Flights from Paris (CDG) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai is a dynamic port city where historic streets meet futuristic skylines. You will find elegant waterfront promenades, leafy former concessions, and soaring towers that light up the night, creating an atmosphere that feels both international and distinctly local.

What to expect
The city is defined by the contrast between the Bund and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui, and by neighbourhoods where creative studios share space with traditional shophouses. Expect efficient transport, busy commercial districts, and quieter lanes where daily life unfolds at a slower pace.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well as both a standalone city break and a starting point for exploring the wider Yangtze River Delta. With extensive rail links and another major airport in the region, it is easy to continue your journey to nearby cities once you have explored the highlights of Shanghai.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade for grand river views and a striking panorama of the modern Lujiazui skyline.

Lujiazui skyline

Head across the river to the financial district to see iconic towers up close and visit observation decks for sweeping city views.

Yu Garden and Old Street

Explore classical garden pavilions, ponds, and courtyards, then wander nearby lanes lined with traditional-style architecture.

Former French Concession

Walk under leafy plane trees past villas, boutiques, and cafés that give this central district a relaxed, residential charm.

Nanjing Road

Experience one of Shanghai's busiest shopping streets, stretching from the People's Square area towards the Bund with bright lights and storefronts.

Shanghai Tower observation deck

Ride high-speed lifts to one of the world's tallest viewing platforms for a dramatic perspective on the cityscape below.

Tianzifang

Discover a maze of narrow alleys filled with creative studios, small galleries, and lively cafés in converted shikumen buildings.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to see both historic facades and modern skyscrapers illuminated along the riverside.

Experience Shanghai's everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai's metro network is extensive and usually the quickest way to cover longer distances between districts. Taxis and ride-hailing services help for late-night journeys or areas farther from stations, while walking is ideal within compact neighbourhoods like the Former French Concession for a closer look at local streets.

Local life & culture
In residential lanes you will see people chatting at small street-side tables and browsing neighbourhood shops, while central areas hum with commuters and office workers. Creative districts and refurbished warehouses host galleries and design studios, reflecting the city's focus on fashion, design, and contemporary arts.

Where to unwind
Along the Huangpu River, landscaped promenades offer open views and space for an unhurried walk, especially towards sunset. Inner-city parks provide shaded paths and ponds where you can pause between sightseeing stops, and riverside areas become particularly pleasant for an evening breeze after a day of exploration.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
You can try classic snacks such as steamed buns and local noodles in busy streets and small eateries around older neighbourhoods. Traditional-style food streets near Yu Garden and in residential districts let you sample everyday flavours in a lively setting.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping malls and commercial centres across the city offer a mix of regional Chinese and international cuisines, making it easy to find a convenient meal between activities. Portions are often well suited to sharing, so you can order a few different dishes and taste a variety of flavours with friends or family.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable views, look for restaurants and lounges in high-rise buildings along the river, where large windows frame the skyline at night. In heritage districts near the Bund and the Former French Concession, restored buildings house refined dining rooms that combine distinctive interiors with carefully prepared menus.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Large malls in districts such as Lujiazui and around People's Square bring together international brands, cinemas, and cafés under one roof. These complexes are popular meeting spots, where you can combine shopping with dining and entertainment in air-conditioned comfort.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller streets and creative quarters like Tianzifang and parts of the Former French Concession feature boutiques, design studios, and shops selling locally made crafts. These areas are ideal for finding distinctive souvenirs, from artwork to contemporary fashion, in a more intimate setting away from the main roads.

Evening retail scene
After dark, shopping streets such as Nanjing Road become bright with illuminated signs and extended opening hours. Some neighbourhoods host lively evening markets, where stalls line narrow streets and side alleys, and frequent metro services make it straightforward to reach these areas and return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring season (chun ji, March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is usually mild, with temperatures around 13–22°C (55–72°F). Streets and parks feel fresh, and you can enjoy comfortable walks along the Bund or in leafy neighbourhoods as the trees regain their foliage.

Summer season (xia ji, June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm and often humid weather, with typical temperatures of 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours suit evening strolls by the river and late dining outdoors, and indoor attractions provide a cool retreat during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn and winter season (qiu ji and dong ji, October to February, low season)
Autumn is generally clear and pleasant, around 15–23°C (59–73°F), making it a calm time for sightseeing. Winter can be chilly, close to 2–9°C (36–48°F), but crisp days and quieter attractions offer a relaxed way to experience the city.

Frequently Asked Questions