Shanghai is an economic, financial, trade and shipping center with both modernization and historical and cultural heritage. It is called the “magic capital” by the Chinese and the Paris of Europe by the Westerners. Check out top 5 things to do in Shanghai on your first Shanghai tour.

The Bund Shanghai

The landmark of Shanghai, The Bund is the starting point of modern Shanghai and also a historical and cultural district of China. The Bund and its surrounding districts were designated as the British concession in 1844, when Western banks, commercial firms, general associations, and newspapers began to converge here, establishing it as the country’s and even the Far East’s financial capital.

Today, the Bund has been transformed into a new look, with the classical buildings known as the building complex of nations on one side and the skyscrapers of the Lujiazui financial Center on the other side. Classical and modern are meeting right now, nostalgia and fashion are swapping, and Shanghai’s heritage and wealth are on display all at once.

Address: Shanghai Huangpu District ZhongShandong First Road north to Waibadu Bridge, south to Shiliupu pier

The Oriental Pearl Tower

The tower was built in 1991 and put into use in 1994. It combines urban sightseeing, historical exhibits, a Pujiang River trip, exhibition performances, shopping, and dining. The Oriental Pearl Tower was originally “Asia’s tallest building” at 468 meters. Despite being overshadowed by several tall buildings, it is still a symbol of Shanghai.

The main body of the Oriental Pearl is a multi-barrel structure, consisting of 3 diagonal braces, 3 columns, 5 small spheres, upper spheres, space capsules, and transmitting antenna masts.

Address: No.1 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai

Nanjing Road

Shanghai Nanjing Road, located in the center of the city, is the earliest commercial street established after the opening of Shanghai. Now it has become a famous commercial pedestrian street in China, one of the most bustling shopping streets in the world, and a paradise for shoppers.

Nanjing Road is separated into two halves, East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. Nanjing East Road, also known as the “Champs-Elysees of Shanghai,” is a pedestrian street that connects the Bund with People’s Square. West Nanjing Road, which connects People’s Square and Jing’an Temple, is a commercial sector that includes shopping malls, office buildings, hotels, and restaurants.

Address: Huangpu District, Shanghai

Shanghai City God Temple

What is a city god in China? He is one of the important deities in traditional Chinese religion and is the local patron saint. Shanghai City God Temple is one of three temples along the Yangtze River. According to folklore, it was originally established by Wu State Sun Hao during the Three Kingdoms period and later rebuilt into the City God Temple, which has a history of almost 600 years.

This region is now known as Shanghai’s famed old town, and it includes the Old City God Temple, Yu Garden, and food street, which are all must-see sights. Yu Garden, covering an area of more than 30 mu, is a classical garden in the Ming Dynasty.

You may sample classic Shanghai foods, including traditional osmanthus cake, miniature wontons, sesame dumplings, Nanxiang Xiaolongbao, and other specialties. This is the foodie paradise.

Address: No. 249 Fangbang Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai