Best Photo Spots in Shanghai: Instagram Guide

1. The Bund (Waitan)

Best time: Sunset / blue hour (7-8pm)

The iconic Shanghai shot — colonial buildings on one side, Pudong skyline on the other. Walk the full promenade for different angles.

Pro tip: Go to the northern end near Waibaidu Bridge for fewer people.

2. Waibaidu Bridge (Garden Bridge)

Best time: Sunrise (empty!) or sunset

The iconic steel bridge with Pudong skyline in the background. Classic Shanghai photo.

3. Shanghai Tower Observatory

Best time: Late afternoon / sunset

118th floor, 632m high. 360° views of the entire city. Go 1 hour before sunset for day + night shots.

4. French Concession (Wukang Road)

Best time: Morning (golden light through the trees)

Tree-lined streets, art deco buildings, cute cafes. Wukang Mansion is the most photographed building.

5. Tianzifang

Best time: Morning (less crowded)

Winding alleys, street art, boutique shops. Great for atmospheric shots.

6. Yu Garden

Best time: Early morning (before 9am)

Classical Chinese garden — pavilions, ponds, rockeries. Beautiful in all seasons.

7. Lujiazui Skyline (from Puxi side)

Best time: Night (lights on)

The view of the 3 iconic towers (Shanghai Tower, SWFC, Jin Mao) from the Bund.

8. Suzhou Creek

Best time: Golden hour

Trendy new spot — old warehouses turned into cafes and galleries along the creek.