This ancient shrine is the main temple of Shanghai and a definite must-see for those visiting the city. It is dedicated to the famous Chinese philosopher Confucius and was founded under the Yuan Dynasty, when Shanghai, then a small fishing village, was granted the status of a county seat. With time, this shrine became China's most prestigious academic institution and a religious temple combined.

The complex is well-tended and is much larger than it looks on the outside. Within its walls are a number of scenic spots such as the Music Terrace, Study Gate, Etiquette Gate, Hall to Listen to the Rain, Sky and Cloud Reflection Pond, and Confucian Study Hall, to mention but a few.

Facing the front gate is the Dacheng Hall, or the Hall of Great Perfection, to the right of which is found the eponymous huge Dacheng Bell, weighing some 1500 kg. They say, the sound of this bell is loud and clear, and its reverberations last up to three minutes!

The appealing atmosphere of scholarly introspection infuses the complex and is enhanced with the statues of Confucius, particularly the seated golden one beside the Dacheng Hall, flanked by the statues of his two most illustrious disciples, Yan Hui and Zeng Shen. Modern-day students, wishing to excel at exams, come here to tie a red ribbon around the pine tree for good luck.

In addition to the ancient Confucian texts, the temple houses a collection of ceramics and a tea house where tea lovers can enjoy a Chinese tea ceremony and sample local varieties of tea free of charge.

In keeping with the ancient tradition originated in the Ming and Qing periods, each Sunday in the northeastern part of the temple there is a book fair where people come to buy, sell or exchange books. Some truly old and rare editions can be found there, so it's well worth attending.

The area outside the temple is packed with stores and several eateries selling authentic Shanghai food at reasonable prices. Also nearby is the famous Xintiandi district.

Tip:
The Sunday book market has to be visited as it is something different in Shanghai, but beware that it opens at 8am and closes early around 3-4pm.
If you want full access then pay 10RMB; otherwise, you can just go to the book market inside the inner courtyard. 10RMB gets you into the temple as well as the other courtyards.
Go towards the temple and the guards will ask for your tickets. Most people think they cannot go up, but that's what your ticket covers for.

Temple

Regularly packed with locals and tourists, this busy shopping area – located just outside the famous Yuyuan Gardens – is a good chance to get a glimpse of Shanghai's everyday life. Amid the plethora of goods on sale – including fresh produce, second-hand stuff, antiques and handicrafts – the most intriguing, perhaps, are the countless food offerings whose vendors seemingly compete with each other. The vast majority of them specialize in dumplings of every imaginable filling; they even have dumplings filled with soup and served with a straw. The Nanxiang Shanghai steamed buns are pretty good on a chilly day either, and there's a long but well-organized queue for them in the central courtyard.

On the whole, this new-looking Ming-style bazaar is a cacophony of shops, street performers, sedan-chair rides and swarms of people everywhere. It covers an area of over 50 hectares and houses almost 3,000 shops and nearly 10,000 vendors. Among them are souvenir shops with tonnes of fine gift ideas, from painted snuff bottles and delightful Chinese kites to embroidered and clever palm-and-finger paintings.

As with any shopping in Asia, haggling skills are quite handy here, especially if you've done your homework on products and prices previously. Another good thing is to buy as the locals buy, particularly women, who certainly know where the best deals are.

Why You Should Visit:
No matter how commercialized, this is still a pretty sight to behold. Only in China!

Tip:
Other than the bazaar itself, there are a few spots just behind the Yuyan Gardens on Fuyou Street where you can find things at wholesale prices. In particular, if you're after household items, check out the Fuyou Street Merchandise Mart – similar to WalMart in the U.S., but in a fraction of the space it usually occupies there. Bargaining here is recommended, but the prices aren’t too high to begin with – just perfect for those on a budget.

This lovely classical Chinese garden was built in 1577, under the Ming Dynasty, by a high-ranking imperial court official who dedicated it to his elderly father, and quite fittingly so, as ‘yu’ means peace and comfort in Chinese. Probably because of this name or good luck, despite changing fortunes, the garden had miraculously survived the passage of centuries and was reopened to the public in 1961.

For those unfamiliar with Chinese gardening, this would be a great introduction to its elegance manifested, among other things, in the hidden bat and dragon features and, in this particular case, a huge authentic rockery dating back to the Ming period. Overall, the garden has less emphasis on flora and more on water and the harmonious position of elements.

It may well look small, but you will be amazed at how much actually fits in here. The corridors, archways and zigzag bridges all are carefully placed with a great deal of meaning. Of special interest is the Ming-style rosewood furniture in three halls within the garden, one of which is historically famous as the headquarters of the anti-imperialist “Little Sword” society during the Taiping uprising in the 1850s-60s. The roofs and tops of the walls here are decorated with incredible carvings of dragons, horses, and warriors.

Among other highlights is the famous Jade Rock, a 5-ton boulder said to have been one of the private collection items of the Song Dynasty Emperor Huizong. Interestingly enough, this rock's 72 holes are reportedly positioned so as to make the water or smoke sent into one of the holes, come out from all the other holes simultaneously. Sometimes, the guides show another trick with a coin dropped into a hole at the top and exiting from a certain hole down below (each time different) in accordance, they say, with the person's astrological sign.

Tip:
Depending on the time of your visit, the garden may be quite crowded – but that's China! Try coming early, as closer to the opening hours as possible; otherwise, later in the day, the queues are usually long! Don't forget a bottle of water or check out a two-storey teahouse on the island in the middle of the garden. The Queen of England herself once dropped in for a cup of tea there, so these days it’s a bit pricey, but you’re welcome to poke about anyway.

The Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town, nestled in the basement of the Huabao building within the bustling Yu Garden Shopping Complex, stands as Shanghai's premier indoor antique market. This sprawling subterranean haven hosts over 200 established antique dealers, creating a labyrinthine treasure trove of historical artifacts and curiosities that echo China's rich and multifaceted past.

A visit to the market is akin to stepping back in time, with each stall and corner brimming with items that tell tales of days gone by. Shoppers can find an eclectic array of merchandise, ranging from intricately embroidered silk jackets and dressing gowns to lustrous freshwater pearls. The market also offers an impressive selection of ceramic tea sets that reflect China's long-standing tea culture, alongside Cultural Revolution posters that capture a pivotal era in the nation's history. Additionally, visitors can discover beautifully crafted wooden fans and painted scrolls, each piece adding to the market's allure as a center for Chinese antiquities and craftsmanship.

The history of this market stretches back to before 1949, preceding the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 70s, when it served as a holiday market selling folk antiques and handicrafts. Today, it has evolved into a vibrant destination that attracts tens of thousands of visitors daily, drawn by the vast assortment of goods on offer. The Antiques Market of Shanghai Old Town is not just a place for buying antiques; it's a cultural journey that offers a glimpse into China's storied past, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

Tip:
Beware – you will definitely have to bring out your haggling skills here! Whatever the price the dealer asks you initially, try to bargain for at least 40% less.

Folding hand fans were invented around 7th AD and were introduced to Europe through trade and the Silk Road. For centuries they are a stylish symbol of wealth and class around the world. One can buy a handmade folding fan at a workshop at 140 Jiu Jiao Chang Road (JiuJiaoChang Lu, 旧校场路), a side alley near 337 Middle Fangbang Road (Fangbang Zhong Lu, 方浜中路). There you can even find the artisans at work. You can choose ready fans, order custom ones, and browse their other products such as their beautiful marble and jade stamps.

What to buy here: folding Fans. Symbol of femininity, folding fans were widely used by concubines during the royal periods, both to give some relief during the hottest hours of the day and as an essential accessory to be compared to a piece of jewelry. Today they are still used during the hot summer months, although they are not all as finely decorated as they were in the imperial era.

They are available in very different prices, depending on the quality of the material and if they are handmade. They can be made in silk and hand painted with typical Chinese patterns of nature subjects such as birds, landscapes, mountains, lakes. You can also order it according to your taste and the artisan will make it for you.

The Old City of Shanghai represents the historical heart of the city, originally demarcated by defensive walls and serving as the administrative center for the former county of Shanghai. As Shanghai developed with the establishment of foreign concessions, the Old City remained an integral part of the urban core, maintaining its significance as the seat of Chinese authority in Shanghai.

Important landmarks in the Old City include the City God Temple, connected to Yuyuan Garden. Though many original walls were demolished in 1912, some remnants are part of Zhonghua Minguo Avenue (Republic of China), later renamed Renmin Road in 1950.

Over time, the boundaries of the Old City aligned with the Nanshi District, now incorporated into the Huangpu District. Today, visitors can explore well-preserved historical sites such as the Yuyuan Garden complex, surrounded by commercial streets and the City God Temple. While tourist materials may still refer to it as Nanshi District, it falls under Huangpu District jurisdiction.

The circular layout of the Old City is now marked by major thoroughfares, Renmin Road to the North and Zhonghua Road to the South. Additionally, Henan Road bisects the Old City from North to South. Traditional winding streets coexist with modern high-rise structures, showcasing a blend of historical and contemporary architecture.

In 2006, Shanghai's government enacted the Protection Plan for the Old City, safeguarding its historical and cultural significance. Despite this, certain streets like Dajing Road and West Fangbang Road are designated as protected areas, but face ongoing demolition projects. The Garden of the Fragrance of Dew, a significant part of the northwest quadrant, began demolition in 2002 for redevelopment, sparking controversy over the destruction of historical structures and parts of the city wall.

Shanghai Tower stands as a symbol of architectural achievement and sustainable design in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. This 128-story skyscraper, reaching a height of 632 meters (2,073 feet), is not only the tallest building in China but also ranks as the third tallest in the world based on height to its architectural top. Since its completion, it has been recognized as the world's tallest and largest building to receive LEED Platinum certification, highlighting its commitment to high energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.

Designed by the international design firm Gensler and owned by the Shanghai Municipal Government, Shanghai Tower is a beacon of modern design and efficiency. It is notably the tallest among the trio of supertall buildings in Pudong, which includes the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center, marking the area as a distinctive skyline.

The tower's construction began in November 2008 and reached its highest point on August 4, 2013. The exterior was completed by the summer of 2015, with the entire project considered finished in September 2014. Despite initial plans to open in November 2014, the building welcomed the public in February 2015. The observation deck, offering unparalleled views from the world's highest point within a building or structure at 562 meters, was opened to visitors in July 2016. This deck, situated on the 118th floor, has been accessible to the public since April 26, 2017, following a test run period in 2018.

Shanghai Tower also held the title for the world's second-fastest elevators, reaching speeds of up to 20.5 meters per second, until 2017 when the Guangzhou CTF Finance Center surpassed it. The building's tiered design facilitates a division into nine separate zones for office, retail, and leisure use, exemplifying a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal. This iconic structure not only dominates the skyline but also sets a precedent for future developments in urban architecture and sustainable design.

What to buy here: Pearls: China is the largest producer of pearls in the world and buying beautiful necklaces and earrings here is cheaper than anywhere else. There are many different types of pearls: those from fresh water, usually lower quality and much cheaper and those coming from the South Sea, more expensive and better quality. The difference of the price is also determined by the size, the shape and the color. Perfectly round pearls are more difficult to find and therefore more expensive. Real color for pearls, apart from the common white, can be peach, pink, grey, black and golden. Beautiful black and especially golden pearls are only from the sea.

To recognize real pearls is very easy: scrape it with scissors or even with your teeth: a fine white sand will come out and once you wipe it off the pearl will not be damaged. Prices vary consistently, they can go from Y60 for a set of necklace and earrings of fresh water pearls, to Y1000 for only one big golden pearl from the South Sea.

The best places for pearls in Shanghai are the shopping center AP Xinyang Fashion & Gifts Market, under ground in the Science and Technology Museum metro station on line 2, and Hongqiao International Pearl City in 3721 Hongmei Road (Hong Mei Lu, 虹梅路). In Hongqiao International Pearl City find Helen's shop, on the 2nd floor, Room B001: she makes beautiful sets of pearls combined with other stones and colored crystals, and you can even place the order according to your taste.

Fazangjiang is one of the four most prominent Buddhist temples in Shanghai, alongside those of Yu Fu Chan Si (the Jade Buddha Temple), Jing'an Si (the Temple of Peace and Tranquility), and Longhua Si (the Luster of the Dragon Temple). Its unique architecture would make it a top attraction of the Old Town, but curiously enough it does not advertise itself and, without stepping through its doors, people (locals or foreigners alike) may never know it is there. On the outside, it looks pretty much like any other gated entrance with no sound or smell passing from behind the wall, even if there is a prayer in session or incense burning underway.

The temple was built in 1924 and, similarly to the acclaimed Jing’an Si temple, was used as a factory during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s-70s. Now restored and reconsecrated, some parts of its main hall reflect Art Deco motifs, adding to the uniqueness of its location inside a tower-like structure. A large statue of Buddha Gautama Sakyamuni sat on top of a lily dominates the hall. There are also two gilded walls with the images of “Arhats” – enlightened persons who have reached nirvana – as well as golden sculptures of the Buddhist trinity. There is even a small shrine dedicated to Dizang Wang, the Chinese God of the Underworld in Buddhist mythology. Swastika, the ancient Buddhist symbol of eternity, is found on many prayer ribbons hanging around.

Much to its merit, Fazangjiang has kept its historical identity intact and is now a welcoming oasis amid the hustle and bustle of a busy metropolis. No entry ticket is required, and the serene atmosphere of the temple makes it a fine place to acquaint yourself with the merits of Chinese Buddhism.

Tip:
A vegetarian restaurant run by the temple, serving simple dishes, is right next door and is quite handy for those seeking to quench their hunger other than purely spiritual.

Premier Zhou En Lai stayed at this Spanish Villa located in the former French Concession during his visits to Shanghai. It was also the office of the Communist Party of China.

The former residence of Zhou En Lai is located in a beautiful neighbourhood with many quaint European homes. The ivy covered villa has three floors and a small courtyard garden. It once belonged to a wealthy French merchant and covers an area of 850 square meters. Today, Zhou’s statue can be found in the garden. The former residence of Zhou En Lai was used more as an office than a residence during his lifetime. He gave press conferences here and met foreign dignitaries before and after the communist takeover.

The house is now preserved as a museum. The Buick that Zhou En Lai drove is still parked in the garage and the office rooms of the Communist Party are preserved like they were during his lifetime. His neat bedroom with threadbare blankets and Spartan furniture is on display and a dorm that was used by other communist officials when they came to stay is preserved. Visitors can also see photographs and documents about the life and achievements of Zhou En Lai.

The Jade Buddha Temple, located in the bustling city of Shanghai, is a significant cultural and spiritual landmark with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1882. This Buddhist sanctuary owes its origins to the devout mission of transporting two exquisite jade Buddha statues from Myanmar to Shanghai by sea. These statues, central to the temple's reverence, include a majestic sitting Buddha, towering at 1.95 meters tall and weighing 3 tons, alongside a smaller, yet profoundly symbolic reclining Buddha that depicts the Buddha's moment of death.

Over time, the temple has embraced additional sacred artifacts, notably a larger reclining Buddha crafted from marble and generously donated by Singapore. This newer, more substantial sculpture often captures the visitors' attention, sometimes leading to the misconception that it is the original jade piece due to its prominence and size.

The journey of the jade Buddhas from Myanmar not only enriched the spiritual tapestry of Shanghai but also influenced the aesthetic preferences of Chinese Buddhist temples, popularizing the use of Burmese-style Buddha statues across China. The Jade Buddha Temple, with its serene ambiance and rich historical backdrop, continues to be a beacon of Buddhist faith and a testament to the enduring cultural exchange between China and Myanmar.

Translated literally as the “Temple of Peace and Tranquility”, the Jing'an Temple of Shanghai is a Buddhist shrine located on the West Nanjing Road within the district bearing the same name - Jing'an.

First built in 247 AD during the Three Kingdoms period of ancient China, the temple was originally set beside the Suzhou Creek in the Wu Kingdom, but then moved to its present location in 1216 under the Song Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty it was rebuilt and, during the Cultural Revolution period, it housed a plastic factory. In 1983, the temple returned to its original service as a house of worship, upon which it was renovated and had the Jing'An Pagoda added in 2010.

Today, the temple comprises six halls including the main Mahavira Hall (the "Precious Hall of the Great Hero"), the Guanyin Hall, the Jade Buddha Hall, and three Southern-style halls, namely: the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of the Three Saints, and the Hall of Virtuous Works, each with its own courtyard. The latter three halls were added as part of the reconstruction of 1880.

Within the Guanyin Hall there is a statue of Guan Yin goddess – measuring 6.2 meters tall and weighing 5 tons – made of camphor wood, standing atop a lotus-shaped base. Opposite the Guanyin hall, inside the Jade Buddha Hall, there is a 3.8-meter statue of sitting jade Buddha placed in the center, the largest of its kind in China. Other notable features within the temple include the Ming Dynasty copper bell (Hongwu Bell), weighing 3.5 tons, stone Buddhas from the Southern and Northern Dynasties period (420-589 AD), and paintings by renowned artists, such as Chu Zhishan, Zhang Daqian and Wen Zhenming.

The Longhua Temple in Shanghai is a symbol of Buddhist devotion, dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. It dates back to 242 AD during the Three Kingdoms Period under Sun Quan. Legend says it was built to enshrine relics believed to be from Buddha, leading to the construction of 13 pagodas, including the significant Longhua Pagoda, linked to local folklore about a dragon.

Despite the ancient roots of the Longhua Temple, the architectural splendor visible today primarily reflects reconstructions from more recent historical periods, particularly those carried out during the Qing dynasty under the Tongzhi and Guangxu Emperors, and a significant modern restoration in 1954. The temple complex faithfully preserves the architectural style of a Song dynasty Chan School monastery, showcasing its layout and design principles.

Covering an expanse of over 20,000 square meters (approximately 215,000 square feet), the temple's grandeur is articulated through its meticulously arranged compound, extending 194 meters (636 feet) along its main axis. The Longhua Pagoda, standing at 40.4 meters (around 132 feet 7 inches), is the tallest structure in the sacred complex and a symbol of the temple's rich history.

The Longhua Temple, with its Sangharama Five-Hall Style, showcases the essence of Song dynasty Buddhist Chan sect monasteries. Its layout, comprising five main halls aligned along a north-south axis, highlights its spiritual and cultural importance. As Shanghai's largest ancient temple complex, Longhua Temple serves as both a religious center and a museum of Chinese architectural and spiritual heritage, drawing visitors to uncover its rich history and stories.