Flights from Istanbul (IST) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic riverfront streets with striking skyscrapers, creating a city that feels both classic and modern at once. You can stroll leafy boulevards, explore Art Deco buildings, then look up to one of the world’s most recognisable skylines along the Huangpu River.

What to expect
Neighbourhoods such as the Bund, Lujiazui, and the Former French Concession each offer a different atmosphere, from waterfront promenades to glass towers and quiet residential lanes. The city moves at a quick pace, but leafy parks, riverside paths, and café-lined streets provide calmer pockets to explore.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a city break and a starting point for wider journeys across eastern China. With two major airports, extensive rail links, and a modern metro system, you can easily connect onwards to nearby cities, scenic water towns, and coastal areas.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Walk this famous riverside promenade for classic skyline views of Lujiazui and elegant historic buildings along the Huangpu River.

Lujiazui skyline

Head to observation decks in the Shanghai Tower or nearby skyscrapers for sweeping city panoramas by day and night.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and courtyards, then browse traditional-style shops in the surrounding streets.

Former French Concession

Stroll tree-lined streets filled with townhouses, boutiques, and cafés that showcase Shanghai’s more relaxed side.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai’s busiest shopping streets, stretching from People’s Square toward the riverfront.

Tianzifang

Wander through narrow alleyways converted into a lively area of studios, small galleries, and characterful cafés.

Shanghai Museum

Discover carefully curated collections of ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and decorative arts in a modern space on People’s Square.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to see both the historic Bund and the illuminated skyscrapers of Pudong from the water.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro is the most efficient way to cover longer distances, with clear signage and frequent services across the city. For shorter hops, taxis and app-based rides are widely available, while riverside promenades and inner-city streets invite you to explore on foot.

Local life & culture
Neighbourhoods such as the Former French Concession and Jing’an reveal a slower rhythm, with residents chatting on pavements and relaxing in local parks. Galleries, small theatres, and creative hubs around areas like West Bund give you a closer look at the city’s evolving cultural scene.

Where to unwind
You can pause in green spaces such as Fuxing Park or along the landscaped paths beside the Huangpu River. Visit early in the morning or later in the evening for cooler air and softer light, when the city feels especially calm despite its size.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You will find classic local flavours in neighbourhood eateries and simple shops tucked into side streets. Look out for venues serving snack-style dishes and regional specialities that are easy to share and ideal for a relaxed, informal meal.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Large shopping streets and commercial districts such as Nanjing Road and Lujiazui offer many casual restaurants in one place. You can choose from regional Chinese menus and international cuisines, with smaller portions and shared plates making it easy to try a variety of dishes.

Signature & scenic dining
For a memorable evening, consider dining in restaurants with views of the Bund or the Pudong skyline. River-facing venues and high-floor dining rooms allow you to enjoy city lights and architecture as a backdrop to your meal.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major areas such as Lujiazui and Nanjing Road feature large malls with international brands, local designers, cinemas, and family-friendly attractions. These spaces often double as social hubs, where you can combine shopping with dining and entertainment in one stop.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative quarters house boutiques offering clothing, accessories, and design-led souvenirs. Districts like Tianzifang and parts of the Former French Concession are ideal for browsing independent labels and picking up distinctive pieces.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated façades and busy pedestrian streets give the city’s shopping areas a lively atmosphere. Many malls and shops stay open into the evening, so you can combine sightseeing with a late shopping trip, using the metro or taxis to move easily between districts.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring season (chun ji, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is mild and comfortable, with temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F). Flowers bloom in city parks and along streets, and conditions are generally pleasant for walking tours and riverfront strolls.

Summer season (xia ji, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm, often humid days, with temperatures commonly between 26–32°C (79–90°F). Longer daylight hours give you more time outdoors, and this is a popular period for family trips and evening walks along the Bund.

Autumn and winter (qiu dong ji, October to February, low season)
Autumn starts crisp and clear, typically around 15–20°C (59–68°F), with comfortable sightseeing weather and good air clarity. Winter can be cold, often 3–8°C (37–46°F), but quieter streets, festive lights, and indoor attractions make this a calm time to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions