Some best places to go in Shanghai
The Bund
1.3 miles to city center
Type: Free, Neighborhood/Area, Sightseeing
Time to spend: 1 to 2 hours
Shanghai's picturesque waterfront, known as "the Bund," is where you'll find those classic skyline photo opportunities. With the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and other skyscrapers standing across the Huangpu River, the view stuns. And behind you, attractive European-style buildings housing restaurants and shops line the waterfront boulevard, affording plenty of activities.
Shanghai Museum
0.2 miles to city center
Type: Museums, Free, Sightseeing
Time to spend: 2 hours to half day
Located on the People's Square near Nanjing Road, the Shanghai Museum is hard to miss thanks to its distinct architecture and remarkable size. And you really shouldn't skip this historical gem. Frequently called one of the best museums in China, this expansive museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts that chart the nation's history. Highlights include ornate calligraphy, beautiful jade carvings, thousand-year-old bronze works and traditional Chinese garb.
Zhujiajiao
26.3 miles to city center
Type: Free, Neighborhood/Area
Time to spend: half day to full day
This ancient water town, the Venice of Shanghai, saw its heyday during the Ming Dynasty, when its success as a commercial hub resulted in the construction of its picturesque waterways. The area remains composed of numerous canals with bridges connecting visitors to scores of charming narrow streets. Expect to find tiny cafes down back alleys, friendly boatmen offering rides and hole-in-the-wall shops selling souvenirs.
Nanjing Road
0.9 miles to city center
Type: Free, Neighborhood/Area, Shopping
Time to spend: 2 hours to half day
Whether or not you have money to bum, consider visiting Nanjing Road to witness the hustle and bustle of Chinese commerce. The Shanghai equivalent of New York's Fifth Avenue, Nanjing Road stretches six miles total and boasts retailers from all over the world in addition to local shops and department stores. In the daylight, you'll admire the graceful architecture of the surrounding buildings. At night, you'll be surprised at the beautiful logos and brand names that line the avenue.
