If you’re searching for the best Shanghai photo spots, this travel guide will save you hours of scrolling and guessing. Shanghai can feel overwhelming at first, but once you know where to go, the city becomes one big open-air studio: futuristic skyline views, old streets with character, peaceful gardens, and plenty of unexpected corners you’d never find on Google Maps.
We’ve included all the well-known spots and the lesser-known ones we discovered while biking, wandering, and getting lost in side streets. Whether you want skyline shots, creative angles, or just beautiful places to explore on your trip, this photo spot guide will make it easy to capture Shanghai at its best.
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Practical Tips for Visiting Shanghai
Get your own personal photographer
One fun thing about China is how common “personal photographers” are at popular landmarks. You don’t have to look for them; the moment you’re near a big photo spot like the Bund, they’ll usually approach you. You’ll see flashes going off everywhere and mini photoshoots happening nonstop.
You first agree on a price for a set number of photos. Around 3–4 photos for 80–100 RMB is pretty standard, and you can negotiate. The whole process is quick, and Chinese photographers are genuinely skilled. They know the angles, they guide you on how to stand, and many even bring props. After the shoot, you choose the shots you want, and they edit them on the spot with presets. Just make sure to ask for the originals too, since sometimes the edits look a bit too perfect (Read: I looked like a different person haha).
Get a VPN to Stay Connected
To access apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, or anything Google-related, you’ll need a VPN because of China’s firewall. Make sure to download it before you land, since you won’t be able to access the app stores freely once you’re there. We used ExpressVPN during our trip, and it worked reliably the entire time. It keeps you connected, protects your IP, and is handy for streaming or finding better deals online. If you’re signing up, they offer 3 months free when you sign up for a 12-month plan using our link. Just remember, you must download your VPN before you arrive in China.
Get a SIM Card or e-SIM for Internet Connection
For internet connection, you can grab a local SIM card at the airport, which is fast and straightforward. Lately, we’ve switched to Airalo eSIMs, which are even easier since you install them at home and don’t have to swap physical cards. If it’s your first time using Airalo, NEWTOAIRALO15 gives you 15% off your first purchase. Returning users can try AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off.
Must-Have Chinese Apps
A few Chinese apps make your life in Shanghai much easier. Alipay will quickly become your main tool. The great thing is, you no longer need a Chinese bank account to enjoy this app, and you can pay almost everywhere with your phone. We use it all the time for public transport, paying at stores, and unlocking the blue shared bikes.
For navigation, download Amap. It has far more accurate information for China than Google Maps, especially for restaurants and smaller locations. I still kept Google Maps for my saved lists, but for real directions, Amap was essential.
Throughout this blog post, we’ll include coordinates for the best photo spots in Shanghai since some of them don’t appear correctly or even exist on Google Maps.
Where to stay in Shanghai?
If you’re wondering where to stay in Shanghai, the best districts for first-timers are Jing’an, Huangpu, and the most central part of Xuhui. After staying in different parts of the city, our personal recommendation is to look for accommodation within the French concession, as the area is very walkable, bike-friendly, full of cafés and restaurants, and close to several metro lines.
If you’re looking for a splurge, you can go for a hotel along the Bund, such as The St.Regis on the Bund, where you get incredible skyline views right from your room.
For booking accommodation in China, we recommend checking Trip.com (the interface and search engine are really user-friendly!). It lists far more local options than Booking.com or Agoda, though you can always cross-reference for the best price.
★ BUDGET
- Features rooms with Large-screen projection, food delivery robots & laundry room
- Located near Changle Rd & Huaihai Rd & close to Metro Lines 13 & 1, 10 and 12
- Queen, Twin & Family Rooms $
★★ MID-RANGE
- Guests can enjoy a fitness room, additional breakfast, and a laundry room
- Located just a few steps away from Xintiandi & near Metro Lines 9, 10, and 13
- Twin, Queen, Family Rooms & Suits $$
★★★ HIGH-END
- There is a fitness center, on-site restaurant & cafe, and laundry room. Includes breakfast & skyline river views
- Located on the Bund & close to Metro Lines 2, 10, and 14
- Twin & King Rooms $$$
The 19 best photo spots in Shanghai
1. Capture the Pudong Skyline from Zhapu Bridge
The Pudong skyline is easily one of the most iconic Shanghai photo spots, and honestly, the best skyline we’ve ever laid eyes on. Shanghai’s futuristic skyline still leaves us speechless every single time with those towering structures, the colors at night, and the recently added light show are just irresistible.
Walking toward the Bund from Nanjing Road will always be one of my most unforgettable first impressions of the city, but for photography, there are far better angles than the classic crowded viewpoint. The Bund’s main platform is always packed, yet walking just five minutes further gives you more breathing room and better compositions.
Our personal favourite angle of this skyline is from Zhapu Bridge. Just follow Suzhou Creek to the second bridge, where you’ll get that perfect shot of the Pudong skyline framed by Waibaidu Bridge in front of it. This spot is so photogenic that you’ll often see couples taking professional wedding photos here.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.244180, 121.487749
📸 Bonus Shanghai photo spot | The boardwalk along Suzhou Creek also gives amazing views of the skyline and works beautifully for wide-angle shots.
2. Old-meets-new contrast in Hongkou District
I stumbled upon this Shanghai photo spot by accident in 2019, after visiting the unique 1933 1933 Old Millfun building, and it has stuck with me ever since. This view perfectly pairs historic riverside houses with the futuristic Lujiazui skyline rising behind them. Few places capture Shanghai’s contrasts this well.
You’ll find this angle on Haerbin Road at the second bridge. The shot feels timeless and incredibly “Shanghai.”
MAPS LOCATION | 31.255850, 121.490178
The whole Hongkou area is filled with unplanned gems: hop on a bike or follow the boardwalk along the Hongkou Gang River and stop whenever something catches your eye. Popular intersections include the bridges at Changzhi Road and Jiulong Road.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.248235, 121.493612
3. The unique architecture of the 1001 Trees Mall
1001 Trees is one of Shanghai’s coolest architectural designs, and one of the most talked-about Shanghai photo spots online. Covered in hundreds of “tree columns,” it looks like an urban mountain rising next to Suzhou Creek. It’s especially fun for architectural or artsy shots.
Even though the mall interior still feels unfinished, the exterior alone is worth the detour. You can easily pair it with a visit to the M50 Art District & the Jade Buddha Temple. The best angle of the 1001 Trees mall is actually from the boardwalk on the opposite side of the water. On top of that, under the bridge, you’ll find a mirrored wall that creates playful reflection photos.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.249976, 121.444516
4. The mirrored sphere at North Bund Green Land
This newer addition to the city has quickly become one of the rising Shanghai photo spots. The giant mirrored sphere set against green parkland creates a surreal contrast with the Pudong skyscrapers in the back, a dream for anyone who loves modern architecture shots.
This area is perfect for daytime photos, especially late afternoon when the sun drops behind the skyline. The waterfront boardwalk also gives a clean view of the Oriental Pearl Tower, ideal for sharper night shots and tight close-ups.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.246915, 121.498863
5. Heritage meets modern design at Zhangyuan
Zhangyuan is one of the newest redeveloped areas in Shanghai, built around beautifully preserved historic buildings from the late 1800s. What used to be a private garden and later a Shikumen neighborhood has been turned into an open-air shopping and lifestyle district.
It’s a mix of restored façades, cafés, boutique stores, and international brands, all woven through narrow alleys that still feel very “old Shanghai.” The area also features rotating exhibitions and small art installations, which makes it a fun place to wander with a camera. It’s not your typical mall, more a stylish neighborhood with plenty of Shanghai photo spots around every turn.
MAPS LOCATION | 31°13’41.4″N 121°27’35.9″E
6. A fresh skyline angle from Dongdaming Road Bridge
If you’re not done chasing skyline angles, walk from the Bund toward the North Bund in the evening. It’s one of our favorite night strolls in Shanghai. Along the way, you’ll reach the Dongdaming Road bridge, where the skyline lines up beautifully from a side angle that feels fresh and different from the typical Bund shot.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.246627, 121.495056
7. Stand under the towering skyscrapers in Lujiazui
For the iconic “three giants” shot of the Jin Mao, Shanghai Tower, and the Financial Tower, Lujiazui offers two excellent Shanghai photo spots.
For the up-close angle, get off at Lujiazui metro station and walk the elevated roundabout. At night, the lights and traffic trails make this location perfect for dynamic, futuristic photos. You’ll also get a powerful perspective of the Pearl Tower from below.
For the second angle, follow the canopy walk along Shiji Boulevard toward Lujiazui Central Green Space. This path gives taller, clearer compositions with more breathing room.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.237580, 121.503094
8. The colorful alleyways of Tianzifang
Tianzifang is always one of our favorite Shanghai photo spots because it’s simply fun to wander. The shikumen alleyways are filled with red lanterns, small murals, tiny boutiques, and a mix of creative shops you won’t find elsewhere.
You can buy everything from hand-painted fans to small glass vials, and our personal favorite: the finger-painted landscape art made by a lovely lady who’s been doing them for decades. Even better, we noticed Tianzifang seems less crowded these days, making it an easy and enjoyable place for photos.
MAPS LOCATION | 31°12’30.1″N 121°28’06.3″E
9. French Concession: Paris of the East
The French Concession is easily one of the most photogenic districts in Shanghai. Expect leafy streets, historic villas, cafés, bakeries (some of the best we’ve ever had), and small boutiques tucked inside old houses. Just biking around this area gave us so many everyday photo opportunities. A must-visit is Xintiandi, known for its trendy modern restaurants, shops, and cafés inside preserved shikumen buildings.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.219874, 121.474908
A more recent find was the Sinan Mansions, which are completely restored colonial villas turned into a small upscale lifestyle street. As soon as the lanterns turn on around Sinan Mansions, the whole area becomes even more atmospheric and one of the cutest photo spots in Shanghai. The nearby Fuxing Park is also worth a visit, especially for a sunset walk.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.215167, 121.468857
10. The Stage Observatory offering a new aerial skyline view
If you want a skyline shot that includes everything, from the Pudong towers, the Huangpu River, and The Bund, The Stage Observatory is the best new viewpoint in the city. It’s built on top of a former helipad, so the views are completely open and panoramic.
Tickets aren’t cheap, but we found it worth it. You get a few fun extras on arrival (we got a fan and sunglasses), plus a complimentary drink. We ended up watching the sunset with an Aperol Spritz while a DJ played chilled music. Around 7 PM, there’s also a short opera performance, which is a fun detail. Go before sunset so you catch both daylight and the neon glow after dark.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.248833, 121.498072
Tip: book online in advance via Trip.com since they usually have better prices and timed entries fill up quickly.
11. Cocktails with skyline views at The Edition rooftop
Shanghai has plenty of observation decks, but if you’d rather enjoy the views with a drink in hand, head to one of the many rooftop bars in the city. Our favorite so far is The Edition. The terrace looks straight out toward the Pudong skyscrapers, the river curves around the view, and you still get the older Bund buildings in the frame for that classic old-meets-new contrast. It offers the perfect aerial photo spot of Shanghai!
Do note that the best seats (right by the edge) often have a minimum spend. Most rooftop bars also expect a smart-casual outfit, so avoid turning up straight after a sweaty bike ride.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.237838, 121.485636
12. Snap the ship-shaped Louis Vuitton Flagship Store
This internet-famous LV flagship store looks like an actual ship dropped in the middle of West Nanjing Road, and is completely monogrammed in the classic style. Whether you care about designer brands or not, this one is just too surreal to skip.
Fashion lovers, architecture fans, selfie queens, and curious tourists all stop here. It’s one of the most instantly recognisable Shanghai photo spots of the past year.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.230479, 121.462071
13. Capture Shanghai’s red-brick aesthetic at Rock Bund
The Rock Bund area is a favorite on Chinese social media thanks to its red-brick European-style buildings and the way the streets frame the Oriental Pearl Tower in the distance. The combination of heritage façades and taxi-filled cross streets gives this area a bit of a New York movie set feel. You can find the area by venturing off East Nanjing Road, then heading north on Sichuan Road toward East Beijing Road.
The first landmark is the Somekh Building, where couples often pose on the balconies. Continue toward the Rockbund Art Museum, and you’ll reach a cluster of photogenic red-brick streets frequently used for portraits and professional shoots. Good light makes a big difference here, as you can tell, we weren’t blessed with the best weather.
From this block, you can walk to the waterfront or stop by Union Church, another popular backdrop on Chinese social media, even if to us as Western Europeans, it looks like the kind of church you’d see in any town back home.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.241298, 121.488263
14. Zhujiajiao: Venice of the East
If you want a completely different setting from the city skyscrapers, Zhujiajiao is an easy 1-hour metro ride away. The canals, stone bridges, alleyways, and wooden houses make it one of the most scenic traditional towns near Shanghai. The Town was established nearly 1700 years ago, famous for its stone bridges, waterways, and Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. It’s also called the “Venice of Shanghai”. It’s very enjoyable to spend time there, walking along the waterways, taking a boat cruise, or relaxing with a cup of tea.
Some highlights you shouldn’t miss are Fangsheng Bridge, which is the largest stone arch bridge in the area. Stop by Ke Zhi Garden, a peaceful classical garden with pavilions, ponds, and cute walkways. The north street, the main street, is lined with ancient shops, restaurants, and tea houses, providing a vibrant glimpse into local life and commerce.
You can easily spend a full day here, but even 3 hours gives you a good feel for the place.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.108129, 121.053569
15. Tropical forests at the Shanghai Greenhouse
This greenhouse complex opened in late 2024 and quickly became popular. If you’ve visited Singapore’s Cloud Forest, the layout will feel familiar, with misty walkways, rainforest plants, and tall rock formations. The site has three themed greenhouses: the Sand Mirage Pavilion, which focuses on desert landscapes with cacti, palms, and baobabs; the Cloud Forest Pavilion, which is the tropical section; and the Vertical Flower Pavilion, which features orchids, small exhibitions, and canopy bridges. It’s an easy half-day activity and a fun stop if you’re looking for lush, green photo spots in Shanghai.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.186154, 121.483302
16. Old Shanghai style at Century Link Plaza
We love exploring Asian malls because the food courts are always amazing, but the one from Century Link Plaza has an extra twist: the whole place is decorated like old Shanghai. Think: lanterns, an old rickshaw, vintage posters, and even an oldtimer car.
It’s kitschy in a good way and such a fun photo spot before or after grabbing food. A nice break from the skyscraper-heavy parts of the city.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.227422, 121.526770
17. New York vibes at Wukang mansion
Wukang Mansion appears in almost every Shanghai photo roundup that you see on social media, so we were curious to finally see it in person. Built in 1924, its wedge-shaped design really does give off Flatiron vibes from the famous building in New York. The mansion is located along Huaihai Road, a great area to bike around, with lots of leafy side streets and interesting architecture.
When we arrived, the whole opposite corner was packed with people posing, photographers hustling, and even a police officer making sure everyone stayed on the sidewalk. Hiring a photographer for a quick shoot at major landmarks has become a big thing in China, and here you’ll see it in full action. The building itself is nice, but to us the people-watching was honestly the highlight. Worth a stop if you’re already biking through the French Concession.
Just a few streets away, the lanes around Wuyuan Road, Changle Road, and Anfu Road are much more our style. Indie bookstores, small cafés, boutiques, and quiet residential corners make this whole area perfect for exploring and snapping easy, everyday Shanghai photo spots without the crowds.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.204159, 121.437961
18. The beautiful but busy Yu Gardens
Yu Garden is one of the most classic Shanghai photo spots, thanks to its Ming-dynasty pavilions, koi ponds, stone bridges, and rock gardens. It’s beautiful, and absolutely a must-visit. But, it’s also extremely busy. On our last visit, it felt like every square meter was filled with tour groups, photographers, and people doing full-blown photoshoots. It’s still worth seeing, just be prepared that taking photos without crowds is tough unless you visit very early.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.227163, 121.491942
19. Striking architecture of the China Art Museum
Housed in the massive red pavilion from Expo 2010, the China Art Museum is worth visiting for the building alone. Inside, exhibitions change frequently, sometimes great, sometimes a bit random, but many of them are free.
The highlight is the digital version of the Qingming River Festival scroll, which stretches along a full wall. During our visit, some floors were closed, so it really depends on timing, but the architecture itself makes it a solid stop for photography. You could easily combine this photo stop with the Shanghai Greenhouse, which is nearby, as well as a shopping mall next door with an amazing food court for lunch in between.
MAPS LOCATION | 31.184899, 121.494029
Practical Travel Resources
TRANSPORTATION | For booking transportation online such as bullet trains and domestic flights, we recommend using the website Trip.com. This platform has been our go-to for China, saving us from the hassle of queuing at travel agencies and securing a seat in peak seasons.
ACCOMMODATION | Finding affordable places to stay in China is a breeze with Trip.com. It’s the ideal platform to discover budget-friendly hostels and hotels.
FLIGHTS | Discover the best flight deals to China on Skyscanner. We love that they highlight the days with the cheapest prices for a destination, and the ability to search by month or region for flexibility.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Ensure comprehensive and reliable coverage for your journey in China with Heymondo. Prioritize peace of mind with their trustworthy travel insurance options. Get 5% OFF through our link.
STAY CONNECTED | Guarantee reliable internet access throughout your China trip by using Airalo. Install it on your eSIM-compatible smartphone before your journey for convenient connectivity. Use promo code NEWTOAIRALO15 for 15% off any eSIM (for new Airalo users only). Or use the code AIRALOESIM10 for 10% off as an existing user.
TOURS & ATTRACTIONS | For the best and most affordable city tours, day trip excursions, food tours, and entrance tickets in China, check out Trip.com.
VISA ORGANIZATION | Before your trip, ensure you check the visa requirements for your passport nationality. Explore details on travel documents at iVisa.com.
ONLINE PRIVACY | Always safeguard your online activity and digital privacy when using public Wi-Fi abroad by using a VPN. We’ve trusted ExpressVPN for years! Plus, a VPN lets you stream Netflix shows from any country. Get 3 months FREE when getting a 12-month plan with our link.
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