Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic harbour city where historic streets meet soaring skyscrapers and riverside promenades. You will find leafy boulevards, creative districts, and glittering skylines that create an energetic yet surprisingly walkable urban experience.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River, contrasting waterfronts like the Bund and Lujiazui showcase grand early-20th-century architecture facing bold, modern towers. Away from the river, former concessions, narrow alleys, and renovated warehouses offer cafés, galleries, and smaller boutiques in a more relaxed setting.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a city-break and a starting point for wider exploration of eastern China. High-speed rail and regional flights connect you to nearby historic towns, coastal areas, and major inland cities, making it an efficient base for a longer journey.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this famous riverside promenade for views of historic waterfront buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.

Lujiazui Skyline

Head to the observation decks of landmark towers for sweeping views over Shanghai, the river, and the compact city blocks below.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and stone bridges, then wander nearby traditional-style streets lined with small shops and snacks.

Xintiandi

Discover renovated stone-terrace houses turned into a lively pedestrian area filled with places to eat, drink, and people-watch.

Former French Concession

Walk under plane trees along quiet streets dotted with boutiques, galleries, and cafés set in distinctive low-rise buildings.

Suzhou Creek

Follow the waterfront paths and bridges along this revitalised waterway, which now features art spaces and converted industrial buildings.

Tianzifang

Wander through narrow lanes where studios, creative shops, and small eateries fill repurposed residential blocks.

Shanghai Museum

Spend a few hours exploring well-curated collections of Chinese art and artefacts in a modern, easily navigated space on People’s Square.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is extensive and usually the fastest way to cross the city, supported by easy-to-read maps and frequent trains. For shorter hops, taxis and app-based ride services are widely available, while walking within districts like the Bund and the former French Concession is very practical.

Local life & culture
In central neighbourhoods you will see residents using pocket parks, playing games, and chatting in shaded corners, giving the city a friendly, local feel. Creative districts housed in converted factories and warehouses add galleries, studios, and cultural venues that keep evenings active without feeling overwhelming.

Where to unwind
Waterfront promenades along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek provide space for gentle walks and quiet views, especially around sunrise and dusk. Larger parks around the city offer lakes, pavilions, and tree-lined paths, ideal when you want a calm break from busy streets.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Shanghai is known for comforting dishes such as soup-filled dumplings, pan-fried buns, and comforting noodle bowls. You can explore these flavours in busy local streets, simple eateries, and specialist dumpling spots scattered throughout the central districts.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and mixed-use developments host a wide range of restaurants, from quick-service counters to stylish bistros serving regional and international cuisines. Portions are often suited to sharing, so you can sample several dishes with friends or family in one relaxed sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants with river or skyline views where the city lights create a striking backdrop. High-floor venues and riverside terraces around the Bund and Lujiazui are especially atmospheric in the evening, when buildings across the water are illuminated.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Shanghai offers modern malls where international labels, lifestyle brands, and local designers share space with cinemas and dining floors. These centres are convenient meeting points, with comfortable interiors that make it easy to spend a few relaxed hours indoors.

Markets & local crafts
Away from main boulevards, smaller streets and clusters of low-rise buildings host shops selling design pieces, homeware, and creative products. Neighbourhoods such as Tianzifang, parts of the former French Concession, and redeveloped industrial zones are good places to look for unique items.

Evening retail scene
Major shopping streets stay active into the evening, with illuminated façades and extended opening hours creating a lively atmosphere. Some malls and lifestyle complexes remain busy after dark, and you can usually reach them easily by metro or short taxi rides.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Shanghai brings mild temperatures, typically 13–22°C (55–72°F), and fresh greenery in parks and along tree-lined streets. It is a comfortable time for walking between districts and enjoying outdoor riverside views, with a moderate number of visitors across the city.

Summer (xia tian) – June to September, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with temperatures usually around 25–32°C (77–90°F), and longer daylight hours for evening strolls along the Bund or in urban parks. Occasional showers help cool the air, and this period coincides with school holidays, making the city feel lively.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn starts pleasantly cool, with 15–23°C (59–73°F), before winter settles in with crisp days around 3–10°C (37–50°F). Clear skies are common, views from observation decks can be especially sharp, and popular attractions often feel calmer, providing a more relaxed pace of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions