Must-see sights in Shanghai

Shanghai's Must-See Heritage

Shanghai’s architectural landscape spans centuries, from the 10th-century Longhua Pagoda to the futuristic Oriental Pearl Tower. This collection highlights the city's diverse heritage, featuring the Gothic Revival Xujiahui Cathedral and the Art Deco 1933 Old Millfun, a former slaughterhouse. It includes historic theaters like the Lyceum and Huangpu, alongside the preserved colonial villas of Sinan Mansions and the traditional shikumen residences of Cite Bourgogne, illustrating Shanghai's transformation into a global metropolis.

Shanghai's Must-See Heritage — Map

airunp / Public domain

A

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower is a TV tower in Shanghai.

Another Believer / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

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.

Corinne Launay / CC-BY-SA-3.0

C

Longhua Pagoda

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

Livelikerw / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Huangpu Theatre

Originally the Jincheng Theatre, this 1933 landmark is known as the birthplace of China’s national anthem, which premiered here in 1935.

World Imaging / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

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…

F

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…

G

Lyceum Theatre

A 1931 European-style theater designed by Davies & Brooke, featuring an ornate facade and a history as a premier venue for Western performing arts in Shanghai.

H

Cathay Cinema

An Art Deco landmark completed in 1932, designed by architect C.H. Gonda with a distinctive geometric brick exterior and a storied history in the former French Concession.

I

Wai tan yuan

Located at the northern end of the Bund, this site marks the city's modern starting point and features the former British Consulate, built in 1873.

Kirill Sidewalk / CC-BY-SA

J

1933

A former municipal slaughterhouse completed in 1933, this Art Deco concrete structure is famous for its intricate network of air bridges, spiral staircases, and lattice windows.

K

Sinan Mansions

An ensemble of over 50 preserved garden villas from the 1920s, showcasing diverse architectural styles including English, French, and Spanish colonial designs.

L

Cite Bourgogne

A well-preserved shikumen residential lane built in 1930, representing the traditional architectural style that blended Western and Chinese elements.

M

Tao yuan fang

A historic residential alleyway featuring traditional lane house architecture characteristic of early 20th-century Shanghai.

N

Chang Road Fire Station

Completed in 1932, this Art Deco fire station features a prominent four-story watchtower that once served as one of the highest points in the district.

O

Chang Road Fire Station

A 1930s heritage site and active fire station, notable for its Art Deco design and historic role in the city's early fire-fighting infrastructure.

Other Lists

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