10 unmissable places to visit in Shanghai

Shanghai is a city with many faces. In the centre, you’ll find the progressive skyscrapers mingling nicely with colonial sandstone that wouldn’t look out of place anywhere in Europe.

A little further out, and the high rise apartment blocks make way for pretty countryside. No matter what you enjoy most, Shanghai has it all in bucketloads. We’ve collated 10 of the best things to see and do in Shanghai, so bookmark this page if you’re planning a trip to China soon.

The Bund

One of the most famous areas in Shanghai is the Bund, a historic row of colonial buildings that line the river. If you are visiting Shanghai, it is the first place you should go. On the eastern side of the promenade is a row of international skyscrapers, while the western side is home to the historical architecture of Shanghai's colonial past. The best time to visit the Bund is at night, when the skyscrapers sparkle and the older buildings light up.

To really get stuck into the Bund’s colonial history, check out this customised Shanghai Bund guided tour with a local, English-speaking expert.

Fuxing Park

If you fancy slowing the pace in Shanghai, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Fuxing Park. Play cards or Mahjong with a group of energetic seniors who may not speak English, but will certainly berate you with gusto if you win. Try writing poetry with giant calligraphy brushes or some Tai Chi after your lesson from the oldies.

Tianzifang

Just because Tianzifang is touristy doesn't mean it isn’t worth a visit. An old neighbourhood of tiny streets and lane-houses has been transformed into a hun for retail, dining, and crafts, in true progressive Chinese style. Because it's charming, calm and easy to get to, Tiánzifang is always bustling with people. Shop for souvenirs, then dine at one of the many local Mom and Pop restaurants or bars that line the narrow lanes.

M50

M50, located in a former industrial district on Moganshan Lu, is now a bustling centre for art and culture in Shanghai. The city within a city is a maze of offbeat galleries and hidden cafés, all of which have an edgy, authority-prodding feel.

Check out Island 6, the Chronus Art Centre for bizarre and crazy exhibitions, and the M50 graffiti wall for some pretty out-there selfies. In the maze that is M50, you can easily spend a whole day, but a morning will do the trick if time is limited.

Huangzhou West Lake

Take the high-speed rail to Huangzhou to take in the marvellous West Lake, one of China's most beautiful locations. China’s most iconic lake is enormous, serene, and magnificent all at once.

West Lake is even more mesmerising at night, when couples stroll quietly along its beaches. On a clear day, take in the pagoda-topped hills to the north, numerous gorgeous causeways, and lakeside gardens and parks. Just make sure you hang around until dusk, as the sunset over West Lake is quite something.

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Museum

The Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre. provides an eye-opening introduction to China's turbulent twentieth century through over 6,000 posters printed between 1910 and 1990. The posters and images depict an ever-changing vision of a Chinese communist paradise. The museum is a great way to understand China’s past, as well as its present.

China Art Museum

Shanghai has become a centre for mind-blowing architectural styles as both Chinese and Western architecture firms aim to outdo each other, armed with large government-mandated budgets.

The China Art Museum is easily one of the most unusual buildings in the city. The China Pavillion was originally constructed for the 2010 Shanghai Expo but now a new art museum has been built on the site. This huge upside-down pyramid is even more impressive inside, with the art exhibitions almost lost inside this epic, unmissable space.

Qibao

One of the best things to do in Shanghai, especially if you’ve got access to a car, is to explore the eight ancient water towns surrounding Shanghai. If you don't have time to visit them all, Qibao is a great place to see this sprawling metropolis in a different light.

This small town only has a few streets and is best appreciated during the week, as weekends can be crowded with tourists. Cheap shopping and Qibao Winery are further attractions worth checking out in addition to the ancient old town.

Our top tip is to book a Qibao guided tour, as it’s a little difficult to both get to and navigate around Qibao.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since the 10th century, Qibao is famed for its wonderful street food and magnificent canal views.

Yuyuan Park

Yuyuan, located near the Bund, is Shanghai's most beloved Ming Dynasty garden and the only one still standing. Get lost among the adorned bridges, bright pagodas, and "dragon walls" - walls with dragon decorations on top - that have made it a local highlight in recent years. Despite its beauty, the park tends to be overcrowded, especially on weekends and public holidays, so try to visit earlier in the week if you can. The history of the garden will be better explained with the help of a tour guide, as there are lots of hidden stories and endless historic moments that do need some explanation from a local.

Lujiazui Financial District

Shanghai's financial district, Lujiazui, is certainly a sight to behold. Your first impression of the urban jungle when you exit the metro station is much more impressive than it appears in pictures, with most of the city's most iconic skyscrapers can be found here. Shanghai Tower’s 560-metre indoor observation deck is perfect for those who want to enjoy the view but don't have a head for heights.

Don’t forget to visit Lujiazui's elevated skyway, which connects the station with the office buildings - the view is unmissable.