Shanghai World Financial Center
Since Shanghai is a powerhouse in the global economy, it’s only fitting that it has its own world financial center. This financial center isn’t a stodgy old building, however; it’s an innovatively designed skyscraper that reaches 492 meters into the sky. The 101-story building is home to 20 multinational financial institutions, shopping malls and a major hotel.
The Bund
Strolling along The Bund is simply one of the things any visitor to Shanghai must do. Located on the west side of the Huangpu River, The Bund is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Shanghai. The Bund is flanked by old buildings representing various architectural styles, including Gothic, Romanesque and Renaissance. This is in contrast to the east side of the river where the skyline is filled with amazing skyscrapers that reach into the sky at dizzying heights. A good time to walk The Bund by night when the skyscrapers are lit up like Christmas trees in the winter.
Nanjing Road
China's premier shopping street, the Nanjing Road starts at the Bund in the East and ends in the West at the junction of Jingan Temple and West Yanan's street. As a century-old shopping street in Shanghai, Nanjing Road was a witness of the city's history. Over time, it has been restructured, undergoing significant changes. Big traditional stores no longer dominate the market since modern shopping malls, specialty stores, theaters, and international hotels have mushroomed on both sides of the street. For shopping convenience, its eastern end has an all-weather pedestrian arcade.
Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower is a Shanghai landmark as it towers over the Huangpu River in Pudong New Area. At 468 meters tall, it was the highest building in Shanghai when it was built in the early 1990s. Looking like a cross between the Eiffel Tower and Seattle’s Space Needle, the world’s sixth largest radio and TV tower has 15 observation decks with a revolving restaurant at the 264-meter level. Eleven spheres are strung vertically through the tower, a scene that is suggestive of dragons playing with pearls. The glass floor of the outdoor viewing platform is probably one of the most thrilling attractions in Shanghai.
Shanghai Museum
Located in the center of Shanghai in People's Square, Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. Its style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land. Even the building itself is a work of art, with the round dome representing heaven and the square base, land. Best of all, the museum offers free admission to 8,000 people every day.
Shanghai Disneyland Park
Shanghai Disneyland Park, located inside the Disney Resort in Chuansha New Town of Pudong New Area, has been open since June 16th, 2016. It covers a construction area of 116 hectares (287 acres). As the sixth in the world and the first in mainland China, Shanghai Disneyland Park creates many records among the existing Disney parks. It has the tallest theme castle: the Enchanted Storybook Castle, the first Garden-designed zone and the first pirate-themed garden. It also combines movie figures with Chinese elements, like the Chinese Zodiac Murals in the Gardens of Imagination. There are altogether seven theme attractions inside the park.
Tianzifang
Tianzifang used to be a residential area in the French Concession. Today, it’s an art district similar to Beijing’s 798, It’s filled with boutiques where visitors can buy arts and crafts or just wander through looking at the traditional Chinese architecture. Located on a maze of alleys off Taikang Road, Tianzifang is filled with many small businesses that include art supply shops, trendy studios, galleries, and coffee shops. The district is known for its legacy architecture with its traditional buildings. Tianzifang is a popular draw for yuppies; it’s not known as well in mainstream Shanghai, though that is changing.