Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends striking skyscrapers with historic neighbourhoods, creating a city where past and future sit side by side. You will find a lively waterfront, leafy streets, and a skyline that glows after dark, offering both big-city energy and quiet corners to explore.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Huangpu River, with areas like the Bund, Lujiazui, and the former French Concession each offering a distinct feel. Expect efficient transport, tree-lined boulevards, and a mix of global brands and local labels, all set within a constantly evolving urban landscape.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone destination and a base for seeing more of eastern China. With its fast rail links and busy airports, you can combine a city break with nearby water towns, coastal areas, or onward journeys deeper into the region.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this famous riverside promenade for classic skyline views of Lujiazui and grand heritage buildings lining the waterfront.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to the observation decks of landmark towers for sweeping views over the city and the winding Huangpu River.

Yu Garden

Explore this classical garden with pavilions, ponds, and rockeries tucked amid traditional architecture and busy surrounding streets.

Former French Concession

Wander shaded streets filled with low-rise buildings, small boutiques, and cafés that showcase Shanghai's slower-paced side.

Nanjing Road

Walk one of Shanghai's best-known shopping streets, where flagship stores, lights, and crowds create a lively urban scene.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of narrow lanes converted into studios, galleries, and small shops within repurposed historic buildings.

Shanghai Museum

Spend time with well-curated collections of Chinese art and artefacts in a museum located close to People’s Square.

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Take a day trip to this nearby canal town with stone bridges, traditional houses, and quiet waterways.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai's metro network is the fastest way to move between key districts and major attractions. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful late at night or for shorter hops, while walking along the Bund or through central neighbourhoods reveals details you might miss underground.

Local life & culture
You will see early-morning activity in parks, families gathering in public squares, and residents using small community spaces throughout the day. Different districts have their own character, from business-focused Lujiazui to creative clusters in converted warehouses and shikumen alleyways.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as large city parks and riverside walks offer a break from the busy streets. Visit early in the morning for a quieter atmosphere, or around sunset to enjoy cooler temperatures and views of the city lights reflecting on the water.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Shanghai is known for delicate bites and comforting noodle dishes available in small eateries and casual spots across the city. Look for busy local streets and simple storefronts where residents queue, a reliable sign that something fresh and satisfying is being served.

Casual & modern dining hubs
You will find convenient dining in shopping centres and commercial districts, where restaurants offer a mix of regional Chinese flavours and international cuisines. Menus often feature smaller sharing plates, making it easy to sample a range of dishes with family, friends, or colleagues.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose venues overlooking the Bund, the river, or the Lujiazui skyline. Many higher-floor restaurants and hotel dining rooms pair carefully prepared menus with wide city views, turning dinner into an unhurried part of your Shanghai experience.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai has large, air-conditioned malls where you can browse international fashion, electronics, and lifestyle brands in one place. Many complexes also include cinemas and dining floors, so you can combine shopping with a meal and a break from the weather.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main malls, smaller streets and clusters of boutiques showcase local designers, crafts, and homeware. Districts known for creative studios and adaptive reuse of older buildings are good places to discover distinctive pieces and gifts.

Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets light up with signs, window displays, and extended opening hours. Some pedestrian zones and open-air areas become especially lively in the evening, and public transport makes it straightforward to travel back to your hotel once you are finished browsing.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May – shoulder season
Spring in Shanghai brings mild temperatures of around 12–20°C (54–68°F) and fresh greenery in the parks. Occasional showers keep the air clear, and it is a pleasant time for walking city streets and enjoying outdoor viewpoints.

Summer (xia tian) – June to August – peak season
Summer is warm and humid, with typical temperatures between 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours are ideal for evening riverfront walks, illuminated skylines, and enjoying indoor attractions during the hotter parts of the day.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian and dong tian) – September to February – low season
Autumn is often clear and comfortable, around 15–23°C (59–73°F), making it popular for sightseeing in lighter layers. Winters are colder, averaging 3–8°C (37–46°F), but crisp days and thinner crowds can make museum visits and urban exploring feel calm and unhurried.

Frequently Asked Questions