The Best Cultural Finds and Hidden Corners in Shanghai

Often referred to as China’s most cosmopolitan city, Shanghai effortlessly blends old and new, European and Asian, breathtaking skyscrapers and the mystery and chic of 1930s cinema. There are so many great things to experience in Shanghai, from the architecture to the parks and of course the food, but in my opinion, the nicest thing is that it’s so walkable. While in Beijing or Shenzhen, you may find yourself walking for 20 minutes along the side of a single office building, seeing only its glass facade and passing traffic, Shanghai’s streets are dotted with cafes, boutiques, restaurants, little shops and so much history. Unlike in other Chinese megacities, it’s perfect for exploring on foot, so you can just pick a spot to start your day because you’re guaranteed to find something beautiful around every corner, without having to plan long commutes between attractions. 

That’s why this Shanghai guide lays out a selection of starting points from which you can set out to explore. Many of the places on this list can be bundled together, or you can simply pick one as your starting point and take it from there.

Areas to explore

With such a big city to discover, it can be hard to narrow down your options. Start here, and see where your feet take you. 

WANDER ROUND THE FRENCH CONCESSION

The epicentre of expat life in Shanghai for over a century, the French Concession is where traditional Shanghainese and European cultures blend in perfect harmony, creating its own ecosystem.

Dotted with gorgeous public gardens and pocket parks, open-air cafes and swanky wine bars, this is a living museum of late 19th- and early 20th-century European architecture. Stroll or cycle along the maze of streets shaded by large sycamore trees, stopping to admire the houses that catch your eye, reading the wall plaques and educating yourself about the history of old Shanghai. 

It’s a great place to taste Shanghai street food, including fried pork buns (Sheng Jian), wonton soup or a bowl of hearty Shanghainese dark broth noodles (Yang Chun Miam). If tapas and wine or a Neapolitan pizza are more your thing, it’s also where you’ll find some of the city’s best European restaurants. 

Spend a leisurely Sunday morning at one of the street-facing cafes on Fumin Road and Changle Road for relaxed vibes and people watching, order a traditional scallion pancake from an old breakfast stall or pick up a fancy eclair in a stylish French bakery – the French Concession has it all. 

If you stay a little longer, here’s a list of streets to explore: Wukang Road, Fuxing Road, Tai'an Road, Dongping Road, Julu Road, Taojiang Road, Wulumuqi Road, Yongfu Road, Xinle Road and Changle Road.

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EXPLORE TIANZIFANG

Once a residential neighbourhood with only a few shops, Tianzifang is now one of the most arty areas in Shanghai, home to many bars, cafes, boutiques, galleries and design studios. 

Stroll through the narrow alleys to see the famous and well-preserved Shikumen Residences (traditional Shanghainese architecture whose name translates to ‘stone frame gates’) while taking in the city’s young and dynamic fashion and lifestyle scenes. Dubbed the SoHo of Shanghai, Tianzifang attracts both local and foreign designers and artists. 

While a weekday visit promises a quiet stroll and a coffee, Tianzifang comes to life at the weekend, with dozens of workshops, street markets and artists sitting outside making everything from jewellery to clay figurines. It’s a great place to shop for original gifts. 

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND XINTIANDI

Combining old and new, Xintiandi, just south of Middle Huaihai Road, is an excellent place for drinking and dining, and is one of the most popular brunch spots in the city. The pedestrian district features a North Block where the traditional Shikumen architecture is well preserved and restored, while the South Block has more modern architecture.

Xintiandi is a great example of Shanghai's multicultural dining scene. You can find French, Brazilian, American, Japanese and Italian restaurants alongside local craft breweries, cocktail bars and speciality coffee shops. Here, sitting outside is seen as an activity, even in the middle of winter or on the most humid summer days. Tianzifang is only two kilometres away on foot, so you can easily visit both in the same day (preferably at the weekend). 

WATCH THE MATCHMAKING FAIR IN PEOPLE’S PARK

Every weekend, elderly Shanghainese gather in People’s Park (also known as Renmin Park) in the hope of finding a match for their single offspring (and sometimes their grandchildren!). They share posters showing their son or daughter’s basic information, including age, height (very important in China), degree, profession, annual income, house and car ownership status, often taped to umbrellas placed on the ground, creating a very colourful scene. While it may seem odd to some foreigners, in China, parents tend to have the last say when it comes to marriage, and some young people are so busy with work that they don’t mind outsourcing this task to their retired parents. The actual matchmaking rate is low, so it’s primarily an opportunity for elderly parents to socialise, chat happily, brag a little about their children’s accomplishments and spend a day in the park. 

Be respectful while visiting, only taking photographs with permission and honouring local traditions. The busiest time is 11:00 to 16:00. 

Art spaces 

Shanghai is the art capital of China. Aesthetics and design are in the blood of this city, and in combination with its original, multicultural and multi-disciplinary architecture, Shanghai is a perfect canvas for a thriving, vibrant and diverse art scene. 

The city is home to hundreds of museums, galleries and art spaces and hosts dozens of annual art events. If you are an art enthusiast, schedule your stay to coincide with one of these major events: West Bund Art & Design (November), Art021 (November), Shanghai Biennale (November) and Design Shanghai (March). I’m also sharing a few year-round options. 

TAKE IN YOUNG ART AT LINSEED 

Located in an old building in the heart of the Former French Concession, the exhibitions at LINSEED are curated by founder Zhuang Lingzhi, who is dedicated to shining a spotlight on young, upcoming artists from Asia and beyond. 

From multimedia to oil paintings and everything in between, it’s a great space to explore both modern art and old Shanghainese architecture. The gallery uses the variety of spaces in the building without trying to change them into more formal exhibition halls, creating an interesting dialogue between the art and its environment. 

DISCOVER THE FOUR FLOORS OF FOTOGRAFISKA

Located in an old industrial red-brick building on the bank of the Suzhou River, Fotografiska is a four-storey art and lifestyle multiplex offering exhibitions, dining and events, open until 23:00. 

The contemporary museum is mainly dedicated to photography, but you’ll often find other art and culture exhibitions across multiple halls. There are also interesting events, concerts, workshops and talks that can be a great way to learn about the city’s creative scene, so make sure you check their calendar. It's also worth booking a guided tour. 

Afterwards, stay for a meal in MONA, the Mediterranean fusion bistro on the first floor, head upstairs to the Rooftop Lounge for a drink or sit by the big windows in the beautifully designed Café Bar.

EXPLORE THE POWER STATION OF ART

Power Station of Art is a perfect example of how China is giving power plants and factories new life as beautiful public spaces dedicated to culture. Located on the west bank of the Huangpu River, five kilometres south of the Bund, this is the home of the Shanghai Biennale, offering 42,000 sq m of indoor and outdoor exhibition space.

You can rent an audio guide at the information desk to learn about the site’s history, the role it played in the 2010 World Expo and overviews of current exhibits, or simply just wander around to see what catches your eye.

The outdoor spaces are perfect to take time for a little picnic to refresh, as there's a lot of ground to cover.  

The Bund

One of your first stops in Shanghai will undoubtedly be the Bund, with its iconic skyline comprising the Pudong New Area on one bank of the Huangpu River, and the historic buildings of the colonial era on the other. I’d strongly recommend that you visit once during the daytime and again in the evening, to get two completely different impressions of the same place. Both are equally beautiful.

As well as strolling along the riverbank or huddling with the crowds in all the photo hot spots, there are other, more immersive ways to experience the Bund. 

TAKE A HUANGPU RIVER CRUISE

There are many cruise options on the Huangpu River, with different styles of boats, varying levels of services and amenities, and, of course, price ranges. Some of the trendier boats have a bar and music onboard, while others, styled like ancient Chinese junk ships, offer a slower-paced experience.

In my opinion, capacity is the most important aspect to pay attention to when selecting your cruise, so aim for a smaller boat of 50 to 80 passengers for a more relaxed experience. Cruise time varies from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours, but the classic 50-minute option is more than enough.

My top tip is to take your cruise at night. This is when the river scene is at its most beautiful, with buildings on both banks illuminated, river boats shining with neon lights and the Bund shown in all its glory. Speak to the Kempinski Lady in Red or Concierge for bookings, drop-offs, pick-ups and special touches such as a delicious picnic. 

Staying a little longer? Discover our hotels in nearby Southeast Asia

SPEND YOUR EVENING ON A ROOFTOP 

If you want to enjoy the Bund like a local, rooftop parties are the way to do it. The weather in Shanghai is nice most of the year, so although summer is high season, there’s a good chance of finding a rooftop party most weekends.

Shanghai has a large community of international and local DJs, and big global names often make an appearance. Dance outside to the backdrop of the Huangpu River and the famous Shanghai skyline.

Two of my favourites are The Fellas and POP on the Bund.

EXPERIENCE A MUSIC FESTIVAL

Shanghai’s music scene is very diverse, so fans of all genres, from jazz to rock and indie, will all find something to enjoy. Check listings at the Mercedes-Benz Arena for large-scale events, or head to smaller bars and event spaces for more local flavour. 

It’s constantly evolving, and the inaugural Super Bund Music Festival was held in October 2025 , bringing together seasoned international musicians and emerging talent for three days of performances on an open-air stage against the iconic Pudong skyline. This festival caters to fans of all music genres, from jazz and rock to pop, hip-hop and electronic music and is expected to become an annual event. Like all festivals, it’s a great chance to mix with the locals, dance under the stars, and enjoy a selection of food, drinks and local snacks. 

Family fun

With its wide range of museums, theme parks and open spaces, Shanghai is a great option for families with children of all ages. Here are a few highlights.

TAKE A TRIP TO LEGOLAND

The newest addition to China’s growing portfolio of theme parks, LEGOLAND Shanghai Resort opened in 2025, offering a variety of attractions and rides to delight both children and adults. It’s one of the world’s largest LEGO theme parks, with 75 rides, dozens of shows, and thousands of LEGO models across eight immersive “kingdoms”. There are also builder areas where you can get creative, and lots of dining options. 

What makes this park unique is the integration of Chinese elements into the design. Expect dragons, Chinese mythological creatures, pagodas, pavilions and iconic Chinese landmark architecture, all made of LEGO bricks. You can even experience the Bund’s daytime scene shifting into night when you step into the Shanghai model display room or take a boat ride through an ancient Chinese water town made from (you guessed it) LEGO. 

SCALE THE HEIGHTS

Shanghai is home to some of Asia’s tallest skyscrapers, and for many people, appreciating them from the ground is simply not enough. If you’re not afraid of heights, climbing to the top of some of these buildings can be a nice adrenaline rush and a chance to see some spectacular bird's-eye views of the city. 

The Stage is an open-air observation deck at the top of the North Bund Sinar Mas Plaza, offering sweeping 360-degree views of Shanghai’s skyline. It’s one of the few outdoor viewing platforms in the city, with a very low railing that doesn’t obstruct the view, perfect for a spot of photography. From here, you can see both the Bund and the modern Lujiazui area on Pudong Island. Opened in April 2025, it’s already a popular attraction in Shanghai, especially around sunset when you can capture beautiful shots and see the moment the buildings light up on both banks of the Huangpu River. 

If you want to get even closer to the edge, head to Jimao Skyywalk, 340 metres up on the 88th floor of the Jinamao Tower, one of the most iconic towers of the Pudong skyline. Strap up, get your helmet on and your camera ready, and dangle over the ledge (supervised by a professional guide, of course) for some dazzling views of the city and the Huangpu River. At the time of writing, this is still the highest skywalk in the world. 

STEP INSIDE A FILM PARK

Located in Chedun Town, Songjiang District, Shanghai Film Park is one of China’s ten largest film-making bases – 430 films and more than 980 TV dramas were shot here. 

Walking around Shanghai, you’ll enjoy the architecture of the 1920s and 30s, but what kind of cars were people driving back then? What were they wearing? Are the stories about the Shanghai gangsters real? Well, here, the Shanghai of the past comes back to life. The old trams, the food trolleys and the shopfronts are all accurate replicas. Step into studio no. 5 for a Kung Fu performance (10:30 and 13:30) or wander along the actual set of the popular Chinese TV series Shanghai Tan. 

In addition to art, architecture and fashion, Shanghai has a rich and diverse dining scene – a topic that deserves an article of its own – and is home to the largest number of Michelin star restaurants in China. The first Michelin guide for mainland China was launched in Shanghai, attracting world-renowned chefs to open exclusive dining establishments, some located in beautiful landmark buildings. It also boasts a vibrant cocktail bar and speakeasy scene, with some occupying the top spots in Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. So, make sure you add dining and drinking to your itinerary, and for reservations and even more insider tips, look no further than the local experts working at your chosen hotel. 

FAQ 

What is a great one-day itinerary to experience Shanghai’s top attractions?
Begin your day along the Bund, taking in its iconic skyline views before making your way to the lively Nanjing Road, where international brands and local shops highlight one of the city’s biggest retail areas. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed walk and cafe break in the Former French Concession, then continue to Xintiandi to explore a mix of multicultural restaurants for dinner. Return to your hotel for a refined nightcap at 1Eins Bistro and Lounge or unwind with skyline views at The Havana Bar, the perfect way to conclude your day in Shanghai. 

What are the best shopping areas in Shanghai?
The best shopping areas in Shanghai combine luxury, style and authentic local flair, with Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road offering flagship international brands, while Xintiandi and Tianzifang provide a curated mix of boutiques, contemporary design and artisanal finds - creating an exciting and inspiring shopping experience. 

If you enjoyed this, why not discover Gail’s essential guide to Beijing?