Flights from Darwin (DRW) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic waterfront promenades with soaring skyscrapers and creative neighbourhoods. You can stroll along the Bund, look across to the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, then step into quiet lanes where traditional shophouses still set the scene.

What to expect
The city is fast-paced yet surprisingly easy to navigate, with efficient metro lines linking commercial hubs, museums, and leafy parks. Districts like People’s Square, Xintiandi, and the Former French Concession each offer a different side of Shanghai, from cultural institutions to relaxed café streets.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring eastern China. High-speed rail and regional flights connect you to nearby cities, while the city’s two main airports and extensive metro network make arrivals and departures straightforward.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Walk this famous riverside promenade for skyline views of historic buildings on one side and the glass towers of Pudong on the other.

Oriental Pearl Tower

Ride up this distinctive tower in Pudong for sweeping city views and a striking perspective on Shanghai’s modern skyline.

Yu Garden

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and winding walkways in this restored garden set amid a busy traditional-style bazaar area.

Shanghai Tower

Head to one of the world’s tallest buildings for an observation deck experience high above the financial district of Lujiazui.

Former French Concession

Stroll shaded streets lined with plane trees, period architecture, and a mix of boutiques, cafés, and small galleries.

Nanjing Road

Join the crowds on Shanghai’s iconic shopping street, which links People’s Square with the Bund and glows after dark.

Shanghai Museum

Discover well-curated galleries of ceramics, bronzes, paintings, and calligraphy on the edge of People’s Square.

Tianzifang

Wander a maze of narrow lanes filled with studios, small shops, and cosy eateries set in converted shikumen houses.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro is the most efficient way to cross the city, linking both airports, major railway stations, and popular districts. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for late evenings or shorter hops, while walking is ideal within central neighbourhoods like the Bund and the Former French Concession.

Local life & culture
You will see office workers, students, and families sharing the same streets, parks, and riverfront paths. Creative districts add galleries and design shops to former industrial areas, while older neighbourhoods retain traditional lane housing and local shops that offer a glimpse of daily routines.

Where to unwind
Green spaces such as Fuxing Park and Century Park provide room to stroll, sit by the water, or simply watch city life unfold. The Huangpu River waterfronts in both Puxi and Pudong are pleasant at sunrise and in the early evening, when the air feels cooler and the skyline lights up.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can try local favourites like soup-filled dumplings, pan-fried buns, and noodles in lively streets and small neighbourhood eateries. Areas near Yu Garden and older residential districts often have clusters of snack shops where you can sample different flavours in a single stroll.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping and entertainment districts offer plenty of casual options, from noodle houses to international cafés. In areas such as Xintiandi, Lujiazui, and around People’s Square, you will find many restaurants in close proximity, making it easy to share plates and taste a range of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, consider restaurants with views over the Bund or the skyscrapers of Pudong. High-rise venues, riverfront dining rooms, and hotel restaurants with picture windows turn a simple dinner into a night-time city experience, especially when the lights along the Huangpu River are reflected on the water.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls around Nanjing Road, Lujiazui, and Xintiandi bring together international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These complexes are popular meeting places, so you can combine shopping with a relaxed meal or a film in the same building.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative quarters are good for browsing independent labels and design-focused souvenirs. Districts such as Tianzifang, the Former French Concession, and parts of Jing’an often feature studios, small galleries, and shops showcasing ceramics, textiles, and contemporary homeware.

Evening retail scene
After dark, Nanjing Road and other central streets switch on colourful signage and illuminated façades, creating an atmospheric backdrop for an evening walk and window shopping. Many malls extend their opening hours into the night, and convenient metro links make it easy to return to your hotel afterwards.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring season (chun ji, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is mild, with temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F) and plenty of comfortable days for walking. Blossoming trees in parks and along streets add colour, and light layers are usually enough for changing conditions.

Summer season (xia ji, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, often humid weather, with temperatures commonly between 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours suit riverfront walks and evening outings, while air-conditioned malls and museums offer a pleasant break during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn and winter season (qiu ji and dong ji, October to February, low season)
Autumn is typically clear and cool at 15–22°C (59–72°F), while winter can feel crisp, with averages around 3–8°C (37–46°F). These months offer quieter attractions, atmospheric waterfront views, and a chance to experience the city with fewer crowds and softer light.

Frequently Asked Questions