Flights from Colombo (CMB) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic harbour city where historic streets meet futuristic skylines. You will find riverside promenades, Art Deco landmarks, and creative districts that showcase how the city blends heritage with forward-looking energy.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River, elegant riverfront facades face soaring towers in Pudong, creating one of the world s most recognisable skylines. Inside the city, leafy streets, restored shikumen lanes, and contemporary art spaces give each neighbourhood a distinct character to explore.

Plan your trip
Shanghai is an ideal base for exploring eastern China, with fast rail links to nearby cities and scenic areas. Whether you stay for a city break or combine it with a wider journey, the city offers a well-organised transport network, varied accommodation, and a clear sense of place.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this historic riverfront promenade to admire classic waterfront buildings facing the dramatic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.

Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower

Ride up one of the city s tallest towers in Lujiazui for sweeping views over the financial district, the Bund, and the winding river below.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Wander through pavilions, ponds, and rockeries before exploring nearby lanes lined with traditional architecture and local shops.

Former French Concession

Discover tree-lined streets filled with boutiques, cafes, and restored residences that hint at the area s layered history.

Nanjing Road

Walk one of Shanghai s busiest shopping streets, where flagship stores, bright lights, and side alleys offer hours of exploration.

Tianzifang

Explore a maze of narrow lanes packed with design studios, small galleries, and cosy eateries in converted traditional buildings.

Shanghai Museum

Visit this well-regarded museum on People s Square to see collections of ceramics, bronzes, paintings, and calligraphy in a spacious setting.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to see the city s skyline illuminated, with historic facades and modern towers glowing on both banks.

Experience Shanghai s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai s metro network is the quickest way to cross the city, linking major districts, railway stations, and airports. For a different view, take the river ferry between the Bund and Pudong, then use taxis or app-based cars for the final stretch to your hotel or meeting.

Local life & culture
Away from the main avenues, you will see residents gathering in parks, dancing in squares, or practising tai chi at dawn. Creative clusters in former industrial zones host galleries and studios, while performance venues around the city offer everything from classical concerts to contemporary shows.

Where to unwind
Parks and riverside walks provide calm spaces amid the urban pace, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Stroll along the expanded waterfronts on both sides of the Huangpu River, or relax in landscaped city parks that offer shady paths, lakes, and quiet corners to pause.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
In Shanghai, you can try snacks such as soup-filled dumplings and pan-fried buns in lively neighbourhoods and traditional lanes. Morning and evening are ideal for sampling freshly cooked bites from small eateries and local vendors tucked between shops and homes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and commercial districts house many casual restaurants, cafes, and bakeries offering regional Chinese dishes and international favourites. With smaller portions and sharing plates common, you can taste a range of flavours in one sitting, perfect for groups and families.

Signature & scenic dining
For special occasions, riverside and rooftop venues around the Bund and Pudong offer menus paired with impressive city views. Higher floors in landmark towers and historic buildings provide memorable backdrops, from glittering skylines to illuminated river scenes after dark.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai s central malls bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining, creating comfortable spaces to spend an afternoon indoors. Many are linked directly to metro stations, making them easy to reach between meetings or sightseeing.

Markets & local crafts
For smaller boutiques and creative labels, explore districts such as Tianzifang, Xintiandi, and the Former French Concession. Here you can browse design shops, art spaces, and craft stores that showcase ceramics, textiles, and contemporary pieces from local makers.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, major shopping streets and commercial areas light up with colourful signs and window displays. Some pedestrian zones stay lively late into the evening, with shops, snack stalls, and cafes open as people stroll. Well-connected public transport makes it straightforward to return to your hotel at the end of the night.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring warm-up (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), with blooming parks and comfortable conditions for walking. Light layers are useful as days can shift from cool to pleasantly warm, making this a relaxed time for city exploration and short day trips.

Summer heights (June to September, peak season)
Summer is warm and humid, with typical daytime temperatures from 26–32°C (79–90°F). This is a lively period with long daylight hours, ideal for evening river walks and enjoying indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and shopping centres to stay cool.

Autumn calm (October to November, shoulder season)
Autumn often brings clear skies and crisp air, with temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F). It is a comfortable time to enjoy outdoor terraces, park strolls, and skyline views, as the heat of summer fades and the city settles into a gentle, steady rhythm.

Winter city lights (December to February, low season)
Winters are generally cold but manageable, with typical temperatures ranging from 3–8°C (37–46°F). Clear days can offer sharp, photogenic skyline views, and indoor attractions and shopping districts feel calm, making it easy to explore without the summer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions