As China’s most open and international metropolis, Shanghai’s cosmopolitan charm can be seen everywhere, making it the city’s biggest allure for tourists.
Instead of visiting the “cookie-cutter” City God Temple or Nanjing Road, it is highly recommended to explore the modern North Bund and experience the “Night Shanghai” that has been thriving for a century.
Indulge in the highest quality coffee and alcohol in the country, followed by a citywalk under the French plane trees on Wukang Road and Anfu Road.
When visiting Shanghai, you can completely abandon the traditional “sightseeing” style of tourism.
Apart from experiencing Shanghai’s modernity and internationality, you can also revisit your youth on Daxue Road, sip coffee on Waibaidu Bridge while appreciating the tranquility of the Bund, feel the pride of old Shanghainese at People’s Park, or enjoy the river breeze on Hubin Avenue.
1.Shanghai Citywalk
The citywalk areas are mainly concentrated around Huaihai Road, which was formerly the French Concession. The streets are lined with massive French plane trees.
Choosing a sunny day or the golden autumn season for a visit will be particularly stunning, especially when the sunlight filters through the golden leaves. Half of the charm of a citywalk comes from the robust yet elegant French plane trees, and walking under them is truly relaxing.
Influenced by French culture, there are various cafes and dessert shops along the streets, some with outdoor seating, making it an ideal place to experience Shanghai’s cosmopolitan and refined atmosphere.
Please keep the following citywalk route map handy 👇
There is no need to strictly follow the route; the entire area is worth exploring. Coffee and dessert shops are mainly concentrated on Changle Road, Anfu Road, and Wulumuqi Middle Road.
Wukang Mansion on Wukang Road is the most crowded area of the entire citywalk, so it’s best to visit on weekdays.
2.North Bund
Avoid the crowded Nanjing East Road and the Bund.
For night views, directly navigate to the lesser-known spot – North Bund Riverside Green Space. Even during the National Day holiday, it won’t be particularly crowded.
The view of the opposite bank of the river is excellent, with the entire row of buildings, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, fully visible. On the right, you can also see the Bund’s international architecture cluster, and the Huangpu River appears much wider than at the old Bund.
It may be slightly more crowded right after sunset, so consider visiting around 9 PM when there will be far fewer people.
Apart from the riverside green space, you can also opt for the Suzhou Creek near the old Bund, around the Waibaidu Bridge.
The Shanghai People’s Heroes Memorial Tower offers an unobstructed view of Lujiazui from that location. There is also a distinctive building called the Shanghai Mansion nearby.
When tired, head to the Flower Coffee Bar by the river and enjoy a coffee. The outdoor seating by the river is very comfortable, and the view is excellent, with the Oriental Pearl Tower visible on the opposite bank.
3.Pudong Hubin Avenue
In addition to the riverfront on the Nanjing East Road side, there is a Hubin Avenue along the Pudong riverbank. Hubin Avenue is a very niche and refined place, with few people even during the holidays. Across the river, you can see the cluster of buildings from the World Expo.
It is recommended to choose a sunny afternoon, have afternoon tea at a riverside cafe, and wait until sunset when the setting sun hides behind the clock tower on the Bund, creating a beautiful sight.
For those interested in the nightscape, head straight to the Pudong Art Museum on Binjiang Avenue after dark. From there, you can clearly see the entire cluster of buildings on the Bund, making it an excellent spot for taking beautiful photographs.
4.New World North Block
A prime example of transforming ancient architecture, the New World North Block has converted the rustic Shanghai-style buildings into a high-end commercial area.
The entire New World is a large commercial district, with the North Block being a pedestrian area lined with French plane trees.
Many restaurants have outdoor seating, making it very comfortable to sit outside during spring and autumn.
The overall feel is reminiscent of a small European square. It is located adjacent to the site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
After visiting the First National Congress site with children, you can directly come here for a meal or shopping.
5.University Road Pedestrian Street
A “decadent street” (a pedestrian street near universities that combines snacks, KTVs, and cinemas) located in the heart of the university district.
Fudan University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Shanghai University of Finance and Economics all have campuses nearby.
Apart from being a haven for university students to relax, it is also a must-visit place for out-of-town tourists after visiting the universities.
However, its location is relatively far from Shanghai’s core tourist areas, situated in Yangpu District, and requires about an hour by subway.
Shanghai truly lives up to its reputation; even the decadent streets are much more fashionable than in other cities. In other cities, decadent streets mainly cater to university students with limited spending power, mostly consisting of cheap snack shops and poorly maintained small KTVs.
However, on Shanghai’s University Road, there are exquisite cafes and cocktail bars, and even the markets sell wine.
6.Fudan University
Since the pandemic, universities have generally implemented an appointment system, requiring internal personnel to make reservations in advance. Therefore, some connections are needed to enter.
However, this does not affect the truly beautiful scenery, with vast lawns, adorable kittens, and a plane tree avenue that is no less impressive than the CityWalk area.
If you have special means, it is worth visiting prestigious universities like Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Fudan University.
I visited Fudan University’s Handan Campus. The more suburban the campus, the larger it will be, and the better the scenery.
7.Jing’an Temple
An ancient temple amidst the bustling city, creating a stark contrast. However, the 50 yuan entrance fee is not worth it.
Once inside, it’s full of people selling mooncakes and incense, and the environment and atmosphere are not as good as Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou. It is not highly recommended as a must-visit.
If you still want to check it out, try walking further into the back courtyard, where there will be far fewer tourists, and it is very tranquil.
On the Yan’an West Road overpass to the south of the temple, you can capture a panoramic view of the entire temple.
8.People’s Park Matchmaking Corner
The People’s Park Matchmaking Corner is already well-known online, but only by visiting in person can you feel the shock.
This is not just a matchmaking corner; it’s practically a matchmaking city!
More than half of the park is occupied by Shanghai’s elderly aunties. Don’t hesitate to chat with the aunties and uncles.
You can sense how they are still bound by traditional notions such as “matching doors and households” and “regional discrimination.” At the same time, you can also feel that regardless of how difficult it is for young people to accept their ideas, their actions still stem from their deep love for their children.
The Matchmaking Corner not only helps their children find partners but also serves as a way for the elderly to socialize.
The uncles and aunties don’t mind if you chat with them for a while, but be mindful not to take photos, as they are there without their children’s knowledge.
9.The Bund + Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
If it’s a holiday, it is highly not recommended to visit Nanjing Road or the Bund due to the excessive crowds. Crossing a small intersection can feel like being in Tokyo’s Shibuya.
There isn’t much to see on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, with only one or two old buildings retaining the feel of old Shanghai.
The most famous Peace Hotel on the pedestrian street requires a reservation a day in advance, and the prices are quite shocking.
Walking from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street to the riverside, you’ll find the Bund’s international architecture cluster.
When there are fewer people, it’s nice to walk along the riverside promenade of the Bund, with the old buildings of Shanghai’s Bund on one side and the prosperous Lujiazui on the other.
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