What to See in Shanghai: Skyline Views, Old Town, and Art Districts

Shanghai is the kind of city that feels like a movie set: neon-soaked skyscrapers reflected in the Huangpu River, century-old shikumen houses hiding in quiet alleyways, and creative districts carved out of abandoned factories. If you are wondering what to see in Shanghai beyond the usual postcard skyline, this guide walks you through the city’s best skyline views, old-town corners, and thriving art districts, with practical tips to help you plan a smooth, rewarding visit.

From iconic viewpoints like the Bund and Shanghai Tower to atmospheric temples, lilong (lane neighborhoods), and edgy galleries in former industrial zones, we will explore the experiences that give Shanghai its unique energy. Whether you are visiting for a few days or a longer stay, use this article as a detailed roadmap for what to see in Shanghai and how to combine the city’s modern and traditional faces in a single itinerary.

Shanghai at a Glance: A City of Contrasts

Shanghai is China’s largest city and one of Asia’s major financial hubs, but it is also a cultural patchwork. The city grew rapidly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when foreign concessions from Britain, France, the United States, and others carved up the city into zones with different laws, building styles, and lifestyles. That history still shapes what you see in Shanghai today: art deco banks along the Bund, French-style villas under plane trees, and traditional Chinese houses tucked behind glass towers.

• Population: Over 25 million people.
• Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language; Shanghainese (a Wu dialect) is widely spoken locally.
• Best areas to stay: People’s Square, the Bund, French Concession, Jing’an, Lujiazui for skyline fans.
• Best known for: Dramatic skyline, shopping, food, colonial-era architecture, and contemporary art.

Understanding the city’s basic layout will help you decide what to see in Shanghai. The Huangpu River cuts through the city, with Puxi (west of the river) holding most historic neighborhoods and Pudong (east of the river) showcasing the skyline and business districts.

Where to See the Best Shanghai Skyline Views

If you have ever seen a picture of Shanghai, it was almost certainly a skyline shot. The city’s futuristic profile — dominated by the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the bottle-opener-shaped Shanghai World Financial Center, and the sleek Shanghai Tower — is one of the world’s most recognizable cityscapes. Here is where to go for the most unforgettable skyline views in Shanghai.

1. The Bund (Waitan): Classic Postcard View

The Bund, also known as Waitan, is Shanghai’s historic waterfront promenade along the western bank of the Huangpu River. From here, you get the city’s most iconic skyline view across the water to Pudong's glittering skyscrapers. Come for the view, stay for the architecture: on the Bund itself, you will find a row of grand colonial-era buildings that once housed banks, trading houses, and consulates.

For many visitors, this area anchors their entire list of what to see in Shanghai. It is easy to reach by metro and perfect for both daytime and nighttime walks.

• Best time to visit: Sunset to early evening, when the lights come on and the skyline reflects in the river.
• Don’t miss: Customs House clock tower, HSBC Building, Fairmont Peace Hotel’s art deco facade.
• Photography tip: Walk north toward Waibaidu Bridge for broader views and fewer crowds.

If your time is limited and you can only choose one place for skyline views in Shanghai, make it the Bund. It combines history, river views, and easy access to other attractions.

2. Shanghai Tower: Sky-High Observation Deck

Rising 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is currently China’s tallest building and one of the tallest in the world. The observation deck near the top offers sweeping views of Shanghai’s vast urban sprawl, the curve of the Huangpu River, and the mix of old and new districts stretching to the horizon.

Shanghai Tower is in Lujiazui, Pudong’s financial center. When you think about what to see in Shanghai’s modern districts, this is one of the headline sights.

• Highlights: High-speed elevators, floor-to-ceiling glass, interactive displays about the building and city.
• When to go: Late afternoon for daylight photos, then stay until nightfall to see the city light up.
• Tip: On hazy days, views can be limited; check the weather forecast before going.

Even if you are not usually a fan of observation decks, Shanghai Tower’s height and design make it a standout experience, and it helps you understand the scale of the city.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower

Next to Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) and Jin Mao Tower form a dramatic trio of skyscrapers. SWFC, nicknamed the “bottle opener,” has an observation deck with glass floors that make you feel as if you are floating above the city. Jin Mao Tower, with its pagoda-inspired design, houses offices, a hotel, and another viewpoint.

Choosing between these towers is part of the fun of planning what to see in Shanghai’s skyline cluster.

• SWFC: Futuristic design, dramatic glass-floor skywalk.
• Jin Mao: More traditional-looking, with an impressive atrium view from the hotel floors.
• Practical tip: You do not need to visit all three towers; pick one or two based on time and budget.

4. Riverside Promenades and River Cruises

If heights are not your thing, consider seeing the skyline from the water. A Huangpu River cruise offers a relaxed perspective: colonial buildings on one side, futuristic Pudong on the other. Many evening cruises include commentary explaining what you are seeing in Shanghai as you glide past illuminated landmarks.

• Short cruises: About 45–60 minutes, focusing on the core skyline.
• Longer cruises: Extend further along the river, offering a broader overview of the port and city.
• Tip: Dress for wind and bring a light jacket even in warmer months.

Alternatively, explore the riverside promenades in Pudong, opposite the Bund. From here, you can look back at the Bund’s historic facades and photograph them with the water in the foreground.

Old Shanghai: Temples, Alleyways, and the Former French Concession

Shanghai is not only glass and steel. To understand what to see in Shanghai beyond the skyscrapers, you need to explore the city’s older neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. From peaceful temples to tree-lined streets and traditional markets, these areas reveal the slower, more intimate side of the city.

5. Yuyuan Garden and the Old City (Nanshi)

Yuyuan Garden is one of Shanghai’s most famous traditional Chinese gardens, dating back to the Ming dynasty. Carefully arranged pavilions, ponds, zigzag bridges, and rockeries create a miniature landscape designed for contemplation and retreat from the city. Surrounding the garden is the Old City (Nanshi), a historically walled area with traditional-style buildings, food stalls, and shops.

• What to see: Dragon walls, carved wooden windows, koi ponds, and classic teahouses.
• Best time: Early morning on weekdays to avoid heavy crowds.
• Tip: Make time for a tea break in one of the nearby teahouses, where you can sample local varieties and watch daily life unfold.

Despite being popular with tour groups, Yuyuan Garden is still worth including in your list of what to see in Shanghai, especially if you are interested in traditional Chinese architecture and landscaping.

6. City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao)

Close to Yuyuan Garden, the City God Temple is an active Taoist temple where locals come to pray for health, fortune, and protection. Incense curls through the air as worshippers light candles and offer fruit or paper money. The temple complex is surrounded by a bustling commercial area, but once you step inside, the atmosphere shifts toward the spiritual.

If you are curious about local religious practices and want to see another layer of Shanghai life, this temple is an easy addition to your Old Town exploration.

7. The Former French Concession: Tree-Lined Streets and Shikumen Houses

The Former French Concession (FFC) might be the most atmospheric part of modern Shanghai. Unlike the high-rise districts, this area is defined by low-rise buildings, European-style mansions, and Shanghai’s characteristic shikumen townhouses, which blend Western and Chinese elements. Plane trees arch over streets, providing shade for cafes, boutiques, and small galleries.

Many travelers say that walking through the FFC is when they truly fall in love with Shanghai. It is one of the most essential areas when deciding what to see in Shanghai if you appreciate architecture, history, and local neighborhood life.

• Key streets: Huaihai Middle Road, Wukang Road, Tianzifang lanes, Yongkang Road for nightlife.
• What to look for: Shikumen lanes, small parks, heritage villas with plaques explaining their history.
• Best explored: On foot or by bicycle, with plenty of stops for coffee or street snacks.

The FFC also overlaps with several creative hubs and boutique shopping streets, making it easy to combine old architecture, modern design, and food in one outing.

8. Longtang and Shikumen Lanes

Shanghai’s traditional urban fabric was built around longtang (lane communities) and shikumen (stone-gated houses). Some have been redeveloped into upscale shopping compounds, while others still function as residential neighborhoods. Exploring these lanes allows you to see laundry hanging between houses, elders playing cards, and small local shops tucked into ground-floor spaces.

Redeveloped shikumen complexes like Xintiandi present a polished version of this architecture, while more lived-in lanes give you a rawer, everyday glimpse of the city. When thinking about what to see in Shanghai that shows real local life, these longtang rank high.

Shanghai’s Art Districts: From Factory Floors to Creative Hubs

Shanghai has quickly evolved into a major center for contemporary art, design, and fashion. Many of its most interesting art districts grew out of abandoned factories and warehouses, converted into studios, galleries, and cafes. If you want to see the city’s modern creative side, these are must-visit areas.

9. M50 Creative Park (Moganshan Road)

M50, named after its address at 50 Moganshan Road, is one of Shanghai’s best-known contemporary art clusters. Housed in a former textile mill complex, it is packed with galleries, design studios, street art murals, and concept shops. This is where you will find experimental work from Chinese and international artists, rotating exhibitions, and plenty of inspiration.

• Why visit: To experience Shanghai’s creative scene in a relaxed, walkable area.
• Good for: Gallery hopping, photography, meeting local artists, and buying original artwork or design pieces.
• Tip: Many galleries close on Mondays and at lunch; check opening hours if you have a tight schedule.

For anyone asking what to see in Shanghai that goes beyond the typical tourist circuit, M50 is a compelling answer. It feels real, evolving, and plugged into global art conversations.

10. West Bund Cultural Corridor

The West Bund area along the Huangpu River has transformed into a major cultural corridor, with world-class museums, performance spaces, and riverside parks. It is more spread out than M50 but offers larger venues and ambitious exhibitions.

• Highlights: Contemporary art museums, riverside cycling paths, public sculptures, and seasonal art fairs.
• Atmosphere: Open, modern, and family-friendly, with plenty of outdoor space.
• Best time: Afternoon into early evening, when you can enjoy the river breeze and sunset.

If you are building an itinerary around art and culture, add West Bund to your shortlist of what to see in Shanghai. It pairs well with nearby neighborhoods for dinner afterwards.

11. Tianzifang: Lanes Turned Creative Labyrinth

Tianzifang grew from a cluster of residential lanes in the Former French Concession into a dense maze of boutiques, studios, bars, and eateries. While it is firmly on the tourist radar now, it retains a quirky, intimate feel thanks to its narrow passageways, hanging plants, and eclectic signage.

You will find everything from handmade jewelry and ceramics to illustration studios and casual cafes. It can feel busy on weekends, but that buzz is part of its charm.

• Ideal for: Souvenir shopping with more personality than a standard mall.
• Plan for: 2–3 hours of wandering, snacking, and people-watching.
• Photography tip: Visit in late afternoon for softer light and fewer harsh shadows in the narrow lanes.

What to See in Central Shanghai: Squares, Museums, and Shopping Streets

Outside the skyline, old town, and art districts, central Shanghai offers important cultural institutions and lively public spaces. These sights add depth to your visit and round out your understanding of the city.

12. People’s Square and Surrounding Museums

People’s Square is a major transport hub and green space in the heart of the city. Around it are several of Shanghai’s key museums and cultural buildings. If you want to understand the broader history and culture behind what you see in Shanghai today, this is an excellent starting point.

• Museums: Collections covering Chinese art, historical artifacts, and contemporary exhibitions.
• Park areas: Locals practicing tai chi, families strolling, and occasional public events.
• Practical tip: Combine a morning museum visit with an afternoon walk along Nanjing Road.

13. Nanjing Road: From Historic Shops to Neon Nights

Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai’s main shopping streets and runs from People’s Square toward the Bund. Portions of Nanjing Road are pedestrianized, making it a lively place to walk, window shop, and people-watch. In the evenings, neon signs and LED screens turn the area into a bright, buzzing corridor.

While it is highly commercial, strolling Nanjing Road is still a useful way to feel the pulse of the city. If you want to compare old and new in your list of what to see in Shanghai, notice how historic department stores sit next to modern malls and fast-fashion brands.

14. Jing’an Temple and Jing’an District

Jing’an Temple is a grand Buddhist temple complex with gold-tiled roofs, courtyards, and statues. It sits in the middle of one of Shanghai’s more upscale commercial districts, surrounded by offices, malls, and cafes. This contrast between spiritual calm and urban energy is a recurring theme when you explore what to see in Shanghai.

• Inside the temple: Incense burners, prayer halls, and ornate carvings.
• Around the temple: Shopping centers, restaurants, and elegant residential towers.
• Tip: Dress respectfully and speak quietly within the temple grounds.

Food, Nightlife, and Everyday Life: Experiencing the City Between Sights

Knowing what to see in Shanghai is only part of the story; knowing how to experience it is just as important. Much of the city’s charm lies in what happens between the main attractions: sharing street food with friends, getting lost in a lane market, or watching the skyline from a rooftop bar.

15. Shanghai’s Signature Foods to Try

Shanghai cuisine is rich but often delicately flavored, with a focus on freshness and subtle sweetness. Street snacks and neighborhood eateries are key parts of daily life and should certainly be part of your plan for what to see and do in Shanghai.

• Xiaolongbao: Soupy dumplings filled with pork or crab, usually steamed in bamboo baskets.
• Shengjian bao: Pan-fried buns with juicy fillings and a crispy bottom.
• Scallion pancakes: Flaky, savory flatbreads good for a quick snack.
• Hongshao rou: Braised pork belly in a glossy, slightly sweet sauce.

Try a mix of street stalls, mom-and-pop restaurants, and stylish bistros. Many popular areas like the Former French Concession, Jing’an, and Xintiandi offer a wide range of options, from traditional Shanghainese flavors to international cuisine.

16. Rooftop Bars and Night Views

Seeing Shanghai’s skyline from a rooftop bar is another way to appreciate the city. Many hotels and high-rises along the Bund and in Lujiazui offer open-air terraces or window-side lounges. Even if you are not staying there, you can often visit for a drink or dessert and enjoy spectacular views.

Check dress codes and minimum spend policies for more upscale venues, especially on weekends. For a more casual experience, look for bars tucked into mid-rise buildings in the Former French Concession, where you can see the city lights spread out at a more human scale.

17. Parks, Waterfronts, and Everyday Rituals

Parks and riverside promenades reveal another side of Shanghai life. Early in the morning, you will see retirees practicing tai chi, dancing, or flying kites. In the evenings, families and young couples gather to walk, snack, and relax.

• Where to go: Fuxing Park in the French Concession, the riverside paths along the Bund and West Bund, and neighborhood parks near your accommodation.
• When: Early mornings for calm, evenings for a lively atmosphere.
• How: Walk slowly, sit on a bench, and simply observe daily life between the bigger sights on your list of what to see in Shanghai.

Planning Your Shanghai Itinerary: Suggested Routes

With so much to see, it helps to group attractions by area. Here are suggested ways to combine skyline views, old town explorations, and art districts into one coherent plan.

One-Day Highlight Route

• Morning: Visit Yuyuan Garden and the Old City, explore nearby streets, and stop by the City God Temple.
• Afternoon: Head to People’s Square and walk along Nanjing Road toward the Bund.
• Evening: Stroll the Bund at sunset and take an optional river cruise to see the skyline at night.

This route covers classic “old and new” Shanghai in a compact loop and focuses on easily accessible, top-priority sights.

Two- to Three-Day City Immersion

• Day 1: Old City, Yuyuan Garden, City God Temple, Bund, Huangpu River cruise.
• Day 2: Former French Concession walk (including Tianzifang), Fuxing Park, dinner and drinks in the FFC.
• Day 3: Morning in Lujiazui (Shanghai Tower or SWFC), afternoon at M50 Creative Park or West Bund art museums, evening in Jing’an or Xintiandi.

With this plan, you will see the core attractions and also have time to wander through neighborhoods, which are often where travelers form their strongest memories of Shanghai.

Practical Tips for Visiting Shanghai

A few practical details can turn a good trip into a smooth, great one. While this guide focuses on what to see in Shanghai, you also need to think about when to go, how to move around, and how to stay comfortable.

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

• Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, blooming trees, and generally pleasant weather.
• Autumn (September–November): Clearer skies and comfortable temperatures, ideal for skyline views and walking tours.
• Summer: Hot and humid, with occasional typhoons; bring light clothing and plan for indoor breaks.
• Winter: Cold and sometimes damp, but still manageable with proper layers.

Whenever you choose to go, try to avoid major national holidays, when transportation and attractions can be exceptionally crowded.

Getting Around the City

Shanghai’s metro system is extensive, efficient, and one of the best ways to move between different areas. Signs and announcements are typically in both Chinese and English, making it manageable for international visitors.

• Metro: Fast, affordable, and connects most key sights mentioned in this guide.
• Taxis and ride-hailing: Widely available, though some drivers may not speak English; having your destination written in Chinese helps.
• Walking: Great for areas like the Bund, Old City, and Former French Concession, where sights are clustered.

Build some buffer time into your days for getting a bit lost in lanes, taking spontaneous photos, or stopping for snacks. These unplanned moments often end up being highlights when you look back on what you experienced in Shanghai.

Cultural Notes and Language

Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but Shanghai residents also speak Shanghainese, part of the Wu language group. English is common in hotels and major tourist-facing businesses, but less so in small local shops and older neighborhoods.

A few basic Mandarin phrases for greetings and thanks go a long way. Many visitors also find it helpful to have key addresses, such as their hotel or major attractions, written in Chinese characters on their phone or a card.

Why Shanghai Belongs on Your Travel List

Shanghai manages to be many things at once: a skyline that rivals any global metropolis, a living museum of 19th- and 20th-century architecture, a canvas for contemporary art, and a place where everyday rituals still unfold in lane houses and riverside parks. When you plan what to see in Shanghai with an eye for both the famous and the ordinary, you will come away with a richer, more nuanced picture of the city.

Whether you are drawn primarily to skyline views from the Bund and Shanghai Tower, the historic charm of the Old City and the Former French Concession, or the creative energy of art districts like M50 and West Bund, Shanghai rewards curiosity. Give yourself time to explore, look up, look down the lanes, and step into spaces that catch your eye. The city’s magic lies as much in those small discoveries as in its towering icons.