A Photographer’s Lifestyle Guide to Shanghai, China

Shanghai is one of the most diverse cities in China. Here, East and West, tradition and modernity intertwine at every turn – from classical Chinese gardens tucked beside European-style architecture, to golden temples nestled among skyscrapers, and even traditional opera performances staged in contemporary art galleries. For analogue adventurers, this city is a never-ending source of inspiration.

Stretching along both sides of the Huangpu River, Riverside Walks & Bike Paths (Pudong & Puxi) link together a series of parks, restored wetlands, cafés, restaurants, and cultural spaces. The wide, tree-lined routes typically separate lanes for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians, making them a popular spot for locals seeking a breath of fresh air. Spring is especially photogenic here, with cherry blossoms and colorful blooms lining the paths. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon wandering, pausing for a drink, or simply watching the skyline unfold across the water. Just make sure your Half-frame Lomourette is loaded – you’ll find no shortage of frames to fill. Photo by diamondnimo

Stretching along both sides of the Huangpu River, Riverside Walks & Bike Paths (Pudong & Puxi) link together a series of parks, restored wetlands, cafés, restaurants, and cultural spaces. The wide, tree-lined routes typically separate lanes for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians, making them a popular spot for locals seeking a breath of fresh air. Spring is especially photogenic here, with cherry blossoms and colorful blooms lining the paths. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon wandering, pausing for a drink, or simply watching the skyline unfold across the water. Just make sure your Half-frame Lomourette is loaded – you’ll find no shortage of frames to fill. Photo by diamondnimo

China, Shang Hai Shi, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Lujiazui, Bin Jiang Da Dao, 滨江大道2525弄5-25号 邮政编码: 200120
If you’re visiting Shanghai, The Bund is an absolute must-see! As the city’s most iconic landmark, it offers a breathtaking contrast between the modern skyline of Pudong and the historic European-style architecture on the western bank of the Huangpu River. For contemporary art lovers, The Bund is also home to several top-tier galleries, including Perrotin, Lisson Gallery, and Almine Rech, where you can easily spend half of the day exploring. Photo by kelvin_wx

If you’re visiting Shanghai, The Bund is an absolute must-see! As the city’s most iconic landmark, it offers a breathtaking contrast between the modern skyline of Pudong and the historic European-style architecture on the western bank of the Huangpu River. For contemporary art lovers, The Bund is also home to several top-tier galleries, including Perrotin, Lisson Gallery, and Almine Rech, where you can easily spend half of the day exploring. Photo by kelvin_wx

Zhong Shan Dong Yi Lu, Waitan, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200002
Yu Garden is the most representative classical garden in Shanghai. If you don’t want to be too far away from downtown Shanghai, but want to take some photos with Jiangnan culture, the pavilions, rockwork, and koi ponds in Yu Garden are your ideal subjects. Try to use our classic Lomo LC-Wide to shoot this 16th-century Ming Dynasty garden – you won’t be disappointed! Oh, and the surrounding area is filled with some of Shanghai’s street food, making it a great spot for food photography as well! (photo by @andrejrusskovskij)

Yu Garden is the most representative classical garden in Shanghai. If you don’t want to be too far away from downtown Shanghai, but want to take some photos with Jiangnan culture, the pavilions, rockwork, and koi ponds in Yu Garden are your ideal subjects. Try to use our classic Lomo LC-Wide to shoot this 16th-century Ming Dynasty garden – you won’t be disappointed! Oh, and the surrounding area is filled with some of Shanghai’s street food, making it a great spot for food photography as well! (photo by @andrejrusskovskij)

279 Yu Yuan Lao Jie, 四牌楼 Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200000
Though Tianzifang has become a crowded tourist destination, it remains one of Shanghai’s classic old alleyways. The narrow lanes are packed with boutique shops, cafés, and art studios, offering endless photo opportunities. Photo by litleandi

Though Tianzifang has become a crowded tourist destination, it remains one of Shanghai’s classic old alleyways. The narrow lanes are packed with boutique shops, cafés, and art studios, offering endless photo opportunities. Photo by litleandi

210弄 Tai Kang Lu, Huang Pu Qu, China, 200023
Suzhou Creek Walkway is a blend of Shanghai’s industrial past and modern urban renewal. Lined with repurposed warehouses turned into art spaces alongside sleek high-rises. Load a LomoChrome Metropolis or a Redscale film to emphasize the gritty, industrial tones of this unique riverside scenery. Photo by diwen

Suzhou Creek Walkway is a blend of Shanghai’s industrial past and modern urban renewal. Lined with repurposed warehouses turned into art spaces alongside sleek high-rises. Load a LomoChrome Metropolis or a Redscale film to emphasize the gritty, industrial tones of this unique riverside scenery. Photo by diwen

Waitan, Huangpu, China, 200002
For a stunning urban perspective, head to the Nanpu Bridge. From here, you can capture panoramic views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s towering skyline. At sunset, the interplay of light and shadows is mesmerizing, and at night, the city lights up brilliantly. Try using a LomoApparat for wide-angle cityscapes, or experiment with long exposures to capture the streaking headlights of moving traffic. Photo by litleandi

For a stunning urban perspective, head to the Nanpu Bridge. From here, you can capture panoramic views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s towering skyline. At sunset, the interplay of light and shadows is mesmerizing, and at night, the city lights up brilliantly. Try using a LomoApparat for wide-angle cityscapes, or experiment with long exposures to capture the streaking headlights of moving traffic. Photo by litleandi

China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, 南马路1410号 邮政编码: 200010
Jade Buddha Temple is one of Shanghai’s four major ancient temples, renowned for its precious jade Buddha statues. The temple’s architecture blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with Buddhist elements, making it an excellent spot for capturing architectural and cultural themes. Here’s a little secret – people say that prayers for love and relationships are especially effective here! Photo by azikad

Jade Buddha Temple is one of Shanghai’s four major ancient temples, renowned for its precious jade Buddha statues. The temple’s architecture blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with Buddhist elements, making it an excellent spot for capturing architectural and cultural themes. Here’s a little secret – people say that prayers for love and relationships are especially effective here! Photo by azikad

170 An Yuan Lu, Jing An Qu, China, 200061
Right there in Sinan Mansions, the independent Sinon Bookstore is not just a literary space but also a cultural hub for art salons and exhibitions. If you’re looking for a quiet, artistic corner to enjoy a cup of coffee, this is the place to be. Oh, and if you run out of film after capturing too many beautiful moments, don’t worry – you can easily restock with Lomography products here and keep shooting! Photo by ooblue

Right there in Sinan Mansions, the independent Sinon Bookstore is not just a literary space but also a cultural hub for art salons and exhibitions. If you’re looking for a quiet, artistic corner to enjoy a cup of coffee, this is the place to be. Oh, and if you run out of film after capturing too many beautiful moments, don’t worry – you can easily restock with Lomography products here and keep shooting! Photo by ooblue

517 Fu Xing Zhong Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200025
Located along Suzhou Creek, M50 Creative Park is one of Shanghai’s most influential contemporary art districts. Home to numerous galleries, artist studios, and design spaces. Bring along a Fisheye No.2 to capture the creativity and urban art in a fun and unconventional way. Photo by liangdu

Located along Suzhou Creek, M50 Creative Park is one of Shanghai’s most influential contemporary art districts. Home to numerous galleries, artist studios, and design spaces. Bring along a Fisheye No.2 to capture the creativity and urban art in a fun and unconventional way. Photo by liangdu

50 Mo Gan Shan Lu, Pu Tuo Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200071
Photo by bebopbebop
Photo by bebopbebop

Museums, Art, Photography and Culture in Shanghai

We’ve curated a list of our favorite museums, art galleries and cultural landmarks in Shanghai to give you an exhaustive guide to the best creative hot-spots to visit on your trip.

Museum of Art Pudong – 2777 Binjiang Ave, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Nestled in Lujiazui, Museum of Art Pudong is a contemporary art hub that frequently hosts exhibitions from world-class institutions like the Tate Museum. Designed by Jean Nouvel, its geometric exterior is a stunning architectural subject for photography.

West Bund Museum – 2600 Longteng Ave, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Located on the Xuhui Riverside, this museum is a new landmark for contemporary art in Shanghai. Collaborating with the Centre Pompidou, it hosts world-class exhibitions. With its modern architecture and riverside location, the museum offers a perfect blend of art and nature, making it an inspiring destination for photographers and art enthusiasts alike.

Power Station of Art – 678 Miaojiang Road Huangpu District
Transformed from an abandoned power station, this was China’s first public contemporary art museum. The exhibitions in the museum usually cover a variety of forms such as installations, photography, and new media art. If you are lucky enough to come to Shanghai during the Shanghai Biennale, PSA, as the main venue, is a must-see.

Aurora Museum – 99 Fucheng Rd, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai
Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando and located along The Bund, the Aurora Museum focuses on ancient Chinese art, displaying jade objects, bronze wares and Buddhism–related artifacts. The contrast between its sleek glass exterior and historical artifacts inside makes it a fascinating subject for photography. Also, don’t forget to check out the museum’s gift shop – you might just spot some Lomography products there!

Duoyun Bookstore – 52nd floor of Shanghai Tower
Perched on the 52nd floor of Shanghai Tower, Duoyun Bookstore is one of the highest bookstores in the world. From here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Shanghai’s skyline with a cup of coffee while immersed in a thoughtfully designed reading space.

Photo by izhu911
Photo by izhu911

Street Photography & Lomography Film Community Scene in Shanghai

The wealth of knowledge and experience that comes from the Lomography Community is simply unrivaled. In this section we share some of our community’s top-tips about the city of Shanghai. This includes their favorite locations for visiting and photographing and some invaluable tips on shooting in analogue. We will also showcase some of our most inspiring Shanghai-based LomoHomes and Partners.

Chongming Island
If you’re looking for an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, Chongming Island is the perfect retreat. With its wetlands, farmlands, and waterways, it offers a refreshing contrast to Shanghai’s urban landscape.

Qiao Ai Lai Lai Xiao Long – No. 506, Tianjin Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
For an authentic taste of Shanghai, Lai Lai Xiao Long is a local favorite. Tucked away in a small alley, this humble shop serves up some of the city’s best xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Be prepared to queue!

Huangpu River Ferry
For a different perspective of Shanghai’s skyline, take a ride on the Huangpu River Ferry. The shimmering city lights reflecting on the water make for an atmospheric and cinematic experience, especially at night.

Julu Road, Fumin Road & Changle Road
This area, known as Ju Fu Chang, is a classic city walk route in Shanghai. With independent bookstores, stylish cafés, and designer boutiques, it showcases the creative lifestyle of Shanghai’s younger generation.

Longhua Temple – No. 2853, Longhua Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
One of Shanghai’s oldest Buddhist temples, Longhua Temple is known for its grand halls, towering pagoda, and serene atmosphere. If you’re a vegetarian, don’t miss their famous temple noodles!

Xingguang Photography Equipment Center – 300 Luban Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai
A paradise for photographers, Xingguang Camera Market is the go–to place for vintage cameras, lenses, and film. Whether you’re hunting for a second-hand gem or stocking up on film, this market is full of surprises!

Photo by jacinta luo
Photo by jacinta luo
Photo by qualtagh
Photo by qualtagh

Cover photo by breakphreak

Anything missing?

Got a favorite photo gallery, hidden photo spot or local tip we haven’t covered in this city guide? Help us make this the best analogue travel companion! Send your suggestions to travel@lomography.com and we’ll take a look.

Explore Stunning Photos from This City Amongst 17+ Million of Photos Uploaded

Tips from Lomography Magazine

Past Photography Events & Exhibitions

  • LomoWalk: Flowing Cityscapes

    2025-01-15 · Shanghai, China
    LomoWalk: Flowing Cityscapes

    Join us on January 15 for a special Lomowalk through Shanghai’s Flowing Cityscapes. Starting at the iconic Wukang Mansion, we’ll hop aboard the 911 bus to explore the vibrant streets of the city, capturing its dynamic energy along the way. Our journey will conclude at the stunning Bund, a perfect spot to showcase Shanghai’s historic charm and modern skyline.

  • Summer Pet Day: Shoot with the LomoApparat

    2024-09-20 · Shanghai, China
    Summer Pet Day: Shoot with the LomoApparat

    An upcoming LomoSchool workshop in Shanghai, co-hosted by our wholesale partner 1LOKU, will be a pet-friendly activity and is open to 10–12 participants. The workshop will focus on the LomoApparat.

  • The Photography Show Presented by AIPAD

    2024-04-25 – 2024-04-28 · New York, United States of America
    The Photography Show Presented by AIPAD

    In 2024, The Photography Show presented by AIPAD, the longest-running and leading fair dedicated to photography, will return to its previous home, the Park Avenue Armory, for the first time since 2016. From April 25-28, 2024, 76 incredible exhibitors from around the globe will unveil an exciting mix of work that reflects a dynamic and diverse understanding of the photographic medium.

    More Info

  • Pinhole Photography Workshop – a Lomowalk with Amigo Lone

    2023-11-24 · Shanghai, China
    Pinhole Photography Workshop – a Lomowalk with Amigo Lone

    In order to promote pinhole photography and 120 films, Lomography organized a Pinhole Photography Workshop! In this journey, we invited our Amigo Lone to share his experience in pinhole photography for 6 years. He will also take us to do a creative LomoWalk with Lady Grey. Besides, our Amigo Yuan will also help us develop B&W films in her dark house. It’s a wonderful journey of pinhole photography, and a good chance to experience Diana F+!

  • LomoWalk Shanghai

    2021-05-01 · Shanghai, China
    LomoWalk Shanghai

    LomoWalk SH 2021 is a cultural photography journey. Located in the northern Bund of Shanghai, where the Lomography office is situated, this area is adorned with historic protected buildings. Throughout this 3-kilometer LomoWalk, participants can experience the beauty of the blending of the new and the old, as well as the coexistence of modernity and history. Armed with charming analogue film cameras from Lomography, embark on a historical and cultural photography adventure!

    More Info

  • Instant Workshop with Fudan University

    2019-11-03 · Shanghai, China
    Instant Workshop with Fudan University

    We collaborated with the Shanghai Fudan University Photography Association to host an instant photography workshop. Participants have the opportunity to experience the Lomo’Instant Automat camera and explore creative techniques such as light painting, multiple exposures, and the use of additional lens attachments.

    More Info

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Where to Buy Analogue Photography Cameras & Develop Films

朵云书院旗舰店

501 Yin Cheng Zhong Lu, Lujiazui, Pu Dong Xin Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200120
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申活馆 Shenhuoguan

755 Wei Hai Lu, Jing An Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200041
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思南书局

517 Fu Xing Zhong Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200025
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浮游乐库 1LOKU

1881 Tian Yao Qiao Lu, Xu Hui Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200232
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上文照相器材

300 Lu Ban Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200023
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citysuper环贸

999 Huai Hai Zhong Lu, Xu Hui Qu, China, 200020
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左右艺术超市上海新天地店

China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, Ma Dang Lu, 181号-183号 邮政编码: 200021
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