Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai combines a futuristic skyline with leafy historic streets, creating a city that feels both dynamic and welcoming. You will find waterfront promenades, creative districts, and quiet pockets of old lanes that invite you to linger and explore.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River, the Bund faces the soaring towers of Lujiazui, while former shophouse neighbourhoods host cafés, galleries, and boutiques. The city moves at a quick pace, but reliable transport and clear signage make it straightforward to get around, even on a first visit.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as a stand-alone city break or as the starting point for a wider journey across eastern China. With strong rail links and multiple airports, it is easy to connect from Shanghai to nearby water towns, coastal cities, and inland cultural centres.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Walk the historic riverside promenade for views of classical waterfront buildings on one side and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to the observation decks of iconic towers in Pudong to see Shanghai’s vast cityscape stretch out in every direction.

Yu Garden and bazaar

Explore traditional pavilions, ponds, and intricate stonework set among lively lanes packed with shops and tea houses.

Former French Concession streets

Stroll along plane tree-lined streets filled with townhouses, independent boutiques, and relaxed cafés with outdoor seating.

Nanjing Road pedestrian zone

Experience one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, where flagship stores, lights, and street performers create an energetic atmosphere.

Shanghai Museum

Discover carefully curated galleries showcasing bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and other works that trace regional artistic traditions.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to see both banks of the river lit up, with architectural landmarks reflected in the water.

Xintiandi

Relax in a redeveloped quarter of restored stone houses that now host stylish restaurants, bars, and design-forward shops.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is the quickest way to cross the city, with clear maps and frequent trains. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for late evenings or shorter hops, while cycling or walking between nearby districts lets you appreciate changing streetscapes.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhood parks fill each morning with locals meeting to chat, exercise, or play games, giving you a glimpse of daily routines. Creative quarters in former industrial or residential areas now host studios, galleries, and cultural venues that showcase contemporary ideas in a relaxed setting.

Where to unwind
Waterfront promenades along the Huangpu and Suzhou rivers are ideal for a gentle walk, especially around sunset when the skyline glows. City parks with lakes, rockeries, and quiet paths offer calm spots to pause between sightseeing, and are especially pleasant in spring and autumn.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites such as soup-filled dumplings, pan-fried buns, and seasonal snacks in busy streetside stalls and compact eateries. Older neighbourhoods and traditional food streets are good places to try a range of small dishes in a single walk.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls across the city bring together regional Chinese cuisines and international options, making it easy to find something for every taste. Food courts and mid-range restaurants often serve smaller plates, so you can share and explore different flavours in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable evenings, choose a restaurant overlooking the Bund or the Pudong skyline, or pick a venue inside a historic townhouse. Many high-floor dining rooms and hotel venues offer broad river views, turning dinner into a chance to admire the city from above.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai’s central districts are dotted with expansive malls that bring together global labels, local designers, cinemas, and cafés. They are convenient places to combine shopping with dining and entertainment in one stop, especially during hot summers or cooler winters.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative clusters showcase independent brands, art, and handcrafted items. Areas such as Tianzifang, parts of the Former French Concession, and redeveloped lane neighbourhoods are ideal for finding unique pieces and gifts with a sense of place.

Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets remain lively, with illuminated signs and extended opening hours in many malls. Pedestrianised zones feel especially atmospheric in the evening, and frequent metro services make it straightforward to reach these districts and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai brings mild weather, with average temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F) and rising greenery across parks and streets. Occasional showers freshen the air, and it is a comfortable time for city walks and day trips.

Summer heat (June to August, peak season)
Summer is warm and often humid, with average temperatures of 25–32°C (77–90°F). Long daylight hours are ideal for evening strolls along the riverfront, and indoor attractions and malls offer welcome breaks from the heat.

Autumn colours and winter charm (September to February, low season)
Autumn is pleasantly cool, averaging 15–23°C (59–73°F), before giving way to a crisp winter that can dip to 3–8°C (37–46°F). This period offers clearer skies, quieter streets at times, and a different perspective on the city’s parks and skyline.

Frequently Asked Questions