Shanghai sights: the Bund, Pudong and more

The Bund and Pudong sit on opposite sides of Shanghai’s Huangpu River. The Bund is where you go to see the famous skyline across the water; Pudong is where you go to visit the towers themselves. Start with that distinction when planning your first day.

The Bund and Pudong: which side should you visit?

The Bund is the historic waterfront on the west side of the Huangpu River. Its promenade runs past historic buildings and looks across to the towers of Lujiazui in Pudong.

Lujiazui is on the east side of the river. This is where you’ll find the Oriental Pearl Tower and the skyline you see in photographs taken from the Bund.

If you want to see the skyline, start with a walk on the Bund. If you want to go up a tower, plan a separate visit across the river and check the tower’s tickets and opening hours.

An easy first day in Shanghai

Start with a walk along the Bund, stop for a meal, and see how you feel before adding more sightseeing. It’s a simple way to get used to the city, especially after a long flight.

You can visit in daylight or after dark. If the evening lights are a priority, check current city notices before you go: lighting schedules, crowds and access arrangements can change.

A river cruise or tower visit is a separate activity. Check the departure point, ticket details and total price before adding one to your day.

Other places to visit in Shanghai

Yu Garden

Yu Garden, or Yuyuan (豫园), is a traditional Chinese garden in Huangpu District, beside the City God Temple. Look for pavilions, rockeries and ponds rather than expecting another skyline viewpoint.

The garden, nearby temple and surrounding shopping area are different parts of a visit. Check the garden’s current admission details and leave time to walk around the neighbourhood.

Wukang Road

Wukang Road (武康路) in Xuhui District is a good option for a walk past historic houses and apartment buildings. The city’s guide also lists Ferguson Lane and the Wukang Road Tourist Information Centre.

Choose a few stops that interest you rather than trying to photograph every address. Respect residential entrances and check opening arrangements before entering a building.

Shanghai Disneyland

If you want a theme-park day, plan Shanghai Disneyland separately from the central waterfront sights. Use the resort’s official website or app to check dated tickets, park hours and current attraction information.

Bring the identity document used to buy the ticket and read the entry requirements for your group. A day at the park involves different booking and transport arrangements from a walk on the Bund.

What to eat in Shanghai

For shengjianbao, xiaolongbao and local dishes, read my separate Shanghai food guide. It explains the names and what to check when ordering, so you can choose meals around the places you’re visiting.

Getting from the airport to your hotel

Shanghai has two airports: Pudong and Hongqiao. Check your airport and terminal before planning the journey to your hotel.

The city’s official airport guide covers public transport and taxis, including Metro Line 2 and the maglev connection from Pudong. Check the full route to your hotel and the last service for your arrival time.

If you’re arriving late or carrying a lot of luggage, a simpler journey may be worth the extra cost. Follow the airport signs for official transport and save your hotel’s name and address in Chinese.

Where to stay

For a first visit of two or three nights focused on the central sights, start around People’s Square or East Nanjing Road. If cafés, shopping and evening meals matter more than walking to the waterfront, also compare Jing’an Temple or Xintiandi. These are suggested starting points, based on the locations and transport links below.

The city’s guides describe Huangpu and Xintiandi, Jing’an’s main areas and People’s Square’s metro links. The choice of a base is an editorial recommendation, rather than a ranking of individual hotels.

When to pay for a view: if spending time in the room looking over the river is part of the trip, compare the exact room category and view. If you mainly want the skyline photograph, visit the Bund and put more weight on the hotel’s location and room. Paying for a river-view room isn’t necessary for that outing.

If Disneyland is the main event: compare a stay near the resort for those nights. For one park day among several city days, a central base avoids moving hotels; include the return journey after the park in that decision.

Once you have one or two areas, compare actual hotels for your dates: pin the address, check the walking route to the nearest station on a map, then compare the room, total price and cancellation policy. For a late arrival, confirm check-in with the hotel. If you’re torn between two options, send their links with your dates and itinerary for a review.

What to plan next

Leave time for a museum, a garden or another neighbourhood on a later day. Check any booking requirements before making a particular sight the centre of your plans.

Before you arrive, read my guide to paying in China and China travel checklist. Keep your hotel address and return route available offline.