Looking for the best photo spots in Shanghai?
This guide covers the 10 most Instagrammable places in Shanghai, including how to get there, the best time to visit, and photography tips to help you capture the city’s most memorable views.
- 1. The Bund — Shanghai’s Most Iconic Skyline Photo Spot
- 2. Yu Garden — Traditional Chinese Architecture in Shanghai
- 3. Former French Concession & Wukang Road — Old Shanghai Charm
- 4. Tian An 1000 Trees — Shanghai’s Viral Vertical Forest Building
- 5. Shanghai Disneyland — Castle Fireworks Reflection
- 6. Giant Face Sculpture — Shanghai’s Viral Art Photo Spot
- 7. Zhapu Road Bridge — Photographer’s Favorite Skyline Angle
- 8. Zhujiajiao Water Town — Classic Jiangnan Scenery Near Shanghai
- 9. Shanghai Astronomy Museum — Futuristic Architecture
- 10. Shanghai Tower Observation Deck — Shanghai From Above
- Create Your Personalized Shanghai Photo Journey
1. The Bund — Shanghai’s Most Iconic Skyline Photo Spot
The Bund is the most iconic photography location in Shanghai, where historic European-style buildings meet the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. It is the perfect place to capture Shanghai’s unique blend of history and modernity.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Huangpu District, Zhongshan East 1st Road |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 2/10 → East Nanjing Road Station, walk about 10 minutes |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Sunset, blue hour, and evening |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Riverside promenade facing Lujiazui |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Include Huangpu River in the foreground with Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower in the background |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 1–2 hours |
| Nearby Spots | Nanjing Road, Peace Hotel |
2. Yu Garden — Traditional Chinese Architecture in Shanghai
Yu Garden offers a completely different side of Shanghai, featuring classical Chinese architecture, stone bridges, ponds, and traditional gardens. It is one of the best places to capture Chinese cultural elements in the city center.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Huangpu District |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 10 → Yuyuan Garden Station |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Morning for fewer crowds; evening for lantern atmosphere |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Nine-Turn Bridge and Huxinting Tea House |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Capture bridges, reflections, and traditional buildings together |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 1–1.5 hours |
| Nearby Spots | City God Temple, Old Shanghai streets |
3. Former French Concession & Wukang Road — Old Shanghai Charm
The Former French Concession is one of Shanghai’s most photogenic neighborhoods, known for tree-lined streets, historic villas, cafés, and a relaxed local atmosphere.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Former French Concession, Xuhui District |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 10/11 → Jiaotong University Station |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Morning or late afternoon |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Wukang Building, Wukang Road, Anfu Road |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Stand across from Wukang Building to capture its unique shape |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 2 hours |
| Nearby Spots | Anfu Road cafés, Ferguson Lane |
Recommended Experience:
→ Shanghai Walking Tour
4. Tian An 1000 Trees — Shanghai’s Viral Vertical Forest Building
Tian An 1000 Trees has become one of Shanghai’s most popular modern architecture photo spots, with thousands of plants integrated into a unique mountain-like building design.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Putuo District |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 13 → Jiangning Road Station |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Late afternoon and evening |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Main entrance and green terraces |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Use wide-angle shots to highlight the vertical design |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 45 minutes–1 hour |
| Nearby Spots | Moganshan Road |
5. Shanghai Disneyland — Castle Fireworks Reflection
Shanghai Disneyland is not only a theme park but also one of the most magical night photography locations in Shanghai.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Pudong District |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 11 → Disney Resort Station |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Evening fireworks show |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Castle viewing area facing the water |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Capture the castle, fireworks, and reflection together |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | Half day or full day |
| Nearby Spots | Disneytown |
Recommended Experience:
→ Shanghai Disneyland Private Transfer & Tour Service
6. Giant Face Sculpture — Shanghai’s Viral Art Photo Spot
A unique urban art landmark that became popular among social media travelers for its surreal design and creative photo opportunities.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Shanghai |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro + walking route according to location |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Afternoon or sunset |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Front view of the sculpture |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Stand slightly away and use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 30–60 minutes |
| Best For | Instagram photos, urban art lovers, creative travel content |
7. Zhapu Road Bridge — Photographer’s Favorite Skyline Angle
Zhapu Road Bridge is a favorite among local photographers because it creates a perfect composition with bridge lines, the Huangpu River, and Shanghai’s landmark towers.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Hongkou District |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 10 → Sichuan North Road Station |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Blue hour |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Bridge sidewalk |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Use bridge railings as leading lines toward the skyline |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 30–45 minutes |
8. Zhujiajiao Water Town — Classic Jiangnan Scenery Near Shanghai
Zhujiajiao is one of the best places near Shanghai to experience traditional Jiangnan water town scenery, with canals, stone bridges, and wooden boats.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Qingpu District |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 17 → Zhujiajiao Station |
| 🚕 From Downtown Shanghai | Around 45–60 minutes by taxi |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Morning or late afternoon |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Fangsheng Bridge and riverside lanes |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Capture boats, reflections, bridges, and traditional houses |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | Half day |
Recommended Experience:
→ Shanghai Private Tour: City Skyline & Water Towns
9. Shanghai Astronomy Museum — Futuristic Architecture
Shanghai Astronomy Museum is a unique modern landmark featuring futuristic architecture and dramatic geometric designs.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Lingang, Pudong |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 16 → Shanghai Astronomy Museum Station |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Afternoon before sunset |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Exterior plaza |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Capture the curves and futuristic structure |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 1–2 hours |
10. Shanghai Tower Observation Deck — Shanghai From Above
Shanghai Tower offers the highest viewpoint in Shanghai, allowing visitors to see the city’s skyline, Huangpu River, and famous landmarks from above.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Lujiazui, Pudong |
| 🚇 How to Get There | Metro Line 2 → Lujiazui Station |
| ⏰ Best Time to Visit | Sunset |
| 📸 Best Photo Spot | Observation deck windows |
| 📷 Best Shooting Angle | Capture the river curve and skyline below |
| ⏱ Recommended Stay | 1–2 hours |
Create Your Personalized Shanghai Photo Journey
Shanghai offers much more than famous landmarks. The best photo spots often depend on the season, lighting, crowds, and your travel interests.
Whether you want to capture Shanghai’s skyline, explore hidden streets, experience traditional Chinese culture, or combine Shanghai with Hangzhou and other destinations, we can create a personalized itinerary for you.
Contact China Insight Travel for a free customized travel plan.
