Flights from Cairns (CNS) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Shanghai, where tradition meets the future

Shanghai is a city of striking contrasts, where historic lanes open onto soaring glass towers and glittering riverfront skylines. As China’s leading financial hub, it pulses with energy at any hour, yet you will still find quiet pockets of charm in tree-lined streets and traditional markets. The city invites you to move easily between the past and the present in a single day.

Along the Huangpu River, carefully restored waterfront promenades sit opposite bold modern architecture, while heritage buildings house stylish boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Whether you are visiting for business, a short city escape, or as a gateway to explore more of eastern China, Shanghai offers a blend of culture, innovation, and convenience that makes every stay memorable.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll this historic riverfront promenade for sweeping views of colonial-era architecture on one bank and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other.

Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower

Ride up one of the world’s tallest buildings in Lujiazui and take in panoramic city views from its dramatic observation decks.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and stone bridges, then wander nearby Old Street for traditional shops and snacks in restored lanes.

Former French Concession

Walk under leafy plane trees past art-deco residences, independent boutiques, and cosy cafés in this stylish urban neighbourhood.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of narrow alleys filled with design studios, craft shops, and intimate eateries set in converted traditional housing.

Experience Shanghai’s city life up close

Shanghai is a city best experienced on foot and by metro, allowing you to absorb its changing streetscapes at your own pace. Start your day with a walk through neighbourhood parks, where locals practise gentle exercises and enjoy the morning air, before heading into livelier districts to browse galleries and contemporary art spaces. River cruises along the Huangpu at dusk are a popular way to take in the illuminated skyline and understand the city’s scale.

Guided walking tours are a good way to uncover stories behind heritage façades and hidden alleyways. You can also join architecture-focused tours in Lujiazui to learn more about the city’s modern landmarks. For a change of tempo, escape to riverside paths or urban green spaces, where you can rent a bicycle, relax by the water, or simply watch daily life unfold. Evening hours are ideal for exploring pedestrian streets and vibrant entertainment zones, where light displays, street performances, and open-air dining create a lively atmosphere.

A taste of Shanghai

Shanghai’s dining scene is diverse and layered, from humble neighbourhood eateries to refined restaurants with skyline views. Local cuisine is known for its delicate seasoning and fresh ingredients, with many dishes highlighting seafood and river produce. You will find steamer baskets filled with famous soup dumplings, savoury noodles, and small plates designed for sharing.

Food streets and indoor markets showcase a wide range of regional flavours from across China, all in one place. International restaurants, bakeries, and cafés are plentiful, particularly in central business areas and creative districts, making it easy to find something familiar or to try something new. Rooftop and riverside venues along the Bund and in Pudong pair city views with carefully curated menus, ideal for unwinding after a day of meetings or sightseeing.

If you enjoy exploring local tastes, consider joining a small-group food walk through traditional neighbourhoods. These walks often highlight lesser-known snacks, seasonal specialities, and everyday dining customs, giving you a deeper appreciation of how food shapes the city’s character.

Retail discoveries across the city

Shanghai offers a broad range of shopping experiences, from flagship luxury stores along grand boulevards to independent designer boutiques hidden in restored lane houses. Nanjing Road is one of the city’s main retail corridors, where you will find large department stores and international brands set among historic buildings and modern malls.

For something more intimate, explore the Former French Concession and Tianzifang, home to concept stores, studios, and small shops selling fashion, homeware, and locally made design pieces. These neighbourhoods are ideal if you are looking for unique souvenirs or contemporary takes on traditional crafts. Large shopping centres in districts such as Xujiahui and Lujiazui combine retail with cinemas, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions, so it is easy to spend a relaxed afternoon indoors.

Markets complement the city’s modern malls by offering textiles, accessories, tea, and decorative items in a more informal setting. Browsing these spaces gives you insight into local tastes and trends, and you can take your time comparing patterns, materials, and styles before choosing something to bring home.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, 10°C–22°C / 50°F–72°F, shoulder season) brings mild temperatures, blooming parks, and comfortable conditions for outdoor walks and river cruises. Light layers are usually enough, and clearer skies make this a pleasant time for exploring historic districts on foot.

Summer (June to September, 23°C–32°C / 73°F–90°F, peak season) is warm and humid, with long daylight hours that suit evening strolls along the Bund and relaxed dinners outdoors. Occasional showers can appear, but they often pass quickly, leaving fresher air and dramatic clouds around the skyline.

Autumn and winter (October to February, 2°C–18°C / 36°F–64°F, low season) offer cooler air, crisp days, and a calmer feel at many attractions. Clear winter mornings are ideal for photography, and shopping centres, cafés, and museums provide inviting indoor spaces to enjoy the city when temperatures dip.

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