The most Instagrammable places in Shanghai
Photograph: courtesy MIXPACE Mandela
Shanghai never fails to impress with its spectacular views – The Bund, the Lujiazui skyline, the mash-up of modern and traditional architecture (and the whole of Wukang Lu, basically)... With so many places and so little time, it seems impossible to visit them all, which is why we've shortlisted the most photogenic spots. From tourist favourites to quirky gems, here are ten of Shanghai's most Instagram- and Moments-friendly spots for all feeds.
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Columbia Circle
Photograph: @pia_valesca (Instagram)
Columbia Circle is not your ordinary F&B hub. Not only does it have great historical significance, but it features a beautiful pool in the centre as its trademark. While the water is off-limits for swimming, the pool's perimeter is dotted with al fresco dining tables from restaurants and cafés ideal for grabbing a bite in between posing like you're splashing around in a modernised Roman bath monument.
📍1262 Yanan Xi Lu, near Panyu Lu.
SOHO Fuxing Plaza
Photograph: @nathan_ackley (Instagram)
With the dappled marble floors, striking white-and-chrome escalators and dynamic spiral staircases, it'd be hard to get a bad shot of the futuristic mall SOHO Fuxing Plaza in Xintiandi. That said, this lift corridor in the lobby is especially picture-worthy and is one of the signatures features of the space, which was designed with the concept 'back to the future' in mind. Make sure to explore the rest of the building for its shops and restaurants, as well as its equally Instagrammable interiors all around.
📍388 Madang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu.
MIXPACE Mandela
Photograph: courtesy MIXPACE Mandela
Reconstructed from an old rivet factory, MIXPACE Mandela might be one of the most stunning co-working spaces in the city. With natural light pouring in, Mandela not provides an ideal spot for those who crave productivity, but also ideal lighting for those who pose on its giant white spiral staircase.
📍Block C, No 23, Lane 833, Zhizaoju Lu, near Zhongshan Nan Yi Lu.
Sir Elly's Terrace
One of the largest terraces on the riverfront Bund, Sir Elly’s Terrace is known for its 270-degree views of the Huangpu and the Lujiazui skyline. For when you're feeling fancy, head over to plush hotel The Peninsula Shanghai's 14th floor bar and sip on a drink while looking out across the waters.
📍14th Floor, The Peninsula Shanghai, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Beijing Dong Lu.
TANK Shanghai
Though only opened half a year ago, TANK Shanghai has already established itself as one of the city's highest-traffic art hubs with plenty of exhibition spaces, gardens, restaurants, a bookstore and more among its five enormous refurbed oil tanks. A good one for both art lovers and those looking for a unique architectural landmark as the setting for photoshoots.
📍2350 Longteng Avenue, near Longyao Lu.
M50
Though the Insta-worthy Moganshan Graffiti Wall was torn down to make way for upcoming developments in the area, there's still artwork and murals peppered along the street and within the creative art space itself.
📍50 Moganshan Lu, near Xi Suzhou Lu.
Yu Garden
A frequent feature in travel guidebooks, Yu Garden is one of those must-visit-at-least-once destinations in Shanghai as it is the epitome of classic Chinese beauty and architecture. When Yu Garden reopens in November after a preservation project, be warned – the hordes will make it tough to get a shot without photobombs.
📍279 Yuyuan Lao Jie, near Fangbang Zhong Lu.
1933 Old Millfun
Originally an abattoir, 1933 Old Millfun is a sharp contrast to the white buildings of MIXPACE Mandela and TANK Shanghai, and instead is all pared-back and art deco vibes. Its cool concrete and labyrinthine bridge structures give off a sinister sense of history – an ideal photo-taking spot for those seeking a bit of history and enigma.
📍10 Shajing Lu, near Haining Lu.
Fosun Foundation
Located at the Bund Finance Centre, Fosun Foundation not only consists of a vast exhibition space indoors but also some of the city's most photogenic architecture marked by a moving system of bronze flowing lines that look like church organ pipes. The strong use of symmetry and perspective would make taking a great shot there almost effortless.
📍600 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, near Renmin Lu.
Guangfulin Park
A spot that's a bit farther out, Guangfulin Park is a huge, recently opened heritage site with excavations and construction still ongoing. Offering great views during the day and the evening, its exhibition halls, classic temples and bridges surrounded by greenery serve as a good hideout for those who need some downtime away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
📍3260 Guangfulin Lu, near Songchen Gong Lu.
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