Flights from Melbourne (MEL) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai, where heritage meets the future

Shanghai is a city of striking contrasts, where a futuristic skyline rises above historic streets and leafy boulevards. Along the Huangpu River, glass towers light up the night while historic areas preserve the citys early 20th-century charm. You will find busy shopping streets, peaceful parks, and buzzing creative districts all within easy reach.

As a global hub for business, fashion, and design, Shanghai moves at a fast pace, yet there are many places to slow down and take in the view. Wander by the waterfront, explore art spaces in converted warehouses, or linger in teahouses and cafes that look onto shaded lanes. Whether you are visiting for work, leisure, or a mix of both, the city offers a memorable blend of energy and elegance.

From world-class dining and luxury hotels to small neighbourhood eateries and hidden boutiques, Shanghai rewards those who explore beyond the main sights. Each district has its own atmosphere, giving you many reasons to return and discover a different side of the city.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this famous riverside promenade to admire historic riverfront buildings facing the modern skyline of Pudong across the water.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Head up this distinctive tower in Pudong for sweeping views over Shanghai and its ever-changing cityscape.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical garden landscaping, winding corridors, and ponds before stepping into surrounding streets filled with traditional architecture and shops.

Nanjing Road

Walk one of Shanghais busiest shopping streets, lined with department stores, boutiques, and bright evening lights.

Former French Concession

Wander tree-lined streets dotted with cafes, galleries, and restored houses that showcase a distinctly European-inspired streetscape.

Experience Shanghai up close

Begin by exploring the riverside paths along the Bund and across in Pudong, where you can take a river cruise and see the skyline from the water. In the morning, parks around the city offer a calmer side of Shanghai, with locals enjoying tai chi, dancing, or a quiet walk among the trees. It is an easy way to experience everyday city life.

Art lovers can spend time in creative districts such as M50, where former industrial spaces now house galleries, studios, and design shops. In the Former French Concession, small museums and cultural centres offer insight into Shanghais role as an international city over the past century. Guided walking tours are a good way to understand how the city has evolved, with stories that bring each neighbourhood to life.

If you enjoy panoramic views, plan a visit to one of the observation decks in Pudong, then watch the city lights come on at dusk. In the evening, theatres and performance venues across the city host everything from contemporary dance and live music to large-scale shows, giving you many options to round off your day.

A taste of Shanghai

Shanghais dining scene is rich and varied, from long-established restaurants to modern venues run by a new generation of chefs. You can sample local favourites such as delicate dumplings, steamed buns, and freshwater dishes, many of which highlight subtle flavours and seasonal ingredients. Small neighbourhood eateries often specialise in a narrow menu, allowing you to focus on a few well-prepared dishes.

Across the city, you will find everything from casual noodle shops to refined venues with skyline views. Riverfront and rooftop restaurants offer impressive backdrops, while side streets hide cafes and bistros with a more intimate feel. International cuisines are widely available, making it easy to balance local specialities with familiar flavours during a longer stay.

Night-time brings another dimension to dining in Shanghai, with late-opening spots serving snacks and comfort food well into the evening. Food streets and modern food halls combine multiple vendors under one roof, ideal if you are exploring with friends or family who have different tastes.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Shanghai is a major shopping destination, combining flagship stores and luxury brands with independent boutiques and markets. Nanjing Road is one of the citys best-known shopping streets, with a mix of local and international retailers, while the western end near Jing’an is popular for fashion and accessories. Large malls throughout Pudong and Puxi offer comfortable, air-conditioned spaces to browse, dine, and relax.

For something more individual, explore the smaller streets of the Former French Concession and neighbouring districts. Here you will find designer studios, lifestyle shops, and concept stores set in converted townhouses or low-rise buildings. These areas are ideal for picking up fashion, homeware, or small gifts that show Shanghais contemporary style.

Markets and specialised shopping streets focus on items ranging from fabrics and tailoring to technology and household goods. Whether you prefer well-known labels or one-off pieces, you will have plenty of choice, and many shopping areas are located close to cafes and parks, making it easy to combine browsing with a leisurely break.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May) is a shoulder season, with mild temperatures around 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 68°F). Trees and parks turn green, making outdoor walks especially pleasant. Occasional rain showers keep the air fresh, and conditions are generally comfortable for sightseeing and exploring different districts.

Summer (June to August) is a peak season, bringing warm, humid weather with average temperatures between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time to enjoy riverside walks and evening city lights. Indoor attractions, malls, and museums provide cool spaces when you want a break from the heat.

Autumn and winter (September to February) form a low season, with autumn averages around 18°C to 24°C (64°F to 75°F) and winter temperatures from 3°C to 10°C (37°F to 50°F). Skies can be clear and crisp, offering good visibility for skyline views. Cooler days create a cosy atmosphere in cafes, shops, and indoor attractions across the city.

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