuries, and we too felt its magical effects while cruising on the lake at sunset. Compared to Shanghai, Hangzhou is a natural oasis that inspires and calms, making it a popular vacation spot for Chinese tourists. While a visit to Hangzhou can be done as a day trip from Shanghai, we found it to be a destination in its own right. Intrigued? Check out our Hangzhou guide.