Flights from Barcelona (BCN) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai combines a striking skyline with a dynamic street-level energy, where waterfront promenades, leafy concessions, and creative districts sit side by side. You experience both cutting-edge modernity and layers of history in a single walk along the Huangpu River.

What to expect
You can explore districts that each feel distinct, from the historic Bund with its grand riverfront architecture to the sleek towers of Lujiazui across the water. Tree-lined streets, restored lane houses, and riverside parks create quieter corners, while shopping streets and cultural venues keep the city lively late into the evening.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a city break and a starting point for a wider journey across eastern China. High-speed rail and frequent domestic flights connect you to nearby cities and scenic regions, so you can easily combine urban exploration with countryside or coastal escapes.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this famous waterfront promenade to see historic riverfront buildings facing the modern skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.

Lujiazui Skyline

Ride up one of the landmark towers for sweeping views over Shanghai, the winding river, and the historic districts below.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and courtyards set amid narrow streets filled with traditional-style architecture and busy shops.

Former French Concession

Wander through leafy streets lined with early 20th-century buildings, small boutiques, and relaxed cafés in a walkable neighbourhood.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Join the crowds on one of Shanghai’s best-known shopping streets, with illuminated storefronts and a lively atmosphere in the evening.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of renovated lane houses now home to design studios, small galleries, and intimate eateries.

Shanghai Museum

Visit this well-regarded museum on People’s Square to see an extensive collection of decorative arts and historical artefacts.

Huangpu River Cruise

Take an evening cruise to watch the Bund and Lujiazui light up, offering a different perspective on the city’s skyline.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is extensive and usually the fastest way to move between districts, especially at busy times. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for shorter hops or late-night journeys, while walking lets you appreciate details in older neighbourhoods and along the riverfront.

Local life & culture
You will see a mix of long-term residents and newcomers shaping the city’s character, from morning exercise in local parks to creative studios in former industrial areas. Busy shopping streets, performance venues, and cultural spaces give you many chances to experience how people spend their evenings and weekends.

Where to unwind
Parks, riverside promenades, and landscaped plazas offer calm places to take a break from the city’s pace. The Bund and other waterfront areas feel especially pleasant around sunset, while larger parks provide shaded paths and open lawns that are ideal for a slower start or a gentle end to your day.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can find classic local snacks and regional dishes in small eateries and food streets across the city. Neighbourhoods around older lanes and markets are good places to look for simple, flavourful options that give you a sense of everyday dining.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and mixed-use districts bring together convenient cafés, family restaurants, and contemporary concepts under one roof. The variety of Asian and international flavours makes it easy to share several plates, so you can try different tastes in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, rooftop venues and riverfront restaurants offer striking views of the Bund, Lujiazui, or the wider cityscape. Dining with a skyline backdrop can turn a meal into an occasion, especially if you time your reservation for the city lights coming on after dusk.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping centres feature international labels, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These complexes are often linked directly to metro stations, making them convenient stops between sightseeing or a comfortable place to spend a few hours indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and clusters of boutiques are where you can browse for design pieces, homeware, and unique gifts. Districts known for creative studios and independent shops are ideal for finding items that reflect the city’s contemporary style and craftsmanship.

Evening retail scene
As night falls, key commercial streets and plazas light up with illuminated signs and extended opening hours. Window-shopping, people-watching, and a relaxed drink or dessert combine easily, and reliable public transport helps you return to your hotel at the end of the evening.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring season (chunji, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is mild, with temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F) and fresh greenery appearing in parks and along streets. Occasional showers keep the air clear, and outdoor walks along the riverfront or in historic districts feel comfortable.

Summer season (xiatian, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm to hot weather, typically 25–32°C (77–90°F), with higher humidity and lively evenings outdoors. Longer daylight hours suit rooftop views, river cruises, and late shopping, and you can plan indoor museum visits during hotter afternoons.

Autumn and winter season (qiutian and dongtian, October to February, low season)
Autumn is generally clear and cool, around 12–22°C (54–72°F), while winter can drop to 1–10°C (34–50°F). Cooler months mean crisp air for skyline views and quieter attractions, with comfortable conditions for museum visits, indoor performances, and cosy cafés.

Frequently Asked Questions