Best Shanghai Photography Locations

Best Photography Locations in Shanghai

Shanghai is city I grew up in and my favorite metropolis in the world. The city’s architecture is a mix of traditional and futuristic, Chinese and Western. This unique blend make Shanghai one of the most photogenic cities in China. Here are ten of the best photography and Instagram worthy location in this majestic city.

Himalayas Center 喜玛拉雅

Shanghai is home to marvelous architecture, but nothing is as weird as the Himalayas Center in Pudong. The cave-like structure looks like an alien planet or maybe a giant beehive. It is confusing, pointless, yet absolutely gorgeous. The building is also home to a five-star hotel and an art museum, but I think the architecture itself is the best art on display.

📍https://goo.gl/maps/7JS8P6Qen3yuBm2H9

🚇 花木路 Huamu Rd Metro Exit 3

⏰ Any Time of Day

1933 Old Millfun 老场坊

1933 Old Millfun used to be Shanghai’s largest slaughterhouse. Today it is a mixed use building housing creative companies and restaurants. But its concrete architecture and haunting hallways make it a hot spot for photographers and filmmakers. It is a little creepy to imagine the building original purpose, but don’t worry, you will probably not bump into ghosts.

📍https://goo.gl/maps/E9RGxYizL7Eq9Shp7

🚇 海伦路 Hailun Rd Metro Exit 2

⏰ Any Time of Day

Long Museum (West bund) 龙美术馆

Even though the museum itself rarely has interesting exhibits, the architecture in and around it makes it a worthy trip. Built around an old coal hopper line, the Long Museum is another example of how old abandoned buildings can be converted into an artistic space. The area surrounding the museum is also great for dates, jogging, and photoshoots.

📍https://goo.gl/maps/E9RGxYizL7Eq9Shp7

🚇 龙华中路 Longhuazhong Rd Metro Exit 7

⏰ Daytime

Soho Fuxing Plaza 复兴广场

This building near Xintiandi might just look like a boring office building on the outside, but the interior design is a different story. The bright white tiles and lighting make it look like you are in a science fiction movie. Imagine The Matrix or Tron, but completely white. However as this is an office building, you do need to register with the security guard and tell them which floor you are going to. Once you get on the elevator and into the building, you probably will not be kicked out.

📍https://goo.gl/maps/CyXGUZpRvu2tdm588

🚇 新天地 Xintiandi Metro Exit 4

⏰ Weekends or after work hours on Weekdays

Lujiazui (Dongtai Rd) 陆家嘴

Lujiazui is one of the obvious photography spots in Shanghai, but the most breathtaking place to stand is the intersection of 花园石桥路 Huaquanshiqiao Rd and 东泰路 Dongtai Rd. You will really feel like an ant standing under giants. This is the exact midpoint of the three tallest skyscrapers in Shanghai (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower). If you are tired of feeling small, head to any of the observation decks during sunset to be on top of the world.

📍https://goo.gl/maps/M5xi9HeL3b9EY5o7A

🚇 10 minute walk from 陆家嘴 Lujiazui Metro Exit 6

🚕 Taxi to Jin Mao Tower

⏰ Sunset and Night Time

Binjiang Avenue (Minsheng Rd) 滨江大道

Surrounding Lujiazui is the riverside park, Binjiang Avenue. Originally it was a 2.5 kilometer park directly opposite of The Bund, but is now extended to connect 30 kilometers of Huangpu River’s east bank. My favorite part is near the Minsheng Road Ferry where there is a long tunnel like structure on the cycling path. When empty, the geometric shapes make for a creative photoshoot opportunity. This spot is a little difficult to get to, so below are three different options. If you are afraid of getting lost, just bike north along Binjiang Avenue and you will eventually reach it!

📍https://goo.gl/maps/aXwMjbZDnKHg4bKM6

🚲 Bike North along Binjiang Avenue

🚌 Bus 81 or 85 from Lujiazui Metro 陆家嘴地铁站 to 昌邑路民生路 Changyi Rd and Minsheng Rd Intersection

🚕 Taxi to 民生路渡口 Minsheng Rd Ferry

⏰ Early Afternoon to Sunset

The Bund 外滩

Due to the International Settlement in the 1900s, The Bund has a row of European style architecture, including the Customs House Clock Tower, the same clock and bell used in London’s Big Ben. If you visit during sunrise, you will see Lujiazui beautifully backlit from the soft glowing light. The best place to watch sunrise is at the People’s Heroes Monument 人民英雄纪念塔. At night, The Bund lights up to a bright orange glow making it one of the most iconic skylines in China.

📍Customs House Clock Tower: https://goo.gl/maps/AMKjXGC5avHHLZje9

📍People’s Heroes Monument: https://goo.gl/maps/Lo4WYt72FcUqNRX48

🚇 10 minute walk from 南京东路 East Nanjing Rd Metro Exit 2 or 🚕 Taxi

⏰ Sunrise and Night Time

Zhapu Rd Bridge 乍浦路桥

There are many places to shoot the futuristic Lujiazui skyline, but Zhapu Rd Bridge gives you one of the best compositions. This bridge was built on the end of the Suzhou River. Unlike the busy Huangpu River, the calm water here perfectly reflects the skyscrapers in the distance, giving you a beautiful mirrored image. It is only a ten-minute walk from The Bund or Nanjing Rd, so check it out if you are looking for that iconic Shanghai shot!

📍https://goo.gl/maps/nAEMsYkqDBzd6kGv8

🚇 10 minute walk from 南京东路 East Nanjing Rd Metro Exit 6

⏰ Night Time

Yu Gardens 豫园

Yu Gardens or Yuyuan is the third most popular destination in Shanghai after The Bund and Lujiazui. The tourist vibe might turn some people off but is great for street photography. All year round, Yuyuan is filled with red lanterns, Chinese decorations, and vendors wearing traditional clothing. Even though it can get a little crowded, the vibrant colors of this neighborhood can give you some moody shots. Be sure to also try all the street food!

📍https://goo.gl/maps/DqgkDZxnyTmXoS2H7

🚇 豫园 Yuyuan Metro Exit 1

⏰ Night Time

Laoximen 老西门

Visit Laoximen if you want to shoot old Shanghai without the souvenirs and tourists of the commercialized Yuyuan. Laoximen is quiet and low key. Lose yourself in the maze like streets, nongtang, but since people do still live here, be respectful and do not cause a commotion. It is one of the few surviving traditional neighborhoods in Shanghai after most are torn down for skyscrapers.