Flights from Beijing (BJS) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic waterfront streets with striking skyscrapers, giving you a vivid picture of modern urban China. You can wander leafy lanes, explore creative districts, and see how traditional shikumen houses sit beside contemporary glass towers.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Huangpu River, with the Bund and Lujiazui as its most recognisable faces. Across its districts you will find grand boulevards, compact alleyways, and wide riverside promenades, all connected by an efficient metro system and lively pedestrian streets.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well for short city breaks and longer journeys, with easy access to nearby water towns and other parts of eastern China. Use the city as a base, then explore the wider Yangtze River Delta by high-speed rail or organised excursions.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this iconic waterfront promenade to admire historic buildings on one side and Shanghai’s futuristic skyline across the river.

Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower

Head to the financial district and take in sweeping city views from one of the observation decks in Shanghai Tower or nearby skyscrapers.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and courtyards, then step outside to wander the surrounding lanes and traditional-style buildings.

Former French Concession

Walk along tree-lined streets filled with heritage villas, boutiques, and cafés that give the area a distinctly European feel.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Join the crowds on this busy shopping avenue, where large stores, bright lights, and street performers create a lively atmosphere.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of narrow alleys adapted from old lane houses, now home to studios, small galleries, and cosy eateries.

Shanghai Museum

Spend a few hours browsing well-curated galleries showcasing ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and other cultural treasures.

Huangpu River Cruise

See the city skyline from the water on an evening cruise, when both banks of the river are illuminated.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro is the fastest way to move between major districts and attractions, with clear signage and frequent trains. For shorter hops, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available, while walking along riverside promenades or through inner-city neighbourhoods gives you a closer look at daily life.

Local life & culture
You will see early risers exercising in parks, office workers filling busy streets, and families enjoying public squares in the evening. Distinct areas, from the Former French Concession to the new cultural quarters along the West Bund, all reveal different sides of Shanghai’s creative and social energy.

Where to unwind
The city offers many green spaces and riverside walks where you can slow down. Visit parks in the morning for a peaceful start or head to waterfront areas around sunset for cooler air and skyline views, turning a busy day of sightseeing into a more relaxed evening.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Shanghai is known for comforting dishes and snacks that balance delicate flavours and rich textures. Look for neighbourhood eateries and local streets where steaming baskets and sizzling griddles signal freshly prepared specialities.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Around shopping streets and creative districts you will find contemporary restaurants serving both regional Chinese and international cuisines. Many spots offer smaller plates and sharing portions, so you can sample several dishes in one meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, choose venues overlooking the Bund or facing the Lujiazui skyline, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the city lights. Riverfront and rooftop restaurants pair refined menus with impressive views, ideal for celebrating a special evening in Shanghai.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres cluster around areas like People’s Square, Lujiazui, and popular transport hubs, combining international brands, cinemas, and a wide choice of dining under one roof. These spaces often host seasonal events, making them lively places to meet friends and spend an afternoon indoors.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and creative studios, explore neighbourhoods such as Tianzifang, the Former French Concession, and parts of Jing’an. Here you can browse design-led shops, independent labels, and craft-focused spaces that showcase local talent and contemporary style.

Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets glow with neon signs and animated façades, while some districts stay open late for dining and browsing. Well-connected metro lines and plentiful taxis make it simple to reach these areas in the evening and return to your hotel comfortably.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (Chun)
From March to May, spring brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blossoming trees in parks and along boulevards. As a shoulder season, it is ideal for walking tours, riverfront strolls, and outdoor photography in soft, clear light.

Summer in Shanghai (Xia)
June to September is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 27–32°C (81–90°F). This peak season is lively, with extended opening hours, evening river cruises, and plenty of indoor attractions and malls where you can enjoy air-conditioned comfort between sightseeing stops.

Autumn and winter in Shanghai (Qiu and Dong)
October to February sees cooler, crisp days, with temperatures ranging from 5–18°C (41–64°F). As a low season, it offers quieter museums, easier restaurant reservations, and atmospheric views of the skyline under clear winter skies or soft autumn light.

Frequently Asked Questions