Book flights to Shanghai

Shanghai sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River, and is a massive global hub where historical trade routes meet modern international aviation. This coastal destination is a central point for travellers entering East Asia, defined by a skyline that merges colonial influence with futuristic urban planning.

The city contains several distinct districts, most notably the Bund, where neoclassical buildings line the waterfront across from the soaring Shanghai Tower. Inland, the Yu Garden provides a look into traditional Ming dynasty design, while the French Concession maintains leafy streets and early 20th-century villas. The Shanghai Museum further anchors the cultural landscape with its vast collection of ancient Chinese art.

A journey here reveals a city of contrasts, balancing the rapid pace of its financial districts with the quiet rituals found in local tea houses. Visitors often explore the area for its diverse culinary scene and the architectural evolution visible along the Huangpu River. The atmosphere is one of constant movement, making it a primary destination for those interested in the intersection of history and modern development.

High season in Shanghai

Shanghai enters its peak period during the mild months of Spring and Autumn, typically from April to May and September to November. During these windows, temperatures remain comfortable, ranging between 15°C and 25°C, which encourages a lively outdoor culture. Visitors landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport often find the city at its most colourful, with cherry blossoms lining the streets in the spring and golden plane trees defining the former French Concession in the fall.

The city's social rhythm accelerates during these months as residents and travellers frequent the Bund and open-air riverside promenades. Major events like the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix or the Shanghai Tourism Festival draw large crowds, creating an energetic atmosphere. This season is characterized by clear skies and low humidity, making the panoramic views from the Shanghai Tower or the Oriental Pearl TV Tower particularly sharp and impressive for those arriving into the city's urban core.

Low season in Shanghai

Shanghai experiences its low season during the deep winter months of January and February, as well as the humid heat of July and August. Winter brings a damp, biting cold that can drop to 1°C, while the summer sees temperatures climb above 35°C alongside heavy seasonal rains. Upon arrival, the city appears more atmospheric and moody, with mist often shrouding the tops of the skyscrapers in Lujiazui.

Despite the weather, this period has a distinct local charm focused on indoor life and traditional celebrations. The Lunar New Year transforms the pace of the city, as many locals travel home, leaving the usually crowded streets of Nanjing Road uncharacteristically quiet. During the summer months, the lifestyle shifts toward the evening, with night markets and air-conditioned shopping malls becoming the primary social hubs. This quieter time allows for a more contemplative exploration of the city's museums and historic tea houses.

Securing a flight to Shanghai typically involves landing at one of two major aviation hubs that manage the massive volume of international and domestic traffic entering eastern China. These facilities are strategically positioned on opposite sides of the city, providing comprehensive coverage for travellers arriving from across the globe or from internal provinces.

Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Pudong International Airport, known by the IATA code PVG, is situated approximately 30 km east of the city centre along the coastline of the Pudong New Area. As the primary gateway for international flights to Shanghai, it is a major hub for Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Shanghai Airlines. The airport has two massive passenger terminals connected by a shuttle bus and an underground satellite concourse, handling a vast network of long-haul routes from Europe, North America, and Asia.

After clearing customs, the most famous transit option is the Maglev train, which reaches speeds of 431 km/h and arrives at Longyang Road Station in about 8 minutes. For a direct connection to the city's heart without transferring, Metro Line 2 runs through the airport and reaches People's Square and Jing'an Temple in approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Travellers can also utilize several Airport Bus lines that serve major hubs like Shanghai Railway Station and Hongqiao, or take a taxi from the official ranks for a 45 to 60-minute drive to the Bund area.

Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Hongqiao International Airport, identified by the code SHA, is located about 13 km west of the city centre in the Changning and Minhang districts. While it does host select regional international flights to destinations like Tokyo or Seoul, its primary role is the premier domestic hub for the region. The airport has Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and it is part of the Hongqiao Comprehensive Transportation Hub, which includes air travel with high-speed rail services.

The journey into central districts is exceptionally efficient due to the airport's proximity to the urban core. Metro Line 2 and Metro Line 10 both service the airport, providing a 25 to 40-minute transit to People's Square or the Xintiandi area. Because the airport is integrated with the Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station, arriving passengers can easily transition to high-speed trains bound for Suzhou or Hangzhou. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, typically reaching the Jing'an District in roughly 30 minutes depending on the local traffic conditions.

As your flight descends toward Pudong International Airport, the vast sprawl of the Huangpu River signals your arrival in a metropolis where history and the future collide. Stepping off the plane, you are greeted by an energy that is both fast-paced and deeply rooted in tradition, inviting you to discover a city that never truly sleeps.

The Bund is a waterfront promenade that provides a striking look at the city’s architectural evolution, with colonial-era buildings on one side and a neon-lit skyline on the other. Walking here at dusk allows you to see the transition of light as the financial district across the water begins to glow.

Yu Garden offers a tranquil escape into the Ming Dynasty with its intricate rockeries, shaded pavilions, and koi-filled ponds. This classical garden captures the quiet side of local life, hidden just behind the bustling narrow streets of the surrounding old city bazaar.

Former French Concession is a leafy district where plane trees arch over quiet avenues lined with European-style villas and Art Deco apartments. It is a charming area for a slow stroll, where the scent of coffee from small boutiques mixes with the sight of locals hanging laundry from historic balconies.

Nanjing Road is a sensory introduction to the commercial heart of the city, stretching for several km as one of the world's busiest shopping streets. The mixture of traditional department stores and massive digital screens creates a lively atmosphere that reflects the modern local lifestyle.

Tianzifang has transformed from a quiet residential enclave into a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with craft shops, art studios, and hidden cafes. This area preserves the traditional Shikumen architecture, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative pulse of the community.

Shanghai Tower reaches into the clouds as one of the tallest structures on the planet, providing a perspective of the city that stretches toward the horizon. From its observation decks, the scale of the urban landscape becomes clear, highlighting the sheer ambition of this coastal giant.

Few feelings compare to boarding a plane knowing Shanghai awaits you on the other side of the clouds. Booking your journey through eDreams allows you to compare different routes and timing easily, helping you secure a comfortable flight that fits your schedule. Frequent travellers may also find that eDreams Prime adds extra value to their discovery of this global hub by unlocking member benefits on every booking.