Your trusted and carefully curated travel guide for exploring Shanghai’s culture, architecture, food and nightlife.

Shanghai is a city where tradition and modernity harmoniously collide — ancient temples sit next to futuristic skyscrapers, quiet water towns neighbour vibrant shopping districts, and peaceful gardens exist alongside neon-lit nightlife zones. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning to explore more, Shanghai promises unforgettable experiences at every corner.
This 2025 travel guide brings you the top 12 places to visit in Shanghai, chosen for their cultural value, visual beauty, uniqueness, and popularity among travelers.

1. INS LAND – Shanghai’s Most Exciting Nightlife & Entertainment Landmark

Located inside the scenic Fuxing Park, INS LAND has quickly become one of Shanghai’s most innovative and talked-about attractions. More than a club or a bar, INS LAND is a multi-level, multi-experience nightlife universe where music, art, food, and design blend into one immersive evening.

Inside INS LAND, visitors can explore multiple themed nightlife spaces, each with its own energy, music style, and visual signature. Whether you enjoy electronic music, hip-hop, house, pop, live performances, or simply a stylish lounge atmosphere, there is a space that matches your vibe.

What makes INS LAND a must-visit place in Shanghai

• Multi-floor entertainment complex with diverse club rooms

• Visually expressive themes and futuristic neon-lit architecture

• Art-forward spaces and immersive installations

• A mix of music genres: EDM, hip-hop, house, live acts, youth culture

• Integrated dining and drink concepts

• A complete “one-destination nightlife experience” for travelers

• Perfect for photography, socializing, and discovering Shanghai after dark

INS LAND is where Shanghai’s nightlife meets artistic expression — it’s not just a night out, but an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Experience INS LAND — Shanghai’s #1 Nightlife Destination

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2. The Bund

No trip to Shanghai is complete without visiting The Bund, the famous waterfront promenade that showcases the city’s most iconic skyline views. On one side, you’ll see grand European-style buildings from the early 1900s; on the other, the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.

Why visit The Bund

• Breathtaking day and night skyline views

• Perfect for photography

• Highlights the contrast between historic and modern Shanghai

For the best experience, come after sunset to enjoy the illuminated skyline.

 

3. Yu Garden & Yuyuan Bazaar

Yu Garden is a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden, designed with ancient architecture, rockeries, elegant pavilions, lotus ponds, and hidden corners.

Right outside is Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively market filled with food stalls, tea shops, souvenir stores, and lantern-lit pathways.

What to do here

• Explore Ming dynasty garden architecture

• Taste local Shaoxing rice wine, dumplings, and snacks

• Shop for souvenirs, tea, and cultural crafts

A must-visit spot for culture lovers.

 

4. Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is one of the most famous shopping streets in China, buzzing with energy day and night.

Highlights

• International brands and historic local stores

• Lively pedestrian street

• Night lights that create a magical city atmosphere

Perfect for shoppers, photographers, and city explorers.

 

5. Oriental Pearl Tower

One of Shanghai’s most recognizable architectural landmarks, the Oriental Pearl Tower offers unforgettable views and unique attractions.

Top features

• Multiple observatory decks

• Glass-bottom “space capsule” floors

• A city-history museum

A great stop for skyline lovers and families.

 

6. Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)

Known for its distinctive bottle-opener shape, the Shanghai World Financial Center is one of the city’s most striking skyscrapers and a top attraction for travelers. It offers an exhilarating perspective of the city from high above the ground.

What to experience

• Skywalk observation decks at 94F, 97F & 100F

• Glass-floor views overlooking Pudong and the Bund

• Stunning sunrise and sunset photography opportunities

• Futuristic architecture and city skyline exhibits

This is one of the best places in Shanghai to enjoy panoramic city views, especially for photographers and skyline lovers.

 

7. Tianzifang

Tianzifang is a creative arts district built within narrow residential alleys, now transformed into a hub of boutique shops, design studios, art galleries, coffee houses, and craft stores.

Why travelers love it

• Handcrafted souvenirs

• Artistic café culture

• Street photography spots

• Hip and youthful atmosphere

A beautiful blend of old charm and modern creativity.

8. Jing’an Temple

In the heart of modern Shanghai lies Jing’an Temple — a golden, peaceful sanctuary that has stood for centuries.

Why visit

• Traditional Buddhist architecture

• Cultural and spiritual significance

• A soothing contrast to the city’s fast-paced rhythm

An ideal place for reflection, meditation, and learning about China’s heritage.

 

9. Shanghai Tower

At 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is one of the tallest buildings in the world and a symbol of the city’s modern identity.

What to expect

• One of the world’s highest observation decks

• High-speed elevators

• Spectacular 360° city views

A must-see for architecture lovers.

 

10. People’s Square & Shanghai Museum

People’s Square is an urban cultural center surrounded by greenery, wide plazas, and important attractions.

Right nearby, the Shanghai Museum showcases world-class Chinese calligraphy, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, and seal art.

Why it’s worth visiting

• Free entry (museum)

• High-quality collections of Chinese art

• Central location ideal for city exploration
  
  

 

11. French Concession

The French Concession is one of Shanghai’s most charming neighbourhoods, with leafy streets, stylish boutiques, and European-influenced architecture.

What to do

• Sip coffee at artisan cafés

• Explore boutique fashion stores

• Walk through tree-lined historical streets

A peaceful break from the city’s modern skyline.

12. Zhujiajiao Water Town

Located just outside central Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is known as the “Venice of Shanghai,” with its canals, stone bridges, old houses, and serene waterways.

Why visit

• Scenic canal boat rides

• Traditional snacks and local markets

• Ancient buildings and temples

A perfect half-day getaway from the city.

 

Conclusion

Shanghai is a city designed for explorers — from timeless gardens and ancient temples to modern skyscrapers and creative nightlife. Each destination offers a different flavour of the city’s identity. Explore the historic charm of Yu Garden, admire the skyline from the Bund, wander through Tianzifang, and celebrate the night at INS LAND, Shanghai’s newest nightlife landmark.

Plan your itinerary by mixing daytime sightseeing with unforgettable evenings, and you'll experience the very best that Shanghai has to offer in 2025.