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For tourists, Shanghai is a living museum of 19th-century European and Japanese architecture, but there's far more besides. There's the exquisite Yuyuan Garden, laid out nearly 500 years ago, known for its dragon walls, beautifully shaped doors, bamboo groves, winding walkways and elegant furniture, all in a typical south China style. Nearby is the fascinating Yuyuan Market, once the busiest in the city. Other tourist attractions of note include Shanghai Museum in RenMin Square, the Shanghai Art and Handicrafts Research Institute, where top artisans develop new crafts, the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882, and the Longhua Pagoda and Temple.

Shanghai Attractions

Wai Tan (The Bund)
Five blocks of Zhongshan Dong Lu, between Jinlang Lu and Suzhou Creek, Shanghai

Situated on the banks of the Huang Pu River, the Bund is Shanghai's most famous district. The architecture of this old commercial area is mostly pre-1937, and the waterfront boulevard contains many of the city's famous old banks and trading houses. Now a popular site for both tourists and locals.

Yuyuan (Yu) Garden
Area bordered by Fuyou Lu, Jiujiaochang Lu, Fangbang Lu and Anren Lu, Old City, Shanghai

This complex of markets, parks and temples offers a rare taste of old Shanghai. The halls, chambers, towers and pavilions, plus the rockeries and flowing streams, were inspired by the Ming and Qing dynasty garden design of south China. Two decades in the making, Yuyuan Garden is an ideal spot for reflection amidst the bustle of Shanghai, "Yu" meaning "peace and health" in Chinese.

Jade Buddha Temple
170 Anyuan Lu, Shanghai
Tel: +86 21 6258 0098

In 1882, Buddhist monk Huigen brought two jade Buddha statues from Burma and built a temple to enshrine them. The statues are famous in the Buddhist world and ceremonies are regularly held here.

Da Ju Yuan (Grand Theatre)
190 Huangpi Bei Lu, Shanghai
Tel: +86 21 6387 5480

An arts complex containing the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai Library as well as the main theatre.

First Communist Congress Building
No.76 Xingye Road, next to Shanghai Xintiandi, Shanghai

Two-storey building that hosted the thirteen member, first national congress of the Communist Party in 1921. The main room preserves the original features of that era, with a large exhibition room upstairs featuring revolutionary artefacts.

Qibao Ancient Town
Minhang District

Qibao Ancient Town was built in the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1126) and was formerly a prosperous business centre. The Temple is its main attraction. Located in the center of Minhang District, 18 kms from downtown Shanghai.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

The third tallest TV and radio tower in the world, located in Pudong Park, Lujiazui. Elevators connect visitors to the top of the tower.

Huángpu River Tours

Several boat companies offer trips up and down Shanghai's famous waterway, which last anything from one to over three hours (a return trip along the Huángpu to the mouth of the Yángzi River). The tours offer some of the best sightseeing in Shanghai.