Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic coastal city where skyline views, leafy streets, and creative districts sit side by side. You will find historic riverside promenades alongside glass towers, and quiet lane houses just a short walk from designer boutiques.

What to expect
The city stretches along the Huangpu River, from the grand architecture of the Bund to the skyscrapers of Lujiazui and the galleries of the former French Concession. Modern metro lines, leafy boulevards, and lively shopping streets make it easy to combine sightseeing, dining, and everyday neighbourhood life.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring the wider Yangtze River Delta. With two major airports and extensive rail connections, it is a natural gateway to nearby cities, water towns, and other parts of eastern China.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Walk along this historic riverside promenade for views of grand waterfront buildings on one side and the Pudong skyline on the other.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to the observation decks of landmark towers in Pudong for panoramic views over the city and the winding Huangpu River.

Former French Concession

Stroll through leafy streets lined with boutiques, cafés, and handsome historic residences in this atmospheric district.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and courtyards, then wander nearby lanes filled with traditional architecture and local shops.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets, stretching from the city centre towards the Bund with endless retail and dining options.

Shanghai Museum

Spend time with well-curated collections of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and other works in a modern setting on People’s Square.

Tianzifang

Navigate narrow alleyways in this redeveloped neighbourhood, now home to art studios, small boutiques, and intimate cafés.

Xintiandi

Relax in a stylish pedestrian quarter where restored traditional buildings house contemporary restaurants, bars, and lifestyle stores.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai has an extensive metro network that is usually the fastest way to cover longer distances across the city. For shorter hops, taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used, while walking through compact districts like the Bund and the former French Concession reveals more detail at street level.

Local life & culture
Daily life in Shanghai blends historic neighbourhoods with a strong contemporary arts and design scene. You can move from quiet plane tree-lined streets to creative warehouses and sleek galleries within a few minutes, and many districts host regular exhibitions, performances, and small community events.

Where to unwind
Parks and riverside promenades offer welcome breathing space from the busy streets. The Bund, People’s Park, and green corners of the former French Concession are pleasant for morning or late afternoon walks, when temperatures are gentler and the city lights gradually come on.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can sample local snacks and regional dishes in compact streets and casual eateries across the city. Neighbourhoods around Yu Garden, the former French Concession, and smaller side streets off major roads often reveal simple venues where you can try favourites enjoyed by local residents.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping centres and lifestyle complexes gather a wide range of casual restaurants in one place, from regional Chinese kitchens to international chains. Menus usually offer sharing plates and smaller portions, making it easy to try several flavours in a single meal with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, choose a restaurant with views of the Bund, the Huangpu River, or the futuristic Pudong skyline. Many hotels and riverside towers feature upper-floor venues where you can linger over dinner while watching the shifting city lights and boats passing along the water.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large shopping malls cluster around key metro stations and commercial districts, bringing together international brands, local labels, cinemas, and dining. These centres act as social spaces where you can combine shopping with coffee breaks, meals, and leisure activities in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative quarters are good places to look for design pieces, handicrafts, and boutique fashion. Areas such as Tianzifang, the former French Concession, and pockets around the Bund feature independent shops where you can find distinctive souvenirs and locally inspired items.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopping streets and riverside promenades create an inviting atmosphere for browsing. Many malls and central districts stay open into the evening, so you can shop after a day of sightseeing and then return easily to your hotel using the metro or a taxi.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring in Shanghai (March to May, shoulder season) usually brings mild temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), blooming parks, and comfortable conditions for walking city streets and riverside promenades.

Summer in Shanghai (June to September, peak season) is warm and humid, with average temperatures of 26–32°C (79–90°F), long daylight hours, and a lively atmosphere in outdoor cafés, riverfront areas, and parks.

Autumn and winter in Shanghai (October to February, low season) range from crisp, clear autumn days around 10–18°C (50–64°F) to cooler winter months near 5–10°C (41–50°F), offering calmer crowds, atmospheric cityscapes, and pleasant conditions for museum visits and indoor activities.

Frequently Asked Questions