China Travel Guide
China Travel Guide
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Shanghai China Tourist Attractions: Top Sights & Itinerary

04/25/2025

Shanghai: A Global Metropolis Where East Meets West

Shanghai Skyline at Night

Quick Overview

Shanghai, one of the most exciting Shanghai China tourist attractions, offers a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures. This global metropolis is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a diverse and dynamic experience.

🌍 Location: Eastern China, at the mouth of the Yangtze River
🌞 Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
🌡️ Climate: Subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons
☎️ Emergency numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire)
✈️ Nearest airports: Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
🏨 Accommodation: Ctrip, Booking.com, Airbnb
💳 Payment methods: Cash, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay
🎒 Essentials to pack: Umbrella, comfortable shoes, versatile clothing for various occasions

Destination Overview

Shanghai, often referred to as the "Paris of the East," is China's economic, financial, trade, and shipping hub. This metropolis uniquely blends Eastern and Western cultures, boasting modern skyscrapers alongside traditional Shikumen architecture. From the bustling Nanjing Road to the ancient Yu Garden, and from the iconic Bund to the futuristic Lujiazui district, Shanghai offers visitors a journey through time and culture, making it one of the most diverse Shanghai China tourist attractions.

Oriental Pearl Tower at Night

Itinerary: Classic 3-Day Tour

Day 1: City Landmarks and Modern Marvels

1. Oriental Pearl TV Tower

  • 📍 Address: 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
  • 🕒 Opening hours: 8:30-22:00
  • 💰 Admission: Adults 220 CNY, Children (1-1.4m) 110 CNY
  • 🚇 Transportation: 10-minute walk from Lujiazui Station, Metro Line 2

The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic Shanghai China tourist attraction, standing at 468 meters tall. It offers breathtaking views of the city and houses a revolving restaurant at 259 meters.

2. Lujiazui Financial District

  • 📍 Location: Pudong New Area
  • 🚇 Transportation: Lujiazui Station, Metro Line 2

Known as the "Wall Street of China," Lujiazui is home to three iconic skyscrapers: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower.

Lujiazui Financial District at Night

3. The Bund

  • 📍 Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District
  • 🚇 Transportation: 10-minute walk from Nanjing East Road Station, Metro Line 2/10

The Bund is one of the most famous Shanghai China tourist attractions, featuring 52 buildings of various architectural styles along the Huangpu River.

Day 2: Traditional Culture and Modern Entertainment

1. Yu Garden

  • 📍 Address: 132 Anren Street, Huangpu District
  • 🕒 Opening hours: 8:45-17:15
  • 💰 Admission: 40 CNY
  • 🚇 Transportation: Yu Garden Station, Metro Line 10

Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden built in the 16th century, is a must-visit Shanghai China tourist attraction.

Yu Garden Landscape

2. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

  • 📍 Location: Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District
  • 🚇 Transportation: People's Square Station, Metro Line 1/2/8

As China's premier shopping street, Nanjing Road is a bustling Shanghai China tourist attraction perfect for shopping and experiencing local life.

3. Shanghai Disneyland

  • 📍 Address: 310 Huangzhao Road, Pudong New Area
  • 🕒 Opening hours: Generally 9:00-20:00 (check official website for exact times)
  • 💰 Admission: 399-499 CNY (depending on the day)
  • 🚇 Transportation: Disney Resort Station, Metro Line 11

As the largest Disneyland in Asia, Shanghai Disneyland combines Disney magic with Chinese elements, making it a unique Shanghai China tourist attraction.

Shanghai Disneyland Castle Fireworks

Day 3: Historical Exploration and Cultural Experiences

1. Jing'an Temple

  • 📍 Address: 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District
  • 🕒 Opening hours: 7:30-17:00
  • 💰 Admission: 50 CNY
  • 🚇 Transportation: Jing'an Temple Station, Metro Line 2/7

Jing'an Temple, one of Shanghai's oldest temples, offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

2. Wukang Road

  • 📍 Location: Xuhui District
  • 🚇 Transportation: Jiaotong University Station, Metro Line 10/11

Wukang Road is a historic street featuring beautiful early 20th-century architecture, including the famous Wukang Building.

Wukang Building

Additional Useful Information

This section provides essential information on entry requirements, transportation, payment methods, cultural customs, dining culture, practical tips, and sustainable tourism practices for visitors to Shanghai.

For a deeper understanding of Shanghai's history, culture, and contemporary life, we recommend the following books, movies, and music:

📚 Recommended Books:

  • "Shanghai: The Rise and Fall of a Decadent City" by Stella Dong
  • "Shanghai Flavors" by Qian Junrui

🎬 Recommended Movies:

  • "Tiny Times" - Showcasing modern Shanghai youth culture
  • "Lust, Caution" - Depicting 1940s Shanghai

🎵 Recommended Music:

  • "Night in Shanghai" - A classic old Shanghai song
  • "The Bund" - A modern pop song about Shanghai

For more information on Shanghai China tourist attractions, consider visiting the official Shanghai Tourism website (https://www.meet-in-shanghai.net/) and the UNESCO World Heritage site for the Classical Gardens of Suzhou (https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/813/), which are easily accessible from Shanghai.

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