Flights from Xiamen (XMN) to Shanghai (PVG)

About Shanghai

Discover Shanghai

Why visit Shanghai?
Shanghai blends historic riverfront architecture with soaring skyscrapers and creative districts, creating a city that feels both classic and forward-looking. You can wander leafy streets, admire iconic skylines, and experience a fast-paced urban energy in a single day.

What to expect
Most visits centre around the Bund, Lujiazui financial district, the Former French Concession, and buzzing neighbourhoods like Xintiandi. The city is walkable in pockets, with a reliable metro linking major areas, and you will find a mix of traditional lanes, modern malls, and cultural venues wherever you go.

Plan your trip
Shanghai works well for short city breaks or as a starting point to explore the wider Yangtze River Delta. With excellent high-speed rail and air connections, you can easily add nearby destinations before or after your stay, making Shanghai an efficient and rewarding base.

Top sights in Shanghai

The Bund

Stroll along the historic waterfront promenade for views of grand riverside buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui.

Lujiazui skyline

Head across the river to admire Shanghai Tower and neighbouring high-rises, with observation decks offering sweeping city views.

Yu Garden and Old Town

Explore classical pavilions, ponds, and courtyards, then step into surrounding streets filled with traditional architecture and shops.

Former French Concession

Walk shaded streets lined with plane trees, period villas, and cafés that showcase a gentler side of the city.

Xintiandi

Discover renovated shikumen stone-gate houses transformed into a lively district of dining, galleries, and nightlife.

Shanghai Museum

Visit this landmark museum on People’s Square to see curated exhibits of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and more.

Tianzifang

Lose yourself in narrow lanes filled with studios, small boutiques, and atmospheric courtyards in a former residential quarter.

Huangpu River cruise

Take an evening cruise to see the city’s illuminated skyline and architecture from the water.

Experience Shanghai’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
Shanghai’s metro is the most efficient way to move between major districts, with clear signage and frequent services. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are useful for late evenings or shorter hops, while walking lets you appreciate the character of areas like the Bund and the Former French Concession.

Local life & culture
You will see early risers using parks and riverside paths for exercise, and evenings spent in lively streetside cafés and teahouses. Creative districts host galleries, design studios, and small performance spaces, reflecting Shanghai’s role as a cultural hub that blends heritage with contemporary influences.

Where to unwind
Along the Huangpu River, landscaped promenades and viewing platforms offer open space and fresh air, especially around the Bund and Lujiazui. City parks provide calm corners, lakes, and tree-lined paths that are especially pleasant in the early morning or late afternoon when the light softens.

A taste of Shanghai

Street food & local specialties
Shanghai is known for delicate dumplings, noodles, and small bites, often found in busy streets and compact neighbourhood eateries. Areas around Old Town and local residential districts are ideal for sampling everyday dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients and comforting flavours.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Shopping streets and lifestyle complexes gather a wide mix of regional and international cuisines in one place, perfect when you want variety without travelling far. Portions are often suited to sharing, so you can order several dishes to try more flavours with your travelling companions.

Signature & scenic dining
For memorable meals, consider venues overlooking the Bund or set high in Lujiazui’s towers, where city views accompany refined menus. Riverside restaurants and rooftop terraces create a special atmosphere in the evening, especially when the skyline is lit and the riverfront glows.

Retail therapy in Shanghai

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major shopping streets and integrated malls combine international brands, local designers, cinemas, and dining, making them easy places to spend an afternoon. These lifestyle centres often connect directly to metro stations, so you can move between districts comfortably in all weather.

Markets & local crafts
Smaller markets and side streets are good for finding souvenirs, design pieces, and locally made items. Districts such as Tianzifang, parts of the Former French Concession, and creative parks showcase studios, galleries, and independent labels in more intimate surroundings.

Evening retail scene
After dark, illuminated shopfronts and active streets give Shanghai’s retail areas a distinctive energy. You can browse late-opening stores or stroll through busy promenades before or after dinner, and the extensive metro and taxi network makes it straightforward to return to your hotel.

Best time to visit Shanghai

Spring bloom (March to May, shoulder season)
Spring in Shanghai is mild, with average temperatures around 13–20°C (55–68°F). Parks and riverside promenades are especially pleasant as flowers and trees come into bloom, and outdoor cafés and terraces start to feel lively.

Summer heat (June to September, peak season)
Summer brings warm and humid weather, with typical temperatures of 25–32°C (77–90°F). Longer daylight hours suit evening walks along the Bund or river cruises, and many indoor attractions and malls offer a cool retreat during the hottest part of the day.

Autumn and winter charm (October to February, low season)
Autumn is generally clear and comfortable, around 15–22°C (59–72°F), while winter can be cold, averaging 3–8°C (37–46°F). Cooler months mean quieter parks, crisp river views, and a calmer atmosphere in popular districts, with indoor galleries and museums providing inviting escapes.

Frequently Asked Questions