Flights from Siem Reap (SAI) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is where historic riverfront boulevards meet a futuristic skyline, creating a city that feels both grand and energetic. You can explore elegant waterfront architecture, quiet leafy streets, and bold modern towers in a single day, all linked by a lively urban rhythm.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Huangpu River, with the Bund and Lujiazui facing each other across the water. Historic concessions feel distinctly European in parts, while districts like Jing’an and Xintiandi blend restored buildings with glass-fronted malls and cafés. Expect efficient transport, busy streets, and a constant sense of movement.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well for both short city breaks and longer journeys that connect to other parts of eastern China. It is a major gateway for rail and domestic flights, making onward travel straightforward. Whether you stay riverside or in the former concessions, you are never far from a metro line or a new neighbourhood to discover.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade for classic skyline views of Lujiazui and grand early-20th-century architecture.

Lujiazui Financial District

Head to observation decks in the area’s landmark towers for sweeping views over the river and the vast city below.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore ornate pavilions, ponds, and traditional courtyards surrounded by narrow lanes and busy streets.

Former French Concession

Wander tree-lined streets with low-rise buildings, small boutiques, and cafés that invite slow exploration.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Walk one of Shanghai’s best-known shopping streets, lined with department stores, lights, and a constant flow of people.

Shanghai Museum

Discover finely curated galleries showcasing ceramics, bronzes, and artworks in a striking building on People’s Square.

Xintiandi

Visit this redeveloped shikumen neighbourhood where restored stone-gate houses now host modern dining and lifestyle venues.

Huangpu River Cruise

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

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is extensive and the fastest way to cover longer distances across the city. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find for point-to-point journeys, while walking gives you a closer look at neighbourhood life. Plan your day around metro access to save time.

Local life & culture
In the former concessions, you will see residents enjoying leafy streets, pocket parks, and small galleries alongside everyday shops. Along the Bund and People’s Square, office workers, visitors, and families share wide pavements and open plazas. Back-street lanes reveal a quieter pace, with card games, morning exercise, and slow chats.

Where to unwind
For green space, head to parks such as Fuxing Park or Century Park, where lakes, lawns, and paths offer space to slow down. Riverfront promenades along the Huangpu invite evening strolls with skyline views and cooler air. Visit early in the morning or around sunset for a softer, more relaxed atmosphere.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local flavours in busy streets around the Old Town and smaller neighbourhood lanes. Look out for snacks such as pan-fried buns, noodles, and dumplings, often served from modest shopfronts where locals queue for favourites.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Areas like Xintiandi, Jing’an, and around Nanjing West Road offer many casual restaurants within walking distance of shopping and offices. Menus range from regional Chinese cuisines to international staples, making it easy to share several dishes and try new tastes with friends.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable setting, choose a restaurant with views of the Bund or the towers of Lujiazui, especially in the evening. Some venues sit on higher floors, overlooking the river and city lights, adding a sense of occasion to business dinners, family gatherings, or special celebrations.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai’s central districts feature large malls that combine international fashion, beauty brands, cinemas, and dining in one place. Complexes around Nanjing West Road and Lujiazui offer air-conditioned comfort, making them popular meeting points in all seasons.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller-scale finds, explore streets in the Former French Concession and Tianzifang, where independent boutiques and studios sell clothing, accessories, and design pieces. These neighbourhoods are pleasant to explore on foot, with narrow lanes revealing new shops at every turn.

Evening retail scene
After dark, Nanjing Road and parts of Huaihai Road glow with illuminated signs, busy storefronts, and late-opening shops. Some malls extend their hours, so you can combine an evening walk with browsing and a relaxed meal. Efficient metro lines make it easy to return to your hotel after shopping.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai brings mild temperatures of around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blossoming trees in parks and along streets. It is a pleasant time for walking tours and riverfront strolls, with comfortable conditions and a gentle buzz in popular districts.

Summer heat (June to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and often humid, with average temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours and school holidays make this a lively period, ideal if you enjoy busy shopping streets, evening river cruises, and indoor attractions with cooling air-conditioning.

Crisp autumn and cool winter (October to February, low season)
Autumn offers clear days and temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F), appreciated by many visitors. Winter is cooler, often 3–8°C (37–46°F), giving the city a calmer feel and inviting slower exploration of museums, cafés, and indoor viewpoints with broad city vistas.

Frequently Asked Questions