Flights from Chennai (MAA) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic waterfront city where futuristic skylines meet historic streets and leafy concessions. You will find striking contrasts between soaring towers in Pudong and heritage architecture along the Bund, with a constant buzz of creativity, fashion, and urban energy.

What to expect
The city is defined by its iconic Huangpu River, lively commercial districts, and compact historic quarters that invite slow walks. Expect efficient metro links, busy shopping streets, and neighbourhoods that shift from business-focused by day to atmospheric dining and nightlife areas after dark.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone city break and a gateway to eastern China. High-speed rail links and domestic flights connect you to nearby historic towns, coastal cities, and scenic landscapes, making it easy to combine an urban stay with wider regional exploration.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this famous riverside promenade for classic skyline views of Pudong and grand early-20th-century buildings lining the waterfront.

Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower

Head to the financial district to see striking skyscrapers and enjoy panoramic city views from one of the world’s tallest observation decks.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore traditional pavilions, ponds, and winding lanes in this historic area, a calm contrast to the modern city around it.

Former French Concession

Wander tree-lined streets filled with boutiques, cafés, and preserved low-rise buildings that showcase Shanghai’s cosmopolitan heritage.

Nanjing Road

Discover one of Shanghai’s best-known shopping streets, running from the People’s Square towards the Bund with constant street life.

Tianzifang

Lose yourself in a maze of converted alleyways packed with small studios, design shops, and cosy bars in repurposed shikumen houses.

Shanghai Museum at People’s Square

Spend a few hours exploring carefully curated galleries covering centuries of Chinese ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and decorative arts.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to watch the city’s skyline and bridges light up, offering a different perspective on both banks of the river.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro system is the most efficient way to cover longer distances between districts such as Pudong, the Bund, and the Former French Concession. Taxis and ride-hailing apps help with late-night returns, while walking is ideal for exploring compact neighbourhoods and waterfront promenades.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Shanghai moves at a brisk pace, with residents filling parks in the early morning and cafés and creative spaces later in the day. You will notice a blend of traditional pastimes and contemporary art, fashion, and design, especially in redeveloped warehouse areas and leafy residential streets.

Where to unwind
For fresh air, head to riverside parks, the green spaces around People’s Square, or quieter residential pockets of the Former French Concession. Early mornings and late afternoons are particularly pleasant, when temperatures are softer and the light over the city’s skyline is at its most atmospheric.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Shanghai is known for comforting snacks and delicate bites, from soup-filled dumplings to pan-fried buns and seasonal small plates. You will find many casual eateries and stalls in older neighbourhoods and around busy commercial streets where office workers and families dine side by side.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large malls and mixed-use complexes across Pudong and Puxi offer convenient clusters of casual restaurants and cafés. You can sample a range of regional Chinese cuisines and international flavours in one place, with smaller portions making it easy to try several dishes in a single meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant overlooking the Bund or facing the Pudong skyline, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the illuminated riverfront. High-rise venues and refined dining rooms around Lujiazui and central Puxi pair carefully presented menus with impressive city views.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern malls across the city bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining under one roof. Areas around Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road, and Lujiazui offer extensive choices, with wide, climate-controlled corridors that make shopping comfortable year-round.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the big centres, you can browse smaller streets and creative enclaves for handicrafts, homeware, and design pieces. Districts such as Tianzifang, parts of the Former French Concession, and emerging creative parks host independent studios and concept stores showcasing local talent.

Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets glow with colourful signage and lively window displays, creating a distinctive night-time atmosphere. Some commercial areas stay active well into the evening, and the metro network and taxis make it straightforward to reach and return from these districts.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Shanghai is mild, with average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blossoming trees in parks and along streets. It is a comfortable time for riverfront walks and outdoor sightseeing, with gradually lengthening days and a pleasant, relaxed feel across the city.

Summer (xia tian) – June to September, peak season
Summer brings warm, often humid weather, with typical temperatures of 25–32°C (77–90°F) and lively evenings along the Bund and in open-air dining spots. Occasional showers refresh the air, and extended daylight lets you fit in more museum visits, shopping, and river cruises.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn tends to be clear and crisp, with 15–20°C (59–68°F), turning cooler as winter approaches, when temperatures can fall to around 5–10°C (41–50°F). Cooler months mean thinner crowds at popular attractions, making it ideal for unhurried museum visits, indoor galleries, and long café stops.

Frequently Asked Questions