Flights from Kochi (COK) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends waterfront skylines, historic streets, and creative districts into one dynamic city. You can move from glass towers on the Bund to leafy former concessions in minutes, experiencing both fast-paced energy and quiet charm in the same day.

What to expect
You will find grand boulevards lined with early 20th-century architecture, contemporary art spaces, and riverside promenades facing some of the world’s most recognisable skyscrapers. Distinct areas such as Pudong, the Bund, and the former French Concession each offer a different view of the city’s style and rhythm.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a stand-alone city break and a gateway to eastern China’s wider cultural and coastal regions. With strong rail links and multiple nearby water towns and cities, you can easily add day trips or short extensions to your stay.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Walk along the Huangpu River for classic views of colonial-era facades on one side and Pudong’s futuristic skyline on the other.

Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower

Head to Pudong’s financial district and take in sweeping city panoramas from one of the observation decks high above the streets.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore traditional pavilions, ponds, and stone bridges in this classical garden, then wander the surrounding lanes of the Old Town.

Former French Concession

Stroll leafy streets lined with townhouses, boutiques, and cafés, offering a relaxed contrast to the high-rise city centre.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, with large department stores, local brands, and bright evening lights.

Tianzifang

Lose yourself in a maze of restored alleyways filled with small galleries, design shops, and cosy places to pause with a drink.

Shanghai Museum

Discover carefully curated collections of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and textiles in an architecturally distinctive building on People’s Square.

Huangpu River cruise

See Shanghai’s skyline from the water as you glide past illuminated buildings and bridges in the early evening.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro network is extensive and efficient, making it the easiest way to cover longer distances between districts such as Pudong, the Bund, and Xuhui. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for late evenings, while short walks between nearby sights reveal interesting side streets.

Local life & culture
In the mornings, parks and riverside promenades are filled with residents enjoying gentle exercise and conversation. Later in the day, you will see office workers, students, and families sharing the pavements, with small neighbourhood squares and community spaces offering a glimpse of daily routines.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Fuxing Park and Century Park provide quiet lawns, lakes, and shaded paths when you need a break from the city’s pace. Along the Huangpu River, landscaped promenades are especially pleasant around sunset, when the skyline starts to glow and the air feels cooler.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local favourites such as soup-filled dumplings, pan-fried buns, and hearty noodle bowls in busy neighbourhood streets and casual eateries. Areas around Yu Garden and smaller lanes off Nanjing Road are good for trying a range of quick bites in one outing.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and mixed-use complexes throughout Jing’an, Xintiandi, and Lujiazui offer everything from simple noodle shops to modern bistros. Menus often feature sharing plates, so you can try several dishes at once, and many venues stay open late to suit flexible schedules.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, choose a restaurant overlooking the Bund or high above Pudong’s towers, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame the river and skyline. Along the waterfront, refined dining rooms and contemporary venues pair carefully presented cuisine with impressive city views.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in Lujiazui, People’s Square, and along Nanjing Road bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining in one place. These centres are popular meeting spots where you can easily combine shopping with a relaxed break between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative districts such as Tianzifang, Xintiandi, and parts of the former French Concession offer independent boutiques, design studios, and gift shops. Here you can find locally made accessories, homeware, and artwork that reflect the city’s evolving creative scene.

Evening retail scene
As night falls, Nanjing Road and riverside promenades light up with illuminated shopfronts and animated billboards. Some markets and malls extend their opening hours, allowing you to browse after dinner, and the metro makes it straightforward to return to your hotel once you have finished exploring.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May, shoulder season
Spring in Shanghai brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and blooming trees in many parks. It is ideal for walks along the Bund and through historic neighbourhoods, with comfortable conditions for outdoor sightseeing and riverfront strolls.

Summer (xia tian) – June to September, peak season
Summer is warm and often humid, with averages around 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours mean more time to explore, and evenings are lively on shopping streets and river promenades, where the city’s skyline and bridges are brightly illuminated.

Autumn and winter (qiu tian & dong tian) – October to February, low season
Autumn is generally clear and cool at 15–20°C (59–68°F), a pleasant time for exploring parks and outdoor cafés. Winter can be crisp, with temperatures around 3–10°C (37–50°F), but clear days offer sharp, atmospheric views of the city’s architecture and skyline.

Frequently Asked Questions