Flights from New York (NYC) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic harbour city where historic streets meet soaring skyscrapers and shimmering riverfront skylines. You will find a mix of traditional lanes, international influences, and a fast-paced yet welcoming atmosphere that makes every neighbourhood feel distinct.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River, areas like the Bund and Lujiazui showcase grand waterfront facades opposite striking towers and observation decks. Away from the skyline, former concessions, creative districts, and leafy streets reveal cafés, galleries, and boutique shops that highlight Shanghai's contemporary lifestyle.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a stand-alone city break and a starting point for exploring eastern China. Efficient high-speed rail and domestic flights link you to nearby cities and scenic regions, while the city’s extensive metro network makes it easy to base yourself in one district and explore widely.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this famous waterfront promenade for views of historic riverfront buildings set against the modern towers of Lujiazui across the water.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to observation decks in the financial district's tallest towers for panoramic views over the Huangpu River and the city in every direction.

Yu Garden

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and rockeries in this historic garden, then wander the surrounding lanes for snacks and souvenirs.

Former French Concession

Walk beneath leafy avenues lined with townhouses, cafés, and boutiques in one of Shanghai's most atmospheric central neighbourhoods.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets, stretching from People's Square towards the Bund with bright lights and constant activity.

Tianzifang

Get lost in narrow alleyways converted into a creative enclave filled with design shops, studios, and small eateries in converted buildings.

Shanghai Museum

Discover well-curated galleries of ceramics, bronzes, paintings, and calligraphy in an accessible museum on People's Square.

Huangpu River cruise

See both the historic and modern faces of Shanghai on a short river cruise that showcases the city skyline after dark.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Shanghai Metro is the most efficient way to cross the city, linking airports, railway stations, business areas, and key sights. Taxis and app-based rides are widely available for shorter hops, while walking is ideal within compact districts like the Bund and the Former French Concession.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Shanghai blends neighbourhood parks, busy shopping streets, and quieter lane communities. You will see residents using public spaces for exercise, dance, and social gatherings, while creative districts and galleries reflect the city’s strong interest in design and contemporary culture.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Century Park and riverside promenades offer room to slow down and enjoy the city from a calmer angle. Visit early in the morning for a peaceful walk, or return around sunset to watch the skyline light up and enjoy cooler evening temperatures.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Shanghai is known for flavourful bites such as soup-filled dumplings and pan-fried buns, which you can find in busy local streets and compact neighbourhood eateries. Traditional snacks and quick meals are easy to discover near markets, metro hubs, and older residential lanes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and newer lifestyle complexes gather cafés, bakeries, and casual restaurants in one place, making it simple to explore different flavours in a single stop. Menus often feature a mix of regional Chinese dishes and international favourites, with smaller portions that invite you to share and sample.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, rooftop venues and riverfront restaurants around the Bund and Lujiazui frame your dining experience with city views. Large windows, upper-floor terraces, and skyline backdrops turn dinner into an occasion, especially when the towers on both sides of the river are illuminated.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai's major malls combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and plentiful dining, turning shopping into a full-day outing. Areas around Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, and Xintiandi bring together fashion, lifestyle stores, and indoor attractions in climate-controlled comfort.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative quarters are ideal for browsing design studios and independent labels. Districts such as Tianzifang, the Former French Concession, and emerging warehouse-style creative complexes showcase crafts, artwork, and distinctive lifestyle pieces.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central shopping streets glow with neon signs, digital billboards, and lively window displays. Extended opening hours in many malls and late-night food options nearby make it easy to combine shopping with a relaxed evening walk, supported by frequent metro services back to your hotel.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) with blooming parks and clear days. It is a comfortable time for walking between neighbourhoods and enjoying outdoor terraces before summer heat and humidity set in.

Summer and early autumn (June to September, peak season) are warm to hot, with averages of 26–32°C (79–90°F) and higher humidity. Long daylight hours suit evening riverfront walks and skyline views, and you can rely on air-conditioned malls, museums, and cafés when you need a break.

Late autumn and winter (October to February, low season) are cooler, typically 5–15°C (41–59°F), with crisp days that make city walks refreshing. This period often brings fewer crowds at major sights, and indoor galleries, teahouses, and museums feel especially inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions