The Most Instagrammable Spots in Shanghai

| © Askar Karimullin / Alamy Stock Photo
Rachel Deason

Whether it be the crowd-pleasing Lujiazui skyline or the dark-horse suburb sites, Shanghai can make a photographer out of anyone. The city seems as if it were created specifically with photography in mind. While all of Shanghai is worthy of capturing, here are the best 14 spots in the city.

The Bund

Preserving Shanghai’s European concession culture, the Bund offers a unique look into a very specific moment in the city’s past.

Lujiazui Skylin

Shanghai is built on a curve in the river, giving it’s skyline a unique look from every perspective.

Jing’an Temple

Located in the heart of the city, Jing’an Temple offers a striking juxtaposition between tradition and 21st century.

Lilong

Unique to Shanghai, lilong, or lanehouses, afford a glimpse into the fading Shanghainese culture.

Qibao

One of many water towns around Shanghai, Qibao is easily accessible by public transport, providing readily available canal views.

Friday Muslim Market

Every Friday morning, a magical thing happens outside of Huxi Mosque: a colorful and delicious gathering of Halal meats, sweets, and breaded treats.

Shanghai Museum of Glass

Located in the outer district of Baoshan, the Shanghai Museum of Glass is a worthwhile day-trip for anyone interested in the relationship between art and functionality.

1933 Slaughterhouse

Part of a renovated industrial complex, the 1933 Slaughterhouse is more than just dramatic angles. Come for the dog cafe and stay for the architecture.

Yu Gardens

Built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, Yu Gardens is one of the oldest tourist attractions in Shanghai.

China Art Museum

The China Art Museum building, shaped like an upside down pyramid, is a piece of art in itself.

Nanjing Road

Once the main road of Shanghai’s international settlement, Nanjing Road is now a pedestrian shopping street, one of the largest in Asia.

Sheshan Basilica

Built by Jesuit Missionaries in the 19th century, Sheshan Basilica remains a reminder of Shanghai’s religious past.

Fuxing Park

Full of wide open spaces and dancing aunties, Fuxing Park is a wonderful place to spend a nice afternoon and snap some photos along the way.

Chongming Island

Chongming Island forms the northernmost part of the municipality of Shanghai. Much of the island is made up of protected wetlands, giving a budding photographer a plethora of possible shots.

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