7 Best Attractions in Shanghai

Lao Ji Shi is the legendary 'Godfather' of Benbang (Shanghainese) cuisine, where world leaders and celebrities squeeze into tiny tables for a taste of authentic home-style cooking. The sensory experience is loud, crowded, and fragrant with 'sweet and soy' aromas, embodying the soul of old Shanghai. Must-order dishes include the braised pork belly (Hong Shao Rou) and scallion-roasted fish. Pro tips: The original Tianping Road location is extremely small; reservations must be made at least 5 days in advance via phone. Do not expect a quiet, fine-dining experience—this is high-energy, bustling food culture. If the wait is too long, their newer branch in IAPM mall offers more comfort but less 'original' atmosphere.

Designed by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, this venue is housed within a 150-year-old shipyard, masterfully blending industrial decay with cutting-edge theater technology. The atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, with exposed rusty pipes and red brick walls contrasted against neon stage lights. The 'expert highlight' is the massive glass backdrop behind the stage that can be opened to reveal the illuminated Bund after a performance. Pro tips: Tickets for avant-garde plays and fashion shows sell out weeks in advance; book via their official website. Arrive an hour early to explore the public art galleries within the shipyard structure. Wear 'industrial chic' attire to match the venue's distinctive aesthetic.

Spanning over 90,000 square meters, this is the world's largest indoor ski resort, symbolizing Shanghai's ambition in the winter sports industry with its Nordic-inspired glacier design. The interior offers a surreal sensory contrast: a crisp, sub-zero alpine environment encased in a modern urban shell. It features professional-grade slopes and a unique indoor gondola offering panoramic views of the snowy landscape. Experts suggest trying the 'S-Class' jump for adrenaline seekers or the snow entertainment park for families. Pro tips: Pre-booking equipment rental and lockers online is essential to save time. Dress in thermal layers even though gear is provided, and visit during evening sessions for a more atmospheric, less crowded experience.

As the first state-run contemporary art museum in mainland China, the Power Station of Art is housed in a converted 1980s coal-fired power plant. Its most striking feature is its 165-meter-tall chimney, which has been converted into a massive thermometer. The industrial-chic interior provides vast spaces for large-scale installations and the Shanghai Biennale. The sensory experience is raw and avant-garde. Expert recommendation: The rooftop terrace offers a unique, industrial perspective of the South Bund. Pro tip: Check their schedule for the 'Shanghai Biennale'—if your visit coincides with it, the museum becomes a global art hub. The museum shop is excellent for unique design books. It's a bit out of the way, so taking a taxi is the most convenient way to reach the entrance.

TeamLab Borderless is a world-class digital art museum where artworks move out of rooms, communicate with other works, and sometimes intermingle without boundaries. This 6,600-square-meter space offers a surreal sensory experience where visitors become part of the art. Highlights include the 'Forest of Lamps' and the 'En tea House,' where flowers bloom inside your tea cup. The atmosphere is ethereal, filled with shifting lights, ambient sounds, and interactive projections that respond to human touch. Expert recommendation: Wear white or light-colored clothing to allow the digital projections to show up clearly on your body for photos. Practical Pro Tip: Book tickets well in advance as daily capacity is strictly limited. Avoid wearing skirts as many rooms feature mirrored floors; the museum provides wrap-around covers if needed. Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the maze-like environment.

The BFC is a modern mixed-use complex that serves as a bridge between the historic Bund and the newer commercial districts. Its architectural highlight is the Fosun Foundation building, designed by Heatherwick Studio, which features a 'moving facade' of three layers of golden bronze tassels that rotate around the building like a theater curtain. This 'dancing' building is a masterpiece of kinetic architecture. The complex includes luxury shopping, art galleries, and a rooftop bar. Expert recommendation: Check the schedule for the facade movement—it usually 'dances' several times a day accompanied by music. Pro Tip: On weekends, the BFC hosts the 'Weekend Market,' a popular outdoor fair with food, crafts, and live music. The rooftop terrace of the Ritz-Bar offers one of the most stunning, unobstructed views of the Pudong skyline across the river.

A prime example of urban micro-regeneration, this hub transforms a former vocational school building into a vibrant mix of traditional community convenience and modern art gallery chic. The atmosphere is a delightful sensory clash: the aroma of traditional Shanghai breakfast favorites, like sesame flatbread (dabing), wafts up from the ground floor, while avant-garde art installations await on the second floor. It preserves the soul of the neighborhood by housing traditional craftsmen – a shoemaker, a tailor, and a locksmith – alongside trendy eateries and art spaces. Expert recommendation: Visit the breakfast stalls on the ground floor for authentic Shanghainese street food, then head to the second-floor gallery (Su Shang Hai Community Art Gallery) for a quick dose of contemporary culture. Don't miss the "Rainbow Corridor" leading to the gallery. Pro tips: Arrive before 10:00 AM to catch the peak morning energy of the local food scene. It's a great place to grab an affordable, authentic local lunch before continuing your walk down Yuyuan Road. The market is easily reached by a 5-8 minute walk from Jiangsu Road Station (Metro Lines 2 & 11). It is still a living, breathing community space, so please respect the residential surroundings.