Downtown Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai
Visit Downtown Shanghai
Popular places to visit
The Bund
Despite years of war and revolution, the soul and skyline of one of the world’s great waterfront boulevards has risen to even greater heights.
Nanjing Road Shopping District
Experience the bustling energy of Shanghai’s most famous commercial street, with a pedestrian mall surrounded by traditional and luxury shopping opportunities.
People's Square
To see the modern heart of Shanghai, visit this square, a vast green space surrounded by museums and a grand theater.
Xintiandi Style Shopping Centre
One of the city’s first urban renewal projects preserves a historic neighborhood, while serving up some of Shanghai's best dinning, entertainment and shopping.
Yu Garden
Step through the gate of Shanghai’s premier classical gardens and into a tranquil world of bamboo groves, koi-filled ponds and Ming Dynasty pavilions.
Oriental Pearl Tower
This towering symbol of Shanghai’s modern renaissance offers history lessons, fine dining and stunning city views.
Things to do
Shanghai Day Tour with English Guide – Explore Yu Garden & More
Chinese Acrobatics and Shanghai Evening Tour
Shanghai Natural History Museum Ticket Booking
Evening Huangpu River Cruise & Bund City Lights Tour
Take Bullet Train to visit Badaling Great Wall with guide ticket.
Top hotels in Downtown Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
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Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
"The room was very large, breakfast was a decent variety but be careful as despite allergens being displayed, they can be incorrectly labeled. The bathroom was very big in the room with a full size shower, bath and double sink. although the shower particularly around the drain area had quite a bit ..."
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Conrad Shanghai
"Amazing location with helpful staff"
Reviewed on 16 Jun 2026
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
"excellent hotel"
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund by Nanjing Road
"Older property, refresh needed. Can be cleaner"
Reviewed on 18 Jun 2026
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
"Above and beyond service from Steven Wang at the front desk I had a pleasant stay at M.O. during the dragon boat festival, and I want to specifically call out Steven Wang at the front desk. I ran into a frustrating issue trying to buy a WeChat e-gift card for a local friend. It turns out U.S. citizens ..."
Reviewed on 21 Jun 2026
Check Downtown Shanghai hotel availability
Where to stay in Downtown Shanghai
Pudong
Shanghai Disneyland© and The Bund are top sights in Pudong, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Huinan Station or Safari Park Station to see more sights in the area.
Jing'an
Travellers choose Jing'an for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Yanchang Road Station or Circus World Station and check out top sights like Jade Buddha Temple.
Huangpu
Known for its beautiful gardens and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Huangpu. Check out top attractions like Nanjing Road Shopping District and The Bund, and jump on the metro at Yuyuan Garden Station or East Nanjing Road Station to see more of the city.
Lujiazui
Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Lujiazui. If sightseeing is on the list, Shanghai Tower is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Shangcheng Road Station or Dongchang Road Station to see more of the area.
Xuhui
Travellers choose Xuhui for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Stadium Station or Xujiahui Station and check out top sights like Shanghai Library Bibliotheca Zi-Ka-Wei.
