Flights from Manila (MNL) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Shanghai, where tradition meets tomorrow

Shanghai is a city of striking contrasts, where historic streets sit beside cutting-edge skyscrapers. Along the Huangpu River, you can admire glittering skylines in Pudong on one side and the stately waterfront architecture of the Bund on the other, capturing the city’s dynamic spirit in a single glance.

Beyond its famous skyline, Shanghai offers lively neighbourhoods, leafy former concessions, and a thriving creative scene. From morning walks through quiet parks to evenings spent in bustling food streets, the city invites you to discover both its energetic pace and its quieter corners.

Whether you are visiting for business, shopping, or to explore its rich culture, Shanghai is easy to navigate and full of distinct districts to explore. Each area reveals another layer of the city, from design boutiques and museums to riverfront promenades and peaceful gardens.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this historic riverfront promenade for sweeping views of colonial-era buildings and the futuristic Pudong skyline.

Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower

Head to Pudong’s financial district and ride up one of the city’s tallest towers for panoramic views over Shanghai.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical halls, pavilions, and ponds, then wander surrounding lanes lined with traditional-style architecture and shops.

Former French Concession

Walk under leafy plane trees past heritage villas, cafés, and boutiques in one of Shanghai’s most charming districts.

Nanjing Road

Discover one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, stretching from the People’s Square to the Bund with endless retail and dining.

Experience the culture of Shanghai

Immerse yourself in Shanghai’s culture by exploring its contrasting neighbourhoods on foot. Start with a walk through the Former French Concession, where leafy streets reveal galleries, restored villas, and converted lane houses now home to cafés and studios. In the city centre, museums and art spaces offer a deeper look at Shanghai’s evolving creative scene.

Make time to visit Yu Garden and its surrounding Old Town lanes, where traditional-style buildings and teahouses provide a sense of Shanghai’s historic character. Along the Huangpu River, new riverside parks and walkways give you space to enjoy public art, watch local life, and take in the city’s skyline from different angles.

In the evening, a river cruise on the Huangpu lets you see Shanghai illuminated, with buildings on both banks lit in vivid colours. Alternatively, explore lively nightlife areas and performance venues, where you can experience everything from contemporary shows and live music to quieter lounge-style spaces.

A taste of Shanghai

Shanghai’s food scene has a strong sense of place, from breakfast snacks in neighbourhood streets to refined dining overlooking the skyline. Classic local dishes emphasise delicate flavours and seasonal ingredients, often with slow-cooked sauces and a balance of sweetness and savoury notes.

Do not miss regional favourites such as small steamed dumplings filled with rich broth, pan-fried buns, and braised dishes that showcase the city’s approach to comfort food. You will find them in busy eateries, food courts, and long-standing restaurants where families gather for shared meals.

Across the city, contemporary restaurants, bakeries, and cafés add international influences and new ideas to the table. In areas like Xintiandi, the Former French Concession, and along the Bund, you can enjoy everything from modern takes on local cuisine to innovative tasting menus, all paired with city views or atmospheric streetscapes.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the region’s most engaging shopping destinations, with options ranging from flagship luxury stores to independent boutiques. On Nanjing Road, large malls and international brands sit alongside local labels, creating a busy retail corridor that stretches towards the Bund.

In Pudong’s Lujiazui area, modern shopping centres are integrated into the skyline, offering designer fashion, beauty brands, and contemporary lifestyle stores often paired with striking city views. These spaces are convenient for combining shopping with dining and entertainment, especially if you plan a full day indoors.

For something more intimate, explore the smaller streets of the Former French Concession and Tianzifang, where you will find studios, design shops, and speciality stores. Here you can look for locally inspired fashion, homeware, stationery, and distinctive souvenirs that reflect Shanghai’s creative energy.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, 10°C–22°C / 50°F–72°F, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures and blooming parks, ideal for relaxed city walks and riverfront strolls. Light layers are usually enough, and clearer days make it a pleasant time for outdoor sightseeing and photography.

Summer (June to September, 23°C–33°C / 73°F–91°F, peak season) is warm and lively, with long evenings perfect for enjoying rooftop views and riverside promenades. Occasional rain showers bring cooler moments, and indoor attractions, shopping centres, and galleries offer comfortable breaks from the heat.

Autumn and winter (October to February, 2°C–18°C / 36°F–64°F, low season) offer crisp days, quieter attractions, and a different side of the city. Cooler air makes urban walks refreshing, and clear days provide striking views of the skyline, while cafés, museums, and indoor venues feel especially inviting.

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