The Bund
Building
Shanghai Bund, Shanghai | © Horizon Images / Motion / Alamy Stock Photo
Preserving Shanghai’s European concession culture, the Bund offers a unique look into a very specific moment in the city’s past.
The Most Instagrammable Spots in Shanghai
Lane Life |© Lei Han/Flickr
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.
Lujiazui Skyline
Building
Lujiazui is Shanghai's financial district | © Sergi Reboredo / Alamy Stock Photo
Shanghai is built on a curve in the river, giving it’s skyline a unique look from every perspective.
Jing'an Temple
Buddhist Temple, Historical Landmark
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
Building
Qibao is known for its delicious street food and beautiful canal views | © Gennady Stetsenko / Shutterstock
One of many water towns around Shanghai, Qibao is easily accessible by public transport, providing readily available canal views.
Friday Muslim Market
Market, Chinese
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
Museum
The glass-made Disney castle by Miguel Arribas on display at the Shanghai Museum of Glass | © China/REX/Shutterstock
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.
Slaughterhouse
Building
The 1933 Slaughterhouse is a hip, industrial creative hub | © Watchtheworld / Alamy Stock Photo
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
Botanical Garden, Park
Yu Garden is located in Shanghai's Old Town | © Alex Segre / Alamy Stock Photo
Built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Gardens is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Shanghai.
China Art Museum
Museum
The China Art Museum building, shaped like an upside down pyramid, is a piece of art in itself.
Nanjing Road
Building
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
Church
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.
516 Fuxing Middle Rd, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200000
Chongming Island
Natural Feature
Chongming Island forms the northernmost part of the municipality of Shanghai | © Xinhua / REX / Shutterstock
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.
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These recommendations were updated on June 8, 2017 to keep your travel plans fresh.