Flights from Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Shanghai, where waterfront heritage meets a futuristic skyline

Shanghai is a city of striking contrasts, where gleaming glass towers rise behind leafy promenades and historic streets. Along the Huangpu River, you can admire grand early 20th-century buildings on the Bund facing the bold silhouettes of Lujiazui, creating one of the world’s most recognisable skylines.

Beyond the waterfront, Shanghai reveals intimate neighbourhoods, creative districts, and peaceful gardens. Modern shopping streets sit beside restored alleyways filled with cafés, design studios, and small boutiques. Whether you are here for business, culture, or a short stop on a wider trip through China, the city offers plenty of ways to fill your days and evenings.

Shanghai is also a major gateway to the rest of the region, with efficient transport links and a well-developed metro system that makes it easy to explore. From river cruises and museums to contemporary dining and quiet parks, you will find a city that feels both dynamic and surprisingly easy to navigate.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade for panoramic views of colonial-era architecture on one side and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other.

Yu Garden

Step into a classical Chinese garden with ornate pavilions, koi ponds, and winding corridors, set amid lively traditional-style streets.

Shanghai Tower

Ride high-speed lifts to the observation deck of one of the tallest buildings in the world for sweeping views across the city and river.

Nanjing Road

Explore one of Shanghai’s best-known shopping streets, lined with malls, department stores, and bright lights that come alive after dark.

Tianzifang

Wander through a maze of narrow lanes filled with small galleries, craft shops, and cafés in a redeveloped former residential area.

Experience Shanghai’s energy and culture

Begin by walking the Bund at different times of day, from misty mornings to evenings when the skyline glows with colourful lights. A river cruise on the Huangpu offers another perspective, letting you watch both banks glide past in comfort as you learn more about the city’s development.

In the old town area near Yu Garden, you can explore narrow streets, sample local snacks, and browse shops selling crafts and souvenirs. For a different side of Shanghai, head to creative neighbourhoods such as Tianzifang or the Former French Concession, where tree-lined streets and low-rise buildings house galleries, designer boutiques, and small museums.

Round out your visit with time in Shanghai’s modern cultural venues. Large museums and performance spaces offer a changing line-up of exhibitions and shows, while city parks and riverside paths give you room to slow down, walk, or simply sit and watch local life unfold around you.

A taste of Shanghai

Shanghai’s dining scene ranges from elegant restaurants to small eateries tucked along side streets. You can sample classic local flavours such as delicate soup dumplings, known for their thin skins and rich broth, or savoury pan-fried buns with crisp bases and soft tops.

Larger food streets and markets showcase a variety of regional Chinese dishes, from smoky grilled skewers to hand-pulled noodles. Many districts also feature contemporary cafés and bakeries, where you can pause with a coffee and watch the city go by.

For a memorable evening, consider dining with views of the Huangpu River, either from a riverside restaurant on the Bund or a high floor in Pudong. International cuisines are widely available, so you can alternate between local specialities and familiar favourites during your stay.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Shanghai is one of China’s most prominent shopping cities, offering everything from flagship luxury stores to small independent shops. Nanjing Road is a natural starting point, with large malls, brand-name boutiques, and department stores drawing shoppers throughout the day and late into the evening.

If you are looking for designer labels and high-end brands, the modern malls of Lujiazui and other central districts provide a wide selection in comfortable, air-conditioned surroundings. Many of these complexes also include cinemas, restaurants, and rooftop terraces, making them easy places to spend a few relaxed hours.

For more unique pieces, browse the lanes of Tianzifang or parts of the Former French Concession, where studios and shops showcase jewellery, ceramics, textiles, and contemporary design. Larger markets and commercial streets around the city are good for everyday items and casual browsing as you explore different neighbourhoods.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, 10–22°C / 50–72°F, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures, fresh greenery in parks, and comfortable conditions for walking the Bund or exploring neighbourhoods. Occasional rain showers keep the air clear, and outdoor terraces and gardens begin to fill with visitors.

Summer (June to September, 24–33°C / 75–91°F, peak season) is warm and often humid, with long daylight hours ideal for evening river cruises and skyline views. Expect lively streets, busy attractions, and occasional showers or storms, which can be a good time to duck into museums and shopping malls.

Autumn and winter (October to February, 2–18°C / 36–64°F, low season) bring cooler, crisper days and thinner crowds at popular sights. Autumn skies are often clear and pleasant for city walks, while winter offers a quieter atmosphere, cosy indoor dining, and atmospheric nights along the illuminated riverfront.

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