Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends a dramatic skyline with leafy streets and historic riverfronts, offering a mix of cutting-edge design and heritage architecture. You can explore busy commercial districts, quiet alleyways, and waterfront promenades, all within a single day.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Huangpu River, with Pudong dominated by soaring towers and Puxi home to classic streetscapes and cultural venues. Districts such as the Bund, Lujiazui, and the Former French Concession each offer a distinct atmosphere, from glittering towers to shaded boulevards.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for wider journeys across eastern China. With extensive high-speed rail links and domestic flights, you can easily pair your stay with nearby cities and scenic regions, while still having ample time to enjoy Shanghai itself.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade for views of ornate riverside buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to one of the observation decks in Lujiazui to see Shanghai’s cluster of iconic skyscrapers and sweeping views of the city.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and winding corridors, then step outside to wander the surrounding traditional streets.

Former French Concession

Walk beneath plane trees and discover quiet residential lanes, small boutiques, and relaxed cafés in this characterful district.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, stretching from the People’s Square area towards the riverfront lights of the Bund.

Shanghai Museum at People’s Square

Spend a few hours exploring well-curated galleries that trace the region’s artistic and cultural heritage across different periods.

Shanghai Tower observation decks

Ride high into one of the world’s tallest buildings for panoramic city views and a clear sense of Shanghai’s scale.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is the fastest way to cover long distances between districts such as Pudong, the Bund, and the Former French Concession. For shorter hops, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used, while walking lets you appreciate smaller streets and pocket parks.

Local life & culture
In busy commercial hubs, you will see office workers, shoppers, and visitors sharing pavements with street vendors and entertainers. In older neighbourhoods, daily life unfolds at a gentler pace, with residents gathering in courtyards, along riverside walks, and in community spaces that give the city a human scale.

Where to unwind
Along the Huangpu River, landscaped promenades offer space to sit, walk, or watch the city lights after sunset. Numerous parks around central Shanghai provide quiet corners, lakes, and tree-lined paths, making them ideal for a morning walk or a late-afternoon break from the city’s energy.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites in areas around Yu Garden and the Old Town, as well as busy streets near People’s Square. From steamed treats to pan-fried snacks, many venues focus on quick, flavourful bites that suit a relaxed, informal meal.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts such as Nanjing Road and newer developments in Pudong bring together a wide range of local and international cuisines. Food courts and mid-range restaurants make it easy to try different dishes in one outing, with sharing plates and modest portions encouraging you to sample more.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, consider restaurants in high-rise buildings across Lujiazui or along the Bund, where large windows frame the skyline and river. Many venues focus on attentive service and carefully designed interiors, turning a simple meal into a distinctive part of your Shanghai stay.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres in areas like Lujiazui and around People’s Square gather international labels, local brands, cinemas, and dining in one place. These spaces are popular meeting points, offering air-conditioned comfort and a wide choice of shops under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller shopping streets and clusters of independent boutiques can be found in parts of the Former French Concession and creative districts across Puxi. Here you can look for design-led souvenirs, lifestyle goods, and locally inspired items in a more relaxed environment.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated façades along Nanjing Road and the riverside bring extra energy to evening strolls and window-shopping. Many malls and key streets stay lively into the night, and the metro and other local transport options make it straightforward to return to your accommodation.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring season (chun ji, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is mild, with average temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F) and gradually lengthening days. Blossoming trees in parks and along streets make city walks especially pleasant, and light layers are usually enough for most days.

Summer season (xia ji, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with averages of 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is a lively time with long evenings, plenty of outdoor activity along the riverfront, and many indoor venues providing welcome air-conditioned breaks between explorations.

Autumn and winter season (qiu dong ji, October to February, low season)
Autumn often has clear days and comfortable temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), gradually cooling towards winter, when averages can dip to 5–10°C (41–50°F). Cooler months mean quieter attractions, crisp river views, and an excellent excuse to enjoy warming dishes indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions