A Day of Shanghai’s Iconic Landmarks: Jing’an Temple Blessings · People’s Square Stroll · Nanjing Road & the Bund · Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower

Über diese Tour

一天走进上海的过去与现在，从静安寺的一炷清香开始，到东方明珠的高空远眺收尾，把经典地标一次看全。行程从闹市中的静心片刻出发，漫步人民广场，感受城市公共空间与上海日常生活的交织；再去南京路边逛边吃，寻一口老字号味道，体会海派街头气质；随后来到外滩，看万国建筑与陆家嘴天际线隔江相望，读懂这座城市的层次。最后登上东方明珠，把黄浦江两岸风景尽收眼底。第一次来上海，就用这一天把上海装进记忆里，欢迎现在出发。

Reiseverlauf

1. 1

   Jing'an Temple

   60 min

   Jing’an Temple, located on West Nanjing Road, is a renowned ancient Buddhist temple set amid one of Shanghai’s busiest commercial districts, earning it the nickname “a Buddhist sanctuary in the bustling city.” Its history dates back to the Three Kingdoms period, and after several renamings and relocations, it has taken on its present form. The stone dharani pillar in front of the temple, the resonant bell sounds, and the Esoteric Buddhist altar are especially distinctive. Visitors who enter the temple often also mention highlights such as the incense burner, silver Buddha statue, and bubbling spring, making it an ideal stop for a short visit that blends culture with a peaceful pause in the middle of the city.

   

   • Shanmen SquareEntering from West Nanjing Road, the first thing you notice is the striking contrast between the busy city streets and the ancient temple. It’s a great place to take in the temple’s exterior as a whole and experience its unique atmosphere—open the gates and you are in the secular world; close them and it becomes a place of serenity.
   • Dharani PillarThe Ashoka Pillar in front of the temple is one of Jing’an Temple’s signature sights, also known as a dharani pillar. Carved from a single block of stone, it bears the inscription “May the True Dharma Endure Long” on the front, with four lions facing the four directions at the top. It is highly recognizable and well worth a closer look.
   • Mahavira HallMahavira Hall is the spiritual heart of the temple, enshrining a solemn silver statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Even if you are not specifically here to worship, it is still a wonderful place to experience the temple’s most concentrated religious atmosphere and impressive architecture.
   • Fuhui Treasure CauldronThis large incense burner is often considered one of Jing’an Temple’s key highlights. Its impressive scale makes it stand out, and visitors are often seen offering coins and prayers here. If you would like to experience the temple’s popular blessing rituals, this is a good place to pause.
   • Bell Tower and Bubbling SpringThe bell sounds of Jing’an Temple are well known, and the bubbling spring beneath the Bell Tower is another feature frequently mentioned by visitors. This area combines memorable sounds with a distinctive local story, making it a pleasant spot to explore at a leisurely pace.
2. 2

   People's Square

   90 min

   People’s Square is a landmark area in central Shanghai that combines open urban space with a rich cultural atmosphere. Surrounded by museums, art venues, and major bookstores, it is ideal for a 1–2 hour stroll. Alongside its spacious square and park setting, the area also offers a vivid glimpse into everyday Shanghai life: on one side, the lively marriage market in People’s Park; on the other, the Shanghai History Museum, where you can trace the city’s development in a more systematic way.

   

   • Marriage MarketThe marriage market in People’s Park is one of Shanghai’s most distinctive urban scenes, especially lively on weekends. Many singles or their parents display handwritten profiles and partner preferences in public, creating a fascinating snapshot where traditional matchmaking ideas coexist with modern city life. It’s worth a brief stop to observe, though it’s best to do so respectfully and without disturbing others.
   • Shanghai History MuseumThe Shanghai History Museum is housed in a striking historic building, with red-brick walls, a clock tower, and decorative details that are worth admiring in their own right. Inside, the exhibitions trace Shanghai’s transformation through the ages, with especially vivid displays on the modern era. It’s a great place to appreciate the architecture while also gaining a clear overview of the city’s past and present.
3. 3

   Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

   75 min

   Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of Shanghai’s most iconic shopping streets and an important window into the city’s distinctive Haipai culture. With a long history, it blends Chinese and Western architectural styles with a vibrant commercial atmosphere. As you stroll along the “golden belt” that runs through the street, you’ll find benches, kiosks, and public sculptures that add to the urban scenery. From time-honored food shops and traditional stores to trendy retail spaces, it’s a wonderful place to wander and soak up Shanghai’s unmistakable street character.

   

   • Huanglongtai Old Teahouse (Zhejiang Middle Road Branch)A long-established teahouse and tea shop specializing in traditional varieties such as green tea, black tea, and oolong, with floral and wellness teas also available. It’s a lovely place to step in, enjoy the aroma, learn a little about different teas and brewing methods, and perhaps pick up some tea as a souvenir.
   • Shen DachengA beloved time-honored pastry shop on Nanjing Road, famous for specialties such as double-filled rice balls, tiaotou cake, and sweet bean paste qingtuan. The pastries are soft, delicate, and moderately sweet, with a distinctly Jiangnan flavor—perfect for a quick bite while strolling.
   • Zhen Lao DafangThis historic pastry brand is known for its traditional Chinese baked goods, especially its famous fresh meat mooncakes, with crisp pastry and juicy, savory filling. You’ll also find classics like qingtuan, walnut cookies, and sachima, making it a great stop for visitors wanting to sample old Shanghai-style treats.
   • Bailian ZX Creative Fun PlaceA trendy retail space centered on ACG culture, bringing together a range of popular IPs and brand stores. It is especially appealing to fans of anime, models, and character merchandise. The atmosphere is youthful and lively, making it a fun stop for photos, browsing, and hunting for collectibles.
   • Peace HotelOne of the most recognizable landmarks around Nanjing Road and a true symbol of Shanghai. The building itself is well worth admiring, and inside you’ll also find experiences such as a museum and jazz performances. Altogether, it offers a wonderful blend of history and classic old Shanghai charm.
4. 4

   The Bund

   75 min

   The Bund is one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, stretching for about 1.5 kilometers along the Huangpu River, from Waibaidu Bridge in the north to the Shiliupu area in the south. Here, you can admire the modern skyline of Lujiazui across the river while also getting up close to the historic architecture known as the “Museum of International Architecture.” The Bund has witnessed Shanghai’s modern urban development and the meeting of Chinese and Western cultures, and it still retains a vivid Haipai character today. By day, it’s ideal for a leisurely architectural walk; by night, the charm of old and new facing each other across the river becomes even more captivating.

   

   • Waibaidu BridgeLocated at the northern end of the Bund near the meeting point of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, Waibaidu Bridge is a common starting point for a Bund walk. From the bridge, you can enjoy open views of the river, the creek, and the surrounding architecture, making it an excellent photo spot.
   • Huangpu ParkHuangpu Park sits at the northernmost end of the Bund and offers a relatively open, relaxed setting—ideal for a riverside stroll or a short break. Here you can see the Monument to the People’s Heroes and enjoy the more spacious waterfront scenery of the Bund’s northern section.
   • Historic Buildings of the BundOne of the Bund’s greatest pleasures is taking a closer look at its rows of historic buildings. A variety of Western architectural styles stand side by side here, forming a striking skyline and offering a vivid sense of how Shanghai’s modern history and Haipai culture came together.
   • Chen Yi SquareLocated in the central section of the Bund, Chen Yi Square is a popular point that many visitors pass through. With its open views, it’s a convenient place to pause for river scenery, look across to Lujiazui, or use as a meeting point and short rest stop.
   • Riverside Viewing Walkway (Lovers’ Wall Area)This stretch is the Bund’s most classic riverside promenade, right beside the Huangpu River and perfect for walking while taking in the Pudong skyline. During the day, you can watch boats passing along the water; at night, when the lights come on, the old and new cityscapes facing each other across the river create the Bund’s most iconic atmosphere.
   • Shiliupu PierShiliupu Pier lies at the southern end of the Bund and carries a strong sense of waterfront transport history and urban memory. By the time you reach this point, you can feel the spatial transition from the historic architectural stretch of the Bund to the pier area, making it a fitting finale to a southbound walk.
5. 5

   东方明珠

   120 min

   The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most recognizable city landmarks, rising above the Lujiazui area and forming many visitors’ first impression of the Shanghai skyline. From its observation areas, you can look out over both banks of the Huangpu River, take in Pudong’s cluster of skyscrapers up close, and gaze toward the Bund and the city stretching into the distance. It is an especially rewarding stop for first-time visitors wanting to experience Shanghai’s modern energy.

   

   • Tower Base PlazaLooking up at the Oriental Pearl Tower from the plaza below is one of the best ways to appreciate its striking design and landmark presence. It is also a popular place to photograph the full exterior of the tower before heading inside.
   • Observation DeckThis is the core area of a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower, offering sweeping views of the Huangpu River and the city skyline on both sides. With its broad panorama, it’s an excellent place to pause and admire Shanghai as a whole.
   • High-Altitude Viewing AreaAs you continue upward, the perspective becomes even more dramatic, letting you appreciate the changing urban layers of both Pudong and Puxi from different heights. It is an important part of the Oriental Pearl experience.
   • Indoor Leisure AreaDuring your visit, you can take a short break in one of the tower’s public leisure areas—sort through your photos, rest for a moment, and enjoy the indoor viewing atmosphere from a different angle.