Shanghai, China’s most vibrant metropolis, is known for its dazzling skyline, bustling streets, and dynamic nightlife. When night falls, the city transforms into a visual spectacle, with illuminated skyscrapers, riverside promenades, and historic districts all offering stunning vistas. Whether you're a photographer looking to capture breathtaking cityscapes or a traveler wanting to experience the city's nighttime charm, Shanghai has no shortage of incredible spots to take in the sights. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the night view in Shanghai.
1. The Bund (Wai Tan)
The Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront area, offers one of the most famous night views in the world. Stretching along the Huangpu River, the Bund is lined with colonial-era buildings that now house banks, hotels, and museums. These buildings are illuminated at night, creating a stunning contrast with the modern skyline across the river.
What Makes the View Special?
- The Bund gives visitors a panoramic view of both the historic colonial architecture on the west side and the ultramodern skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the east. This contrast between the old and the new is one of the defining features of Shanghai's skyline.
- The lights of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower shine brightly across the river, reflecting off the waters of the Huangpu River. It’s a perfect spot for night photography.
Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit the Bund is right after sunset, when the lights of the buildings begin to come on and the city’s energy shifts into full gear. Arriving a little earlier will allow you to enjoy the twilight colors as the city transitions from day to night.
2. Lujiazui Financial District
On the opposite side of the Bund lies Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial district, home to some of the world’s tallest and most impressive buildings. This area is the epitome of modern Shanghai, with high-tech skyscrapers that create a dazzling skyline at night.
What Makes the View Special?
- The iconic Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, is a highlight of Lujiazui’s skyline. At night, it’s beautifully illuminated with colorful lights.
- The Oriental Pearl Tower, with its unique design, is also an incredible sight at night. The tower’s three spheres glow in bright colors, providing a striking contrast against the surrounding glass-and-steel buildings.
- The Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center (also known as the “bottle opener” due to its unique shape) are also standout landmarks, with their sophisticated lighting adding to the spectacle.
Best Time to Visit
- For the best view of the Lujiazui skyline, take a trip up to the observation decks of the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Shanghai Tower. Both offer breathtaking views of the city from above, especially after dark.
3. Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu)
Nanjing Road is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets and is equally famous for its vibrant nightlife. As the city’s retail heart, it’s a great place to soak in the electric atmosphere of Shanghai at night. The street is lined with neon lights, billboards, and illuminated store signs, making it a visual feast for those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy metropolis.
What Makes the View Special?
- Nanjing Road is especially lively at night, when the neon lights and giant billboards light up the street, creating a colorful, energetic ambiance.
- The street stretches from the Bund to People’s Square, so you can enjoy the changing views as you walk. The farther you get from the Bund, the more vibrant the neon lights become.
Best Time to Visit
- Nanjing Road is best visited in the evening, as the street comes alive with lights and crowds. The area remains bustling well into the night, making it an ideal location to explore after dark.
4. Huangpu River Cruise
One of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience the Shanghai skyline is from the Huangpu River. Taking a river cruise at night offers a stunning view of the illuminated city, with both sides of the river showcasing different aspects of Shanghai's character.
What Makes the View Special?
- The Bund’s historic buildings on one side of the river and the ultramodern skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the other side create a unique blend of old and new that is best appreciated from the water.
- During the cruise, you’ll pass the glowing lights of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and other landmarks, all reflected in the calm waters of the Huangpu River.
- The boat ride itself offers a chance to relax and enjoy the view while listening to informative commentary about the city’s history and landmarks.
Best Time to Visit
- Evening cruises offer the best views, as the city lights begin to illuminate the skyline, creating a magical ambiance. The cruise typically lasts around an hour, and taking it just after sunset allows you to see the city in both daylight and twilight.
5. Xintiandi
Xintiandi is a stylish, upscale area located in the former French Concession of Shanghai. It’s known for its blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern, chic establishments. At night, the area is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants, making it a great spot to enjoy Shanghai’s nightlife.
What Makes the View Special?
- The cobblestone streets, old-style brick houses, and modern restaurants lit up with soft, ambient lights create a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere.
- The contrast between the old and new, as well as the lively night scene, makes Xintiandi a charming area to explore at night.
Best Time to Visit
- Evening and late night are the best times to visit Xintiandi. The area has a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely evening stroll or dinner. The outdoor terraces of the bars and restaurants offer great views of the lively street scene.
6. Pudong Riverside Promenade
The Pudong Riverside Promenade offers a more peaceful and less crowded alternative to the Bund. Located along the east bank of the Huangpu River, this park-like area provides great views of the Lujiazui skyline, especially when it’s illuminated at night.
What Makes the View Special?
- The promenade is lined with trees and green spaces, providing a serene environment to enjoy the view of Shanghai’s skyline at night.
- The buildings in Lujiazui, including the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower, are brightly lit, and the reflective surface of the river adds a stunning dimension to the cityscape.
Best Time to Visit
- The evening is the best time to visit the Pudong Riverside Promenade. As the sun sets, the lights of the skyscrapers gradually illuminate the skyline, creating a beautiful sight.
7. Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Observation Deck
For those who want to see the city from above, the Shanghai World Financial Center offers one of the best vantage points. The building’s observation deck is located on the 100th floor, providing a bird’s-eye view of Shanghai’s skyline, including the Bund, Lujiazui, and beyond.
What Makes the View Special?
- From the observation deck, you can see the entire city sprawled below, with its glowing lights and towering skyscrapers creating a mesmerizing view.
- The city’s illuminated streets, bridges, and buildings provide an impressive contrast to the darkened sky above.
Best Time to Visit
- The observation deck is open until late at night, making it a great place to visit in the evening. The best time is just after sunset, when the lights of the city begin to twinkle against the night sky.
8. The Oriental Pearl Tower
One of the most famous landmarks in Shanghai, the Oriental Pearl Tower offers both an iconic view of the city and an unforgettable experience. The tower has several observation decks at different heights, each offering a unique perspective of the city’s skyline.
What Makes the View Special?
- The tower itself is lit up at night, with the three spheres of the tower glowing in different colors. It’s a captivating sight, and from the observation decks, visitors can get a 360-degree view of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks.
- The light show on the tower itself is a highlight, especially during the evening hours when the tower becomes part of the city’s overall light display.
Best Time to Visit
- Evening is the best time to visit, especially if you want to see the lights of the city twinkling below. The tower also offers a light show during certain hours, adding to the nighttime magic of the city.
Shanghai is a city that truly comes to life at night. Whether you're walking along the Bund, enjoying a river cruise, or taking in the panoramic views from one of its towering skyscrapers, Shanghai’s nighttime views offer a unique blend of old-world charm and modern brilliance. Each of these spots provides its own unique perspective of the city, allowing visitors to appreciate the vibrancy and dynamism of this incredible metropolis.