The Most Instagrammable Spots In Shanghai

Whether it be the crowd-pleasing Lujiazui skyline or the dark-horse suburb sites, Shanghai can make a photographer out of anyone. The city seems as if it were created specifically with photography in mind. While all of Shanghai is worthy of capturing, here are the best 14 spots in the city.

The Bund

Preserving Shanghai’s European concession culture, the Bund offers a unique look into a very specific moment in the city’s past.

Lujiazui Skylin

Shanghai is built on a curve in the river, giving it’s skyline a unique look from every perspective.

Jing’an Temple

Located in the heart of the city, Jing’an Temple offers a striking juxtaposition between tradition and 21st century.

Lilong

Unique to Shanghai, lilong, or lanehouses, afford a glimpse into the fading Shanghainese culture.

Qibao

One of many water towns around Shanghai, Qibao is easily accessible by public transport, providing readily available canal views.

Friday Muslim Market

Every Friday morning, a magical thing happens outside of Huxi Mosque: a colorful and delicious gathering of Halal meats, sweets, and breaded treats.

Shanghai Museum of Glass

Located in the outer district of Baoshan, the Shanghai Museum of Glass is a worthwhile day-trip for anyone interested in the relationship between art and functionality.

1933 Slaughterhouse

Part of a renovated industrial complex, the 1933 Slaughterhouse is more than just dramatic angles. Come for the dog cafe and stay for the architecture.

Yu Gardens

Built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Gardens is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Shanghai.

China Art Museum

The China Art Museum building, shaped like an upside down pyramid, is a piece of art in itself.

Nanjing Road

Once the main road of Shanghai’s international settlement, Nanjing Road is now a pedestrian shopping street, one of the largest in Asia.

Sheshan Basilica

Built by Jesuit Missionaries in the 19th century, Sheshan Basilica remains a reminder of Shanghai’s religious past.

Fuxing Park

Full of wide open spaces and dancing aunties, Fuxing Park is a wonderful place to spend a nice afternoon and snap some photos along the way.

Chongming Island

Chongming Island forms the northernmost part of the municipality of Shanghai. Much of the island is made up of protected wetlands, giving a budding photographer a plethora of possible shots.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.