Tourist Attractions in Shanghai, China

Shanghai is the most developed city in China and happens to be one of the world's largest metropolitan cities. It is China's largest city in terms of population and is also Asia's famous tourist destination. It is situated at the mouth of the famous Yangtze River. Popularly nicknamed as 'hu' or 'shen' Shanghai is a large city with an area of more than 5,800 square kilometers. It's advisable to buy yourself a travel guide so that you don't get lost in this huge metropolitan city. The city is not only well known as an economic, financial and trade center but is also popular for its historical and cultural heritage. The city of Shanghai is 1460 km away from Beijing and is a two hour journey by flight or 17 hour journey by train from the capital.

Tourist Attractions in Shanghai, China

Shanghai tourist attractions are easily accessible from the center of the city and will keep you enthralled during your stay in the city. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Shanghai are:

Yuyuan Gardens

Yuyuan garden is located in the center of Shanghai's old city and is one of the few remaining old tourist sites in Shanghai. The garden is built in traditional Chinese style and features several rock and tree gardens. Ponds, zigzagging bridges, scores of doorways and dragon lined walls are characteristics of this garden. When you enter the garden you are welcomed by its scenic beauty. The small ponds adorned with shrubs, trees and rocks on the sides, simply overwhelm the soul. The garden is surrounded by a bazaar or market that has vendors selling all kinds of stuff from wares to food stuff. So you should have plenty of time if you want to absorb the beauty of Yuyuan as well as do some shopping at the bazaar.

The Bund

It is said that if you visit Shanghai and fail to visit the Bund, then you've not really seen China. The Bund, an epitome of Shanghai's history is one of the most prominent architectural features of the city. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves sweeping along the western side of the Huangpu river. Many banks and financial institutions opened their offices here, making the Bund the financial capital of Asia. The buildings that should specifically be on your look out list are the old Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, the Bank of China, the Peace Hotel and the Customs House.

Dianshan Hu Lake

Dianshan Hu Lake situated in the west of of Zhujiajiao in Qingpu in the Shanghai municipal area is a natural freshwater lake that is a must-visit. This 60 sq km area lake is the upstream of Huangpu river and happens to be the only natural lake in the whole of Shanghai. Since it's the only natural lake in the area and the only source of water, it is monitored thoroughly and the lake water is therefore clean. Numerous fish, shrimps and crabs are seen to dwell in this lake. On the southeastern stretch of the lake is a holiday resort and to the eastern bank of the lake lies a large public bathing area.

Shanghai Museum

Located in the midst of people's square of Shanghai is another popularly visited tourist destination called the Shanghai Museum. The exterior of the museum features a round shaped dome with a square base, thereby indicating the traditional Chinese idea of a square land and a circular heaven. The museum houses several artifacts such as ancient sculpture, ancient ceramics, ancient bronze paintings, calligraphy and so on. They are distributed across 11 galleries and the museum serves as the best means to have a look at the various types of Chinese art and architecture. The museum is the door to learning all about ancient China.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Another popular tourist destination in Shanghai is the Oriental pearl tower that is located in Pudong Park, Lujiazui. This modern structure is surrounded by two bridges called the Yang Pu and Nanpu. Its a television and radio tower whose base is held by 3 slanting posts which are 7 meters wide each. It comprises double decker elevators which take people up to a height of 1,536 feet and back down. There are three observatory levels within the tower: futuristic space city or space module, the sightseeing hall and the revolving restaurant. This tower at 1,536 feet is the third tallest television and radio tower in the world, which is why you must definitely visit it. The view of Shanghai from here is simply breathtaking and overwhelming. The tower tour is for 4½ hours,which is worth the time!

Four Cornered Pagoda

Four Cornered Pagoda commonly referred to as the Fang Ta is a 48.5 m high structure featuring nine stories. This pagoda built during the Song Dynasty period has an octagonal base, however the entire pagoda as a whole features a rectangular shape. A beautiful garden houses the pagoda and it is a wonderful place to spend your time. This happens to be the only pagoda that permits tourists to climb all the way to the top of it. So don't miss this opportunity. Visit this magnificent architectural piece from the Song Dynasty.

Besides the above mentioned tourist spots, there are Jade Buddha Temple, Freedom Bridge, People's Square, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Guyi Yuan, Shanghai Theater, Lu Xun Guju, Huai Hai Road, Nan Jing Road and many more. Have a great time at this beautiful city embellished with scores of remarkably magnificent architectures and places!