Flights from Hangzhou (HGH) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic waterfront streets and soaring skyscrapers with creative districts and leafy boulevards. You can wander from quiet lane houses to glittering towers in a single afternoon, with the city offering a mix of business energy, cultural landmarks, and relaxing riverfront views.

What to expect
You will find distinct areas such as the Bund, Lujiazui, the Former French Concession, and buzzing shopping streets each with their own character. Efficient transport, modern conveniences, and a growing arts and design scene make it easy to combine sightseeing, dining, and everyday neighbourhood experiences.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well for a short city break or as a starting point to explore the wider Yangtze River Delta. With two main airports and high-speed rail links to nearby cities, it is a natural hub for onward travel while still offering enough attractions to fill several days in the city itself.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade for grand river views and a striking skyline of both heritage buildings and modern towers.

Lujiazui Skyline

Head to observation decks in landmark towers such as Shanghai Tower for panoramic views across the city and the Huangpu River.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and traditional architecture set within a lively historic district of narrow streets and shops.

Former French Concession

Walk shaded streets lined with plane trees, historic villas, and charming side lanes filled with cafes and boutiques.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai's best-known shopping streets, with department stores, malls, and illuminated facades at night.

Shanghai Museum

Discover galleries of ceramics, bronzes, paintings, and calligraphy in a modern building on People’s Square.

Tianzifang

Wander a maze of converted lane houses now home to small studios, design shops, and relaxed eateries.

Xintiandi

See restored stone-arch shikumen buildings reimagined as a polished lifestyle district for dining and people-watching.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
The Shanghai Metro is the most efficient way to travel between major districts, with clear signage and frequent services. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well for shorter hops or late evenings, while walking gives you time to appreciate the details of historic neighbourhoods.

Local life & culture
You can sense local life in parks where residents gather to chat, dance, or exercise in the mornings and evenings. Creative energy shows in renovated warehouse districts, galleries, and design spaces, while traditional crafts and local pastimes remain visible in older residential streets and lane communities.

Where to unwind
Riverside promenades along the Huangpu, city parks, and landscaped plazas around newer financial districts offer space to slow down. Visit in the early morning for a quieter atmosphere, or around sunset when the skyline lights up and the city softens into an evening glow.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You will find local snacks and classic dishes in neighbourhood eateries and food streets scattered across central districts. Small shops often focus on just a few favourites, making it easy to sample local flavours as you wander between sights.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and contemporary lifestyle complexes bring together a wide range of regional and international cuisines under one roof. Menus often feature sharing plates and modest portions, so you can try several dishes in a single meal with family or friends.

Signature & scenic dining
For a special evening, choose venues along the Bund or in high-rise towers facing the river for dramatic skyline views. Many restaurants here pair carefully presented menus with large windows or terraces, creating a memorable backdrop to mark an occasion.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in central Shanghai gather international brands, lifestyle stores, cinemas, and cafes in one place. These centres are popular places to meet, browse the latest collections, and take a break between sightseeing stops in climate-controlled comfort.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative districts such as Tianzifang, Xintiandi, and parts of the Former French Concession showcase local designers and design-led souvenirs. Here you can look for distinctive pieces, art prints, or homeware that reflect the city’s evolving creative scene.

Evening retail scene
After dark, key shopping streets glow with colourful signage and animated storefronts, creating a lively backdrop for an evening stroll. Night-time browsing in these areas pairs well with a relaxed drink or dessert nearby, and public transport makes it easy to return to your hotel when you are ready.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring (chun) – March to May – shoulder season
Spring brings mild temperatures of around 15–22°C (59–72°F) with blossoming trees in parks and along streets. It is a pleasant time for walking between neighbourhoods, with generally comfortable humidity and a softer light for photography.

Summer (xia) – June to September – peak season
Summer is warm and often humid, with average temperatures of 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours mean more time for riverfront strolls, rooftop views, and evening outings when the illuminated skyline creates a striking cityscape.

Autumn and winter (qiu/dong) – October to February – low season
Autumn starts cool and clear, around 15–20°C (59–68°F), ideal for sightseeing and outdoor cafes. Winter can be chilly, averaging 3–8°C (37–46°F), but crisp days, festive decorations, and quieter attractions make this a calm and atmospheric time to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions