Flights from Cape Town (CPT) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic harbour city where historic streets meet one of the world’s most recognisable skylines. You will find riverfront promenades, leafy former concessions, and creative districts that make the city feel both energetic and surprisingly relaxed.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River, the Bund showcases grand early-20th-century architecture facing the futuristic towers of Lujiazui. Away from the waterfront, quiet lanes, art spaces, and compact parks create a walkable cityscape with distinct neighbourhood personalities and an ever-present café and dining culture.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone urban getaway and a starting point for exploring nearby water towns and regional cities by high-speed rail. With modern infrastructure and clear signage in many public areas, it is straightforward to navigate once you plan your key districts in advance.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this famous riverside promenade for sweeping views of historic waterfront facades opposite the modern skyscrapers of Pudong.

Lujiazui skyline

Head across the river to Shanghai’s financial district to see landmark towers and visit observation decks for panoramic city views.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and restored historic streets in one of Shanghai’s most atmospheric central districts.

Former French Concession

Walk under plane trees past heritage villas, cafés, and boutiques in this elegant neighbourhood of shaded streets.

West Bund & Xuhui Riverside

Enjoy contemporary art museums, riverside walkways, and open spaces along this revitalised stretch of the Huangpu River.

Tianzifang

Navigate narrow alleys converted into lively creative lanes with studios, small eateries, and design shops in converted shikumen buildings.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai’s busiest pedestrian shopping streets, linking People’s Square with the Bund and lined with large stores.

Shanghai Museum

Discover well-curated galleries of ceramics, bronzes, and calligraphy in a landmark building on People’s Square.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is the most efficient way to move between major districts, with clear route maps and frequent services. Taxis and app-based rides are useful for late evenings or when travelling with luggage. For short distances, walking between adjacent neighbourhoods reveals many small streets and local details.

Local life & culture
Life in Shanghai flows between busy commercial avenues and quieter residential lanes. You will notice a strong café culture, neighbourhood parks where locals gather, and a growing interest in design, galleries, and performance spaces. Different districts each have their own atmosphere, from creative quarters to more traditional streets.

Where to unwind
Along the Huangpu River, wide promenades and landscaped parks offer fresh air and space to slow down, especially around sunrise and at dusk. Inner-city parks provide shaded paths, lakes, and seating for a restful break between sightseeing. In the evening, riverfront views and softly lit streets make for relaxed walks after a day of exploring.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
In Shanghai, you can try local favourites such as delicate dumplings, pan-fried buns, and seasonal small plates in simple eateries and food streets. Neighbourhoods around Old Town, local market streets, and smaller lanes often reveal some of the most characterful places to stop for a snack.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and mixed-use districts cluster many restaurants together, making them convenient when you are moving between sights. You will find everything from regional Chinese cuisines to international flavours, often with menus designed for sharing so you can sample a variety of dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider dining at restaurants overlooking the Bund or the towers of Lujiazui, where the night-time skyline becomes part of the experience. Some high-rise venues and refined riverside spots offer carefully crafted menus in calm surroundings, ideal for a special occasion or a relaxed, unhurried meal.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai’s large malls bring together international brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and dining, creating all-day destinations in key districts. These centres often connect directly to metro stations, making it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing or business appointments nearby.

Markets & local crafts
For more characterful finds, explore smaller streets and creative quarters where independent designers and studios showcase fashion, accessories, and homeware. Areas around the Former French Concession, Tianzifang, and parts of the West Bund are good places to look for distinctive pieces and locally inspired designs.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets light up with illuminated façades and window displays, creating a lively evening atmosphere. Some neighbourhoods also host compact night-time markets for browsing snacks and small gifts. Most of these areas are well connected by metro and taxis, so you can stay out later and return to your hotel easily.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), blossoming parks, and clear days ideal for walking the Bund and historic streets. It is a pleasant time for outdoor sightseeing and riverfront strolls, with a gentle build-up towards the busier summer months.

Summer (xia tian) – June to September, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures typically 26–32°C (79–90°F) and longer daylight hours. This season suits evening walks by the river, enjoying skyline views after sunset, and making the most of indoor attractions, museums, and shopping during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – October to February, low season
Autumn starts comfortably cool at 15–22°C (59–72°F), gradually moving to winter averages of about 5–10°C (41–50°F). Cooler air, crisp skies, and fewer crowds create calm conditions for city walks, indoor exhibitions, and discovering cafés and restaurants at a relaxed pace.

Frequently Asked Questions