The Bund
Shanghai’s signature Huangpu River promenade, lined with historic architecture and facing the modern Lujiazui skyline.
Shanghai · China
Shanghai
Discover
Discover Shanghai
Shanghai pairs one of China's most recognizable skylines with historic neighborhoods, design, food and waterfront walks. It also works naturally as a gateway to Suzhou, Hangzhou and the wider Yangtze River Delta.
Best for
Ideal stay
2–4 Days
Known for
Combine with
Suzhou · Hangzhou · Huangshan
Top places to see
Top Places to See in Shanghai
Start with the places that define the destination, then build the route around your pace and interests.
Yu Garden & Old City
A traditional Ming-style garden of pavilions, rockeries, ponds and winding paths surrounded by the streets of Shanghai’s old city.
Lujiazui Skyline
Cross to Pudong for Shanghai’s futuristic skyline, including the city’s tallest towers and broad views across the Huangpu River.
Former French Concession
Leafy streets, historic villas, cafés and small shops make this one of Shanghai’s most enjoyable districts for walking and neighborhood exploration.
Nanjing Road
One of Shanghai’s best-known commercial streets, linking the city center with the Bund through bright storefronts, historic buildings and evening crowds.
Xintiandi
Restored shikumen lane houses combine historic Shanghai architecture with cafés, restaurants, galleries and contemporary city life.
Zhujiajiao Water Town
A canal town on Shanghai’s outskirts with stone bridges, narrow lanes and traditional waterside houses, suitable for a half-day escape from central Shanghai.
Shanghai Museum
A major collection of Chinese art and cultural history, particularly known for bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, painting and decorative arts.
Jade Buddha Temple
An active Buddhist temple in central Shanghai known for its jade Buddha statues, traditional halls and quieter atmosphere away from the main commercial districts.
Explore the destination
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Good to know
Practical Travel Info for Shanghai
Use the metro for most city travel, but leave extra time for the Bund, the former French Concession and riverside areas where walking is part of the experience.
Best time to visit
March to May and October to November are usually the most comfortable months for walking and city sightseeing. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is cooler but still suitable for an urban trip.
How many days do I need?
Two days covers the headline sights at a quick pace. Three to four days gives you more time for neighborhoods, food, museums and a possible day trip into the Yangtze River Delta.
How to get there
Shanghai is served by Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. Hongqiao is also a major high-speed rail hub with frequent connections across eastern China and beyond.
Getting around
The metro covers most major districts efficiently. Walking is part of the experience around the Bund, former French Concession and older neighborhoods, while taxis are useful when moving between areas with luggage or limited time.
What to combine it with
Suzhou and Hangzhou are the most natural extensions from Shanghai and are easy to include in a wider Yangtze River Delta itinerary. Shanghai also works well as the arrival or departure city for a longer China journey.
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