Flights from Rome (FCO) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic waterfront charm with a striking modern skyline, offering a city that feels both dynamic and welcoming. You will find leafy streets, grand architecture, and vibrant districts that invite you to explore day and night.

What to expect
Along the Huangpu River, contrasts define your experience, from the colonial-era facades of the Bund to the futuristic towers of Lujiazui. Creative districts, riverside promenades, and compact historic lanes make it easy to move between quiet corners and lively urban energy.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a city-break destination and a base for exploring nearby water towns and coastal areas. With efficient transport links, you can easily connect onwards within the region or simply focus on discovering the city’s diverse neighbourhoods.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

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

Oriental Pearl Tower

Ride up this landmark tower in Pudong for sweeping views over Shanghai and its ever-changing skyline.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and rockeries before wandering the surrounding streets lined with traditional-style architecture.

Nanjing Road

Walk one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, where flagship stores, cafés, and lights create a lively atmosphere into the evening.

Xintiandi

Discover restored stone-arch shikumen houses that now host boutiques, galleries, and dining in a pedestrian-friendly setting.

Tianzifang

Lose yourself in narrow lanes filled with studios, small shops, and cosy cafés set among converted traditional buildings.

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Head to one of the world’s highest observation decks for a striking perspective over the city and winding river below.

Shanghai Museum

Spend time with well-curated collections of art and artefacts in a modern building on People’s Square.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is the most efficient way to cover long distances, with clear signage and frequent trains. Taxis and app-based ride services help you reach areas between stations, while walking along riverside promenades and in compact neighbourhoods is ideal for short hops.

Local life & culture
In the French Concession, shaded streets reveal a quieter side of the city, with small galleries and local cafés set in historic buildings. Around People’s Square and Lujiazui, the pace quickens as office towers and shopping hubs showcase Shanghai’s contemporary lifestyle.

Where to unwind
Relax along the Huangpu riverfront, where wide walkways and benches offer open views and fresh air. City parks such as Fuxing Park and Century Park provide green spaces for gentle strolls, especially pleasant in the early morning or around sunset.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local flavours in bustling streets around People’s Square, Yu Garden, and smaller neighbourhood lanes. Look out for traditional snacks, warming soups, and freshly prepared bites that give you a quick taste of the city’s culinary heritage.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping districts such as Nanjing Road and Lujiazui offer many casual restaurants and food courts with regional and international choices. Menus often feature smaller plates, making it easy to share and try several dishes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, seek out dining rooms overlooking the Bund or perched high in Pudong’s towers. Riverside and rooftop venues combine city panoramas with refined menus, turning dinner into an unhurried highlight of your stay.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Around Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Lujiazui, large malls bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and cafés. These centres are popular meeting points, giving you a comfortable place to shop and take a break between sights.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood streets in Tianzifang, Xintiandi, and areas around Yu Garden are ideal for discovering creative studios, design shops, and smaller labels. You can browse decorative pieces, textiles, and everyday items that reflect Shanghai’s mix of modern and traditional style.

Evening retail scene
As night falls, main shopping streets and riverfront promenades light up with illuminated façades and animated window displays. Many malls and shops stay open into the evening, and convenient metro links make it straightforward to reach these areas after a day of sightseeing.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Shanghai brings mild temperatures of around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and fresh greenery in parks and gardens. Occasional showers keep the air clear, and comfortable conditions make this a pleasant time for walking along the Bund and exploring neighbourhoods.

Summer (xia tian) – June to September, peak season
Summer is warm and often humid, with average temperatures between 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours mean more time to enjoy evening skylines, riverfront strolls, and indoor attractions when you prefer to escape the heat.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn starts with crisp, clear days around 12–20°C (54–68°F), ideal for city walks and park visits. Winter is cooler, averaging 3–10°C (37–50°F), but quieter streets and softer light along the river give the city a calm charm for unhurried exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions