
Shanghai, as one of China's most representative global cities, features an architectural vocabulary that seamlessly blends its distinctive "Haipai" (Shanghai style) urban character with an international perspective. The city boasts a rich spatial hierarchy, ranging from the micro-level of alleyways and neighborhoods to the macro-scale of urban planning. From the Suzhou Creek to the Huangpu River, every architectural landmark embodies Shanghai's unique history, culture, and vision for the future.
As one of China's most dynamic hubs for architectural experimentation, Shanghai brings together projects that span from small-scale urban renewals and community spaces, such as Yongjia Road Pocket Plaza and the redevelopment of the Columbia Circle, to major cultural and commercial hubs like the West Bund Museum and Suhe MixC World. At the same time, the city honors its heritage with historical sites like the Rockbund Building while looking toward the future with iconic skyscrapers such as the Shanghai Tower. Continuously pushing the boundaries of architectural design, Shanghai, vividly narrates the intertwined stories of its diverse cultural identity, architectural aesthetics, and urban evolution, unleashing unparalleled spatial imagination and innovation.
The following list showcases 30 projects highlighting the diversity in its built environment and the renowned architects who have completed projects in the city-state.
Related Article
The 25 Tallest Buildings in the WorldPocket Plaza / Atelier Archmixing

Activity Homes at Yunjin Road / Scenic Architecture

Putuo Caoyang Centennial Park / Atelier Liu Yuyang Architects

Basdban Coffee Shop / dongqi Design

Nice Rice Shanghai Flagship Store / say architects

Blue Bottle Coffee Columbia Circle Cafe / Neri&Hu Design and Research Office

ICCF GARDEN / gmp Architects

Shanghai Shimao Festival City Renovation / Kokaistudios

Columbia Circle Phase II / XU Studio

Shanghai Suhe MixC World / Kokaistudios

Shangyin Opera House / Christian de Portzamparc

Shanghai Natural History Museum / Perkins+Will

Long Museum West Bund / Atelier Deshaus

Shanghai Modern Art Museum / Atelier Deshaus

West Bund Museum / David Chipperfield Architects

Tank Shanghai / OPEN Architecture

Museum of Art Pudong / Atelier Jean Nouvel

Shanghai Library East / SHL

Shanghai Astronomy Museum / Ennead Architects

Expo Cultural Park Greenhouse Garden / Delugan Meissl Associated Architects

Yangpu Riverfront South Section Phase II / DA Landscape + TJAD Original Design Studio

Play with Nature / DL Atelier

1000 Trees / Heatherwick Studio

Green Hill / TJAD Original Design Studio

Alibaba Shanghai Campus / Foster + Partners

ROCKBUND Building Renovation / David Chipperfield Architects

Bund Finance Centre / Foster + Partners + Heatherwick Studio

Shanghai West Bund AI Tower & Plaza / Nikken Sekkei

Shanghai LuJiaZui Exhibition Centre / OMA

Shanghai Tower / Gensler

You can visit our list of City Guides here.