Top Historical Places in Shanghai

Are you looking to explore the history of Shanghai through the ages? There are a number of historical destinations in Shanghai including the time-honored buildings, monuments, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Shanghai. The presence of these historical sites and museums will take you on a walk through Shanghai ‘s rich history.
If you are willing to have an in-depth historical information about Shanghai, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical places in Shanghai for a great trip!

Let's witness the history of Shanghai with these top historical places - monuments and landmarks:

  1. The Bund

    Art And Culture, Waterfront, Walking Area, Historical Site

    The namesake of this waterfront area is derived from the Persian and Hindustani word, Band. The word literally translates to dam, embankment or levee. Located in the eastern part of the Huangpu District on Zhongshan Road, the Bund basically refers to a number of wharves and buildings that are situated along the Huangpu River. One of the most prominent aspects of the near fifty two buildings th...Read more
  2. Shanghai World Financial Center

    Hotel, Landmark, View Point, Observatory

    This is one of the most iconic images of modernist China. Being a symbol of the prosperity and technological superiority of Shanghai, this one hundred one storey skyscraper was the second tallest building in the world at the time of its construction. Located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, this multiuse skyscraper holds massive respect and quite a few records in the realm of architecture. ...Read more
  3. Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

    Bridge, Lake, Boating, Old Town

    This locality is affectionately referred to as the Venice of Shanghai. This suburb is a water town which has a rich and vibrant history that dates back over 1700 years. Zhujiajiao is not only famous in Shanghai but is also one of the most popular tourist destinations throughout China. Surrounded by lakes and mountains, this small town covers around forty seven square kilometers. The government ...Read more
  4. Qibao Ancient Town

    Art And Culture, Town, Old Town

    The word Qibao literally translates to ‘seven treasures’. This town located in the Minhang district of Shanghai is an ancient part of the city, the origins of which can be traced as far back as the ‘Five Dynasties and Ten kingdoms Period’. This town is especially well known for its own brand of food involving crickets, a specialty spicy pork dish and other local delicaci...Read more
  5. Mao Zedongs Former Residence

    Art And Culture, Museum, Educational Site, Historical Site

    Everyone who has even the most basic historical knowledge will recognize Mao Zedong. The communist leader had visited Shanghai on numerous occasions and hence, his small residence on Maoming Lu is today a popular tourist destination. This former residence is the only one open to the public and is mostly frequented by Chinese nationals or people with communist sensibilities. Nonetheless, this ho...Read more
  6. Jingan Temple

    4.4 (1987 Votes)
    Jingan Temple

    Religious Site, Temple, Historical Site, Courtyard

    Located on the West Nanjing Road in the Jing’an District, the name of this temple literally translates to Temple of Peace and Tranquility. The original temple was constructed in 247 AD during the Period of the Three Kingdoms under the commission of the Wu Dynasty. In 1216, the Buddhist temple was relocated to its current location by the rulers of the Song Dynasty. The temple premise consi...Read more
  7. St Ignatius Cathedral

    Church, Religious Site, Historical Site

    Contrary to popular belief, there was and is a significant Christian influence in China. This influence manifests itself in Shanghai in the form of the St. Ignatius Cathedral. Located in Puxi Road, in Xujiahui in the Xuhui District, this church is famed for attracting over two thousand worshippers on every Sunday. Built by French Jesuit monk and missionaries under the guidance of architect Will...Read more
  8. Shanghai Old Street

    Market, Street Market, Town, Street Food

    The ancient history of China can be witnessed in all its glory in the Old City of Shanghai. This part of the city has its roots in archaic Chinese history and is the oldest part of the city. Even to this day, the circular shape of the original Old City is maintained. Although much of the walls that circumvented the Old City have been brought down or degraded over time, the broad circular avenue...Read more
  9. Longhua Tourist City

    Art And Culture, Religious Site, Temple, Garden

    Situated in the southern part of the city of Shanghai, the Longhua Tourist City is one of the must see places during your visit to Shanghai. Spread on an area covering 31.17 hectares, this area has numerous tourist spots where people can spend a relaxing and enriching time. The main attraction of this area is the Longhua Temple from which the area takes its place. This temple complex is widely ...Read more
  10. Cheng Huang Miao

    Art And Culture, Religious Site, Temple, Historical Site

    Another important tourist destination within the ‘Old City’ and in very close proximity to the Yu Garden is this City God Temple of Shanghai. The complex of the temple is extremely large and today people even refer to the surrounding commercial areas by this name. This is a very old part of the city and most of the buildings in this place are almost over a hundred years old. Hundred...Read more
  11. She Shan Cathedral

    Religious Site, Architecture , Cathedral

    Sheshan Basilica in shanghai is officially known as the National Shrine and Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Sheshan. The place is a brilliant Roman catholic church and sees a lot of tourists due to its picturesque and dreamy location and amazing landscape. The destination has received much praise because of its architecture and design. The Shrine earlier known as Zose Basilica is a hot tourist sp...Read more
  12. Lu Xun Park

    Park, Statue, Hall

    Lu Xun Park is a charming municipal park in the Hongkou District of Shanghai and is located behind the Hongkou Football Stadium.The park is named after the Chinese writer Lu Xun who lived nearby the park in his last days. Lu Xun Park has the tomb of Lu Xun and inscriptions by Mao Zedong. One more feature of the park is the bronze statue of Lu Xun. The park also has a plum garden and a memorial ...Read more
  13. Hsbc Building

    4.4 (56 Votes)
    Hsbc Building

    Historical Site, Architecture

    Now this might seem like your ordinary office building but in reality this one of the best places to visit if you like architecture. If you are a lover of architecture or simply a lover of history then you will love this place. The neo-classic building has great architecture and was made in the year June 23, 1923. The designer of the building was Palmer & Turner Architects and Surveyors.
  14. Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum

    Museum, History Museum, War Memorial, Architecture

    Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum is located in the Changyang Road in the Hongkou District and was built in the memory of the time of the Second World War; it was during this time that the Jewish sought Sanctuary from massacre. The place was built in 1927 the destination was also the headquarters of the Jewish youth organisation. The museum has good architecture and a good amount of artefacts and...Read more
  15. Old Town

    Historical Site, Town, Architecture

    Old Town (Nanshi) can be found directly southwest of the Bund. The major attractions in the area are the Huxingting, Teahouse and the Gold temple. The town is very popular among tourists and sight-seers for its historic value. Give the place a friendly visit and you will get to see the real city, its architecture, its traditions and customs. The place has scintillating architecture and design t...Read more