What is Shanghai Known For?

Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan city, is known for its dramatic skyline, storied past, and vibrant fusion of East and West. This bustling metropolis bridges centuries of imperial heritage with forward-looking ambition, offering travelers an immersive tapestry of culture, cuisine, and modern design. Whether strolling through colonial-era architecture in the Bund or gazing upward at the shimmering towers of Pudong, visitors discover a city that continually reinvents itself while honoring its traditions.

1. The Bund: Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront

No visit to Shanghai is complete without walking along the Bund. This historic waterfront promenade lines the Huangpu River and showcases grand colonial architecture from the early 20th century. Once the heart of Shanghai’s foreign concessions, the Bund today is a scenic corridor of neoclassical banks, art deco hotels, and glamorous rooftop bars that face the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the water. It’s a perfect place to feel the rhythm of the city and understand why Shanghai is known for balancing its history with its modernity.

2. Pudong Skyline and the Oriental Pearl Tower

On the eastern side of the river, Pudong rises in dazzling contrast to the historic Bund. Towering landmarks like the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the distinctive Oriental Pearl Tower dominate the skyline. Shanghai is best known for this striking architectural display, which symbolizes the city’s meteoric rise as a global financial center. Visitors can ascend to the observation decks for sweeping city views or enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant atop the Pearl Tower.

3. Yu Garden and Old Shanghai

To experience the charm of Ming-era design and tranquil landscaping, Yu Garden is a serene escape in the heart of the old city. Built in the 16th century, the garden features classical Chinese pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and intricately carved bridges. Just beyond its walls, the bustling bazaars of Old Shanghai offer a glimpse into traditional street life. From silk shops to steaming xiaolongbao stalls, this area reveals what Shanghai is known for: preserving beauty amid urban transformation.

4. Shanghai’s Art Deco Architecture

While many cities boast skyscrapers, Shanghai is uniquely known for having the largest collection of Art Deco architecture in Asia. The city’s building boom in the 1920s and 30s resulted in residential neighborhoods, theaters, and clubs adorned with the clean lines and geometric elegance of the era. The Peace Hotel, with its green pyramid roof and jazz lounge, remains a standout example along the Bund. For architecture lovers, this style reflects Shanghai’s golden age of international glamour.

5. Nanjing Road: World-Class Shopping

Shanghai is also known for its luxury retail experience, and nowhere is this more evident than on Nanjing Road. This lively thoroughfare stretches from the Bund to Jing’an Temple and is lined with everything from heritage department stores to modern malls. Fashion houses, jewelers, and local boutiques all contribute to an atmosphere of indulgence. For many travelers, shopping in Shanghai is not just about acquisition but immersion in the city’s fast-paced commercial culture.

6. Contemporary Art and Museums

Shanghai’s creative side comes alive in its museums and art spaces. The Power Station of Art, housed in a former power plant, and the Long Museum in Pudong highlight the city’s modern artistic evolution. The Shanghai Museum in People’s Square offers a more traditional perspective, with one of the finest collections of Chinese bronze, porcelain, and calligraphy. These institutions reflect what Shanghai is known for: a growing identity as a hub of international arts and ideas.

7. Historic French Concession

Tree-lined avenues, elegant villas, and a relaxed café culture define the former French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most beloved districts. Unlike the high-rise developments elsewhere, this neighborhood retains a human scale and European charm. Wandering its leafy streets reveals hidden boutiques, wine bars, and shikumen-style homes that whisper stories of expatriate life in the early 1900s. Shanghai is best known for this contrast of neighborhoods, each with a distinct personality.

8. Traditional Chinese Cuisine with Shanghainese Flavor

Food is a cornerstone of Shanghai’s culture. The city’s cuisine is known for its subtle sweetness, emphasis on seafood, and delicate cooking methods. Dishes like red-braised pork belly and Shanghai-style noodles reflect local tastes, but it’s the soup dumplings—xiaolongbao—that are most famous. Served piping hot in bamboo baskets, these bite-sized parcels are a culinary emblem of the city. Dining here offers a feast for the senses and insight into daily life.

9. Huangpu River Cruises

To see Shanghai from a different angle, a cruise along the Huangpu River offers unforgettable perspectives. As the sun sets and the city lights begin to shimmer, both the Bund and Pudong come to life in a luminous display. These river cruises capture the poetic duality of Shanghai, where old and new stand in elegant dialogue. It is no surprise that this experience remains one of the top things the city is known for.

10. Temples and Spiritual Sites

Amid the buzz of modernity, Shanghai maintains its spiritual heart through ancient temples. The Jade Buddha Temple houses two exquisite jade statues from Burma and serves as a place of active worship. Longhua Temple, the oldest in the city, offers a tranquil setting with its pagoda and seasonal cherry blossoms. These sacred spaces provide a counterpoint to Shanghai’s high energy and remind visitors of the spiritual traditions woven into urban life.

What is Shanghai Known For?

Shanghai is known for its dazzling skyline, historical waterfront, vibrant culinary scene, and cultural richness. From the historic Bund to the glittering towers of Pudong, the city bridges past and future with elegance. With its world-class shopping, diverse neighborhoods, and artistic spirit, Shanghai stands as a symbol of China’s global identity and enduring sophistication.

Discover Shanghai on a Silversea Cruise

Begin your journey to Shanghai aboard a luxury voyage through Asia’s most storied ports. As you sail into the mouth of the Yangtze River, the skyline of this dazzling metropolis unfolds before you—an unforgettable introduction to the city’s layered grandeur. Whether you spend your time savoring traditional cuisine, wandering the French Concession, or marveling at architectural wonders, Shanghai offers a travel experience that resonates long after you leave.

Step ashore with Silversea and uncover the essence of Shanghai with curated access to culture, history, and timeless discovery.