Shanghai is a cultural tapestry. Jewish people once sought refuge in Shanghai. The site of one of the most prominent synagogues is now the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Hongkou District, home to many Jewish historical sites.

Haipai culture is also prominent in Shanghai, with its unique fusion of East and West. Visit Duolun Road and the Bund, the best examples of Haipai culture. Shikumen culture is especially prominent in the Jing'an District and Luwan District. It is an exciting mix of Chinese and Western architecture that nods to Shanghai's designation as a world-class city.

Timeline of Shanghai history

Since Shanghai is steeped in history and culture, it's nearly impossible to walk down any street without encountering countless examples. Still, a few places offer you a glimpse into the past or showcase Shanghai in all its modern glory.

These attractions give you a taste of the tremendous culture that modern Shanghai is built on and a good history lesson about the forces that shaped its history and culture.

A long bridge in Yu Garden

No visit to Huangpu District is complete without a trip to Yu Garden. This Ming Dynasty-era garden is the quintessential example of what a well-planned Chinese garden should be, with several features like rockeries, pavilions and halls, and garden beds. Don't miss the Exquisite Jade Rock, which emits smoke if you burn an incense stick under it and is one of China's finest rockeries. Strolling through Yu Garden is a wonderful way to get a feel for Chinese aesthetics, and it's charming when the flowers are in bloom.

A street in the former French Concession

If you're looking for a cosmopolitan place to fully appreciate the fusion of Western and Chinese architecture and grab a nice cup of coffee, the French Concession is an inspired pick. This cosmopolitan district is full of historical items of interest, like the Sinan Mansions and Sun Yat-sen's Former Residence. You can also indulge in some high-end boutique shopping on Huahai Road.

Aerial view of Zhujiajiao Water Town

Zhujiajiao Water Town is one of the handful of ancient towns within Shanghai, and it's well worth visiting if you're interested in the history and culture that shaped this city. This ancient town dates back a full 1,700 years and is astoundingly preserved with lovely gardens, pavilions, and bridges from the Ming and Qing Dynasties eras.

While Shanghai has a fantastic history, it also has some spectacular modern buildings and wonders that will make you fully appreciate its place as one of the world's most exciting cities.

The skyline of Shanghai skyscrapers

This sky-high tower is the tallest building in the country and the second tallest in the world. A masterclass in architecture with a birds-eye view 119th-floor observation deck, it's one of the best spots in the city to get a panoramic view of Shanghai. Plus, the shape is high-tech and gently twisting, making it one of the most recognizable structures in the Shanghai skyline.

The distinctive and thoroughly modern Oriental Pearl Tower has a space-age shape dominated by several pearls leading up to the top. It's one of the most iconic buildings in Shanghai and the sixth-tallest tower in the world. There's a lot to see, including a history museum on the ground floor, several sightseeing platforms, and an aerial revolving restaurant that gives phenomenal views of the city.

European-style buildings at the Bund

The Bund is one of the best places to walk in the city, stretching a full 1.5 kilometers down the Huangpu River. You'll find fantastic architecture and world-class dining and see the whole of Shanghai's skyline stretching out before you. Strolling through the Bund is especially memorable in the evening. You can also opt for a cruise down the river to experience the city in a whole new way.

Ancient furniture displayed in Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai History Museum is among the most comprehensive of its kind. It spans two locations and is full of carefully curated and preserved cultural and historical relics. The exhibits go back 5,000 years, and admission is free, although you need to book your spot online in advance. A shuttle runs between the two branches of the Shanghai Museum for 4 RMB.