The Stage

① Pleasant temperatures for winter travel With an average January temperature of 10°C, Shanghai is not extremely cold. Snow is rare, making walking and outdoor sightseeing convenient. ② City nightscape and seasonal atmosphere During the winter season, Shanghai becomes even more dazzling with lights and year-end decorations. You can experience the unique winter vibe at places like The Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and various spots around the city. ③ Affordable big city travel Food and transportation costs are generally low, allowing for a satisfying trip even on a short schedule. ④ A balanced city for food, sights, and shopping From gourmet food and night views to theme parks and city tours, Shanghai offers a well-rounded experience, making it an ideal choice for your first overseas trip of the year. ⸻ ❄️ Shanghai Winter Weather & Clothing Guide 1️⃣ Shanghai January Weather · High temperature: around 15~16°C · Low temperature: around -3~0°C · Almost no rain, dry and clear weather · Warm like late autumn during the day, chilly in the morning and night ⸻ 2️⃣ Recommended January Clothing for Shanghai · Innerwear: Heattech + knitwear or sweatshirt · Bottoms: Fleece-lined pants or layered Heattech · Outerwear: Lightweight padded jacket / thick jacket / coat · Essential items: Scarf, gloves 👉 Windproof clothing is important as the wind makes it feel colder than the actual temperature. ⸻ 3️⃣ Shanghai February Weather · High temperature: around 13~15°C · Low temperature: around 0~3°C · Slightly warmer than January but with occasional rain · Cloudy or rainy days can feel colder ⸻ 4️⃣ Recommended February Clothing for Shanghai · Innerwear: Heattech + knitwear or cardigan · Bottoms: Fleece-lined pants / fleece-lined tights · Outerwear: Lightweight padded jacket / jacket / coat · Footwear: Waterproof sneakers or boots · Additional items: Foldable umbrella, scarf, gloves 👉 Waterproof shoes are essential for rainy days. Shanghai's winter is not too cold, perfect for walking, and offers high travel satisfaction. It's an ideal destination for a hassle-free New Year trip.

Seriously, stop crowding the Bund to take photos of the three giants. Locals have already moved on 🙈 Shanghai has its own Shibuya too! Not to brag, but this one is even better—The Stage at White Magnolia Plaza. It's right in the North Bund, on the roof of the tallest building in Puxi, at 320 meters 🌆 It used to be a helipad, which is so cool~ The first thing you feel when you get up there 👉🏻 the high-altitude view is wonderful and stunning 🪁 The breeze is cool and so pleasant—the historic buildings of the Bund, the Lujiazui three giants, and the Huangpu River. A 360-degree turn and everything is under your feet, like being hugged by the whole city 🫂 I recommend coming up 1 hour before sunset ⏰ Orange-gold sunset → blue hour → city lights. You get to see three versions of Shanghai in one go. Totally worth it 💛 What really got me is that they turned the ascent into a five-act play 🎭 Prologue, ascent, climax, descent, epilogue. The lighting, scent, and music build up layer by layer. I almost teared up while walking through it~ The Magic City is just too beautiful ‼️🥹 In the evening, there's a DJ on the top deck 🎧 Order a signature drink, sip it while watching the city lights 🍸 Feeling the wind at 320 meters, I suddenly felt like today wasn't so hard after all~ 📍 501 Dongdaming Road, White Magnolia Plaza LG1 🧥 It's windy up high, don't forget your jacket! And also, remember to bring sunglasses if you go in the afternoon~ Collect 5 stamps on your card 🃏 to get a prize 🎁 I drew a CNY 30 coupon and immediately bought a fridge magnet at the gift shop. My friend bought a seashell 🐚 jewelry box. So happy~ 😌💭 Happiness level +10086

This month I finally checked out the trending spot The Stage! I bought the early bird ticket for 150 RMB and booked the prime sunset time slot from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. They cap this time slot at only 80 people, and once it’s full, there are no more tickets! It had rained earlier that day so maybe a lot of people canceled, but that worked out perfectly for us. The weather cleared up just in time and turned into the perfect golden hour glow. It was also the first time I got to see the Bund light up at 7 pm. No lines, no crowds, just the freedom to take photos! 📝 Good to Know: ✔️ Tickets are 288 RMB normally ✔️ Entrance is on LG1 ✔️ No outside food or drinks allowed ✔️ They provide sunglasses if you want to borrow some ✔️ Don't forget bug spray

Shooting night scenery through glass often results in unwanted reflections like light strips, silhouettes, or even your own phone. When this happens, your first move should be to adjust your position and angle, then consider your exposure. The Stage at Sinar Mas Plaza (Magnolia Plaza) features an open-air observation deck, but where you encounter glass barriers, follow these steps to get a clean shot. Identify the Issue: Reflection or Dirty Lens? If light points have a foggy halo around them, wipe your lens first. If you see clear outlines of people or indoor lighting, it's a reflection. These require different fixes—don't just default to "Night Mode" for everything. Change Your Angle Tilt your phone slightly or shift it away from direct light sources to significantly weaken reflections. Before you snap, check that the riverbank landscape remains complete in the frame; one well-angled shot is more effective than ten identical ones from the same spot. Get Closer to the Glass Within safety limits and site rules, moving the lens closer to the glass helps block out the environment behind you from the reflection. However, never stick your phone over the railing or lean/climb on structures for a shot. A good angle and fewer bright lights behind you can work just as well as being flush against the glass. Mind the Environment Dark clothing is less likely to show up as a bright reflection than light-colored outfits. It also helps if your companions step back slightly and there are fewer glowing phone screens behind the lens. Always turn off your flash, as it will leave a bright glare directly on the glass. Focus on Clarity, Then Exposure The Stage entrance is located at LG1 of Sinar Mas Plaza (SMP). At 320 meters high, this platform offers a 360° view of the Bund, Suzhou Creek, and Lujiazui. Start with standard focal lengths for wide shots before zooming in. Once reflections are minimized, lower the exposure slightly to preserve the detail in the building lights. Note: lowering exposure won't delete a ghost-like figure in the glass—proper positioning is still the most important step. Shoot During the Blue Hour Arrive early so you can take shots while there is still some light in the sky. The balanced lighting makes reflections much easier to manage. Having both "Blue Hour" and full night shots gives you better options so you don't have to settle for a reflection-heavy photo later. Final Tip: Once you've got the shot, move along to let others enjoy the view, and head downstairs to SMP for dinner. Dealing with reflections is common—adjusting your angle and reducing background light is usually easier than trying to edit out a reflection in post-processing.

For a three-day photography trip to Shanghai, the key is variety. Use the heights for the river and skyline, the Old Town for traditional gardens and alleys, and Wukang Road for portraits and architecture. Dedicating half a day to each area—leaving the rest for meals, rest, and travel—offers much more visual diversity than spending three days just circling Lujiazui for different angles. Day 1: North Bund from the Ground to the Sky After check-in, head to the North Bund Riverside in the afternoon. Capture mirror reflections at the "Silver Drops," take full-body shots at the Rainbow Bridge, and snap a wide-angle river view featuring passing boats. Once you’re done with ground shots, head over to Sinar Mas Plaza (SMP) to rest and recharge your phone. The entrance to "The Stage" Magnolia Observation Deck is on LG1, with time slots based on the day's sunset. This 320-meter-high open-air platform offers 360° views. Get your bearings by spotting the Huangpu River, the Bund, and the mouth of Suzhou Creek before choosing your angles. Shoot portraits in the daylight, capture the sky at sunset, and the city lights after dark. Taking shots of the same composition as time passes makes it easier to see the beautiful color transitions. Afterward, grab dinner at SMP. With both ground and aerial shots done, there’s no need to cross the river for more skyline photos tonight. Day 2: Up-Close in the Old Town In the morning, visit Yu Garden. Focus on lattice windows, textured walls, rooftops, and reflections on the water; not every shot needs to be a wide architectural view. Have lunch nearby, then spend the afternoon wandering the alleys of the Old Town. Have your companion take candid shots of you walking, using shops and street corners as backgrounds to tell the story of your day. At dusk, enjoy the neighborhood lights. Your phone’s night gallery will shift from skyscrapers to intimate street scenes. When it’s crowded, focus on small details rather than waiting for the entire street to clear. Day 3: Wukang Road and Anfu Road Start near the Wukang Mansion in the morning and walk toward Anfu Road. Frame portraits within the streetscape—incorporating tree shadows, windows, and storefronts—so you aren't just doing the same pose in front of the main building. Grab coffee and lunch along the way, and wrap up in the afternoon based on your departure time. Don’t worry about the quantity of photos. With river views on Day 1, gardens and alleys on Day 2, and portraits under the plane trees on Day 3, your photos will be distinct, and you’ll have actually had the time to experience each place.

When you come to Shanghai, you must visit The Stage Observation Deck at Magnolia Plaza in North Bund! With 360° panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Lujiazui "Three Giants," it’s definitely the best photography spot in North Bund! 📸 📍 Address: LG1, Basement Level, SMP Shanghai Magnolia Plaza, 501 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai ⏰ Opening Hours: Recently open from 14:00 to 20:00 (last entry at 19:30). Remember to avoid Mondays when it’s closed~ 🎫 Ticket: 168 RMB per person 💖 Must-Visit Recommendations: 1️⃣ The popular café "People’s Café with a View" located in the L-level sky lobby 2️⃣ Must-try drinks: Plum sparkling iced coffee and Caishen latte! Super photogenic! ✨ 3️⃣ Best shooting time: Sunset from 17:00 to 18:30, with a 200% chance of great shots Standing in front of the 360° panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, you can take in the entire Lujiazui "Three Giants." The way that man is admiring the sunset is so romantic! 🌇 (Highlight: This place is perfect for couples’ dates!)

#skylinescapes There are plenty of places to see Shanghai’s skyline, but Stage 观景台 gave me one of those views that instantly felt like Shanghai. From here, the city stretches across the horizon with its mix of futuristic towers, dense urban buildings and the river tying everything together. I loved simply standing here for a while and watching the skyline change as the light shifted. During the day, you can appreciate all the details of the architecture, but as evening approaches, the city slowly transforms and the buildings begin to glow. What makes this viewpoint special for me is the sense of scale. Shanghai already feels huge when you are walking through its streets, but seeing the city from a distance makes you realize just how massive it really is. It’s the kind of place where you arrive planning to take a few photos and somehow stay much longer than expected. Shanghai has many iconic landmarks, but sometimes the best way to appreciate them is to step back and see the entire skyline together. 🌆✨

The journey from Rockbund (Waitanyuan) to the North Bund transitions from historic streetscapes to expansive riverfront views. A well-paced itinerary includes Rockbund, Waibaidu Bridge, the mouth of the Suzhou River, the North Bund Riverside, and finally, The Stage observation deck at Sinar Mas Plaza. This route is perfect for a full afternoon of wandering, culminating in a breathtaking high-altitude view at dusk. Waitanyuan: It’s all about the streets Start your afternoon around Yuanmingyuan Road to admire the historic architecture. Instead of constant snapping, take a moment to appreciate the windows, facades, and street proportions—it’s a completely different vibe from the grand panorama of the main Bund. Once you’ve captured the architecture, head toward Waibaidu Bridge. Capture the bridge’s steel structure and the river mouth. After crossing to the north bank of the Suzhou River, you can take a quick detour toward the Rainbow Book Mansion to see the white, boat-shaped building. If you prefer to stay on track, continue north toward the North Bund. Decide on the bookstore detour early to avoid backtracking. Don’t just stick to the water after the bridge Between Waibaidu Bridge and the North Bund Riverside, the path involves various roads and intersections. Follow the local signs; if you hit a construction fence, take the normal road around. You don't need to hug the waterline the entire time. What looks like a straight line on a map still requires some extra walking time. Upon reaching the North Bund, the Huangpu River and Lujiazui skyline will unfold before you. Stop by the "Silver Droplet" or the Rainbow Bridge. Since you’ve already seen plenty of architecture, focus on taking some portraits here. Grab a seat and rest near SMP to recharge before the sunset viewing. The Stage: A bird’s-eye view of your journey The entrance to The Stage is on LG1 of Sinar Mas Plaza (SMP). Coordinate your visit with the sunset. This open-air platform, roughly 320 meters high, offers a 360° panoramic view where you can see the Bund's historic buildings, the Suzhou River, and Lujiazui. Spotting the bridges you just crossed from above helps put the whole city into perspective. Take your group photos while it’s still light, then settle in to watch the clouds, the river, and the city lights. Since the sunset might not align with your favorite buildings, pick your spot after reaching the top—no need to constantly chase the sun. Finish with dinner downstairs at SMP. Throughout this half-day walk, the scenery shifts from streets to the river mouth and finally the sky. If you spend too much time exploring below, skip a photo spot on the ground to ensure you make your reserved time for the observation deck.

To capture the perfect sunset and blue hour at The Stage (Magnolia Plaza Observation Deck), you need to plan your arrival by working backward. While you can easily look up the exact sunset time, remember to account for the transit from the mall entrance, ticket verification, and the elevator ride. A common mistake is arriving at the LG1 entrance exactly at sunset, which almost guarantees you'll miss the best light. · *Check the Sunset, Then Pick Your Slot** The entrance is located at LG1, SMP Shanghai Magnolia Plaza (501 Dongdaming Road). When booking, check the available time slots and factor in your commute, finding the entrance, and the check-in process. If you want to capture wide-angle cityscapes and portraits before the sun goes down, aim to be on the deck about an hour before sunset. Just ensure your ticket choice aligns with these rules. · *Weather is the Real Director** Sunset times help with scheduling, but the afterglow and blue hour depend entirely on the weather. The sky retains its brightness for a short period after sunset, and the timing and duration of the blue hour shift daily. · *Finish Your Ground-Level Walk Before Entry** Visit the "Silver Drops" and the Rainbow Bridge at the North Bund during the first half of your trip. Once you’ve finished your ground-level portraits, head to the mall to hydrate, recharge your gear, and use the restroom before heading up. If you've spent the afternoon walking along Suzhou Creek, consider picking just one riverside spot rather than trying to hit every ground-level location before your entry time. · *Orient Yourself Upon Arrival** This open-air platform, roughly 320 meters high, offers a 360° panoramic view of the Bund, the Huangpu River, the mouth of Suzhou Creek, and Lujiazui. Take a full lap first to decide which angles are worth your time. Remember that the sun’s position changes with the seasons; framing the sun and framing the Bund buildings often require two completely different compositions. · *Capture Wide Views While It’s Bright** Focus on portraits and wide cityscapes while the sun is still up, then keep an eye on the clouds and the river surface. Avoid getting bogged down in zooming into building details too early; the light shifts rapidly right before sunset, and wide shots are better for preserving the overall color palette. · *The Blue Hour Match** As the city lights begin to glow after sunset, try taking photos from the same angles you used during the day. The contrast in colors between the sky, water, and architecture will be much more striking. Keep your phone steady, lower the exposure for bright areas, and avoid excessively long night-mode exposures when boats are passing through the frame. · *Finish with Dinner** Conclude your visit by following the staff's guidance and then head downstairs to SMP for dinner. By giving yourself a generous buffer for entry, you’ll have plenty of time to find your bearings and take your photos without the stress of racing against the dark.

Have you heard about the new landmark in the heart of Shanghai? The Stage is an outdoor viewing platform located on the top floor of the Sinar Mas Plaza building. It opened on April 15th. It used to be a helicopter landing pad but has since been developed into a luxurious viewing spot that is currently the hottest place in Shanghai. ❓Q: Where can I buy tickets? 💡A: Tickets can be conveniently purchased on Trip.com. 👉 Adult tickets are priced at 230 yuan per person 👉 Sunset viewing tickets are 288 yuan per person 👉 Children aged 4-12 years old pay 110 yuan per person, and the sunset viewing ticket is the same price 👉 Senior citizens aged 60 and above and students (up to undergraduate level) pay 160 yuan per person, with valid proof required before entry. There is no special discount for sunset viewing tickets. 📢 Visiting hours The Stage operates in sessions: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (sunset viewing session), and 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM. ✨ Experience The Stage is located on the Sinar Mas Plaza building, which is the 6th tallest in Shanghai. This new 360° viewing platform is an open-air, roofless platform with an excellent location that offers clear views of the Huangpu River bend and both sides of the city. It features stunning photo spots where you can see Shanghai’s iconic skyscrapers—the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the World Financial Center—all in one frame. On the Bund side, you can see the glowing European-style buildings below. There is also an immersive light and sound experience. 🚇 How to get there Take Metro Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station, Exit 3, then walk about 3 minutes. 🔔 Tips 👉 The entrance to The Stage is on the LG1 floor of the Sinar Mas Plaza building 👉 No outside food or drinks are allowed 👉 Large bags are not permitted inside and must be left at the luggage storage point on LG1 👉 The busiest time is the sunset viewing session from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Around 7:00 PM, the buildings below start to light up 👉 Visitors under 18 and over 60 must be accompanied by a guardian Don’t forget to check the travel guide on Trip.com for great tips on exploring Shanghai💓

This travel guide will tell you! When in Shanghai to see river views, don't just crowd the Bund! North Bund's Magnolia Plaza offers the best value for money 😭 Fewer crowds, amazing views, perfect for photos from every angle. Explore during the day, watch the sunset in the evening. A no-brainer for first-timers, you won't regret it! 📍Address: 501 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou District 🚇Transportation: Take Metro Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station, use Exit 2 or 3 for direct access. No need to walk in the sun; exit directly into the mall. A dream for lazy people! If driving, parking is CNY 20/hour, but taking the metro is more recommended ~ ⏰Best visiting time Highly recommend 5:00 PM–8:00 PM Unlock three types of magical Shanghai beauty in one stop! The gentle golden glow of sunset, the pink and orange hues of dusk, and the dazzling night view after dark. Coming at 3:00 PM is also great; the light is soft, perfect for clear panoramic shots, and not at all harsh on the eyes. ✨Must-visit highlights 1. 320-meter high cloud viewing deck The tallest building in Puxi is no joke! Enjoy 360° unobstructed views of the Huangpu River. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Lujiazui skyline are all within sight 🌆 Special mention for the transparent glass walkway! Standing on it, with traffic flowing beneath your feet, the atmosphere is incredible. Every casual shot looks like a blockbuster of a floating Shanghai, guaranteed to get likes on social media. 2. North Bund riverside promenade No need to pay to go up to the viewing deck; the riverside downstairs is also great for photos! Half the crowd of the Bund, and the evening breeze is super comfortable. Perfect for a stroll, enjoying the breeze, and taking silhouette photos of the river view. After exploring, you can walk directly to Zhapu Road Bridge, hitting two spots without going out of your way. 3. Giant Magnolia landmark The plaza's iconic building, with exquisite design. Suitable for close-up architectural shots and full-body atmospheric photos. Simple yet sophisticated, no need to deliberately find angles; every shot looks good. 💡Super practical tips to avoid pitfalls 1. The viewing deck stops admitting visitors at 9:30 PM. Don't go too late if you want to take night photos. 2. Don't go on foggy or rainy days! Low visibility means you won't see the river view at all. 3. Try to travel light; large luggage needs to be stored, which is troublesome. 4. The crowd increases slightly during sunset. If you want to take photos without people, arrive ten minutes early to secure a spot. 5. The mall is great for shopping during the day, with plenty of air conditioning, suitable for escaping the heat and taking kids out. Overall, it's a very comfortable leisure spot in Shanghai. Not overly commercialized, no need to jostle with crowds. You can immerse yourself in the Shanghai skyline and also enjoy shopping, dining, and relaxing. Super suitable for visiting Shanghai or a short weekend getaway 🥰

The route from the International Passenger Transport Center to The Stage (White Magnolia Observation Deck) is ideal for a half-day outing. Spend the afternoon by the riverside, grab a coffee, head upstairs at dusk to watch the sky change, and finish with dinner at SMP Shanghai White Magnolia Plaza. The route is concentrated in the North Bund, so the focus is on lingering and soaking it all in rather than rushing. Start your afternoon at the North Bund Riverside Head from the International Passenger Transport Center station toward the North Bund Riverside; the "Silver Water Drops" and "Rainbow Bridge" can be your first two stops. Capture some reflections and group photos, then watch the ships along the river. There's no need for a long trek on foot; just move toward the mall at your own pace once you've got your shots. Coffee comes after the walk and before entry. Find a place to sit, browse your photos, and recharge your phone. Since the sun sets early, take your break sooner—no need to fix your coffee time at exactly 4:00 PM. Enter The Stage before sunset The entrance is on Level LG1 of SMP. Calculate your entry time based on the sunset. Reaching the entrance is not the same as standing on the roof; you need a buffer for wayfinding, ticket checks, and the elevator. Don't wait until after coffee to check ticket info, or your schedule will be too tight. The Stage’s 320-meter-high open-air platform offers a 360° city view, covering the Huangpu River, the Bund, the mouth of the Suzhou Creek, and Lujiazui. Get your bearings first, take portraits while it's light, then focus on the river and the sky. The sun's position might not match your favorite city backdrop, so do a full lap before deciding where to shoot. Watching the same riverbank as night falls After sunset, the sky retains its glow for a while as building lights gradually intensify. Recreate your daytime compositions to see the vivid contrast between the river and the skyline. Since the ships are moving, don't use long night-mode exposures; hold steady, take a burst of shots, and pick the best one later. Head downstairs to eat at SMP after the view. If you still have energy, return to the riverside for a short walk; the ship lights at ground level offer a different vibe compared to the shoreline view from above. Coffee, sunsets, and night views don't require separate locations—half a day at the North Bund connects them all seamlessly.