Shanghai attractions

If you want to see Shanghai, there is no better way than by taking a leisurely strolling along the roads, especially those unique ones which have witnessed the changes in the city.

The Bund (外滩): Being at the bank of Huangpu River (the mother river of Shanghai), the Bund is the representative of Shanghai. There are two of Shanghai’s landmarks: Jinmao Tower and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and 52 unique buildings with retro architectural styles, like Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque.

Tianzifang (田子坊): It is very popular with expats and tourists. You can appreciate the 1930’s architectures, strolling around to find your favorite arts and crafts, and enjoying some leisurely coffee time there.

Wukang Road (武康路): Built in 1907, it is said that Wukang Road has concentrated Shanghai’s 100 years of modern history. There are 14 excellent architectures and 37 historical sites.

Xintiandi (新天地): It is a pedestrian street combining a traditional Shanghai style with modern elements. Shopping, catering, entertainment, retracing the "old" Shanghai in the early 20th century, and experiencing the fashionable Shanghai are all available there.

The Yu Gardens
Every tourist who comes to Shanghai needs to go here. It is the number one tourist attraction in Shanghai, even if it's always very busy and just slightly less impressive than it could be.
It is the only example of a Classic Chinese garden left in Shanghai from the dynastic period of Chinese history. The added advantage is that it borders the Yuyuan Tourist Mart, where you can browse through a wide selection of touristy trinkets and test out your bargaining skills. You are going to get ripped off here, the only question is how badly.

Address: 137 Anren Jie, near Fuyou Lu. Most taxi drivers will know where to go if you just say Yuyuan.

M50 and Moganshan Lu
M50 is one of the more well known creative spaces in Shanghai but it is far enough off the beaten track to still feel like something you have found for yourself. Inside you discover a trove of galleries and workspaces housing a key part of Shanghai's modern art community ranging from the famous names to the obscure up-and-comers.

Address: 50 Moganshan Lu

Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
When people first hear of this museum they nearly always dismiss it, but if you give it a chance it will give you a much better understanding of the city than traipsing from one tourist attraction to another.
It also gives you a great perspective on the city, both past and present. Even if you don't enjoy this sort of thing, you are bound to be impressed by it.

Address: 100 Renmin Da Dao, near Xizang Lu