Flights from Perth (PER) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

A dynamic city where tradition meets the future

Shanghai is one of China s most vibrant cities, where historic waterfront promenades sit beside glass-and-steel skyscrapers. As you arrive, you will quickly feel the city s pace, from grand avenues lined with heritage buildings to creative districts filled with galleries and cafes. It is a place that rewards both first-time visitors and returning travellers who want to explore deeper neighbourhoods.

Along the Huangpu River, you can gaze across at contrasting skylines: the Bund s stately architecture on one bank and the futuristic towers of Lujiazui on the other. Beyond these icons, Shanghai offers leafy streets, peaceful parks, and local markets that reveal everyday city life. Whether you are here for business, shopping, food, or culture, the city offers many ways to fill your days and evenings.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along Shanghai s famous riverside promenade to admire historic architecture and panoramic views of the Pudong skyline.

Shanghai Tower

Ride up one of the world s tallest buildings for sweeping city views and a clear sense of Shanghai s modern scale.

Yu Garden

Explore this classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries tucked among busy lanes and traditional-style buildings.

Nanjing Road

Walk, shop, and people-watch along one of Shanghai s main commercial streets, stretching from the People s Square to the Bund.

Tianzifang

Wander through narrow alleyways filled with small boutiques, studios, and cafes set in restored shikumen-style buildings.

Experience the spirit of Shanghai

Shanghai invites you to experience the city at street level. Join a guided walking tour through the former French Concession to see elegant townhouses, leafy boulevards, and small local parks where residents relax and exercise. In the early morning, watch how the city eases into the day, with people gathering for gentle outdoor activities and families heading to neighbourhood markets.

For a different view, take a river cruise on the Huangpu after sunset, when the skyline glows with colour and the buildings along the Bund are beautifully lit. If you prefer quieter moments, discover contemporary art spaces in repurposed industrial zones, or spend time in urban parks where you can pause between meetings or sightseeing. With efficient public transport and easily available taxis and ride-hailing services, you can move between districts and uncover a side of Shanghai that fits your pace.

A taste of Shanghai

Shanghai s dining scene blends local flavours with influences from across China and around the world. You can try classic local dishes such as xiaolongbao, the city s famous soup-filled dumplings, or savour delicate river fish, seasonal vegetables, and light, flavourful sauces that define much of Shanghai cuisine. Small family-run eateries sit beside contemporary restaurants where chefs experiment with new ideas.

In the evening, explore lively food streets and modern malls that offer everything from quick snacks to carefully curated tasting menus. Cafes and bakeries, many with international influences, are popular meeting spots throughout the day. Whether you choose a traditional teahouse-style setting, a stylish riverside restaurant on the Bund, or a casual spot in a creative district, you will find many ways to enjoy the city s varied food culture.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Shanghai is one of China s leading shopping cities, with options ranging from flagship luxury boutiques to independent designer studios. On Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road, large department stores and international brands create an energetic retail corridor that stays busy well into the evening. Nearby malls combine fashion, dining, and entertainment, making them convenient places to spend a few hours between appointments.

For something more personal, head to creative neighbourhoods such as Tianzifang and Xintiandi, where you can browse curated lifestyle shops, local fashion labels, and homeware stores in distinctive historic settings. Markets and smaller shopping streets offer textiles, crafts, and everyday essentials. Whether you are looking for the latest fashion, unique souvenirs, or practical travel items, Shanghai s shopping areas are easy to explore and well connected by metro.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, 10°C to 22°C / 50°F to 72°F, shoulder season) brings milder temperatures and blooming parks, ideal for walking along the Bund or exploring leafy neighbourhoods. Occasional showers keep the air fresh, and outdoor cafes and terraces start to fill.

Summer (June to September, 23°C to 32°C / 73°F to 90°F, peak season) is warm and lively, with longer days that let you enjoy evening river cruises and illuminated skylines. Humidity can be high, but air-conditioned malls, museums, and restaurants offer comfortable spaces to take breaks from the heat.

Autumn and winter (October to February, 2°C to 18°C / 36°F to 64°F, low season) offer cooler, often clearer days that suit museum visits, indoor attractions, and leisurely shopping. The city feels a little calmer, and crisp air on bright days can make walks through historic areas particularly pleasant.

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