Flights from Amsterdam (AMS) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis where historic waterfront streets meet gleaming skyscrapers and creative neighbourhoods. You will find a city that blends heritage architecture, leafy boulevards, and a forward-looking skyline along the Huangpu River.

What to expect
The city is defined by districts such as the Bund with its grand facades, Lujiazui with its iconic towers, and the leafy streets of the former French Concession. You can expect efficient transport, lively shopping streets, and a mix of quiet lanes and busy main roads.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a city-break and a gateway to eastern China. With its two major airports, extensive rail links, and cruise terminals, it is a convenient starting point for exploring nearby water towns, coastal areas, and other major cities in the region.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this famous riverside promenade to admire historic buildings on one side and the modern skyline of Lujiazui on the other.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to viewing decks in landmark towers for sweeping views over the city, the Huangpu River, and the historic Bund waterfront.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and courtyards, then continue into nearby lanes filled with traditional-style architecture and shops.

Former French Concession

Wander through tree-lined streets with low-rise buildings, independent boutiques, and cafés in one of Shanghai's most walkable districts.

Nanjing Road

Discover one of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets, stretching from the Bund towards People's Square with a mix of malls and streetlife.

Shanghai Museum

Spend time in this modern museum at People's Square, known for its collections of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and other cultural artefacts.

Tianzifang

Lose yourself in narrow alleyways converted into a lively area of design shops, studios, and cosy eateries housed in older buildings.

Zhujiajiao water town

Take a day trip to this nearby canal town to see stone bridges, waterside lanes, and traditional houses lining the waterways.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai's metro network is extensive and usually the fastest way to move between major districts, from Pudong to Puxi and beyond. Taxis and app-based ride services are easy to find for shorter hops, while walking is ideal within compact areas like the Bund and the former French Concession.

Local life & culture
In neighbourhood parks, you will see residents using the green spaces throughout the day, while side streets host small shops and family-run businesses. Creative districts in converted factories and lane houses add galleries and studios to the urban mix, giving you a glimpse of both daily routines and modern city life.

Where to unwind
For fresh air, head to riverside promenades along the Huangpu or to large urban parks for shaded walking paths and lakeside views. Early mornings and late afternoons are comfortable times to explore outdoor spaces, relax by the water, or simply sit on a bench and watch the city move around you.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Shanghai is known for snacks and dishes that range from delicate dumplings to hearty noodle bowls. Older neighbourhoods and traditional streets around Yu Garden, local markets, and side lanes are great places to discover everyday flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
In major commercial areas and shopping malls, you will find convenient food courts and restaurants offering everything from local favourites to regional and international cuisines. Smaller portions and sharing-style dishes make it easy to sample a variety of tastes in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, consider restaurants overlooking the Bund, the river, or the Lujiazui skyline. Dining rooms on higher floors and terraces in well-placed buildings offer city views that complement carefully prepared menus and attentive service.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai's central districts feature large shopping centres that bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These integrated spaces are popular meeting points, offering air-conditioned comfort and a wide mix of shops under one roof.

Markets & local crafts
Beyond the main streets, you can browse smaller markets and side alleys for souvenirs, design pieces, and crafts. Areas such as Tianzifang, the former French Concession, and certain lanes off Nanjing Road showcase boutique stores and studios with a local touch.

Evening retail scene
After dark, commercial streets take on a new energy, with illuminated signs and later opening hours in many malls and shopping districts. Pedestrian zones and busy avenues remain active into the evening, and public transport and taxis make these areas straightforward to reach and return from.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Shanghai sees mild temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F) with flowers in parks and along streets. It is a pleasant time for walking between districts and exploring outdoor sights before the hotter months arrive.

Summer (xia) – June to September, peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with average temperatures from 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours create more time for riverfront walks, rooftop views, and evening activities, and the city feels lively from morning until late night.

Autumn and winter (qiu and dong) – October to February, low season
Autumn brings comfortable days of about 15–22°C (59–72°F), while winter is cooler, often 3–10°C (37–50°F). Clear days can offer crisp river views and quieter parks, and indoor museums, galleries, and shopping streets are especially inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions