TOP 1 – Shanghai Disney Resort. 4.7/5, 244,619 reviews. 2024 Global 100 – Best Things to Do. #Theme Parks #Nighttime sightseeing. From $54.88. Details. View More Photos. @Bryan James Garcia. This Disney Resort is huge and very futuristic and high tech. Spent the entire day and it was really a blast. Got to experience all the attractions because it wasn’t crowded at all. As the first Disney resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort is a world-class family entertainment destination. It features Shanghai Disneyland Park, an entertainment district, two themed hotels, recreational facilities, a lake, and associated transportation hubs. One unique aspect about Shanghai Disney is the way the park incorporates Chinese tastes into its design. With plenty to do and fun for people of all ages, the Shanghai Disney Resort is certainly one of the city’s premiere attractions.
TOP 2 – Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower. 4.7/5, 150,241 reviews. 2024 Asia 100 – Best Things to Do. #Modern Architecture #Observation Decks #Nighttime sightseeing. From $41.13. Details. View More Photos. Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower, referred to as the Oriental Pearl Tower, is one of the landmarks of Shanghai, an international metropolis. It is located at No. 1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong New Area, on the banks of the Huangpu River, backed by the modern building complex in Lujiazui area, and the Bund World Building Expo Group across the river.
Discover the top 15 tourist attractions in Shanghai that you simply cannot miss.
**Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower**
This iconic structure is not just a radio and television tower; it’s a multifaceted tourist and cultural hub offering urban sightseeing, dining, shopping, entertainment, historical displays, and more. The tower’s unique multi-tube structure, reaching a height of 468 meters, features various levels including spheres, capsules, and emission antenna masts, covering an area of 100,000 square meters. Visitors can ride high-speed elevators to the top for a breathtaking view of Shanghai, including the historic Bund and modern Pudong skylines. Special experiences like the transparent sightseeing gallery and revolving restaurant add to the allure. Open from 9 am to 9 pm, it’s best to avoid peak hours for an optimal experience.
**Shanghai Wild Animal Park**
Rated 4.7/5 with over 103,661 reviews, the Shanghai Wild Animal Park is a family-friendly attraction and a top global zoo. Opened in 1995, it’s recognized as one of China’s highest-rated (AAAAA) tourist spots. Here, you can encounter over 10,000 exotic animals, many of which are rare, such as giant pandas, snub-nosed monkeys, takins, and more. The park is divided into drive-through and pedestrian areas, offering three distinct routes: walking, free bus, and boat ride. There are also free performances and a separate circus ticket option. Feeding animals and additional activities may incur extra costs. The park includes a lunch package, providing a complete day out.
TOP 15 tourist attractions you can’t miss in Shanghai include the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, Shanghai Happy Valley, and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium.
The Shanghai Wild Animal Park has drive-through portions modeled on safari parks where animals roam in natural habitats. There’s also a popular tiger feeding pen where you can see giant tigers up close. It’s fun for people of all ages.
Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park has a 4.5/5 rating with 41,690 reviews. It’s on the 2024 Asia 100 – Family-friendly Attractions list. It features aquariums, theme parks, and nighttime sightseeing. The underwater Christmas tree is quite special. People come here once or twice a year for education and entertainment. There are many performances and entertainment facilities.
Shanghai Happy Valley is a large-scale theme park located in Songjiang district, about 40 km west of Shanghai city center. It has seven themed areas. There are many thrilling rides, circus shows, parades, and a Mayan Carnival. It’s great for kids and adults alike.
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium has a 4.6/5 rating with 43,615 reviews. It’s on the 2024 Asia 100 – Family-friendly Attractions list. It’s an underwater world with special freshwater and marine creatures from all over the world and wonderful animal performances. There are many theme exhibition areas. It has one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world and rare creatures like sawfish, eagle rays, and cownose rays.
Shanghai, a city that offers a blend of modernity and history, is home to numerous attractions that should not be missed. Here are the top 15 tourist spots you must visit when in Shanghai.
1. **Shanghai Ocean Aquarium**: Dive into the wonders of the deep sea at the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, situated in the vibrant Lujiazui area of Pudong. This aquarium, located near the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, showcases a vast array of marine life. The 168-meter long underwater tunnel is a standout feature, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in various aquatic environments. Encounter spotted seals, Antarctic penguins, giant salamanders, and Chinese alligators, along with rare species like weedy seadragons and zebra sharks.
2. **The Bund**: Arguably the most famous tourist destination in Shanghai, The Bund is a waterfront promenade and prominent business district. Historically significant as the city’s financial and trading hub, it is lined with impressive examples of classic Shanghai architecture. The Bund extends for approximately 1.6 km along the west bank of the Huangpu River, offering stunning views of Shanghai’s modern skyline in Lujiazui. A night stroll or cruise here is a must, with the lights and the river breeze creating an enchanting experience.
3. **Shanghai Science and Technology Museum**: For those interested in science and technology, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum is an excellent place to visit. Located near Century Park, it covers a wide range of topics from geology and space exploration to human health. With its interactive exhibits, it’s an ideal destination for families, providing a hands-on learning experience that sparks curiosity and broadens horizons.
4. **Top of Shanghai Observatory**: Experience the heights of Shanghai from the Top of Shanghai Observatory, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline. This attraction is a must for those seeking a bird’s-eye view of the bustling metropolis.
Discover the top tourist attractions in Shanghai that you cannot afford to miss.
**Observation Decks and Nighttime Sightseeing**
The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and the three-piece suit are known to foreigners as iconic landmarks. A visit to the Bund offers a picturesque view, especially around sunset. A trip at 4 pm in November allows for optimal time utilization as Lujiazui lights up around 6 pm, providing a stunning nighttime view.
**Top of Shanghai Observatory**
Located in the Shanghai Tower, the world’s second tallest building, the Top of Shanghai Observatory is the highest observation deck globally. Visitors can swiftly ascend 118 floors in elevators traveling at 74 km/h to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Shanghai. On clear days, the vistas are truly breathtaking. Entry includes access to the Top of Shanghai Exhibition Hall, which offers insights into the tower’s planning and construction.
**Shanghai World Financial Center**
With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 518,080 reviews, the Shanghai World Financial Center is a landmark building in Shanghai. Its modern and simple design, along with its unique shape, stands out in the Lujiazui complex. The center’s 101 floors reach a height of 492 meters, making it the second tallest skyscraper in the city. The 100th floor features a sightseeing hall that offers a fantastic view of the entire city on clear days. The observation deck also includes a 55-meter long glass floor, providing a thrilling view of the scenery below.
**Madame Tussauds Shanghai**
Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 513,112 reviews, Madame Tussauds Shanghai is renowned for its lifelike wax figures. Conveniently located near a subway exit, the museum offers a variety of new wax statues and is an ideal spot for capturing memorable photos.
As only the second Madame Tussauds in Asia, this museum showcases nearly 80 incredibly lifelike celebrity wax figures, including Yao Ming, Jackie Chan, David Beckham, Tom Cruise, Michael Jordan, and Bill Clinton. Each figurine is meticulously crafted in a London studio with over 200 years of wax-making expertise. Incorporating new technologies, Madame Tussauds Shanghai offers visitors a more immersive experience, living up to its worldwide reputation.
TOP 12 Yu Garden: Yu Garden has a rating of 4.7/5 with 47,464 reviews. It’s a garden for nighttime sightseeing. #Gardens #Nighttime sightseeing. @无敌小竹子 has been to Shanghai many times but this is the first time visiting Yu Garden. Entering at around 9 o’clock on a weekday morning, there were few tourists and the garden was very quiet, providing a comfortable experience. The natural and cultural landscapes are cleverly combined here. There are gardens within gardens and the scenery changes as you move. Yu Garden is located in central Shanghai’s Huangpu District, within the boundaries of the former Old City. It’s the only classic Chinese garden in the downtown area and was once a private garden for Ming Dynasty officials. Covering roughly two hectares, it contains various rambling pathways, hidden pavilions, and classic flora. It’s a great place to escape the bustling modern city. Notice the hundreds of plaques and inscriptions by well-known individuals and the park’s collection of stone carvings. Nearby Yuyuan Bazaar is good for browsing antiques and souvenirs.
TOP 13 Shanghai Natural History Museum: It has a rating of 4.8/5 with 8,741 reviews. The Shanghai Museum of Natural Science is an amazing hall of natural sciences. Exhibits are rich and varied, covering animals, plants, and fossils. The venue has a unique design like a “green snail”, complementing the environment of Jing’an Sculpture Park. The interior is spacious and bright with clever design. There are many interactive experience projects like underwater worlds hanging in the air and butterfly specimens on the whole wall. It’s cost-effective with ticket prices of 30 yuan per adult and 12 yuan per student. Suitable for walking the baby as children can see dinosaur fossils and other specimens up close to increase knowledge. Conveniently located in Jing’an District with convenient public transportation. The tour route is well designed for avoiding crowd peaks. Overall, it’s a great place for both children and adults to gain natural science knowledge and have wonderful excursions.
TOP 15: Changfeng Ocean World
Shanghai Chang Feng Ocean World has a rating of 4.3/5 with 7,588 reviews. It is a marine aquarium located in Shanghai’s Changfeng Park. Opened in 1999, it was China’s first large-scale aquatic museum and exhibition. The main building is located 13 m below Yin Chu Lake. Highlights include the beluga whale and sea lion performance hall. Areas like Rainforest Wonderland, Seahorse Kingdom, Coral Reef Cong, and Deep Sea Secret offer unique experiences. Visitors can see various aquatic creatures and learn about their habitats.
TOP 14: Shanghai Zoo
Shanghai Zoo has a rating of 4.7/5 with 15,111 reviews. Located near Hongqiao Airport, it is a modern metropolitan zoological garden with more than 6,000 animals and various plant life. Native species include giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and more. There are many strollers for rent at the entrance. Conveniently located near the subway exit.
TOP 1: Shanghai Natural History Museum
The Shanghai Natural History Museum is located in Jing’an Sculpture Park. Housed in a building resembling a nautilus shell, it has a 44,517 square meter exhibit space. More than 10,000 artifacts from all seven continents are on display. Visitors can explore the natural world, learn about the universe’s development history, observe animals, and even excavate fossils. It’s an excellent choice for a family outing.
Shanghai, a city that blends modernity with tradition, offers a plethora of attractions for tourists. Here are the top 15 sites you can’t miss:
1. The Bund: A collection of historical buildings that serve as a symbol of Shanghai’s past and present.
2. A Guide to Shanghai Suburbs: Discover the local lifestyle and charm beyond the city center.
3. A Planning Guide to The Shanghai Disney Resort: Experience the magic of Disney in a unique Chinese setting.
4. Best Travel Guide to Shanghai Museum: Dive into the rich history and culture of China.
5. Shanghai Travel Guide: Essential tips for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
6. Shanghai Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife scene with more than just clubs.
7. Shanghai’s 7 Most Beautiful Streets: A local’s guide to the city’s picturesque streets.
8. Go and Check Shanghai Modern Skyline with Bird’s Eye View: Marvel at the city’s skyline from a different perspective.
The interactive displays in Shanghai are both informative and user-friendly, making it an ideal destination for family vacations.
Shanghai is renowned for its public security, being one of the safest cities in China with rare violent crime and safe streets for night strolls.
When it comes to food and water safety, tap water in Shanghai is safe for brushing teeth but not for consumption unless boiled. Bottled water is readily available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and dining areas.
The currency used in Shanghai is the Chinese Yuan (元/¥), also known as Renminbi (RMB).
While religion is not widely practiced, you can find Buddhist temples, Protestant and Catholic churches, and mosques scattered throughout the city.
Shanghai’s culture is a fusion of Western influences and the local Wuyue culture.
In terms of sustainability, since 2018, the Shanghainese government has increased environmental protection efforts. Most hotels have stopped providing disposable toiletries, and the use of plastic bags and containers has been banned, with a majority of vehicles being electric.
