Flights from Milan (MXP) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Where heritage skylines meet riverside energy

Shanghai is a city where futuristic towers rise above historic waterfront streets, creating a skyline that feels both cinematic and welcoming. Along the Huangpu River, elegant colonial-era buildings face gleaming glass towers, giving you a striking sense of how the city blends past and present in one sweeping view.

Beyond the famous skyline, each district offers its own rhythm. Wander through tree-lined streets with hidden cafés and boutiques, then step into busy neighbourhoods where markets, street food, and neon-lit streets keep the city buzzing late into the night. Whether you are drawn by culture, dining, or business, Shanghai quickly reveals many reasons to stay longer.

The city is also a convenient base for exploring the wider Yangtze River Delta region, with efficient rail connections and modern infrastructure. From peaceful gardens to creative design hubs, you will find that Shanghai rewards both first-time visitors and those returning to discover a different side of the city.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this historic waterfront promenade for sweeping views of colonial-era facades on one side and the modern Lujiazui skyline on the other.

Lujiazui skyline

Take in panoramic city views from observation decks in Shanghai Tower or neighbouring skyscrapers in the citys main financial district.

Yuyuan Garden

Explore this classic Chinese garden with pavilions, ponds, and winding corridors set amid bustling traditional-style streets.

Former French Concession

Walk shaded, plane-tree-lined streets filled with small boutiques, cafés, and restored historic villas.

Shanghai Museum and People s Square

Visit the museum for well-curated art and artefacts, then relax in the surrounding green spaces at the heart of the city.

Experience Shanghai s culture and city life

You can experience Shanghai s culture in many ways, from quiet mornings in traditional gardens to evenings along the riverfront. Start your day in neighbourhood parks, where locals gather to chat, practise tai chi, or simply enjoy the greenery, then continue to streets known for their Art Deco and early 20th-century architecture. Exploring on foot lets you notice the details that define each district, from small courtyards to colourful shopfronts.

If you enjoy museums and galleries, set aside time for the city s major cultural institutions as well as new creative spaces along the river or in redeveloped industrial areas. Design centres, photography galleries, and contemporary art venues offer rotating exhibitions that reflect both local and international perspectives. Guided walking tours are a good way to understand how the city has evolved, especially in areas with layered histories.

In the evening, join a river cruise along the Huangpu River to see the skyline illuminated, or explore pedestrian streets with shops, street snacks, and lively façades. Rooftop terraces and riverside promenades provide relaxed places to take in the view, making it easy to end the day with a memorable snapshot of Shanghai by night.

A taste of Shanghai

Shanghai delivers a wide variety of flavours, from refined local dishes to regional specialities from across China. You can try favourites such as soup-filled dumplings and delicate steamed buns in restaurants that range from long-established dining rooms to modern, design-led venues. Street-side stalls and casual eateries add another layer to the experience with snacks that are quick, flavourful, and satisfying.

The city is also home to a vibrant contemporary dining scene. International chefs and local talents have created restaurants that blend seasonal ingredients with inventive techniques, offering everything from multi-course tasting menus to relaxed bistro-style meals. Cafés and dessert shops are easy to find, especially in creative districts and former industrial zones now converted into lifestyle complexes.

For a sense of how locals like to eat, explore traditional food streets and indoor markets where fresh produce and ready-to-eat dishes share space. You can sit down for a family-style meal with shared plates, enjoy a leisurely brunch in a leafy neighbourhood, or end the day with late-night snacks near the riverfront.

Retail discoveries by river and boulevard

Shanghai offers a mix of flagship stores, independent boutiques, and contemporary shopping malls. Along major thoroughfares, you can find international brands, technology stores, and multi-level department stores, often combined with cinemas and large food courts. These areas are ideal if you want a wide choice of products in one place.

If you prefer something more distinctive, explore design-led districts where local brands, fashion labels, and concept stores showcase clothing, accessories, homeware, and lifestyle products. Former industrial spaces have been transformed into creative parks, where studios sit next to galleries and specialty shops. It is an inviting environment for discovering pieces you are unlikely to find elsewhere.

Traditional markets and smaller shopping streets remain an important part of Shanghai s retail landscape. Here you can browse for textiles, tea, handicrafts, and gifts, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a drink or snack. Whether you are after luxury goods, everyday items, or meaningful souvenirs, the city makes it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures of about 13–20°C (55–68°F), blossoming trees, and comfortable conditions for walking the city. Light layers are enough for most days, and gentle sunshine on the riverfront makes this a pleasant time for outdoor sightseeing.

Summer (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with average temperatures around 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time to explore river cruises, rooftop views, and evening walks, while air-conditioned malls, museums, and cafés offer welcome breaks from the heat.

Autumn (October to November, shoulder season) is often clear and crisp, with temperatures near 15–22°C (59–72°F). The combination of blue skies, comfortable evenings, and stable weather makes it easy to enjoy parks, outdoor terraces, and city walks.

Winter (December to February, low season) is cold but manageable, typically around 3–9°C (37–48°F). It is a good time to focus on indoor activities such as museums, galleries, and shopping, and quieter attractions allow you to explore at a more relaxed pace.

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