The places index · 505 places
Places worth
Landmarks with a story, neighbourhood corners with a slower pace and natural places that deserve more than a photograph. Use this index as a starting point, not a checklist.
ShanghaiGuangfulin Relics Park
Guangfulin Relics Park preserves the site of a prehistoric culture that flourished along the shores of an ancient lake near Songjiang. Excavations revealed rice cultivation, pottery, and wooden structures dating back about 5,000 years. The park's most striking feature is the underwater museum with pyramid-shaped roofs rising from the water. Free to enter, with museums such as the cultural and archaeological halls charged separately.
ShanghaiSheshan National Forest Park
Sheshan National Forest Park surrounds West and East Sheshan, the highest natural points in Shanghai's hinterland. The summit of West Sheshan is crowned by the red-brick Sheshan Basilica, a popular pilgrimage site, and the 1899 Sheshan Observatory. East Sheshan offers quieter trails and views over the Songjiang plain. Both hills can be climbed in a few hours and are free to enter.
ShanghaiDongping National Forest Park
Dongping National Forest Park is the largest forest park in Shanghai, covering about 540 hectares in the center of Chongming Island. Its dense groves of metasequoia and camphor trees create mossy, quiet paths, with lakes and picnic lawns between them. Visitors can rent bikes, try tree-climbing courses, or stay overnight in forest cabins. The park is reached by a car ride across the Yangtze River bridges.
ShanghaiShanghai Happy Valley
Shanghai Happy Valley opened in 2009 near Sheshan in Songjiang and is among the largest theme parks in China. Thrill rides include the 'Diving Coaster', a wooden coaster, and the 120-meter 'Absolute Velocity' launch coaster. The park also has family zones, a water park, and frequent seasonal festivals such as the summer carnival and Halloween nights. It is about an hour from central Shanghai by metro and taxi.
ShanghaiShanghai Haichang Ocean Park
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park opened in 2018 and is one of China's largest ocean theme parks. Five ocean 'worlds' feature polar bears, penguins, dolphins, and whale sharks, with a giant orca show arena at the center. The park also has an underwater tunnel and a 'Volcano Whale Shark Pavilion'. It sits in the Nanhui area of Pudong, close to the Dishui Lake district.
ShanghaiShanghai Expo Museum
Shanghai Expo Museum sits on the former site of Expo 2010 and is dedicated to the history of world expositions. Its eight permanent galleries trace the Expo movement from London 1851, with interactive displays, original artifacts, and a children's zone. The building was designed by the same architect as the China Pavilion. Admission is free, with special exhibitions charged separately.
ShanghaiRockbund
Rockbund, or the 'Bund Origin', is the stretch of the Bund that began as the Shanghai British Concession in the 1840s. Its restored 19th-century warehouses, consulates, and clubs line Yuanmingyuan Road and the riverfront. The former British Consulate gardens and the Peninsula Hotel anchor the district, while galleries and cafes occupy the old buildings. It offers a quieter, more intimate take on Bund architecture.
ShanghaiWaibaidu Bridge
Waibaidu Bridge, completed in 1908, is Shanghai's oldest steel bridge and a symbol of the city's early modernity. Its 52-meter span crosses Suzhou Creek where it meets the Huangpu River, linking the Bund with the North Bund. The gray steel trusses have appeared in countless films and wedding photos. A short walk across the bridge offers views of the Bund's historic buildings and the modern skyline beyond.
ShanghaiSinan Mansions
Sinan Mansions preserves a group of 51 garden houses built in the 1920s around Fuxing Park. The historic lanes have been restored as a pedestrian complex with restaurants, cafes, bookshops, and art spaces. The Former Residence of Zhou Enlai sits within the block and is open to visitors. On weekends, the lanes host open-air markets and music events.
ShanghaiWukang Road
Wukang Road runs through the heart of the former French Concession and is famous for its leafy plane trees and preserved 1930s architecture. The tapering Wukang Mansion is the street's most photographed building, while dozens of heritage villas line the way. The road was home to artists, writers, and politicians, including actress Hu Die and playwright Xiao Hong. Cafes and boutiques now occupy many of the old houses.
Shanghai1933 Old Millfun
1933 Old Millfun was built in 1933 as a state-of-the-art slaughterhouse with a unique double-helix concrete ramp system. The building was designed by a British architect and combines Bauhaus and art deco elements. Since 2008 it has been reborn as a creative complex with design shops, art spaces, restaurants, and photo studios. The maze-like walkways and dramatic light make it a favorite spot for photographers.
ShanghaiSong Qingling Residence
The Song Qingling Residence is the former home of Soong Ching-ling, wife of Sun Yat-sen and honorary chairwoman of the People's Republic. She lived here from 1948 until her death in 1981, and the rooms retain her furniture, books, and gifts from foreign dignitaries. The white villa and its plane-tree garden sit on a quiet lane off Huaihai Road. The garden is shaded by an ancient camphor tree she loved.
ShanghaiShanghai Museum of Glass
Shanghai Museum of Glass opened in 2011 in the converted glass factories of the Baoshan industrial district. Its permanent galleries trace glass from ancient Egypt to modern art and technology, with a beautiful 'Glass Sculpture Garden' and live demonstration studios. Visitors can try simple glass craft activities, and the museum's cafes and shops use glass tables and displays. The striking glass façade lights up after dark.
ShanghaiShanghai Urban Planning Center
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center stands beside People's Square and shows how Shanghai has grown from a fishing town to a global metropolis. Its highlight is a huge scale model of downtown Shanghai with synchronized lights. Interactive displays cover metro planning, old-town heritage, and the skyline's future. The center offers one of the best introductions to the city for first-time visitors.
ShanghaiShanghai Jewish Refugees Museum
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum is built around the historic Ohel Moshe Synagogue in the former Hongkou ghetto. Between 1933 and 1941, about 20,000 Jewish refugees fled to Shanghai, which accepted them without visas. The museum tells their stories through photographs, artifacts, and survivor testimony, including a wall engraved with 13,732 names. It is a powerful reminder of Shanghai's wartime role as a sanctuary.
ShanghaiShanghai Postal Museum
Shanghai Postal Museum occupies the historic Shanghai General Post Office building completed in 1924. Its landmark clock tower and green copper dome overlook the Suzhou Creek. Exhibits trace the history of Chinese postal service, including rare stamps, mail carts, and a recreated early post office. The building itself is one of Shanghai's finest examples of European neoclassical architecture.
ShanghaiShanghai Auto Museum
Shanghai Auto Museum is China's first professional automobile museum, housed in a striking futuristic building in the Anting auto city. Its collection spans more than 100 years of motoring, from early steam cars to classic Ferraris and vintage Shanghai sedans. The upper floors include a themed 'Magic Motown' exhibition zone and a kids' discovery area. The Shanghai Formula 1 circuit lies nearby.
ShanghaiShanghai Film Museum
Shanghai Film Museum opened in 2013 on the site of the historic Shanghai Film Studio. Its four floors use projections, props, and interactive displays to tell the story of Chinese film from the 1920s to today. Visitors can walk through recreated studio sets, see costumes and cameras, and watch clips of classic films. The 'red carpet' hall with rotating celebrity exhibits is a highlight.
ShanghaiChina Art Museum
China Art Museum opened in 2012 inside the iconic 'Crown of the East' pavilion built for the 2010 Expo. Its galleries show modern and contemporary Chinese art, including ink painting, calligraphy, and sculpture. The highlight exhibition often features Zhang Zeduan's famous 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' animated scroll. General admission is free, with special exhibitions charged separately.
ShanghaiChina Maritime Museum
China Maritime Museum opened in 2010 in the Lingang area of Pudong. Its centerpiece is a full-scale reproduction of a Ming-dynasty treasure ship like those sailed by Zheng He. Galleries cover navigation history, shipbuilding, ports, and maritime trade, with interactive simulators and models. The museum is next to Dishui Lake, a pleasant spot for a walk after visiting.
ShanghaiShanghai Planetarium
Shanghai Planetarium opened in 2021 in the Lingang area of Pudong and is part of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum system. Its futuristic building uses three arcs to evoke the movement of celestial bodies, and the 23-meter projection dome delivers immersive space shows. Exhibits cover astronomy, spaceflight, and planetary science, including a real lunar sample. Advance online booking is required.
ShanghaiQiuxia Garden
Qiuxia Garden dates from the early 16th century and is one of the oldest classical gardens in Shanghai. Its name means 'garden of autumn glow', and its halls, rockeries, and pond views are especially lovely in autumn. The garden sits close to the Jiading Confucian Temple and the old town's historic streets. It is a peaceful, low-key alternative to the city's busier gardens.
ShanghaiGuyi Garden
Guyi Garden was first laid out during the Ming Dynasty in 1522 and rebuilt several times over the centuries. Its pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and bamboo groves follow classic Jiangnan garden design. In summer the garden is famous for its lotus blooms, and in spring for plum blossoms. Nanxiang, the town around it, is also known for its xiaolongbao dumplings.
ShanghaiChenshan Botanical Garden
Chenshan Botanical Garden opened in 2010 and covers about 207 hectares in the foothills of Sheshan. Its centerpiece is a trio of huge glasshouse domes housing tropical, desert, and alpine plant collections. The former quarry has been transformed into a sunken garden with waterfalls, while seasonal flower festivals draw large crowds. The garden is about an hour from central Shanghai by metro and bus.
ShanghaiShanghai Zoo
Shanghai Zoo opened in 1954 on a site that began as a golf course in 1900. It keeps more than 400 species, including giant pandas, South China tigers, and golden snub-nosed monkeys. Wide lawns, lakes, and tree-lined paths make it a pleasant green escape within the city. The zoo is easily reached by Metro Line 10.
ShanghaiShanghai Wild Animal Park
Shanghai Wild Animal Park covers about 153 hectares and is home to more than 10,000 animals. Visitors can take a bus safari through open enclosures with lions, tigers, bears, and zebras, then explore walk-through areas with pandas, giraffes, and an aviary. Daily shows feature elephants, sea lions, and birds of prey. It is best reached by the park's shuttle or by metro plus a short ride.
ShanghaiXinchang Ancient Town
Xinchang Ancient Town preserves a traditional Jiangnan water-town layout with canals, stone bridges, and whitewashed houses. Unlike busier towns, it remains largely residential and uncrowded. The old street offers local snacks, handmade crafts, and small museums such as the Former Residence of Ye Lin. Filming locations from several Chinese movies and TV series can be spotted along the lanes.
ShanghaiQibao Old Town
Qibao, meaning 'seven treasures', is a compact water town just southwest of central Shanghai. Its main street is packed with snack stalls selling stinky tofu, zongzi, and candied hawthorn, alongside craft shops and small museums. The Qibao Pagoda and the old temple anchor the historic core. The town is easy to reach by Metro Line 9, making it a popular half-day outing.
ShanghaiXujiahui Cathedral
St. Ignatius Cathedral, popularly known as Xujiahui Cathedral, was completed in 1910 and is one of the largest Catholic churches in China. Its twin spires, stained-glass windows, and pointed arches make it a striking Gothic landmark. The church stands next to the historic Xujiahui Library and other Jesuit-era buildings. Visitors may enter during public opening hours, with Mass celebrated on Sundays.
ShanghaiJade Buddha Temple
Jade Buddha Temple was founded in 1882 to house two jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar by a monk named Huigen. The main halls follow a classical Song-dynasty style, while the temple's treasures sit in the Jade Buddha Chamber on the upper floor. The reclining jade Buddha in the western hall is another highlight. The temple remains one of Shanghai's most active Buddhist centers.
ShanghaiShanghai Ocean Aquarium
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Asia, holding more than 450 species across 32 themed zones. Its 155-meter viewing tunnel, among the longest in the world, lets visitors walk beneath sharks and rays. Exhibits range from a China zone with endangered Chinese sturgeon to a polar zone with penguins. The aquarium sits right beside the Oriental Pearl Tower, making it easy to combine with other Lujiazui sights.
ShanghaiM50 Creative Park
M50 began as a cotton mill in the 1930s and was converted into artist studios in the early 2000s. Today the riverside complex of factory buildings holds more than a hundred galleries and studios showing painting, sculpture, photography, and design. Visitors can wander freely through the converted workshops and watch artists at work. The walls along Moganshan Road are famous for ever-changing street art.
ShanghaiZhujiajiao Water Town
Zhujiajiao is a 1,700-year-old water town about an hour from central Shanghai, crisscrossed by nine rivers and home to 36 ancient bridges. The five-arch Fangsheng Bridge, built in 1571, is the largest stone arch bridge in the region. Wandering the lanes reveals traditional houses, wooden boat rides, and local snacks such as zongzi and roasted pork. The town itself is free and open 24 hours, while individual sights like Kezhi Garden charge a small fee.
ShanghaiLonghua Temple
Longhua Temple has more than 1,700 years of history, with its seven-story Longhua Pagoda traditionally said to date back to the Three Kingdoms period. The complex features classic Song-style halls, ancient cypresses, and a serene lotus pond. The grounds are especially atmospheric during the spring temple fair and when the lotus flowers bloom in summer. Entry is free, though an incense ticket is optional.
ShanghaiJing'an Temple
Jing'an Temple traces its history back to 247 AD, although the current complex was rebuilt in the early 20th century and extensively renovated since. Its Han-Tibetan fusion architecture, gold-tiled roofs, and bronze Buddha statues make it stand out against the surrounding shopping district. The temple houses a notable collection of Buddhist relics and hosts ceremonies on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month. The adjacent Jing'an Park completes the visit.
ShanghaiShanghai Disneyland
Shanghai Disneyland opened in June 2016 and features six themed lands, including the uniquely Chinese Gardens of Imagination and the largest Enchanted Storybook Castle ever built. Alongside classic attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean, the park hosts daily parades and evening fireworks. Park hours and ticket prices vary by season, so check the official calendar before visiting.
ShanghaiShanghai Natural History Museum
The new Shanghai Natural History Museum opened in 2015 inside Jing'an Sculpture Park. Its collection of about 290,000 specimens covers paleontology, zoology, botany, and anthropology, with highlights including a 26-meter-long Mamenchisaurus skeleton and a complete Yellow River elephant fossil. The spiral building, nicknamed the 'green snail', is an architectural landmark in itself. The museum closes on Tuesdays rather than Mondays.
ShanghaiShanghai Science and Tech Museum
Opened in 2001, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum spans about 98,000 square meters of interactive galleries. Visitors can explore a rainforest-themed animal world, a spacecraft hall, a robot world, and a human-body pavilion. The museum is a favorite family destination and requires advance online booking. It is closed on Mondays except public holidays.
ShanghaiShanghai World Financial Center
Completed in 2008, the Shanghai World Financial Center was the world's tallest building when it opened. Its distinctive trapezoid aperture earned it the nickname 'bottle opener' among locals. The observation deck on floors 94-100 includes a glass-floored skywalk at about 474 meters where visitors can look straight down. From the top, the view takes in all of Lujiazui, including the neighboring Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower.
ShanghaiOriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower, completed in 1994, is one of Shanghai's most recognizable landmarks. Its eleven spheres of varying sizes echo a Tang Dynasty poem about a great dragon playing with pearls. The main observation deck at 263 meters offers sweeping views over the Bund, while the Space Module at 351 meters provides an even higher vantage point. The tower base also houses the Shanghai Municipal History Museum.
ChangchunFirst Automobile Works Museum
The First Automobile Works Museum stands as a living testament to Chinas industrial revolution and automotive heritage Located within the original FAW factory complex this museum chronicles the birth and evolution of Chinas automobile industry from the first domestically produced truck in 1956 to modern automotive innovations The museum occupies historic factory buildings where the legendary Jiefang CA10 truck rolled off the assembly line marking Chinas entry into the automotive age Visitors can explore authentic production lines vintage vehicles and interactive exhibits that showcase the technological advancements and cultural significance of Chinas automotive journey The museum not only displays vehicles but also preserves the stories of workers engineers and visionaries who built Chinas automotive industry from scratch making it a mustvisit destination for automotive enthusiasts and history buffs alike
ChangchunPeoples Square
Peoples Square also known as Renmin Square is the central public square of Changchun Jilin Province Originally constructed during the Japanese occupation period and later redesigned with Soviet influence this expansive square serves as both a political center and cultural gathering space The square features a distinctive radial layout with eight major roads converging at its center creating a star-shaped pattern that symbolizes unity and progress At the heart of the square stands the Monument to the Peoples Heroes a towering granite structure commemorating revolutionary martyrs Surrounding the monument are meticulously maintained gardens seasonal flower displays and fountains that create a serene urban oasis The squares architecture reflects Changchuns unique history as the former capital of Manchukuo with buildings showcasing a blend of Soviet neoclassical and traditional Chinese design elements Throughout the year Peoples Square hosts various cultural events military parades and public celebrations making it a living testament to Changchuns political and social evolution
ChangchunNortheast China History Museum
The Northeast China History Museum stands as one of the most important cultural institutions in Jilin Province offering visitors an immersive journey through the regions fascinating past Located in Changchun the museum houses over 100000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric times through various dynastic periods to the modern development of Northeast China The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated to highlight the unique cultural characteristics ethnic diversity and historical significance of this strategically important region of China The museums architecture itself is a blend of traditional Chinese elements with modern design creating an inspiring space for cultural exploration
ChangchunPuppet Emperors Palace
The Puppet Emperors Palace also known as the Manchukuo Imperial Palace is a significant historical site in Changchun Jilin Province It served as the official residence of Puyi the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty who was installed as the puppet emperor of the Japanesecontrolled state of Manchukuo from 1932 to 1945 The palace complex consists of several buildings including the main palace living quarters offices and gardens reflecting a blend of Chinese and Japanese architectural styles The site now serves as a museum showcasing the history of Manchukuo Puyis life and the Japanese occupation period Visitors can explore the wellpreserved rooms view historical artifacts photographs and documents and gain insight into this complex period of Chinese history The palace stands as a poignant reminder of national humiliation and resistance during wartime
JinanHotel Orientation
Hotel Orientation is a well-established hospitality venue in Jinan, known for its strategic location, comfortable rooms, and comprehensive guest services catering to both business and leisure travelers.
GuangzhouPanxi Restaurant
Panxi Restaurant is a legendary Cantonese dining establishment that has been serving authentic Guangzhou cuisine since 1947. Situated in the picturesque Liwan Lake Park, this restaurant is famous for its traditional Lingnan-style architecture featuring pavilions, corridors, and courtyards that create a serene dining atmosphere. The restaurant spans over 10,000 square meters with multiple dining halls and private rooms, some overlooking the tranquil lake. Panxi is renowned for preserving traditional Cantonese cooking techniques while offering a wide variety of dim sum, seafood dishes, and classic Guangzhou specialties. The restaurant has hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities over the decades and remains a beloved institution for both locals and tourists seeking an authentic Cantonese dining experience.
ShanghaiShanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum is one of Chinas premier cultural institutions located at Peoples Square in the heart of Shanghai Established in 1952 and relocated to its current iconic building in 1996 the museum houses over 120000 precious artifacts spanning 5000 years of Chinese history The museums unique circular design with a square base symbolizes the ancient Chinese concept of a round heaven and square earth reflecting traditional Chinese cosmology The collection is organized into eleven galleries including Ancient Chinese Bronze Ancient Chinese Ceramics Ancient Chinese Painting Ancient Chinese Calligraphy Ancient Chinese Sculpture Ancient Chinese Jade Ancient Chinese Furniture Ancient Chinese Coins and Seals Ancient Chinese Minority Nationalities Art and Ancient Chinese Ceramics of the Ming and Qing Dynasties The museum is particularly renowned for its bronze collection which is considered one of the finest in the world with exquisite examples from the Shang and Zhou dynasties The ceramics collection features masterpieces from Neolithic pottery to Qing dynasty porcelain including rare celadon and blueandwhite wares The painting and calligraphy galleries display works by legendary artists from throughout Chinese history offering insights into the philosophical and aesthetic traditions that have shaped Chinese civilization The museum also features interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations that bring ancient artifacts to life making it accessible to visitors of all ages and backgrounds
ShanghaiXintiandi
Xintiandi meaning New Heaven and Earth is one of Shanghais most iconic destinations located in the heart of the city This innovative urban redevelopment project masterfully preserves the traditional Shikumen stone gate houses while transforming them into a vibrant lifestyle complex The area consists of two main sections North Block and South Block each offering distinct experiences North Block features beautifully restored Shikumen buildings housing upscale restaurants cafes bars and boutiques while South Block is a modern commercial complex with shopping malls cinemas and entertainment venues Xintiandi represents the perfect fusion of Shanghais colonial past with its cosmopolitan present where historic architecture meets contemporary design and international sophistication
ShanghaiTianzifang
Tianzifang is one of Shanghais most beloved cultural destinations a maze of narrow alleyways and traditional Shikumen stonegate houses that have been creatively transformed into a thriving arts and crafts community Located in the former French Concession area this pedestrianfriendly neighborhood offers a delightful contrast to Shanghais modern skyscrapers The area dates back to the 1930s when it was a typical residential lane with Shikumen architecture a unique Shanghai style combining Western and Chinese elements Today these historic buildings house an eclectic mix of art galleries boutique shops craft studios cafes restaurants and bars creating a bohemian atmosphere that attracts both locals and international visitors
ShanghaiOld Jesse
Old Jesse is a beloved local institution serving traditional Shanghainese dishes in a cozy, unpretentious setting. It's famous for its braised pork, drunken chicken, and other home-style flavors that capture the essence of Shanghai's culinary heritage.
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