Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic harbour city where historic streets meet a striking modern skyline. You can wander leafy concession-era neighbourhoods in the morning, then watch towers glow along the Huangpu River in the evening, all within a compact, walkable core.

What to expect
You will find distinct districts, from the elegant Bund waterfront and art deco buildings to the contemporary towers of Pudong. A mix of riverside promenades, leafy lanes, and busy commercial streets gives Shanghai an energetic yet surprisingly liveable feel.

Plan your trip
Shanghai is an ideal first introduction to eastern China and a convenient base for regional travel by high-speed rail or air. Plan a few days to explore the main districts, then consider adding nearby water towns or coastal cities to round out your journey.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this famous riverside promenade for views of heritage architecture on one side and the modern Pudong skyline on the other.

Lujiazui skyline

Ride up one of Pudong's landmark towers for panoramic views over the Huangpu River and central Shanghai.

Yuyuan Garden

Explore a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and winding corridors set amid restored traditional buildings.

Former French Concession

Walk tree-lined streets filled with small boutiques, cafés, and preserved townhouses that showcase Shanghai's early 20th-century charm.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets, stretching from the People’s Square area to the Bund waterfront.

Shanghai Museum

Discover carefully curated galleries of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and decorative arts in a modern, accessible setting.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to see the city’s towers and riverfront buildings illuminated from the water.

Tianzifang

Wander narrow lanes converted into a cosy district of studios, design shops, and small eateries in refurbished shikumen houses.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
The metro is the fastest way to move between key districts such as the Bund, Lujiazui, and the Former French Concession. For shorter hops, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely available, while walking side streets and riverside paths gives you a more local perspective.

Local life & culture
You will notice a mix of traditional lifestyles and a forward-looking creative scene. Small neighbourhood parks, local squares, and community spaces give a glimpse into daily routines, while converted warehouses and cultural venues host exhibitions, performances, and design events throughout the year.

Where to unwind
Green spaces and waterfront promenades offer a calm break from busy streets. Stroll along the Huangpu River at sunset, explore large city parks in the morning, or find a quiet corner in a landscaped garden to pause between museum visits and shopping.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local snacks and regional favourites in busy food streets and compact neighbourhood spots. Look out for areas popular with office workers and residents, where small eateries and stalls cluster along side streets and pedestrian lanes.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Modern malls and lifestyle complexes gather a wide choice of casual restaurants and cafés under one roof. You can try different regional cuisines and international flavours, with smaller portions and shared plates making it easy to taste a variety of dishes in one meal.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with views over the Huangpu River or the city skyline. Many venues along the Bund and in high-rise towers prioritise outlooks, letting you pair a carefully presented meal with a striking panorama of Shanghai after dark.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Central Shanghai offers large malls where international labels sit alongside local designers and entertainment venues. These complexes often combine shopping, cinemas, dining, and indoor attractions, making them convenient places to spend an afternoon whatever the weather.

Markets & local crafts
Neighbourhood streets and smaller shopping areas showcase independent brands, design studios, and craft workshops. Districts known for creative communities give you a chance to browse clothing, homeware, and accessories with a more local character, often in converted lane houses or restored buildings.

Evening retail scene
After sunset, shopping streets and riverside promenades light up with colourful displays and lively storefronts. Many districts stay active into the evening, so you can combine a walk, a little shopping, and a late meal, with metro lines and taxis keeping these areas easy to reach.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blooming parks. It is a pleasant time for walking between districts and enjoying outdoor terraces, with a light jacket often enough for most days.

Summer in Shanghai (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with typical temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours make it ideal for evening riverfront walks and skyline views, especially when city lights reflect off the Huangpu River.

Autumn and winter in Shanghai (October to February, low season) range from 8–18°C (46–64°F) in autumn to cooler days in mid-winter. Clearer skies and lower visitor numbers create calmer streets and museum galleries, making this a comfortable period for indoor attractions and leisurely city exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions