10 Best Architectural Buildings in Shanghai, China: A Design Lover’s Guide

Shanghai, a bustling metropolis, is renowned for its impressive array of architectural wonders. Visitors can marvel at the city’s blend of historical and modern structures, making it a unique destination for architecture enthusiasts.

This vibrant city offers a mix of styles, from classic Art Deco to futuristic skyscrapers.

What are the must-see architectural buildings in Shanghai? This article will explore the top ten architectural marvels that define Shanghai’s skyline and cultural heritage. Whether you’re an architecture buff or a casual traveler, these buildings are sure to leave a lasting impression.

1. Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is an iconic skyscraper located in the Lujiazui area of Shanghai, China. It stands 632 meters tall, making it the second tallest building in the world.

The tower was designed by the architectural firm Gensler, and construction began in November 2008.

This building is known for its unique design elements that contribute to environmental sustainability. For instance, the 120° twist helps reduce wind loads on the structure by 24%. This makes the building more resilient and efficient.

The Shanghai Tower also integrates green architectural elements. It has multiple sky gardens that provide natural ventilation and lighting, enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. The tower is praised for being one of the greenest super high-rise buildings on the planet.

To visit the Shanghai Tower, travelers can take Shanghai Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station and walk a short distance to reach the building. It’s a must-see for any architecture enthusiast.

Learn more about the Shanghai Tower here. Its impressive height and eco-friendly features make it a standout in Shanghai’s skyline.

2. Jin Mao Tower

Jin Mao Tower is a landmark skyscraper located in the Lujiazui area of Pudong, Shanghai. It stands at 420.5 meters (1,380 feet) tall and has 88 stories.

Designed by the American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it was completed in 1999.

The structure combines elements of traditional Chinese architecture with modern design. Its base is shaped like a traditional Chinese pagoda. The building’s exterior is clad in stainless steel and glass, giving it a sleek, modern appearance.

The Jin Mao Tower houses offices, a hotel, and an observation deck. The Grand Hyatt Shanghai occupies the 53rd to 87th floors, making it one of the highest hotels in the world. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai from the 88th-floor observation deck.

For more details about Jin Mao Tower, check out this link.

3. Shanghai World Financial Center

The Shanghai World Financial Center is a supertall skyscraper in the Pudong district of Shanghai. This iconic building stands at a height of 492 meters with 101 floors.

It was designed by the architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox and developed by the Mori Building Company.

The building features a distinctive trapezoidal aperture at the peak, which reduces wind pressure. It is known for its multifunctional use, which includes offices, hotels, conference rooms, and observation decks. The tower’s structural integrity was engineered by Leslie E. Robertson Associates.

Adjacent to the 88-story Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center plays a significant role in Shanghai’s skyline. This impressive structure showcases modern architectural advancements and urban design. Learn more about it at Wikipedia.

4. Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is a standout structure in Shanghai. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River in the Pudong district, it is opposite the Bund.

This TV tower reaches a height of 468 meters (1,535 feet) and is the third tallest structure in Shanghai.

Construction of the tower began on July 30, 1991, and it was completed on October 1, 1994. The tower features a unique design with three large spheres supported by slanting stanchions. Architects Jiang Huanchen, Lin Benlin, and Zhang Xiulin were behind its creation.

In addition to its height, the tower’s architectural style draws many tourists. Since its completion, it has remained a key landmark in Shanghai. For more detailed information, visit Facts about Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai.

5. Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum is one of the most significant museums in China.

Located in People’s Square, it showcases ancient Chinese art and artifacts.

The museum’s architecture reflects traditional Chinese design, featuring a round top and square base to symbolize the ancient Chinese philosophy of a round heaven and a square earth.

Its collection includes bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy.

There are also jade pieces, ancient coins, and furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Visitors can explore various galleries, each dedicated to different types of art and historical artifacts.

Being a major cultural institution, the Shanghai Museum often hosts special exhibitions and events.

It is a must-visit for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

For more information, visit the Shanghai Museum’s official site.

6. Shanghai Grand Theatre

The Shanghai Grand Theatre is one of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Located at the intersection of Renmin Avenue and Huangpi North Road in the northern part of People’s Square, it stands out with its unique design.

This impressive building combines Western and Chinese architectural styles. The white arched vault contrasts beautifully with the glass curtain walls, giving it a look reminiscent of a crystal palace.

Inside, the theatre hosts various performances, including opera, ballet, and theater. The Shanghai Opera House is also included within its complex. For more details, visit the Shanghai Grand Theatre page.

The theatre is not just a cultural venue; it’s a symbol of Shanghai’s modern architectural achievements. Its design makes it a must-visit for both architecture enthusiasts and art lovers.

7. Shanghai Natural History Museum

The Shanghai Natural History Museum, designed by Perkins+Will, stands out with its unique architectural design. The building spans 44,517 square meters and integrates natural elements throughout its structure.

A notable feature is its cell wall, which showcases geometric patterns inspired by organic cells. This design allows natural light to penetrate the interior spaces, creating a vibrant atmosphere for visitors.

The museum is located in the heart of Shanghai and invites interaction with its environment. Its green roof adds to the eco-friendly design, allowing visitors to walk through and enjoy the green space.

For further details, visit Shanghai Natural History Museum.

8. Longhua Temple

Longhua Temple is one of Shanghai’s oldest and most significant temples. Located in the Xuhui District, it dates back to 242 AD. This historical site features a beautiful pagoda, halls, and gardens.

The temple is dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha. It stands out for its stunning architecture that has been preserved through many reconstructions.

Visitors can experience the Evening Bell-Striking Ceremony—a popular attraction—along with the blooming peach blossoms in the spring.

Longhua Temple covers an area of more than 20,000 square meters. It’s known for its five magnificent halls aligned along the central axis.

For more details, visit the Longhua Temple Wikipedia page.

9. 1933 Shanghai

1933 Shanghai, also known as the Old Millfun, is a unique architectural gem located in the Hongkou district. Initially, this building served as a slaughterhouse. Designed by British architects and built by Chinese developers in 1933, it reflects the Art Deco style.

The design of 1933 Shanghai stands out for its intricate and complex structure. It spans over four stories and covers an area of 31,700 square meters. The building uses British concrete, a testament to its sturdy construction.

Today, the 1933 Shanghai building has been repurposed. It now houses a mix of shops, gyms, cafes, and other establishments. This transformation symbolizes Shanghai’s ability to blend history with modernity, making it a must-see for visitors interested in architecture and urban redevelopment.

For more detailed information on its renovation, you can visit the renovation of the slaughterhouse.

10. Shikumen Open House Museum

The Shikumen Open House Museum showcases the unique “stone gate” architecture of Shanghai. This style blends Western and traditional Chinese designs, reflecting the city’s history.

Visitors can explore rooms like the tingzijian, where a writer’s desk provides a glimpse into daily life.

Located in the Xintiandi area, the museum is part of a refurbished block. This pedestrian-friendly zone also features shops, restaurants, and bars for a complete cultural experience. Find more details at the Shikumen Residence, Household Museum.

Architectural Styles Influencing Shanghai

Shanghai is a city with a rich architectural heritage influenced by multiple styles. These include the decorative Art Deco, the traditional Shikumen, and modern Contemporary Design.

Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco is prominent in Shanghai, especially in the Bund area. This style often features straight lines, geometric shapes, and symmetry.

A key example is the Jin Mao Tower, which blends Art Deco elements with modern amenities. The basic palate uses novel materials, and the buildings evoke a sense of streamline elegance.

Shanghai boasts an abundance of Art Deco buildings, more than any other city worldwide. This makes it a unique destination for Art Deco enthusiasts.

The Park Hotel and the Cathay Theatre are other notable examples, showcasing lavish interiors and bold design elements.

Shikumen Architecture

Shikumen architecture is a distinct blend of Western and Chinese elements. Originating in the early 20th century, these buildings feature a stone gate (Shikumen means “stone gate”) and enclosed courtyards.

Shikumen houses offer a historical glimpse into old Shanghai life and are often found in areas like Tianzifang.

The two- or three-story buildings typically have black wooden doors, gray brick walls, and pitched roofs.

While modern skyscrapers surround these areas, Shikumen structures maintain their historical charm. Many have been converted into trendy shops, cafes, and galleries while keeping their original structure intact.

Contemporary Design

Shanghai’s skyline is dominated by sleek, contemporary designs. The Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center are notable examples.

These skyscrapers feature glass facades, steel structures, and cutting-edge technology.

Contemporary designs often emphasize sustainability and energy efficiency.

The Shanghai Tower, for instance, incorporates wind turbines and a double-skin facade to conserve energy.

Public spaces like the Shanghai Museum also showcase modern design ethos focused on simplicity, functionality, and aesthetics.

Impact of Historical Events on Architecture

Shanghai’s architectural landscape reflects its rich history, shaped by significant historical events. The city’s colonial era brought Western influences, while the post-reform period saw rapid modernization and development.

Colonial Era

During the colonial era, Shanghai’s architecture underwent substantial transformations due to foreign concessions.

When foreign powers established these concessions in the mid-19th century, Western architectural styles began to dominate the cityscape.

The Bund is a prime example.

Lined with neoclassical, Renaissance, and Gothic structures, it showcases buildings like the Customs House and the HSBC Building.

These structures were built during this period and remain iconic.

Another key area influenced by the colonial presence is the French Concession.

You can find Art Deco and Tudor revival styles here, which were popular among expatriates.

These buildings reflect the blend of Eastern and Western architectural traditions.

Post-Reform and Opening Up

Following China’s economic reforms in the late 20th century, Shanghai experienced rapid urban development.

This period of reform and opening up led to the construction of modern skyscrapers and innovative structures.

The Shanghai Tower exemplifies this era.

Standing at 632 meters, it’s one of the tallest buildings in the world and features a stunning futuristic design.

Additionally, the Jin Mao Tower combines traditional Chinese architecture with modern elements.

Its 88-floor structure includes a 33-floor atrium, showcasing the city’s architectural innovation.

During this period, the skyline became dotted with impressive structures that highlight Shanghai’s status as a global metropolis.

The combination of historical influences and contemporary designs make the city’s architecture uniquely significant.

Architectural Preservation Efforts

Shanghai has seen significant efforts to preserve its architectural heritage. These efforts focus on renovating historic buildings and contending with the challenges posed by urban development.

Historic Building Renovations

Efforts to renovate historic buildings in Shanghai have been significant.

The office building of the Shanghai Federation of Literary and Art Circles, established in the mid-1920s, serves as a prime example.

This building has been preserved for its architectural value and continuous historical use since 1950.

Renovations are designed to maintain the architectural integrity while updating the buildings for modern use.

Historic districts such as the Bund have also undergone extensive preservation.

These areas feature a mix of neoclassical and Gothic buildings from the early 20th century.

Preservation efforts focus on maintaining the original architectural features, including façade details and structural elements, to retain their historical significance.

Modern technology is often employed to ensure safety and sustainability without compromising the buildings’ character.

Urban Development Challenges

Urban development in Shanghai poses a significant challenge to architectural preservation.

Rapid construction and modernization efforts often threaten historical buildings and traditional neighborhoods.

The city’s rapid growth has led to a tension between preserving historical architecture and accommodating new developments.

Authorities and preservationists face difficulties balancing development with conservation.

Policies are sometimes implemented to protect specific districts or buildings, but enforcement can be inconsistent.

Additionally, economic pressures often favor new construction over restoration, leading to the demolition of historically significant structures.

Despite these challenges, ongoing efforts continue to find solutions that allow for growth without losing the city’s architectural heritage.