Situated in the vast expanses of Pudong, this haven of modern urban planning represents a stark, breezy contrast to the dense, historic alleys of Puxi. The district is anchored by the meticulous, 140-hectare landscaping of Century Park to the east, and the sweeping, post-industrial Expo Park along the Huangpu River to the west. Within a short drive, you can see architectural marvels ranging from the towering, striking red inverted pyramid of the China Art Museum to the gleaming, UFO-like silhouette of the Mercedes-Benz Arena. Stop for a slow weekend jog around a tranquil, lotus-filled lake, browse world-class contemporary and classic Chinese art, and sample global dining in massive, airy lifestyle hubs. Saunter along the elevated walkways of the Expo Axis (River Mall) for spectacular, unobstructed views of the river and the monumental pavilions left behind by the globe. Take a break from the sensory stimulation by renting a tandem bicycle and getting lost in the dense, quiet forests of Century Park.
Don't Miss
- Marveling at the sheer scale of the China Art Museum, housed in the iconic former China Pavilion, which boasts one of the most comprehensive collections of modern Chinese art in the world.
- Renting a boat or jogging the pristine 5-kilometer loop around the lush, meticulously landscaped grounds of Century Park, Shanghai’s largest ecological urban park.
- Catching a spectacular sunset or an international arena tour at the striking, saucer-shaped Mercedes-Benz Arena, perched right on the edge of the Huangpu River.
How to Get There
Because this area was designed for massive crowds and mega-events, it is flawlessly connected by the Shanghai Metro system.
For a day of nature and outdoor recreation, take Line 2 to Century Park Station or Shanghai Science and Technology Museum Station. To start your architectural tour at the waterfront, take Line 8 to China Art Museum Station and walk straight out into the sprawling Expo plazas.
Quick Facts
- The Expo 2010 Shanghai was the largest World's Fair in history, leaving behind a lasting legacy of striking international pavilions that have been repurposed into permanent cultural venues.
- Century Park was designed by British landscape architects and seamlessly blends Eastern and Western gardening philosophies, featuring large lakes, islands, and a dedicated bird sanctuary.
- The district represents Pudong's successful master-plan shift from pure financial dominance (Lujiazui) to a balanced focus on cultural, ecological, and high-end residential living.
Home to Shanghai's most monumental mega-event history
Since 2010, when the city invited the globe to envision "Better City, Better Life," the Expo waterfront has been an enclave long synonymous with civic pride and visionary urban planning. From the area's soaring, repurposed steel structures to the groundbreaking ecological preservation of Century Park, the district's love of epic scale sees it serve as a living, breathing showcase of Shanghai's 21st-century capabilities.
The district's colossal plazas have been featured throughout global media as a testament to China's rapid modernization. And while the original crowds of the World Expo have long since departed, the district hasn't forgotten its international roots, transforming into a permanent hub for global sports, world-class exhibitions, and sophisticated riverside leisure.
The Expo Axis—navigating a city of the future
The massive, multi-level Expo Axis (now the River Mall) is the district's main circulatory artery. Stepping out from beneath its iconic, tensile "Sun Valley" membranes, you'll immediately see a sprawling network of elevated promenades connecting the major arenas, museums, and waterfront parks.
Jam-packed with local families, concert-goers, and design enthusiasts, this futuristic plaza is a fascinating melting pot of monumental architecture and everyday recreation that's sure to give you an awe-inspiring perspective on how Shanghai designs public space for the masses.
Satisfy your appetite for airy, modern gastronomy
Unlike the hidden, historic lane-house bistros of Puxi, dining in the Century Park and Expo areas is all about space, light, and modern convenience. A must-do for visitors to the area, the dining hubs here offer sweeping views and extensive variety. Whether you're after an upscale, organic brunch at the Kerry Parkside complex near Century Park, or international fare overlooking the river from the terraces of the River Mall, there's something for every cosmopolitan palate.These massive, sun-drenched lifestyle centers are essentially Pudong's culinary staple, and you can't leave without enjoying a relaxed, uncrowded meal with a panoramic view of the waterfront or the park's dense tree canopy.
A paradise for expansive recreation and high-end suburban lifestyle
This district is arguably Shanghai's outdoor leisure capital, and what's an ecological zone without premium lifestyle amenities? No matter your pace, you can find an incredible, wide-open canvas for active living.
The undisputed anchor of the area's lifestyle is Century Park itself, where the city's affluent residents gather for weekend picnics, kite-flying, and marathon training. If you're hoping for a more curated, retail-driven experience, be sure to check out the nearby Kerry Parkside or the Zendai Himalayas Center, which offer premium imported groceries, boutique fitness studios, and international fashion.
Taking to the new frontiers
Thanks to its global impact as a post-Expo success story, the main museums and arenas are established hotspots. Though the atmosphere here is monumental, if you really want to immerse yourself in the absolute cutting-edge of Shanghai's urban development, don't be afraid to travel just a few minutes south along the river.
If you head down the waterfront to the newly minted Qiantan (New Bund) area, you'll find a network of ultra-luxurious developments connecting some of the most impressive new retail concepts in the city, anchored by the spectacular Taikoo Li Qiantan mall. Stepping into this gleaming, pedestrian-friendly enclave offers a pristine, highly curated look at the absolute vanguard of Shanghai's future lifestyle.
