Planning a visit to Shanghai can be challenging. From language barriers and different cultures, to transportation costs and planning.

Shanghai offers plenty of exciting attractions and things to see and do, from historic shikumen houses and Art Deco buildings, to Chinese temples blending into western skyscrapers.

Zhujiajiao, one of China’s charming water towns, provides another interesting option to discover. Chicago to Shanghai flights can make access very simple from Cathay Pacific. 

The Bund

The Bund is one of the city’s most iconic symbols of both its rich history and dynamic transformation. This stretch of riverbank houses historical buildings housing luxury hotels, boutiques and upscale restaurants; reflecting Shanghai’s culture while simultaneously reflecting residents’ vibrant lives. Plus it makes an excellent place for sunset or night views of Shanghai skylines!

The Bund was once the financial heart of Shanghai and has come to be known as “Oriental Wall Street.” It is best known for its 52 unique buildings which exhibit various Western classical styles – Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque and Neoclassical among them – such as Gothic Romanesque Baroque Neoclassical influences. Some notable buildings on The Bund include its former headquarters of Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation with its grand cupola; harbor customs office with bell tower; old Peace Hotel; Bank of China.

Bund is famous for more than its historic buildings; it also features wide sidewalks that make ideal places for exercising and stretching out on. Locals frequently come out early morning for morning jogs or evening Tai chi classes on this waterfront stretch.

Reaching the Bund is easy thanks to various transportation options. Nanjing Road East on metro line 2/10 provides access directly to it, and then only requires 10-15 minutes walk time from there to the Bund. Taxis also are an option as many drivers know where it is located.

For the best views of The Bund, arriving just before sunrise is recommended for optimal viewing conditions. At this time there are few crowds and buildings are illuminated with stunning light effects; making this an excellent time for taking photographs of landmarks. Alternatively, watch the Bund Light Show (), an impressive light display on Huangpu River’s banks from 9:00-22:00 each day (it’s free too!).

The Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower stands as a beacon from the future amid the hustle and bustle of Shanghai’s Pudong District, featuring 11 steel spheres connected by three columns to form its futuristic architectural masterpiece that has been described as “a series of pearls falling onto a jade plate”. Millions visit annually for its magnificent views and attractions such as revolving restaurants, shopping centers, hotels and roller coasters – not forgetting its breathtaking revolving restaurant!

The top sphere is home to the Oriental Pearl Restaurant, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. Below this lies Space Recreation City which features activities such as multi-dimensional movies, holographic 5D films, Namco electronic entertainment world and virtual reality roller coasters.

Experience Shanghai’s development from 1850-1950 by spending some time at the Shanghai Urban History Museum, featuring black-and-white photos from old Shanghai along with lifelike wax figures depicting life at that time. Guests will delight in exploring this gem!

Once you’ve visited all the museums, head over to the Observation Deck where you can take in amazing views of the city from high above ground. With its glass floor giving the impression of floating above city streets below and, on a clear day, even see as far north as Yangtze River!

Or head to Starbucks inside the Oriental Pearl Tower – its little glasshouse sits on a square with transparent windows offering views of the cityscape while you sip your beverage of choice. Plus, there are souvenirs and collectibles available here as well!

As soon as it’s time to return, take one of Oriental Pearl Tower’s double-decker elevators back down, featuring bilingual attendants that will help explain its intricate details. The ride takes only minutes and the panoramic view from atop is definitely worth your while! When finished, explore Lujiazui or visit one of its many restaurants or cafes nearby before booking a Huangpu River cruise if you want a different perspective of this amazing city.

The People’s Square

Shanghai is a city shaped by multiple cultures, creating an intricate mosaic. This blend has given Shanghai its distinctive architectural and cultural identity; making for a city of contrasts. Puxi district features historic temples and Art Deco buildings alongside modern skyscrapers and shopping streets; Pudong skyline boasts the futuristic 632 meter Shanghai Tower as well as Oriental Pearl TV Tower’s unique pink spheres that stand out across Huangpu River.

At the center of it all lies People’s Square – an inviting open green space filled with world-class museums and theatre productions, along with an imposing municipal government building and numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Shanghai Museum stands out as a must-visit. Housed in a modern building, this museum’s five floors exhibit some of the finest examples of Chinese art and history; these include ancient coins, priceless paintings and ceramics as well as intricately carved traditional lacquer furniture pieces.

Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art is another must-visit. Situated in Pudong New Area, this private museum showcases an extensive collection of Chinese and international contemporary art by prominent Chinese artists – both Chinese and international alike.

People’s Park offers an idyllic retreat from Shanghai’s busy central district. Its tree-lined paths and spacious green areas offer welcome relief, and are frequented by joggers and cyclists. On Saturdays you may also catch its weekly marriage market where parents list their children’s qualities in search of suitable partners for them.

Nanjing Road is China’s first commercial street and can be likened to London’s Champs-Elysees or Oxford Street in terms of shopping opportunities. Home to an excellent selection of Western stores such as designer clothing outlets, as well as numerous traditional Chinese items like silk and paper lanterns – Nanjing Road offers something for everyone in Shanghai!

The Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple can be easily identified by its bright saffron walls in the northwest of the city, featuring a two-meter-tall white jade sitting Buddha that was brought over from Burma by monks in 1882 and features elegant lines, well-rounded features, crescent-shaped eyebrows and half-opened eyes that look downwards.

Temple boasts many important Buddhist relics and sutra, such as a bronze Buddha from the North Wei Dynasty (491 AD), medicine guru Buddha from East Wei Dynasty (543 AD) as well as two-meter wooden Avalokitesvara Statue from Dong Wei (543 AD). Opening hours: Daily between 08.00 AM to 16:30.

Temple is a popular spot among both locals and international visitors alike, so expect crowds during holidays or weekends; take your time taking pictures of Jade Buddha if necessary!

Recent visitors to the Jade Buddha Temple have been extremely satisfied with their visit, calling it an enjoyable and peaceful attraction well worth their trip. Plus, a knowledgeable guide can teach them more about Chinese religion and culture!

Join a sightseeing tour for the best way to visit Jade Buddha Temple; this will include hotel pick-up and drop off, entrance tickets and Chinese vegetarian lunch. Generally conducted by local guides with extensive knowledge about their city’s attractions, these excursions may also offer hotel pickup.

The Jade Buddha Temple is one of Shanghai’s iconic attractions and should not be missed on any first-time visit to the city. Combine it with other must-see landmarks for an exciting full-day guided sightseeing tour including city highlights walks, tasting lunch and skip-the-line admission tickets. Enjoy watching how contrast between its peaceful ambience and People Square bustle; and its quiet jade Buddha Temple as you discover Old Town with Ming Dynasty architecture and idyllic Yuyuan Garden are juxtaposed; then soak up its vibrant vibe along the Huangpu River waterfront promenade on The Bund.