Flights from London (LON) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic waterfront streets with dramatic skylines, creating a city where tradition and modern life sit side by side. You can wander leafy lanes, admire striking towers, and discover how design, fashion, and finance have shaped this dynamic metropolis.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River you will find distinct districts, from the heritage facades of the Bund to the futuristic curves of Lujiazui. Across the city, creative quarters, leafy former concessions, and lively waterfront promenades offer a mix of cafés, galleries, and relaxed streets to explore on foot.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to explore eastern China. With efficient high-speed rail links and domestic flights, you can easily add nearby canal towns, coastal cities, or inland cultural centres to your itinerary before or after your stay.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this famous riverfront promenade for views of grand historic buildings facing the modern skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to observation decks in landmark towers for sweeping views over the city and the winding river below.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and traditional architecture surrounded by narrow streets filled with shops and teahouses.

Former French Concession

Wander through tree-lined streets, hidden courtyards, and characterful houses that now host boutiques, cafés, and galleries.

Nanjing Road

Walk one of Shanghai's best-known shopping streets, from busy pedestrian sections to illuminated storefronts after dark.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of small lanes packed with artisan studios, design shops, and intimate eateries in converted shikumen buildings.

Shanghai Museum

Spend a few hours exploring well-curated collections of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and historical artworks in a central location.

Huangpu River cruise

See both the historic Bund and modern Pudong skyline from the water, especially atmospheric in the evening.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
The metro is the most efficient way to cross the city, linking key districts, railway stations, and both airports. Taxis and ride-hailing apps help with shorter hops, while walking is ideal for compact neighbourhoods like the Bund and the Former French Concession.

Local life & culture
Street scenes shift quickly from glass towers to quiet lane houses, giving you a sense of Shanghai's layered history. Creative quarters bring together studios, galleries, and small performance spaces, while riverside promenades and parks are popular places for leisurely strolls and casual gatherings.

Where to unwind
Along the Huangpu River, landscaped walkways and viewing decks offer calm spaces with wide city views, especially in the early morning and evening. Inner-city parks provide shaded paths, small lakes, and benches, giving you an easy way to pause between sightseeing or shopping.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local bites in busy streets and compact food courts, where stalls serve dumplings, noodle dishes, and regional snacks. Older districts and popular commercial streets often hide small eateries down side alleys, rewarding those who explore on foot.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large shopping malls and lifestyle complexes bring together cafés, bakeries, and restaurants under one roof, ideal when you want options in a single stop. Menus often mix local favourites with international flavours, and modest portions make it easy to try a variety of dishes with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, look for dining rooms that overlook the Bund, the river, or the glittering towers of Lujiazui. Some venues sit high above the city, while others line historic streets or waterfronts, combining thoughtful cooking with views that frame Shanghai's changing skyline.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres cluster around central districts and key metro interchanges, offering international brands, local labels, cinemas, and family-friendly entertainment. These spaces are popular meeting points, where you can browse, dine, and pause between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main streets, you will find smaller markets and side lanes with independent designers, craftspeople, and vintage shops. Areas such as Tianzifang, parts of the Former French Concession, and creative parks showcase handmade pieces, art prints, and design-forward goods.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets glow with illuminated signs, window displays, and lively crowds. Some pedestrian zones and commercial districts stay busy into the evening, pairing late-opening stores with cafés and snack stalls, and reliable public transport makes it easy to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Shanghai is mild, with average temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F). Parks and tree-lined streets become especially pleasant for walking, and outdoor terraces and riverside promenades are comfortable for spending more time outside.

Summer (xia) – June to September, peak season
Summer brings warm, humid weather, with average temperatures often between 25–32°C (77–90°F). This is a lively time for evening strolls along the Bund and river cruises, when the skyline is brightly lit and indoor attractions provide cool breaks during the day.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn is usually clear and comfortable, around 15–22°C (59–72°F), ideal for relaxed sightseeing and day trips. Winter is cooler, averaging 3–10°C (37–50°F), but city museums, cafés, and shopping streets stay active, offering a calm, less crowded experience.

Frequently Asked Questions