Flights from Manchester (MAN) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic metropolis where historic lanes meet cutting-edge skylines along the Huangpu River. You will find striking contrasts between peaceful leafy streets, grand waterfront boulevards, and glittering towers that light up the night.

What to expect
The city is anchored by the Bund, with its stately waterfront architecture facing the futuristic towers of Lujiazui. Lively neighbourhoods, from former concessions to creative districts, offer a mix of galleries, cafés, and boutique shops, all connected by a growing metro network.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a city-break and a starting point for exploring eastern China. With two major international airports and efficient high-speed rail links, it is an accessible gateway to nearby historic towns, coastal cities, and scenic countryside.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this famous waterfront promenade for grand river views framed by historic buildings and the modern skyline of Pudong.

Lujiazui Skyline

Head across the river to admire Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower from sky decks and plazas.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and rockeries, then wander surrounding lanes filled with traditional-style architecture and shops.

Former French Concession

Walk leafy streets lined with low-rise architecture, relaxed cafés, and small boutiques that reveal a slower side of the city.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Experience one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, linking People’s Square with the Bund and buzzing late into the evening.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of renovated alleyways packed with design studios, galleries, and compact eateries in a compact, atmospheric district.

Shanghai Museum at People’s Square

Spend a few hours exploring well-curated collections of ceramics, bronzes, and traditional arts in a landmark building at the city’s heart.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to see the Bund and Pudong skylines illuminated, offering a memorable perspective on the city’s contrasts.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro system is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent trains. Taxis and ride-hailing services fill in the gaps, while riverside promenades and leafy inner-city streets are ideal for short walks between nearby sights.

Local life & culture
Daily life unfolds in parks, neighbourhood squares, and residential streets, where you might see residents practising morning exercises or socialising outdoors. Creative districts blend studios and galleries with laid-back cafés, giving you an accessible window into the city’s contemporary cultural scene.

Where to unwind
The city offers green spaces such as People’s Park and larger suburban parks where you can slow down after a day of sightseeing. Riverside paths along the Huangpu and Suzhou Creek are especially pleasant around sunset, when temperatures ease and the skyline begins to glow.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local bites such as soup-filled dumplings and pan-fried buns in busy streets and compact eateries across the city. Traditional neighbourhoods around Old Town and smaller side streets often reveal family-run spots with menus focused on classic flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and lifestyle complexes gather a wide range of Asian and international options under one roof, ideal when you are exploring different areas. Many venues offer small plates and sharing dishes, making it easy to try several items in one sitting.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable meal, seek out restaurants overlooking the Bund or located on higher floors in the Pudong financial district. River and skyline views add a special backdrop to both contemporary and refined dining experiences, particularly at dusk and into the evening.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Shanghai’s central districts feature modern malls that combine international labels, local designers, cinemas, and dining. These air-conditioned complexes work well as meeting points and make it simple to combine shopping with a relaxed meal or coffee break.

Markets & local crafts
Away from the main boulevards, smaller streets and dedicated markets showcase local brands, handicrafts, and design pieces. Areas around the Former French Concession, Tianzifang, and creative parks are good places to look for distinctive souvenirs and homeware.

Evening retail scene
After dark, major shopping streets remain lively with illuminated storefronts and steady crowds. Some neighbourhoods also host small evening markets and late-opening boutiques, all easily reached by metro or short rides, allowing you to continue browsing well into the night.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 15–20°C (59–68°F). Blossoms appear in parks and along tree-lined streets, and outdoor sightseeing is pleasant before the warmer, more humid months arrive.

Summer vitality (June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, often humid weather, with averages of 25–30°C (77–86°F). Longer daylight hours suit evening walks along the Bund and river cruises, and the city’s indoor attractions and malls offer cool spaces during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn calm (October to November, shoulder season)
Autumn is typically clear and comfortable, with temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). It is a good time for strolling through historic neighbourhoods and parks, and the slightly cooler air makes exploring the skyline viewpoints especially enjoyable.

Winter charm (December to February, low season)
Winters are cold but generally dry, with average temperatures of 3–8°C (37–46°F). The cooler months bring a quieter feel to outdoor sights, while the city’s museums, galleries, and cafés provide warm, welcoming spaces to spend time indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions