The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
The Bund and Lujiazui: the back story
Two skylines facing each other across the Huangpu: the historic waterfront of the Bund and the towers of Lujiazui.
12 of the best · Shanghai, China
The Best Things to See and Do in Shanghai
The Bund and the towers of Lujiazui, Yu Garden, Xintiandi and Zhangyuan’s lane houses, Wukang Mansion, Jing’an Temple and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Our 12 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Shanghai
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Shanghai.
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Shanghai’s historic riverfront
The Bund
The historic waterfront of grand banks and hotels along the Huangpu, facing the Pudong skyline.
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A Ming dynasty garden
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
A classical garden from the Ming dynasty, with more than 40 scenic spots, in the heart of the Old City.
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China’s tallest building
Shanghai Tower and the Top of Shanghai Observatory
The 632-metre Shanghai Tower, with the Top of Shanghai Observatory on the 118th floor.
501 Middle Yincheng Road, Pudong, ShanghaiExplore View on map
The full list: Sights, A–Z
Show all 12 places on a map
Neighbourhood
The icons 10
The sights everyone comes for.
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From People’s Square to the Bund
Nanjing Road East
The pedestrian shopping street from People’s Square to the Bund.
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The pink spheres of Pudong
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
The tower with the pink spheres at the tip of Lujiazui, beside the river.
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China’s tallest building
Shanghai Tower and the Top of Shanghai Observatory
The 632-metre Shanghai Tower, with the Top of Shanghai Observatory on the 118th floor.
501 Middle Yincheng Road, Pudong, ShanghaiExplore View on map
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Shanghai’s historic riverfront
The Bund
The historic waterfront of grand banks and hotels along the Huangpu, facing the Pudong skyline.
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Hudec, 1924
Wukang Mansion
László Hudec’s eight-storey apartment building of 1924, at the junction of Wukang Road and Huaihai Road.
1850 Middle Huaihai Road, Xuhui, ShanghaiExplore View on map
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Lane houses, restaurants and shops
Xintiandi
Restored shikumen lane houses turned into a district of restaurants, bars and shops.
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A Ming dynasty garden
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
A classical garden from the Ming dynasty, with more than 40 scenic spots, in the heart of the Old City.
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Restored lane houses
Zhangyuan
Shanghai’s largest and best-preserved shikumen complex, now home to luxury boutiques, art spaces and cafés.
Family days 1
Theme parks.
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Eight themed lands
Shanghai Disney Resort
Shanghai Disneyland’s eight themed lands, including Zootopia, two hotels, Disneytown and Wishing Star Park.
