Explore Shanghai for Free | Top 10 Must-See Spots Along the Huangpu River! Your Ultimate Guide to the Bund's Night Views and the Oriental Pearl Tower

Asia•Mainland China•Shanghai

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Published at 12/27/2024

Thinking about a budget-friendly trip to Shanghai? We've got you covered with the top attractions along the Huangpu River! The Kinnso editorial team has handpicked the 10 best spots in Shanghai, ideal for both daytime adventures and evening delights. Whether you're snapping photos of the dazzling Bund night views or heading up to the observation deck of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, this guide makes it easy for everyone to dive into the wonders of Shanghai!

Shanghai Free Travel | Exploring The Bund

Welcome to The Bund, Shanghai's most iconic landmark! Often dubbed the "Exhibition of International Architecture," this area boasts 52 unique historical buildings that tell the tale of Shanghai's vibrant "ten-mile foreign market" era. Stroll along the riverside and you'll find a spacious viewing platform, offering the perfect spot to take in the stunning views of the Huangpu River and the impressive Lujiazui skyline.

Address: No. 1 Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Transportation: Just a 10-minute stroll from "East Nanjing Road Station" on Metro Line 2 and Line 10

Best Viewing Time:
Make sure to get to the Bund before sunset to catch the magical transformation of the skyline. As the sun sets, the city is bathed in a warm, golden light. Once night falls, the skyscrapers across the river come alive with glittering lights, offering a spectacular night view that's simply unforgettable.

Shanghai Free Travel | Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic landmark in Shanghai, rising to an impressive height of 468 meters. The tower boasts three observation spheres, situated at 90 meters, 263 meters, and 350 meters, offering breathtaking views of the city. Besides the observation decks, visitors can enjoy a meal at the revolving restaurant or indulge in a unique dining experience at the space capsule-themed restaurant.

Address: 1 Century Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Transportation: It's just about a 5-minute stroll from Exit 2 of "Lujiazui Station" on Metro Line 2

Featured Facilities:

Suspended Observation Corridor: Walk on a transparent glass floor and take in the breathtaking view of the Huangpu River below
Shanghai Historical Development Exhibition Hall: Dive into the fascinating story of Shanghai's development over the past century
Revolving Restaurant: Savor your meal with a stunning 360-degree panorama of the city

Explore Shanghai | Shanghai World Financial Center

Famous for its unique "bottle opener" design, the Shanghai World Financial Center is the second tallest building in Shanghai. The observation deck, perched at a stunning 474 meters, offers one of the highest vantage points on the planet.

Address: 100 Century Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Transportation: Just an 8-minute stroll from Exit 4 of "Lujiazui Station" on Metro Line 2

Observation Deck Highlights:

100th Floor Observation Hall: Features a fully transparent design
97th Floor Observation Level: Boasts a thrilling glass floor
94th Floor Observation Level: Showcases various art exhibitions

Shanghai Free Travel | Shanghai Tower

Standing proudly at 632 meters, the Shanghai Tower isn't just the tallest building in Shanghai; it's the second tallest in the world. Head up to the observation deck on the 118th floor, and you'll find yourself on the highest viewing platform anywhere on the planet. From there, you can take in breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire Shanghai cityscape.

Address: 479 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Transportation: Just a short 10-minute stroll from Lujiazui Station on Metro Line 2 and Line 14

Must-Try Experiences:

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck: Perched on the 118th floor, offering breathtaking views
Glass Curtain Wall: Enjoy a full 360-degree panorama of the city's stunning skyline
Interactive Experience Zone: Dive into the fascinating architectural details of the building

Explore Shanghai | Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street

Nanjing East Road, a historic commercial street, offers a fantastic glimpse into Shanghai's vibrant commercial culture. This bustling pedestrian street, stretching from east to west, seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern flair. Here, you'll find century-old shops standing proudly alongside contemporary shopping malls, creating a dynamic hub for shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.

Address: Nanjing East Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (stretching from the Bund in the west to Xizang Middle Road in the east)
Transportation: Easily accessible via Metro Line 2 and Line 10 at "Nanjing East Road Station"

Must-Visit Spots:

First Food Store: This iconic store has been serving customers since 1872
Yongan Department Store: A historic department store with a rich past
Old Hotel: Perfect for indulging in traditional Shanghai cuisine

Explore Shanghai on Your Own | Yuyuan Shopping Area

If you're looking to soak up some classic Ming Dynasty vibes, Yuyuan Garden is the place to be. This garden is a perfect showcase of traditional Jiangnan style. Right next door, the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar is a must-visit to get a real taste of old-school Shanghai culture. You'll discover stunning garden designs, a mix of historic shops, and plenty of delicious local snacks to try.

Explore Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai

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Address: 132 Anren Street, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Transportation: Just a short 5-minute stroll from Exit 1 of Yuyuan Garden Station on Metro Line 10

Must-Visit Attractions:

Huxinting Pavilion: The garden's most iconic landmark
Jiuqu Bridge: The perfect spot to watch goldfish
Chenghuang Temple: Immerse yourself in traditional culture
Nanshi Steamed Bun Shop: Savor authentic soup dumplings

Explore Shanghai | Lujiazui Financial District

Welcome to Lujiazui, the beating heart of Shanghai's financial scene. This district is brimming with sleek, modern skyscrapers that perfectly capture the essence of this bustling global city. Lujiazui isn't just about business; it's a fantastic place for sightseeing and snapping some incredible photos!

Address: Lujiazui Area, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Transportation: Hop on Metro Line 2 and get off at "Lujiazui Station" for direct access

Top Viewing Spots:

Binjiang Avenue: Take a leisurely walk along the river and soak in the stunning skyline
IFC Mall Terrace: Snap some panoramic shots of the Bund from here
Little Lujiazui Riverside Green Space: Relish the enchanting night views of the Huangpu River

Explore Shanghai | Huangpu River Cruise

If you're looking to soak in the breathtaking scenery along the Huangpu River, hopping on a river cruise is the way to go. Whether you choose a daytime adventure or a nighttime escapade, you'll get to marvel at Shanghai's stunning skyline from all angles.

Dock Locations:

Huangpu River Sightseeing Dock (near The Bund)
Address: No. 1 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Transportation: It's about a 15-minute walk from "Nanjing East Road Station" on Metro Line 2 and Line 10
Pudong Riverside Dock
Address: Near Dongchang Road, Pudong South Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Transportation: Just a 10-minute walk from "Shangcheng Road Station" on Metro Line 9

Recommended Routes:

Day Cruise: Bask in the sunshine as you take in the modern skyline
Night Cruise: Marvel at the dazzling night views along both sides of the river
Dusk Cruise: Witness the stunning transition from sunset to nighttime scenery

Explore Shanghai | Binjiang Avenue

Stroll along Binjiang Avenue, a picturesque pathway that hugs the eastern bank of the Huangpu River for 2.5 kilometers. This charming promenade not only offers stunning night views of the Bund but also serves as a favorite spot for locals to engage in morning workouts and evening jogs.

Address: Binhai Avenue, Pudong New District, Shanghai (stretching from Lujiazui to Nanpu Bridge)
Transportation: Just a short stroll from "Lujiazui Station" on Metro Line 2

Must-See Spots:

Riverside Viewing Platform
Binhai Green Park
Art Installation Display Area

Discover Shanghai | Century Park

Century Park, the largest ecological park in Shanghai, is nestled in the Pudong New Area and spans over 140 hectares. This verdant oasis is perfect for those looking to escape the city's hustle and bustle and enjoy a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

Address: 666 Pu Jian Road, Pudong New District, Shanghai
Transportation: Easily accessible by taking Metro Line 2 to "Century Park Station"

Must-See Spots in the Park:

Tropical Rainforest Greenhouse
Autumn Maple Viewing Area
Bird Watching Garden
Musical Fountain Square

Getting Around Shanghai

Exploring by Metro

Shanghai's metro system is incredibly extensive, making it the best way to get around and see the city's top sights. Here's how you can reach some of the most popular areas:

Bund Area: Hop on Line 2 or Line 10 and get off at "Nanjing East Road Station"
Lujiazui Area: Take Line 2 straight to "Lujiazui Station"
Yuyuan Garden: Use Line 10 to reach "Yuyuan Station"

Getting Around

Exploring the area is a breeze thanks to a well-connected public transportation system:

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: Perfect for sightseeing around the city
Tunnel Bus: Conveniently links Pudong and Puxi

Walking

The best way to explore the highlights along the Huangpu River is by foot. Here are some suggestions:

Take a leisurely 10-minute walk from the Bund to East Nanjing Road
Reach the iconic skyscrapers in Lujiazui with ease on foot
Enjoy a scenic stroll along Riverside Avenue, ideal for sightseeing

Best Times to Visit

Bund Experience: Early Evening 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Skyscraper Observation Deck: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (perfect for clear views)
Yangtze River Cruise: Post 7:00 PM (for stunning night views)

Strolling along the Huangpu River, you'll find that Shanghai's attractions offer a fascinating mix of traditional gardens and contemporary skyscrapers, perfectly capturing the city's unique charm. Kinnso suggests planning your itinerary thoughtfully and choosing the best sightseeing route to fully enjoy each spot's special features. Exploring Shanghai on your own promises an unforgettable adventure. Whether it's your first time here or you're coming back for more, these attractions are absolutely worth diving into to truly experience where the past and present blend seamlessly.