#I Vote for Shanghai
Only after coming to Shanghai did I realize that the most beautiful places are all free!
After walking around Shanghai for 3 days, I found that truly stunning scenery doesn’t cost a dime! From century-old buildings to riverside sunsets, from urban oases to artsy neighborhoods, here’s a free checklist to explore without any risk👇
🌆 Architecture and Light: Free landmarks perfect for casual photography
- Wukang Building: Shanghai’s “internet-famous triangular building,” a French Renaissance-style structure with exposed red bricks full of charm. The crosswalk at the corner or the park across the street are the best spots to shoot. The atmosphere is at its peak when the evening light casts slanting shadows.
- Mahler Villa: A European-style castle hidden in the city center, with vast lawns resembling scenes from a Studio Ghibli animation. The nearby pedestrian bridge uses height differences for photos, instantly creating a fairy-tale vibe.
- St. Ignatius Cathedral, Xujiahui: Known as the “largest cathedral in the Far East,” its Gothic spires paired with the lawn in front can be visited for free without an appointment. Remember to dress appropriately when entering.
- Tian’an Qianshu: The “Ancient Babylon Hanging Garden” covered in greenery, with tiered buildings stacked layer upon layer. The entrance offers a panoramic view, and any photo looks like a movie scene.
🌊 River Views and Sunsets: Claiming the most beautiful skyline in the Magic City
- North Bund Riverside: A hidden gem less crowded than the Bund, featuring a giant crystal ball and Rainbow Bridge as photo spots. Standing next to the International Passenger Center, you can capture the Lujiazui “trio” in one frame. The golden shimmer on the river at sunset is super romantic.
- Riverside Platform at the Pudong Art Museum: One of the best sunset viewing spots, watch the setting sun gild the historic buildings of the Bund, and when the city lights come on, the bustling riverbanks are fully in view.
- Shanghai Postal Museum: A vintage building by the Suzhou Creek, the “Time Travel Gate” at the entrance lets you capture the trio and the retro building in one shot. The interior’s vintage decor is also very photogenic.
🌿 Urban Oases: Natural oxygen bars in the bustling city
- Gongqing Forest Park: A real-life “Monet Garden,” beautiful all year round with autumn reeds and spring flower seas. Walking through the woods feels like entering a light and shadow fantasy. It’s the city’s only free 5A-level forest park—totally worth it.
- Fuxing Park: Shanghai’s only French-style park, a century-old garden hidden in the city center. In spring, flowers bloom everywhere, and sitting on a bench soaking up the sun is super relaxing.
- Jing’an Park: The “city lung” backed by Jing’an Ancient Temple. Finding such a peaceful spot in the expensive city center is a rare treat. Perfect for resting after a tiring walk.
📚 Arts and Everyday Life: Understanding Shanghai’s slow moments
- Xujiahui Academy: The “Hogwarts” next to the cathedral, with a high-ceiling hall and a 3D-printed “Light Opening Gate” that’s truly impressive. Upstairs offers a perfect spot to shoot the cathedral in the same frame. Great for reading and photography alike.
- Sinan Mansions: A neighborhood of 21 independent garden houses, one of the filming locations for “Tiny Times,” full of old Shanghai’s bourgeois charm. Strolling here and catching the aroma of street coffee is super cozy.
- Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street + People’s Square: The bustling heart of the “ten-mile foreign concession,” shop at time-honored stores, feed pigeons and watch fountains at People’s Square, and feel the lively yet gentle vibe of the Magic City.
✨ Tips
1. It’s recommended to book Xujiahui Academy and some exhibition halls in advance via their official WeChat to avoid wasted trips.
2. For parks, go in the morning when there are fewer people and the light is better for photos.
3. The best time for river sunset views is 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (varies by season), so secure your spot early.
Shanghai’s romance is never built on expensive tickets. Hidden in these free sights is the city’s century-old elegance and authentic life. Come and unlock them all!
Xujiahui Catholic Church, located on Puxi Road in Xujiahui, Xuhui District, Shanghai, was built in 1903 (the 32nd year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign) and is a typical Gothic building. It was the first Catholic church in China built in the Western architectural style and is now the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Shanghai. It was once known as the "largest church in the Far East." Xujiahui Catholic Church is the largest Catholic church in Shanghai. The church is five stories high and has a brick and wood structure. The east-facing facade features two bell towers, each topped with a cross. The central facade has a multi-tiered arched entrance. There are rose windows and gables. Above the main entrance are four statues of Evangelical saints, with a large stone statue of Jesus holding the cross in the center. Xujiahui Catholic Church bears witness to one aspect of modern Chinese history and therefore has significant historical value.
I have been to the church several times and I have encountered no church activities. This time I finally visited successfully. The church can accommodate 3 dry people. The glass window painting and arches are very distinctive. It is worth seeing.
The church is located at No. 156, Puxi Road, Xuhui District. It was built in 1905 and completed in 1910. It is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Shanghai and is known as the "No. 1 Cathedral in the Far East". Church architecture: a typical medieval Gothic building, with red bricks on the facade, granite edging, graphite tiles on the roof, and stone carvings of the Son of God and God. The overall solemnity and magnificence. There is a huge circular rose window in the center of the main facade, inlaid with stained glass, which will project colorful light and shadow inside the church when the sun shines. Front square: covered with green plants, flowers and lawns, the church looks solemn and beautiful from a distance. Wooden benches, fountains and rest areas are added to the square, and the effect of taking a rest and taking pictures here is quite good. Opening information: Tuesday to Saturday 9:00-16:00 (no admission at 15:30), closed on the first Friday of each month in the morning, and reopened at 13:00 in the afternoon, closed on Mondays and Sundays.
Xujiahui Catholic Church, a Gothic architectural gem standing on Puxi Road in Xuhui District, Shanghai, is famous for its long history and exquisite architectural art. The church was built in 1904 and took six years to complete. Its architectural style combines the essence of French medieval Gothic Revival, showing a unique artistic charm. The interior of the church is gorgeously decorated. The statue of the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus stands on the top of the altar, overlooking the entire church, creating a solemn and sacred atmosphere. The bell tower soars into the sky and has become a landmark in the Xujiahui area. In addition, the church also carries rich historical and cultural connotations and is an important religious place and cultural heritage in Shanghai. Today, Xujiahui Catholic Church not only attracts countless believers to pray and worship, but also becomes an important attraction for tourists to explore Shanghai's history, culture and architectural aesthetics. Whether it is to appreciate its unique architectural style or to feel its profound religious atmosphere, Xujiahui Catholic Church is worth a visit.
It seems to have been 20 years since I last visited Xujiahui Catholic Church. At that time, the road ahead was confused but full of vitality and hope. In my eyes, Xujiahui Catholic Church at that time was a symbol of Christmas, full of festive joy. Although things have not changed much now, it has also been severely polished by life. At this moment, I have more peace and patience, and I have visited the structural decorations that I have never appreciated before. When I come to a sacred place like a church, my heart is always very calm and I feel full of strength again.
The architecture of Xujiahui Catholic Church is really beautiful, and every piece of stained glass is amazing. Although not many people know about it now, this is a very good opportunity to visit it. You can take photos as much as you want. It will not disturb the believers who are worshipping, nor will it affect the normal activities of others. It is really a place worth visiting!
🍂There are benches in the small square. Office workers nearby often eat under the trees, and passers-by take a rest here. A gust of wind blows, and the ginkgo leaves fall. ⛪️Caojiadu Church was built in 1919, and the current building was rebuilt in 2011. It is open most of the time, and you can usually visit when there are no activities. Please observe etiquette and do not affect others. The church window is beautiful, especially when the sun is good