Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic riverfront architecture with soaring towers and creative neighbourhoods, giving you a vivid sense of modern urban China. From the Bund skyline to tree-lined former concessions, you will find a city that feels energetic yet surprisingly easy to explore.

What to expect
You can expect distinct districts with their own character, from the financial centre of Lujiazui to the boutiques and cafes of the Former French Concession. Wide boulevards, landscaped parks, and riverside promenades create pockets of calm around lively shopping streets and cultural venues.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to eastern China. High-speed rail and regional flights connect you to nearby cities and scenic areas, while the citys two main airports and extensive metro network make onward travel straightforward.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade for classic skyline views across the Huangpu River towards Lujiazuis futuristic towers.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to observation decks in landmark skyscrapers for sweeping views over Shanghai by day and after dark.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical garden landscaping, ponds, and pavilions, then wander nearby lanes lined with traditional-style buildings.

Former French Concession

Walk shaded streets filled with cafes, galleries, and boutiques set in low-rise heritage buildings and leafy avenues.

Nanjing Road pedestrian street

Discover one of Shanghais busiest shopping streets, with department stores, brand flagships, and bright evening lights.

Shanghai Museum

Browse well-curated collections of Chinese art and historical artefacts in a modern building on Peoples Square.

Suzhou Creek and riverside walks

Follow newly revitalised riverbanks for a quieter perspective on the city, passing bridges, warehouses, and public art.

Tianzifang

Lose yourself in a maze of former alleyway homes now filled with studios, small shops, and cosy cafes.

Experience Shanghais everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Shanghai Metro is usually the fastest way to move between districts, with clear signage and frequent trains. For shorter hops, metered taxis and app-based rides are widely available, while walking between nearby sights lets you appreciate local streets at a slower pace.

Local life & culture
You will see Shanghai residents making the most of neighbourhood parks, riverside promenades, and quiet side streets for exercise and socialising. Creative districts blend design studios with small galleries and performance spaces, giving you many chances to experience local arts and everyday city life.

Where to unwind
Riverside paths along the Bund and in the West Bund area offer open views and long, uninterrupted walks, especially pleasant around sunset. Inner-city parks provide green spaces for a break between sightseeing stops, while landscaped waterfronts invite you to sit, watch passing boats, and reset.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Neighbourhood streets and compact snack hubs showcase local bites such as soup-filled dumplings and pan-fried buns, often served from small, busy shops. Morning and evening are lively times to explore, as locals pick up quick meals and hot drinks on the go.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large shopping centres and lifestyle precincts across districts like Lujiazui and the city centre group together many casual restaurants and cafes. Menus typically span Chinese regional cuisines and international flavours, with sharing-style dishes that make it easy to sample a variety of tastes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a venue overlooking the Huangpu River or situated on a high floor with skyline views. Restored heritage buildings and riverfront promenades also host refined restaurants and lounges, ideal for combining a relaxed meal with the citys night-time panorama.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Shanghai features modern malls that bring together international labels, local designers, and entertainment under one roof. These lifestyle centres often include cinemas, family facilities, and broad dining choices, creating convenient one-stop destinations for a full day out.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and dedicated retail zones showcase independent boutiques and creative studios, where you can look for accessories, homeware, and design-led pieces. Districts known for their lane-style developments and pedestrian-friendly blocks are good places to explore on foot and find something distinctive.

Evening retail scene
After dark, main shopping streets glow with illuminated facades and animated displays, and many malls keep later hours. Pedestrian zones feel particularly atmospheric in the evening, when you can combine browsing, people-watching, and a relaxed stroll, with metro lines making it simple to return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring season (chun)
From March to May, Shanghai enjoys mild temperatures of around 13–20°C (55–68°F), with fresh greenery in parks and along tree-lined streets. This shoulder season is pleasant for walking tours and riverside strolls, with comfortable conditions for exploring multiple neighbourhoods in one day.

Summer season (xia)
June to August brings warm, humid weather, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F) and longer daylight hours. This peak season suits travellers who enjoy lively outdoor spaces, extended evenings along the riverfront, and the option to cool off in air-conditioned malls and museums.

Autumn and winter season (qiu and dong)
From September to November, clear days and temperatures of roughly 15–25°C (59–77°F) create another shoulder season that is ideal for city walks and skyline views. December to February is the low season, with cooler 3–9°C (37–48°F) days, quieter attractions, and crisp riverfront panoramas.

Frequently Asked Questions