Flights from Shenzhen (SZX) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic riverside neighbourhoods with bold modern skylines, offering an energetic cityscape where old streets and futuristic towers sit side by side. You will find leafy boulevards, lively waterfront promenades, and creative districts that give the city a distinctive urban charm.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River, elegant waterfront architecture contrasts with soaring towers across the water. Inside the city, you can explore compact lanes, stylish shopping streets, and quiet parks, each revealing a different side of daily life. The city moves at a fast pace, but there are many pockets where you can slow down and simply observe.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as a standalone city break or as the starting point for a wider journey through eastern China. High-speed rail and regional flights connect you easily to nearby hubs and scenic towns, so you can combine riverside skylines with canal villages or mountain landscapes in a single itinerary.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Walk along this famous riverside promenade to see historic facades on one side and the modern Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River.

Lujiazui Skyline

Head to the observation decks of landmark towers for sweeping views over the city and the curve of the river below.

Nanjing Road

Stroll this bustling shopping avenue, where large stores, bright lights, and side streets offer plenty of places to browse and people-watch.

Yuyuan Garden Area

Explore the lanes around Yuyuan Garden, where traditional-style buildings and ponds create a calm contrast to the busy streets nearby.

Former French Concession

Wander tree-lined streets filled with heritage buildings, boutique shops, and cafés in this atmospheric central district.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of converted alleyways featuring design studios, small galleries, and cosy spots for a break from the city rush.

Xintiandi

Spend an evening in this restored shikumen district, where open-air terraces and preserved stone buildings create a lively urban setting.

Huangpu River Cruise

Take an evening cruise to see the Bund and Pudong skylines illuminated, offering a different angle on Shanghai's architecture.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai has an extensive metro network that is usually the fastest way to cross the city, especially during busy periods. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for shorter hops or late-night journeys, while walking is ideal for exploring compact districts such as the Bund and the Former French Concession.

Local life & culture
In older neighbourhoods, you may see residents chatting in courtyards, drying laundry on balconies, or playing games in shaded corners of parks. Creative clusters in refurbished warehouses and alleys highlight the citys growing design and arts scene, while riverfront promenades draw joggers, photographers, and families throughout the day.

Where to unwind
Parks and riverside paths offer quiet spots to pause between sightseeing and shopping. Visit larger green spaces in the morning for a gentle start to the day, or head to the riverfront around sunset to watch the skyline change colour. On cooler days, indoor galleries and museums provide calm, climate-controlled places to slow down.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can find local snacks and regional dishes in busy streets and compact food courts, where stalls serve quick meals suited to a day of exploring. Certain neighbourhoods are known for long-standing eateries and small venues where flavours reflect both the city and wider regional influences.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Popular shopping streets and mixed-use complexes gather a wide range of casual restaurants under one roof, from noodle and dumpling shops to international chains. Many places offer sharing plates or smaller portions, making it easy to sample several dishes in one sitting with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants overlooking the river or set on higher floors of prominent buildings, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the skyline. In heritage districts, carefully restored townhouses provide an atmospheric backdrop, combining characterful interiors with thoughtful menus for a relaxed but special night out.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major shopping centres cluster around key metro interchanges, bringing together international fashion brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and family-friendly facilities. These complexes are designed as social spaces as much as retail hubs, so it is easy to combine shopping with dining and entertainment in one stop.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main avenues, you will find smaller streets and creative quarters where independent designers and craft studios showcase clothing, accessories, and homeware. Districts known for design, art, and handicrafts are ideal for picking up distinctive pieces that reflect the citys contemporary style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated signs and window displays give central shopping streets a lively glow, inviting you to wander even if you are only browsing. Some districts stay active late into the evening, with cafés and snack shops open alongside boutiques. Well-connected metro lines and taxis make returning to your hotel straightforward when you are finished.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring season (chun ji, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is mild, with average temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F). Trees and parks come into leaf, and outdoor terraces become more inviting. Occasional rain showers keep the air fresh, making this a comfortable time for strolling riverfront paths and neighbourhood streets.

Summer season (xia tian, June to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with typical temperatures of 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours are well suited to evening walks along the Bund or relaxed dinners outdoors. Light clothing and regular breaks in air-conditioned spaces help you enjoy the city at its most energetic.

Autumn and winter season (qiu dong ji, October to February, low season)
Autumn starts comfortably cool before temperatures settle between about 3–15°C (37–59°F) in the colder months. Clear days in October and November are often crisp and bright, ideal for photography. Winter is quieter at some attractions, giving you more space to explore museums, galleries, and indoor viewpoints.

Frequently Asked Questions