At a height of 468 meters (1,535 feet), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the world's sixth tallest and possibly one of its most unique. Set on the banks of the Huangpu River, this stunning landmark is an intriguing silhouette of magnanimous spheres balanced on slender columns that soar high above the city streets. Each of the three largest spheres feature an observation deck that grants panoramic views of Shanghai from varying heights, while the glass-bottomed walkway promises to thrill. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower also houses shops, entertainment venues and a hotel as well as the Revolving Restaurant and the Municipal History Museum. Often likened to pearls on a string, this iconic landmark adorns Shanghai's glittering city skyline like a radiant jewel of spectacular proportions.
Crane your neck to marvel at the second tallest building in Shanghai, the tallest in Jing An District and a major tourist hotspot. 945 feet tall, the magnificent structure also hosts a massive shopping center, housing some of the biggest brand names in clothing, fashion, electronics, furnishing, gifts and every imaginable household appliance. With prices as high as the structure that houses them, it's no wonder that most tourists stick to window shopping in here!
Wen Miao Temple was constructed before the establishment of Shanghai in 1267. It once served as the most esteemed center for those interested in learning the texts of the Great Teacher, Confucius. However, through the centuries it has faced many tribulations. Recently renovated, this sacred space is steeped in history and retains many of the characteristics of the Yuan Dynasty during which it was built. The old book market is one of the site's most frequented attractions and stocks plenty of periodicals and vintage magazines. The temple grounds host the highly-acclaimed Shanghai Confucius Temple Fair annually at the end of the year. This is a serene location for some soul searching or simply to get away from the frenzy of the old town.
A concrete riverfront walkway that is built around a bend on the Huangpu River, the iconic Bund is dotted with a collection of Shanghai's most monumental landmarks. A labyrinth of nearly 52 buildings of varying shapes, sizes and architectural styles – from Romanesque Revival and Baroque, to Neoclassical and Art Deco – guards the riverfront area from the rest of the city, almost like an open-air repository of structures woven together by the forces of history, culture and commerce. Influenced by the brief colonial era that settled over Shanghai before it became a trading port in 1846, behind the buildings' facade existed a slew of trading houses, banks and even consulates. Some of the most prominent buildings that line the picturesque riverfront include the HSBC Building, which once housed the Shanghai headquarters of the eponymous bank, the Russo-Chinese Bank Building, the Asia Building, the Bank of China building, and the Gutzlaff Signal Tower. While some buildings serve an official purpose even today, some others form cultural and retail hubs in this commercial city.
Standing tall at a height of 632 meters (2073 feet), the impressive Shanghai Tower is one of the finest architectural landmarks of Shanghai's Pu Dong District. This towering structure was built to the designs of noted American design firm, Gensler, while a conglomerate of several Chinese companies co-owns it. With 128 floors that occupy a massive area of 380,000 square meters (4,090,000 square feet), it stands in the same league as the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center. Its unique cylindrical design allows the building to operate in an energy-efficient manner that promotes sustainability. A number of leisure, retail and office establishments occupy the premises of Shanghai Tower. The tower was awarded the Tien-yow Jeme Civil Engineering Prize in the year 2018.
Taking a boat tour along the Huang Pu River gives visitors an opportunity to see many of Shanghai's famous sites such as the People's Hero Monument, the Bund (Wai Tan), the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the dramatic skyline of the Pu Dong business district. Also, in view of the river are the bustling International Passenger Station of Shanghai Harbor, the docks and the Wu Song ancient gun fort relics. Open daily 9:30am.
The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall is where the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra performs on a regular basis. Musicians from all over playing almost any and every kind of instruments to all genres of classical music. A world famous concert hall it is but the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra is not the only event that takes place there; small chamber music concerts are also very popular there where the maestros of classical music come alive for the audience. Check their website for further details.
Located in the bustling Pu Dong district of Shanghai, the Yuanshen Sports Centre offers a great spectator experience for sports buffs. The center's stadium, which has a capacity of about 20,00, regularly holds football matches which you can enjoy with your buddies and fellow sports buffs. The center is also a hub for badminton and is equipped with good facilities to allow people to play and enjoy a game of racket and shuttlecock. The venue also hosts several badminton matches, and China being a major player in the badminton field, you can expect some really entertaining performances awaiting your audience.
The Shanghai art scene has gone through some rapid growth, promotion and expansion in the recent years, and one prominent area where this is truly visible is the Moganshan road area in the city. With several art galleries vying for the premier slot, the competition is intense. But it has also compelled the galleries to strive for perfection, which has in-turn brought out the best in them and has benefited the art sphere. The Vanguard Gallery is one such gallery, which gives focus to the young local artists. Periodically, there are exhibitions that display beautiful paintings, astounding sculptures and bewitching installations by these artists. Besides these media, the gallery also hosts works in photography, prints and even video. The gallery even holds competitions which help give attention to the art scene in China, where international artists can participate. Do check out the website for details on up-coming exhibitions and shows.
Formerly consisting of old and forgotten warehouses, Moganshan Lu has now been transformed into one of the most promising and up-and-coming areas for contemporary art in Shanghai. With over 120 art galleries and studios packed tightly alongside a wealth of shops, modern cafes and stylish dining options, Moganshan Art District makes for an eye-opening experience. Exhibitions and workshops reveal the work of both established artists and those new to the Chinese art scene. Outside the galleries, the impressive street art splashed across the walls completes this area as a truly inspiring and precious space for Shanghai’s ever-growing modern art scene.
A huge eclectic space used for concerts, On Stage Shanghai is garnering reputation for being a prominent venue in the city. With a nightly dose of live gigs and creative programs, patrons can enjoy tasty grubs and fine drinks here. Some of the previous line ups are Circa Zero, Mr Graceless and Taiwan Rock.
OV Gallery was founded in 2008 and is located in Putuo area of Shanghai. The gallery focuses on displays that are based on current issues of China. The gallery works closely with upcoming local and international artists to organize thematic displays in their exhibitions. The gallery has been in several controversies due to its association with some critical issues. Check their website to know more.