Shanghai, an international metropolis where a century of history blends with modern trends, captivates the world as the “Magic City.” Here, the grandeur of the Bund's international architecture meets the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui; the poetic elegance of the classical Yu Garden coexists with the romantic charm of the plane trees lining Wukang Road.
Further Reading:[Shanghai Independent Travel]Ultimate Guide to a 3-Day, 2-Night Independent Trip: Transportation, Itinerary, Accommodations, and Cuisine
From the dazzling night views along the Huangpu River to the bohemian markets by the Suzhou Creek, from the underwater museum at the Guangfulin Site to the fantastical world of Disneyland, Shanghai weaves culture, art, cuisine, and technology into a unique urban tapestry with its “embracing all rivers” spirit.
Stroll along Anfu Road to appreciate the intricate details of “architecture as literature”; cruise the rivers at night to witness the magical interplay of light and shadow; visit Xujiahui Academy to savor the blend of literary charm and coffee aroma. Here, every turn is a dialogue between history and the future, and every bite of cuisine is a collision of local and global flavors. Shanghai is not merely a city—it is an eternal feast.
Wukang Road
● Features: Wukang Road is a renowned historical and cultural district in Shanghai, lined with well-preserved old villas and sycamore trees.
● Why Visit: Ideal for leisurely strolls while exploring historic buildings like the Wukang Building and soaking in the charm of old Shanghai.
● Suitable For: Tourists, couples, photography enthusiasts.
● A daily tourist hotspot so crowded it requires traffic control (even crosswalks are filled with posing visitors). Wukang Building may become Shanghai's new iconic landmark alongside Lujiazui's trio of landmarks.
● Dubbed “Coffee Alley,” it blends classic cafes with trendy new spots, making it a top destination for coffee enthusiasts on Xiaohongshu. ☕
● Spring has arrived, and tulips near Wukang Building are in bloom—visit during their peak season for photos.
Xintiandi
● Features: A neighborhood blending Shikumen architecture with modern chic, featuring international restaurants, bars, cafes, and luxury boutiques—one of Shanghai's most iconic fashion landmarks.
● Why Visit: Home to numerous global brands, trendy eateries, and bars, it's a hotspot for shopping, dining, and nightlife.
● Ideal for: Young adults, food enthusiasts, trendsetters.
● A longstanding hotspot for high-concentration chic—every day feels like Shanghai Fashion Week. 💅
● Enjoy burgers under outdoor umbrellas amidst Shikumen architecture and affordable luxury brands—a must-visit on any Shanghai city walk.
● “So many Koreans here!”
Shanghai Disneyland
● Highlights: Mainland China's first Disneyland, featuring seven themed lands including the Fairytale Castle and iconic attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run.
● Why Visit: Perfect for families, offering a magical atmosphere and joyful experiences with photo-worthy backdrops.
● Ideal For: Families, couples, friends, Disney fans.
● “The happiest place on earth! Waaah~” (in Lin Chi-ling's voice)
● Some friends make it a monthly ritual to “find happiness” here. Even my Korean relatives insist they must visit Disneyland Shanghai next time they come to China.
● Incredibly photogenic park scenery & incredibly long wait times (who's gonna do something about that two-hour queue for a dwarf roller coaster?!)
● The surrounding Disney Town is also a great place to explore, offering dining, entertainment, and shopping all in one spot. If you can't make it to Disneyland, can't you at least visit Disney Town?
Further Reading:【Shanghai Disneyland Guide】Be sure to save this comprehensive 2025 Shanghai Disneyland travel guide!
Xujiahui Academy
● Features: A rising cultural landmark in Shanghai, adjacent to Xujiahui Catholic Church. Combines library, exhibition, and leisure spaces with modern, art-infused design.
● Why Visit: Ideal for reading, photo opportunities, and soaking up cultural ambiance.
● Perfect For: Bookworms, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking a quiet spot to unwind.
● Deserves a spot among “Shanghai's Most Beautiful Domes”—its grand Shanghai-style architecture makes every photo stunning!
● Vast book collection that will delight bookworms.
● Overlooks the adjacent Xujiahui Catholic Church. Floor-to-ceiling windows and sunlit reading areas make it perfect for quietly zoning out all afternoon.
Jing'an Temple
● Features: One of Shanghai's oldest Buddhist temples, its resplendent architecture stands in stark contrast to the surrounding modern skyscrapers, offering a serene sanctuary amidst the bustling city.
● Why Visit: Experience the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhist culture, with the temple's architecture being exceptionally photogenic.
● Ideal For: Visitors interested in religious culture, architecture photography enthusiasts, and those wishing to pay respects.
● Shanghai's premier temple, an A-list destination where crowds queue annually to burn incense during Chinese New Year. 🙏
● More than just a place of worship—its pagoda, Guanyin statue, and Sakyamuni Buddha statue are all worth seeing. Make sure to explore thoroughly when visiting Jing'an Temple!
Shanghai Botanical Garden
● Features: Shanghai's largest botanical garden, spanning 81 hectares with distinct seasonal landscapes.
● Why Visit: Explore diverse plant species. The science education zone makes it ideal for teaching children about plants. Perfect for strolling and photography.
● Ideal For: Nature enthusiasts, families, photography lovers.
● Spend an entire day daydreaming amidst this green oasis—a paradise for introverts.
● A tropical rainforest in downtown Shanghai?! The greenhouse pavilion unveils a tropical version of The Wizard of Oz 🍃
● Have you seen the tulip fields at the botanical garden trending lately? Anyone been to check it out?
Shanghai Greenhouse Garden
The greenhouse garden at Shanghai World Expo Cultural Park is a veritable green oasis in the city. Stepping inside, lush tropical foliage creates an instant transport to the heart of a rainforest. This space is not only a kingdom of plants but also an exceptional photo spot. Sunlight filters through the glass dome, casting dappled light and shadow. Every corner brims with unique vitality, offering visitors a magical experience to reconnect with nature and unwind.
City God Temple
Shanghai City God Temple boasts an exceptionally long history, having been first constructed during the Yongle era of the Ming Dynasty. Its architecture features soaring eaves and intricate bracket systems, embodying a solemn and rustic style. Serving not only as a religious site, it has also become a hub for folk culture. Surrounded by numerous culinary delights, its signature snacks like five-spice beans and Nanxiang steamed buns are renowned far and wide, forming a major attraction for visitors.
Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum is a major museum dedicated to ancient Chinese art, focusing its collection, research, exhibitions, and educational programs on ancient Chinese artifacts. Its collection comprises nearly 1.02 million cultural relics, including over 140,000 precious artifacts. It houses a wide array of representative artifacts that substantiate China's outstanding traditional culture and stands as one of the world's most comprehensive museums for ancient Chinese art.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street stretches from Tibet Middle Road in the west to Henan Middle Road in the east, hailed as “China's premier commercial thoroughfare.” Modern architecture and European-style heritage buildings stand side by side along the street. Here, shopping malls line the streets, goods are displayed in dazzling variety, and crowds bustle about. Every step brings a heart-racing surprise, and every glance captures the ultimate blossoming of Shanghai's commercial charm.
Tianzifang
Subway Line: Line 9, Dapuqiao Station
Recommended Visit Duration: 1-3 hours
Admission: Free
Tianzifang evolved from Shanghai's most distinctive shikumen lane houses and is located on the Puxi side of the river. It stands as one of the city's quintessential bohemian spots. This year, it became the hottest tourist destination during the National Day holiday, surpassing traditional attractions like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Its name was coined by artist Huang Yongyu as a poetic moniker. Young, artistic individuals new to Shanghai inevitably head here to experience Tianzifang's unique character.
Zhujiajiao
Subway Line: Line 17 Zhujiajiao Station (scheduled to open in the first half of 2018)
Recommended Visit Duration: 3+ hours
Admission: Free
If you're short on time and can only explore downtown Shanghai but still want to experience the charm of a Jiangnan water town, head to Qibao Ancient Town. If you can spare half a day, I'd recommend visiting Zhujiajiao instead—it's very convenient for independent travelers.
Its most famous landmark, Fangseng Bridge, is the largest five-arch stone bridge in the Shanghai area. Though the site itself isn't very large, it possesses the unique charm of a water town. Various quaint alleys and tea houses add to its artistic flair, making Zhujiajiao a quintessential, unassuming Jiangnan town.
Longhua Temple
Subway Lines: Lines 11 & 12, Longhua Station
Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
Admission: 10 RMB (free during incense-offering periods)
Longhua Temple, a municipal-level cultural heritage site in Shanghai, was first built during the Song Dynasty. Its main architectural style follows the traditional seven-hall layout of Buddhist temples. An interesting story unfolded here: my best friend made a wish to find a boyfriend this year, and to her surprise, it came true—how amazing!
