Jing'an 静安 — Ancient Temple — Modern Skyline — Hidden Gems
Jing'an District (静安区) is one of Shanghai's most dynamic neighborhoods, where a 1,700-year-old Buddhist temple stands in the shadow of gleaming skyscrapers. Named after the ancient Jing'an Temple, the district has evolved from a quiet temple town into Shanghai's premier destination for luxury shopping, international dining, and sophisticated nightlife. It's the district that best captures Shanghai's famous contrast between old and new.
Jing'an encompasses what was once the western edge of the International Settlement (1843-1943), and remnants of that era survive in its leafy side streets. Behind the main commercial arteries, you'll find quiet lanes with Art Deco apartment buildings, hidden cocktail bars, independent bookstores, and some of Shanghai's best coffee shops. The district is also home to the spectacular Shanghai Natural History Museum and several beautiful urban parks.
One of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks, this Buddhist temple dates back to 247 AD—making it older than the city itself. The temple's golden rooftops rise dramatically above the surrounding luxury malls and office towers, creating one of Shanghai's most photographed contrasts. The current structures were largely rebuilt in the 1980s, but the site has been continuously occupied for over 1,700 years.
The temple complex includes three main halls: the Mahavira Hall housing a 3.8-meter silver Buddha statue, the Hall of Heavenly Kings with its four guardian statues, and the Three Sages Hall. The temple is famous for its evening illuminations when the golden roofs are floodlit against the night sky—arguably the most beautiful time to visit. During the first week of the Lunar New Year, thousands of locals come to pray and throw coins at the bell for good fortune. The temple's vegetarian restaurant (opened 1922) serves some of Shanghai's best Buddhist cuisine.
Hours: 7:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Admission: ¥50
Transport: Metro Lines 2/7/14 Jing'an Temple Station, Exit 1
Housed in a stunning building designed to resemble a nautilus shell with a spiraling interior, this is one of China's finest natural history museums. The ¥1.3 billion facility opened in 2015 and contains over 10,000 specimens across 10,000 square meters of exhibition space. The museum traces the 13.8-billion-year history of life on Earth through five themed halls: Origins of Life, Evolution, Biodiversity, Earth's Crust, and the Story of Shanghai's ecology.
Highlights include a towering 20-meter-long Argentinosaurus skeleton (the largest dinosaur ever discovered), a complete T-Rex cast, and an immersive "walk through time" corridor with animatronic prehistoric creatures. The underground level features a recreated rainforest with live plants, terrariums, and butterflies. The building itself is a work of art—an American firm (Perkins&Will) designed it with a green roof, natural ventilation, and rainwater harvesting. Allow 3-4 hours. English signage throughout.
Hours: 9:00–17:15 (last entry 16:00, closed Mondays)
Admission: ¥30 adults, ¥15 students
Transport: Metro Line 13 Natural History Museum Station, Exit 2
This 5-hectare urban park surrounds the Natural History Museum and serves as both a public green space and an open-air gallery. Over 30 large-scale sculptures by Chinese and international artists are scattered throughout gardens, around a central lake, and along meandering paths. The park transforms with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, golden ginkgo in autumn, and bare sculptural trees in winter provide ever-changing backdrops.
The park is popular with locals for morning exercise, weekend family outings, and lunch breaks from nearby offices. A paved path circles the lake (about 1.5 km), perfect for a gentle stroll. The梅花 (plum blossom) garden near the north entrance blooms beautifully in February. Benches beneath willow trees by the lake offer quiet spots to rest. The park connects to the Natural History Museum, making it easy to combine both in one visit.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Transport: Metro Line 13 Natural History Museum Station
Shanghai's premier luxury shopping boulevard runs through the heart of Jing'an, connecting People's Square to Zhongshan Park. This 5.5-kilometer stretch houses more international luxury brands per square meter than almost anywhere else in Asia. Flagship stores for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Hermès, and Cartier line the street alongside prestigious malls like Plaza 66, IFC Mall, and REEL Department Store.
Even if luxury shopping isn't your thing, Nanjing Road West is worth experiencing for its energy and architecture. The stretch around Jing'an Temple station is particularly impressive, with towering malls and glass buildings creating a canyon of modern commerce. For more accessible shopping, explore the side streets off Nanjing Road where independent boutiques, vintage stores, and local designers operate. The street is especially beautiful at dusk when the buildings light up. Many stores offer tax-free shopping for foreign tourists (minimum ¥500 purchase).
Hours: Shops generally 10:00–22:00
Admission: Free to walk
Transport: Metro Lines 2/7/12/13 all intersect Nanjing Road West
The Julu Road–Fumin Road–Changle Road triangle is Shanghai's most vibrant neighborhood for independent dining and nightlife. These tree-lined streets, once home to wealthy merchants and political figures in the 1920s-1930s, now house over 100 restaurants, bars, and cafes in converted lane houses and colonial-era buildings. The area has an organic, lived-in charm that distinguishes it from more commercial nightlife districts.
By day, specialty coffee shops and brunch spots draw creative professionals. At night, the area transforms into one of Asia's best cocktail bar districts—several bars have ranked on the "World's 50 Best Bars" list. Notable spots include the Speak Low (hidden entrance through a convenience store), Sober Company (multi-level cocktail experience), and numerous smaller bars tucked behind unmarked doors. The food scene ranges from modern Chinese to Spanish tapas, Japanese omakase, and French bistros. Wander without a plan—half the joy is discovering places yourself.
Hours: Cafes 8:00–18:00, Bars/Restaurants 17:00–late
Admission: Free to walk
Transport: Metro Line 1/12/13 South Shaanxi Road Station, 8-min walk
This modest two-story shikumen (stone-gate) house on Anyuan Road preserves the period from July 1924 to early 1927 when Mao Zedong lived here with his wife Yang Kaihui and their two children. Mao came to Shanghai to work with the Kuomintang-Communist united front. The restored interior displays original furniture, photographs, and historical documents from this crucial period in Chinese Communist Party history.
The museum provides insight into Mao's life before he became China's leader—he was relatively unknown at the time, working as a political organizer. Exhibits detail the political struggles of the era, including the collapse of the united front and the 1927 White Terror. The building itself is a fine example of shikumen architecture, the distinctive Shanghai row-house style combining Chinese and Western elements. Allow 45 minutes for the visit. Free entry but bring your passport for registration.
Hours: 9:00–16:30 (closed Mondays)
Admission: Free (passport required)
Transport: Metro Line 13 Natural History Museum Station, 10-min walk
Shanghai's most famous 1930s dance hall, the Paramount (百乐门), has been beautifully restored and stands at the intersection of Nanjing Road West and Yuyuan Road. When it opened in 1933, it was Asia's most glamorous entertainment venue—a symbol of Shanghai's "Paris of the East" golden age. The building's distinctive Art Deco facade with geometric patterns and neon-lit tower is instantly recognizable and has appeared in numerous films about old Shanghai.
The interior features a spring-loaded dance floor (one of only two in the world) that gave dancers a bouncing sensation. Today, the Paramount operates as an upscale venue for themed dance nights, live jazz, and private events. Even if you don't go inside, the exterior—especially illuminated at night—is worth seeing. The surrounding area has been redeveloped as "Jing'an Kerry Centre," blending the historic Paramount with luxury hotels and malls.
Hours: Exterior viewable anytime, events vary
Admission: Free to view exterior
Transport: Metro Line 2/7/14 Jing'an Temple Station, 5-min walk