Shanghai heritage landmarks

Shanghai Heritage Highlights

Explore Shanghai’s architectural evolution through this selection of historic landmarks. The list spans from the 10th-century Longhua Pagoda to Art Deco masterpieces like the Cathay Cinema and the 1933 Old Millfun. It highlights significant religious sites, including the Xujiahui Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of She Shan, alongside preserved residential quarters like Cite Bourgogne and Sinan Mansions. These sites showcase the unique fusion of traditional Chinese styles, European colonial influences, and early 20th-century industrial heritage across the city.

Shanghai Heritage Highlights — Map

Corinne Launay / CC-BY-SA-3.0

A

Longhua Pagoda

The Longhua Temple is a Buddhist temple dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha in Shanghai.

World Imaging / CC BY-SA 3.0

B

Xujiahui Saint Ignatius Catholic Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, also known as the Xujiahui Cathedral or sometimes known as the Xujiahui Catholic Church, is the…

C

Basilica of Our Lady of She Shan

The Basilica of Holy Mary, the Help of Christians also known as the National Shrine of Our Mother of Sheshan is a Roman Catholic Marian…

Livelikerw / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Huangpu Theatre

Originally known as the Jincheng Theater, this 1934 Art Deco building is historically significant as the venue where China's national anthem was first performed.

Another Believer / CC BY-SA 4.0

E

Gutzlaff Signal Tower

The Gutzlaff Signal Tower, also known as the Bund Weather Tower or the Bund Signal Tower, is a major landmark in Shanghai's Bund.

F

Lyceum Theatre

Established in 1866 and rebuilt in 1931, this is one of China's oldest Western-style theaters, featuring a distinctive Neoclassical facade.

G

Cathay Cinema

An iconic Art Deco cinema designed by C.H. Gonda in 1932, characterized by its vertical geometric lines and orange-and-grey brickwork.

H

Sinan Mansions

A preserved complex of over 50 historical garden villas from the 1920s and 30s, showcasing diverse European architectural styles in the former French Concession.

I

Cite Bourgogne

A well-preserved 'shikumen' lane house complex built in 1930, representing the traditional blend of Western and Chinese residential architecture.

J

Wai tan yuan

Located at the northern end of the Bund, this area contains some of Shanghai's oldest colonial-era structures, including the former British Consulate.

Kirill Sidewalk / CC-BY-SA

K

1933

A former municipal slaughterhouse built in 1933, this concrete Art Deco structure features a complex interior of air bridges and spiral staircases.

L

M120

A repurposed industrial heritage site in the Putuo District, now serving as a creative and cultural space.

M

Min xing da lou

A historic multi-story apartment and office building located near the northern end of the Bund.

N

Min xing da lou

A historic multi-story apartment and office building located near the northern end of the Bund.

O

Former High Court of Special District

A 1930s judicial building that served as the High Court for the International Settlement, featuring a mix of Western classical and modern elements.

P

Shang hai shi an zhuang gong cheng you xian gong si

A historic commercial building located in the Suzhou Creek area, representative of the district's early 20th-century development.

Q

Shang hai mi feng rong xian chang

The former site of the Shanghai Bee Woolen Mill, reflecting the city’s early industrial textile history.

R

Ruikang Apartment

A historic Art Deco apartment building located in the Hongkou District, featuring period architectural details.

S

Xin yi da yao chang

The former site of the Sine Pharmaceutical Factory, a significant landmark in the history of Shanghai's early 20th-century chemical industry.

T

Da qiao da lou

Also known as the Great Bridge Building, this 1935 structure once served as a headquarters for the Japanese Gendarmerie during the occupation of Shanghai.

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Shanghai Essentials Shanghai's Archaeological Gems Shanghai Historical Sites Shanghai's Must-See Heritage Top Museums & Art Galleries Historic Temples & Churches Parks & Gardens of Shanghai Theaters and Cinemas