If you're looking to escape the crowds and explore some hidden treasures in Shanghai at weekends or holidays, here are 30 unique spots to consider.
Whether you're a local or a visitor, everyone can find joy at these sites – from serene temples to vibrant parks and charming old towns.
1. Baoshan Temple (宝山寺)
Address: 518 Luoxi Rd, Luodian Town, Baoshan District
Why Visit: Step back in time at this tranquil temple designed in the late Tang dynasty style. On a rainy day, the atmosphere is even more enchanting.
2. Shanghai Houtan Park (后滩公园)
Address: 2200 Shibo Avenue, Pudong
Why Visit: A great family-friendly spot with rivers, greenery, and even a coffee shop under the trees. Perfect for a relaxed stroll with kids.
3. Shanghai Blooming Garden (花开海上生态园)
Address: 6060 Xiujing, Daijing Village, Jinshan District
Why Visit: A stunning sea of blooming flowers such as sulfur cosmos and verbena, ideal for photo lovers. The park is pet-friendly and perfect for a weekend barbecue.
4. The Environment of Starry Sky Sponge Park (星空之境海绵公园)
Address: Intersection of Huanhu No.3 Rd N. & Baijing Rd, Nanhui New City, Pudong
Why Visit: Close to the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, this park features futuristic white structures and plenty of astronomy-themed installations.
5. Green Hill (绿之丘)
Address: 1500 Yangshupu Rd, Yangpu District
Why Visit: This former tobacco warehouse is now a creative hub. Its rooftop views of Yangpu Bridge and the Huangpu River make it a must for photographers.
6. Shanghai International Brand Jewelry Center (上海国际品牌珠宝中心)
Address: Lane 567, Puxing Highway, Minhang District
Why Visit: Elegant, Italian-style architecture makes this a prime address for stunning photos.
7. Euroland (欧景小镇)
Address: Lane 330, Xiali Rd, Lingang, Pudong New Area
Why Visit: Known for its colorful "candy houses," this town feels like a giant toy box straight out of a fairytale.
8. Pathe Villa (百代小楼)
Address: 811 Hengshan Rd, Xuhui District
Why Visit: A key site in China's recording history, this iconic villa is now a cultural space showcasing exhibitions on music, history and architecture.
9. North Bund Riverside Park (北外滩滨江绿地公园)
Address: 358 Dongdaming Rd, Hongkou District
Why Visit: Famous for its enormous "stainless steel egg" sculpture, this park offers fantastic views of Shanghai's skyline.
10. North Bund Magic Jungle (北外滩魔都矩阵)
Address: 500 Dongdaming Rd, Hongkou District
Why Visit: This outdoor amusement park offers a variety of exciting attractions, including a giant slide and sweeping views of the city.
11. Suzhou Creek's section at East China University of Political Science and Law (苏州河华政段)
Address: 20 Huayang Rd, Changning District
Why Visit: Enjoy Kyoto-style charm with vintage buildings and bridges along the peaceful riverside.
12. Guangfulin Cultural Relics Park (广富林文化遗址)
Address: 3260 Guangfulin Rd, Songjiang District
Why Visit: A serene spot featuring temples, bridges and flowers in every season. It's the perfect getaway from city life.
13. Pengpu Four Seasons Park (彭浦四季公园)
Address: 1568 Linfen Rd, Jing'an District
Why Visit: Known for its beautiful pink muhly grass, this park also has a variety of flowers and play areas for children.
14. Haiwan National Forest Park (海湾国家森林公园)
Address: 1677 Suitanghe Rd, Fengxian District
Why Visit: Enjoy a day of picnicking, paddle-boating and soaking in the serene lakeside scenery, with your pets in tow!
15. Qiuxia Garden (秋霞圃)
Address: 314 Dongdajie, Jiading Town
Why Visit: One of Shanghai's top five classical gardens, offering an oasis of calm with traditional architecture and seasonal beauty.
16. Ancient Tree Park (古树公园)
Address: 230 Taihai Rd, Anting Town, Jiading District
Why Visit: Home to Shanghai's oldest tree – a 1,200-year-old ginkgo that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The park is a peaceful spot for history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
17. Qingxi Country Park (青西郊野公园)
Address: 500 Zilian Rd, Jinze Town, Qingpu District
Why Visit: Famous for its picturesque water forest and rustic charm, this park offers boat rides through wetlands, making it a dreamy escape from the city.
18. Dutch-style Town (荷兰风情小镇)
Address: Gaoqiao New Town, Pudong
Why Visit: This European-style town features charming plazas, pointed rooftops, and vintage architecture that'll make you feel like you've stepped into the Netherlands.
19. WS SPACE (無集小白楼)
Address: 1298 Huaihai Rd M., Xuhui District
Why Visit: A beautifully restored villa now hosting art exhibitions and a café, with a sprawling lawn perfect for lazy afternoons. It's a blend of history and contemporary culture.
20. Poly Grand Theatre (保利大剧院)
Address: 159 Baiyin Rd, Jiading District
Why Visit: Designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, this lakeside theatre is a modern masterpiece. The outdoor water theatre and glass walls make for a peaceful, scenic visit.
21. West Bund Port Terminal (西岸港口渡口)
Address: 1900 Longwu Rd, Xuhui District
Why Visit: With its spaceship-like design, this futuristic ferry terminal offers stunning views of the Huangpu River and a direct sightline to the Xupu Bridge. It's a must-visit for architecture buffs.
22. Wuyi MIX320 (武夷MIX320)
Address: A Block, 320 Wuyi Rd, Changning District
Why Visit: An open-air industrial street complex which is perfect for trendy shopping and dining, as well as a relaxed vibe in the city.
23. Xiansuo (现所)
Address: Building 3-9, No.60, Lane 273, Jiaozhou Rd, Jing'an District
Why Visit: This hidden creative park offers minimalist white spaces and stylish boutiques. It's ideal for fashion lovers and photographers seeking cool, urban backdrops.
24. Hanxiang Water Expo Park (韩湘水博园)
Address: 3805 Jiangchuan Rd, Minhang District
Why Visit: A quiet water garden with ancient bridges and plenty of lush greenery, making it a great spot for photography, especially for those wearing traditional hanfu attire.
25. Baixi Park (百禧公园)
Address: 852 Caoyang Rd, Putuo District
Why Visit: Shanghai's own version of the famous High Line Park in New York, this elevated greenway offers a unique, multi-layered experience with stunning views over the city.
26. Shanghai Arts and Crafts Museum (上海工艺美术博物馆)
Address: 79 Fenyang Rd, Xuhui District
Why Visit: A stunning example of French Renaissance-style architecture, this museum is both a cultural and architectural treasure. It showcases both tangible and intangible heritage, with traditional crafts and live demonstrations, making it a must-visit for art and culture enthusiasts.
27. Qingxi Old Street (青溪老街)
Address: 2765 Nanfeng Highway, Fengxian District
Why Visit: This lesser-known ancient street offers a peaceful Jiangnan-style escape, with scenic views and a slow pace of life that feels worlds away from the bustle of the city.
28. Site of Shanghai Chamber of Commerce (上海总商会旧址)
Address: 470 North Suzhou Rd, Jing'an District
Why Visit: A landmark of classical architecture, this building played a pivotal role in Shanghai's business history. Home to numerous firsts, it's a captivating destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts.
29. New Trinity Church (新天安堂)
Address: 107 South Suzhou Rd, Huangpu District
Why Visit: This Gothic-style church, built in 1886, has been revitalized into a performance space, offering concerts in a stunning setting. It's the perfect spot to enjoy classical music and more experimental performances.
30. Riverside Apartments (河滨大楼)
Address: 340 North Suzhou Rd, Hongkou District
Why Visit: Dubbed the "first luxury apartments in the Far East" when completed in 1935, this S-shaped building along Suzhou Creek once housed cultural elites and international organizations. Its historical charm has also made it a popular filming location for TV dramas.
These hidden gems offer a wide variety of experiences, from historical landmarks and cultural relics to modern architecture and serene parks.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in art and history, discover unique cultural spaces, or simply relax in beautiful surroundings, these spots will give you a new perspective on Shanghai.
Happy exploring!