Flights from Sydney (SYD) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Shanghai, where modern skylines meet historic streets

Shanghai is a city of striking contrasts, where futuristic towers line the Huangpu River while historic districts preserve the charm of old China. As one of the country s most dynamic hubs, it combines international flair with local character, offering neighbourhoods that feel both global and distinctly Shanghainese.

From the iconic skyline of Pudong to the riverside elegance of the Bund, you can explore wide boulevards, leafy streets, and narrow lanes filled with life. Cafes, boutiques, museums, and galleries sit alongside traditional markets and family-owned eateries, creating a city that rewards both first-time visitors and repeat travellers.

Whether you are drawn by business, culture, or cuisine, Shanghai offers a pace and energy that stays with you. Each district has its own personality, inviting you to wander, discover, and experience a city that is constantly evolving yet firmly rooted in its storied past.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this famous waterfront promenade for classic views of historic architecture facing the modern skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Ride up this distinctive tower in Pudong for sweeping city views from its observation decks and a panoramic perspective of Shanghai s rapid growth.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, then wander the surrounding lanes filled with shops and traditional snacks.

Nanjing Road

Walk one of Shanghai s best-known shopping streets, lined with department stores, malls, and bright lights that come alive in the evening.

Former French Concession

Discover leafy streets, restored villas, and stylish boutiques in this charming district known for its relaxed atmosphere and inviting streetscapes.

Experience the culture and energy of Shanghai

Start your visit with a walk along the Bund, where you can admire ornate colonial-era buildings and look across to the glass and steel silhouettes of Pudong. A river cruise in the evening adds another angle, showcasing the city s lights and giving you a sense of its scale and rhythm.

Spend time exploring different neighbourhoods to understand Shanghai s character. In the Former French Concession, tree-lined streets invite you to slow down, discover small galleries, and pause at corner cafes. In contrast, Pudong offers soaring viewpoints, contemporary shopping, and wide avenues that speak to Shanghai s modern ambitions.

For a deeper cultural experience, visit Shanghai Museum on People s Square to see excellent collections of ceramics, bronzes, and calligraphy, or seek out smaller art spaces that highlight contemporary work. Join a guided walking tour or local workshop to learn more about the city s history, architecture, or traditional crafts while meeting residents who call Shanghai home.

A taste of Shanghai

Shanghai s dining scene ranges from celebrated restaurants to tiny street-side counters, giving you many ways to experience local flavours. Classic Shanghainese cuisine is known for its rich sauces, seasonal ingredients, and subtle sweetness, with many dishes designed to be shared at a round table.

Do not miss local specialities such as xiaolongbao, the famous soup-filled dumplings, or pan-fried shengjian bao with their crisp base and soft, steamed tops. Braised dishes, freshwater fish, and vegetable plates also feature prominently, reflecting regional tastes and ingredients from the rivers and nearby countryside.

Beyond traditional food, Shanghai embraces a wide variety of international cuisines, from casual cafes and bakeries to fine-dining venues with city views. You can enjoy a quick bowl of noodles, a leisurely dim sum lunch, or a multi-course tasting menu, often within a short walk of one another, making it easy to match your meals to your plans each day.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Shanghai is a major shopping destination, offering everything from flagship luxury stores to independent boutiques. Nanjing Road remains one of the city s best-known retail avenues, lined with malls and department stores where you can browse international brands alongside local labels.

For a more relaxed experience, head to the streets of the Former French Concession and areas like Tianzifang or Xintiandi, where renovated alleyways and historic buildings house design shops, fashion boutiques, and lifestyle stores. Here you can find handcrafted accessories, contemporary clothes, and unique homeware that reflect Shanghai s creative energy.

Markets and specialist streets provide another side to the city s retail scene, with spaces dedicated to antiques, fabrics, or handicrafts. Whether you are looking for a memorable gift, modern fashion, or something for your home, you will find many options across Shanghai s diverse districts.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, 10–22°C / 50–72°F, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures, blooming parks, and comfortable conditions for walking city streets and riverside promenades. Light layers are usually enough, and clearer skies often mean good visibility from observation decks and river cruises.

Summer (June to September, 24–33°C / 75–91°F, peak season) is warm and humid, with long daylight hours that suit evening strolls, night river cruises, and open-air activities. Indoor attractions, air-conditioned malls, and museums offer pleasant breaks from the heat while you explore.

Autumn and winter (October to February, 2–18°C / 36–64°F, low season) see cooler air and crisper days, ideal for unhurried museum visits, cosy meals, and exploring historic districts without the larger crowds of summer. Cooler temperatures make layered clothing helpful, and the city s lights feel especially atmospheric after dark.

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