Shanghai China – Top–10 Most Interesting Sights and Attractions

When you first arrive in Shanghai, the pace of everything is the first thing you’ll notice. It’s a massive, bustling city situated on China’s East Coast and has an immensely rich history, encapsulating both Chinese and foreign cultures. Its sights differ widely in variety and the largest city in China truly offers something for everyone. Special places to see include museums, art galleries, various parks, gardens and temples. With Shanghai’s world class transport systems, it’s incredibly easy to explore the city’s sights.
If you are ever privileged enough to visit, and don’t mind the crowds, here are my Top Ten Attractions in Shanghai:

10. The China Art Museum

Cost: Free!

The biggest museum in Asia showcases the collections of modern art the country holds most dear. The museum portrays four themes: the origins of modern & contemporary Chinese art, the work of renowned painters, artworks illuminating Shanghai’s cultural and historical development, and art’s modern development.
Chinese oil paintings, sculptures, and calligraphy illuminate the origins of modern Chinese art.
There is also an interactive multimedia display, called “The Riverside Scene at Qingming Festival”, (a good one for the youngsters).
If you are interested in art this is a must- see.

When?
Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00-17:00.
How do I get there?
It’s easily accessible by metro (line 8 or 9) and bus.

9. Madame Tussauds Shanghai

Cost: 190 RMB for adults, 140 for children between 1.0-1.4 meters, free for children under 1.0m.

Something a little different to see is the famous wax museum in Shanghai, which has over 80 wax figures of different renowned characters from China and abroad. With figures ranging from sports, history, film and music, there’s something for everyone.
Bring the kids along for something that isn’t all about history and culture.

When?
10:00-21:00 daily.
How do I get there?
From the Metro’s People’s Square station, leave from Exit 7. You will see the “New World Plaza”, it’s on floor 10.

8. Xujiahui Cathedral

Cost: Free!

This majestic Catholic Church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and is often called “the Vatican of Shanghai”.
The first thing I noticed when I entered was 64 stone pillars, all intricately decorated with delicate patterns. There are also 60 large arch windows, and 14 murals depicting the life of Jesus. This attraction is ideal for the history buffs!
It’s a church, so dress appropriately or else you won’t be allowed in.

When?
Sat 13:00-16:00, Sun 14:00-16:00.
How do I get there?
Take line 1 or 9 on the Metro, hop off at Xujiahui Station. There are also several busses that stop off at this station, including the airport lines, so it’s possible to visit the church on your way to the airport.

7. Zhujiajao Water Town

Cost: Free entrance, but there are some small fees to visit some attractions (3—80 RMB). 120 RMB for a tour guide. It’s worth bringing some extra cash to get the full experience.

This little water town provides a feast for the eyes, beautiful ancient bridges cross lazy running streams, and old riverside houses in a surprisingly quaint town on the outskirts of Shanghai.
Bridges are built old style- wood, stone, and marble, during the dynasties of Ming and Qing.

When?
8:30-17:00 daily.
How do I get there?
Easy walk from line 17’s Zhujiajiao Station, various busses (Huzhu Express Line, Shangzhu Line)

6. Jin Mao Tower

Cost: 120 RMB for adults, 60 for children between 0.9-1.3 meters, free if they are under 0.9m.

This grand building has 88 stories, reaching 420.5 meters into the heavens! Erected in 1999, it stylishly combines facets of traditional Chinese culture, as well as modern architecture. Inside, a large observation deck provides stunning views.
We went there last year, and I’ll confess to developing a crippling fear of heights, but I was glad I went. Don’t bother going if you’re scared of heights. Obviously.

When?
8:30-21:30. I went there at night, and the view was gorgeous!
How do I get there?
Get off at Lujiazui Station on the Metro’s line 2. Or take bus 85, 774, 779, 799, 971, or 992.

5. The Oriental Pearl Tower

Cost: varies, between 35-260 RMB. Children between 1-1.4 meters get a 50% discount, less than 1m get in for free!

This tower is 468 meters high and is China’s second biggest radio and TV tower. The tower resembles “twin dragons playing with pearls” and is very popular so pick your visiting times wisely.
The tower provides a breathtakingly beautiful view of Shanghai’s Bund.

When?
8:30-9:30 daily.
How do I get there?
Use the Bund sightseeing tunnel, exit at the Pudong side. Metro line 2’s Lujiazui Station, use exit 1 and you’ll see the tower. Busses 81, 82, 314, 939, 993 or Cailu Special Line.

4. Longhua Temple

Cost: 10 RMB

The largest and oldest temple in Shanghai at over 1700 years old, was damaged by various wars but has since been reconstructed. The temple was built to remember the Maitreya Buddha. For those interested in ancient architecture, it boasts designs originating from the Song dynasty’s monasteries.
The tallest structure is the Longhua Pagoda, which stands at a grand 40.4 meters. Inside there are numerous halls, housing statues of various Buddhist figures.
There is also a gigantic bell tower, with a bell two meters tall!

When?
7:30-16:30
How do I get there?
Longhua metro station, off lines 11&12. Numerous busses stop off at Longhua station (41,44. 56).

3. Yu Garden

Cost: 40 RMB (April 1-June 30; September1-November 30). 30 RMB (July 1-Augugust 31; December 1- March 31)
Children younger than 6 or not taller than 1.3 meters can visit the garden for free, accompanied by their parents.

This beautiful garden is famous because it is 400 years old. The garden’s architecture is traditional Suzhou style.
You will enjoy the Great Rockery, which is 14 meters high, providing you with a stunning view of the garden. The garden has many beautifully patterned halls and chambers, like the Yuhua Hall.

When?
8:30-16:45 daily
How do I get there?
By bus, or Yuyuan Station on the metro’s line 11.

2. The Jade Buddha Temple

This beats Longhua Temple because of the atmosphere. The temple was built to house two majestic jade Buddha statues. Whilst the Qing dynasty was being overthrown, the temple was destroyed, but luckily the statues weren’t. The temple was rebuilt in 1928.
The “Sitting Jade Buddha” and “Recumbent Buddha” are incredibly rare relics of a bygone era. They are made with whole white Jade and are shockingly bright. The Recumbent Buddha is just under 2 meters tall, showing a meditating Buddha.
We highly recommend seeing these statues.

When?
8:00-16:30
How do I get there?
Metro line 13 (Jiangning Road Station, exit 4). Any bus going past Jiangninglu Anyuanlu Station.

1. The Bund

Cost: Free! Bring some cash in case you want to dine on the bund.

The bund is number one because it’s become synonymous with the city. It’s basically a long waterfront along the Huangpu river jam packed with sights to see. It’s one of the top tourist attractions in China.
Along the bank there are several sculptures and statues that you encounter as you amble along the walkways.
It’s worth a visit twice- at night it’s truly a sight to behold, with lights from the nearby buildings creating a sparkling reflection on the water.

When?
Anytime.
How do I get there?
East Nanjing Road Station on lines 2 &10 will get you there. You can also take a ferry (2 RMB), or the more exciting sightseeing tunnel train (55 RMB return).

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Clearly there is lots to see in Shanghai, and the diversity means there’s something for everyone. All these attractions are easily accessible from the Shanghai Metro, which is both affordable and fast.