Shanghai: Traditional Gardens & Buddhist Temples

The Bund is Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River. It features a parade of grand colonial-era buildings representing European architectural styles, built during Shanghai's early 20th-century trading boom. Visitors walk the broad riverside walkway to admire these historic facades and enjoy striking views of the futuristic Pudong skyline across the water, making it one of China's most photographed urban landscapes.

Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai's Old City. Built during the Ming Dynasty in 1559, it features traditional pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and zigzag bridges spread across six acres. Adjacent to the garden is the bustling Yu Garden Bazaar, a lively marketplace selling local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Entry to the garden costs around 40 CNY.

The Pudong district showcases Shanghai's dramatic modern skyline, best viewed from the Bund across the Huangpu River. The Oriental Pearl Tower, with its distinctive pink spheres, was the city's first major skyscraper and remains an iconic landmark. Visitors can ride to observation decks for panoramic city views. The surrounding Lujiazui financial district also features the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

The Former French Concession is a leafy, atmospheric neighborhood that served as a French-administered district from 1849 to 1943. Today it retains much of its colonial-era charm, with tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, and traditional shikumen architecture. The area is now home to boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, making it one of Shanghai's most pleasant districts for walking and exploring.

Located in People's Square, this world-class museum houses an extensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts spanning thousands of years. Highlights include ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jade, and furniture. The museum is well organized and free to enter, making it an ideal stop for anyone wanting to understand Chinese history and artistic tradition more deeply.

Tianzifang is a creative arts and shopping enclave in Shanghai's former French Concession, housed in a labyrinth of renovated shikumen (stone gate) lane houses. The area is filled with independent boutiques, art studios, cafes, and galleries. It offers a more intimate atmosphere than other Shanghai attractions, making it a popular spot to browse unique handmade goods, local artwork, and enjoy a coffee while exploring the narrow, winding laneways.

Xintiandi is a pedestrianised entertainment district in central Shanghai, blending restored shikumen stone-gate architecture with modern restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. The area was redeveloped in the early 2000s while preserving its 1920s lane-house character. It also houses the Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, making it a place where history and contemporary urban life intersect.

The Shanghai Tower Observation Deck sits on the 118th floor of China's tallest building, offering panoramic views across the city at roughly 546 meters above ground. Visitors can see the Huangpu River, the historic Bund, and the surrounding Pudong skyline. The tower's twisting glass facade and the world's fastest elevators make the ascent itself part of the experience. Clear days offer views extending far beyond the city center.

A well-preserved ancient water town located about an hour from central Shanghai. Stone bridges, canal-side houses, and narrow lanes characterize this historic settlement dating back over 1,700 years. It offers a peaceful contrast to the urban intensity of the city center. Boat rides through the canals are a popular way to experience the town's traditional character.