Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Shanghai | Experience Shanghainese Culture, Old City Charm, and Historic Architecture! Including Transportation Tips.

Explore the magic of Shanghai, the "Paris of the East"! Kinnso editors have handpicked ten must-visit spots in Shanghai. From classic landmarks like The Bund, City God Temple, and Yu Garden to trendy hotspots like Tianzifang and West Bank Art Center, and hidden alleys steeped in old Shanghai charm, this comprehensive travel guide has everything you need for a deep dive into the city. Bookmark it now!

The City God Temple is the oldest temple in Shanghai, with a history of over 600 years. On both sides of the temple are old Shanghai-style lanes, gathering hundreds of shops selling various snacks and handicrafts. It's bustling and full of market atmosphere. Besides tasting classic Shanghainese snacks like Nanxiang soup dumplings, crab roe buns, and pan-fried buns, you can also find treasures in the antique market or watch plays and drink tea on the Nine Turns Bridge outside the temple, experiencing the charm of old Shanghai.

田子坊 was originally an old industrial district, which has been transformed into Shanghai's most popular creative park. Here, you can find art galleries, cafes, design studios, bars and more. The alleys are full of graffiti and sculptures, showcasing various artistic creations. Why not take a break at the open-air Cafe on the platform, treasure hunt in the design shops, or participate in workshops to create something yourself? You'll be immersed in a vibrant artistic atmosphere. If you happen to visit on the weekend, there's also a creative market selling various original designs, full of surprises.

Shanghai Xintiandi, a fashionable and leisure district, is built from renovated Shikumen buildings and known as "Little Hong Kong." The Shikumen structures on both sides have been transformed into bars, art galleries, and boutiques, blending nostalgia with modernity. As you stroll through Xintiandi, you'll discover interconnected alleys, exquisite courtyards, and cultural spaces like Tian Guang Yun Ying, Xintiandi Fashion, and No. 3 Onsen, offering picturesque photo opportunities at every turn. The area is also home to numerous foreign restaurants, including Japanese, Italian, and French options, satisfying your taste buds while immersing you in a different ambiance.

The Shanghai Museum is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in China. With a collection of 1.4 million artifacts, it encompasses a vast array of treasures including bronze ware, calligraphy, paintings, and jade ornaments. The prized possessions include the Shang Dynasty bronze great ding (kettle), the Han Dynasty jade burial suit, Tang Sancai ceramics, and Song Huizong's "thin gold script" calligraphy. The museum's design is based on ancient bronze artifacts, presenting the concept of "ancient China" and "celestial harmony." Its grandeur and solemnity are truly awe-inspiring. Admission is free, allowing you to witness five thousand years of Chinese history and culture in one visit.

The Yu Garden is a famous classical garden in the south of China. It, along with the Zhuozheng Garden in Suzhou and the Yiheyuan in Beijing, is considered one of the three most renowned gardens in China. The garden boasts pavilions, towers, lush plants, and cleverly designed landscapes with hills, water features, and pools, all showcasing the grandeur and sophistication of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Nine-Curve Bridge in Yu Garden is acclaimed as "the world's foremost curved bridge". Standing on the bridge, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire garden, which is truly elegant. After a long day of exploring, visitors can head to Yu Garden Old Street for some snacks and experience the bustling local atmosphere.

Mulholland Road Culture Celebrity Street is a historic district composed of shikumen and garden villas. It was a concession in the early 20th century, where many Chinese and foreign celebrities resided. Strolling through the red brick and green tile alleys of the shikumen houses, visiting the former residences of celebrities like Lu Xun, Guo Moruo, and Cai Yuanpei, is like traveling through a time tunnel. The archways, villas, and churches along the street are also full of exotic charm, making people linger. In addition, there are shops selling creative products and cafes here, where you can relax for a while and enjoy a unique flavor.

Shanghai Disneyland is the first Disney theme park in mainland China. It is themed around unique Disney stories and features six themed lands. Here you can meet Disney friends like Mickey Mouse and Snow White, enjoy thrilling rides such as TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Space Mountain, and experience amazing parades and fireworks displays. Staying at a resort hotel allows for an immersive dining and entertainment experience. Whether you're an adult or a child, here you can rediscover your childhood and have a blast!

The Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (Power Station of Art) is located by the Huangpu River. Originally a South Market Power Plant, it was transformed into a contemporary art museum. The museum exhibits various avant-garde and experimental artworks, including video, installation, and performance art, opening up a new artistic perspective for you. There are also exhibitions by internationally renowned artists held here irregularly, making the cultural atmosphere very rich. The building itself is also quite distinctive, with a steel and concrete structure combined with glass curtain walls, exuding an industrial style, becoming a must-visit landmark for art enthusiasts.

Wukang Road is Shanghai's most representative Shikumen alley, with nearly 200 Shikumen buildings lined up neatly on both sides, like stepping into a movie scene from "Lust, Caution". Shikumen is a unique lane housing in Shanghai, combining Western and Jiangnan architectural styles, with extraordinary grandeur. It was once the residence of celebrities and scholars, including Song Meiling and Song Qingling. Walking along the bluestone path, it feels like traveling through time, back to old Shanghai in the 1920s, experiencing a strong sense of nostalgia.