Flights to Shanghai

What are the best places to stay in Shanghai?

Pudong

Pudong is east of the Huangpu River and is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods to base yourself in when you book flights to Shanghai. This is where you’ll find the famous skyscrapers that are often associated with Shanghai. Much of the neighbourhood is new and modern, but there’s also plenty of tradition and nature. There are many gardens to visit around Pudong, plus Century Park – Shanghai’s largest park. Some of the other must-sees in the city include Shanghai Tower, Binjiang Park, and Shanghai Wild Animal Park. Browse Pudong accommodation after booking tickets to Shanghai if you’re hoping to stay in the centre of everything.

The FFC

Short for Former French Concession, the FFC is one of the trendiest areas to explore while visiting China on return flights to Shanghai. It offers both quiet residential streets and a taste of the Shanghai hustle and bustle. The streets are narrower than most central Shanghai roads and are lined by parasol trees and architecture that would fit right in around Europe. FFC is home to an incredible selection of restaurants, shops, bars, and cafes to visit in between return flights to Shanghai. Other landmarks include the Wukang Mansion, Fuxing Park, and the Propaganda Poster Art Centre.

Huangpu District

The Huangpu District is a small neighbourhood on the western bank of the Huangpu River. It’s one of Shanghai’s most central neighbourhoods but contrasts with its neighbour Pudong. Rather than sky-high buildings, the Huangpu District features traditional styles and some of the oldest buildings in Shanghai. It’s a great option if you want to stay central while holidaying on cheap flights to Shanghai without the same busyness you’ll find in other central areas. The Bund is Huangpu’s most famous landmark, and other spots include Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road, and Yu Garden.

What are Shanghai’s most famous landmarks and monuments?

The Bund

Stroll along the Bund while visiting China on flights to Shanghai to admire the city's iconic skyline. It’s a riverside promenade overlooking Shanghai’s most recognisable skyscrapers, including Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. The skyline view is the main draw to the Bund, but there’s also exciting history to take in along the promenade. Buildings located along the Bund feature all different architectural styles, from baroque to Gothic to Romanesque, plus a series of sculptures is on display.

Zhujiajiao

Take a step back in time in the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao. It’s located on the western outskirts of Shanghai, is a far cry from the modern buildings of Downtown and has more than 1,700 years of history. Canals weave through Zhujiajiao, leading to the village being referred to as the Venice of Shanghai. These canals are lined with traditionally-designed houses, willow trees, and bridges that date back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Places to see in Zhujiajiao include Fangsheng Bridge and Kezhi Garden. Spend a day here for one of the most unique experiences you’ll have while visiting China with flights to Shanghai.

Longhua Temple

Longhua is both the oldest and largest Buddhist temple to see while holidaying on cheap flights to Shanghai. It was built in 242 AD during China’s Three Kingdoms Period. A tiered pagoda dominates the exterior of Longhua Temple, and there’s even more to see inside. Admire golden statues in Mahavira Hall, view ancient Buddhist texts and more golden statues in the Buddhist Texts Library, and see the copper Bell Tower bell that famously rings 108 times on New Year’s Eve to signal the new year.

When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

There are four distinct seasons to plan around when booking flights to Shanghai.

Autumn and spring are strong contenders as the best time to book airfare to Shanghai. Temperatures range between 15 to 25°C during these shoulder seasons – perfect conditions for spending time outdoors. Autumn and spring don’t see the same crowds as the summer high season with a few exceptions. Secure your hotel room early if you book return flights to Shanghai during a spring holiday.

Summer is the busiest time to book flights into Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). A high volume of tourists is accompanied by high humidity, temperatures around 30°C, frequent rainfall, and the possibility of typhoons. Consider booking tickets to Shanghai outside of summer to avoid the temperamental weather and crowds.

Winter is a good time to plan cheap flights to Shanghai if you don’t mind chilly weather. Daytime temperatures reach about 10°C before dipping to a cold 1°C in the evenings. Winter is also the driest season in Shanghai, seeing very little rain. Many hotels lower their rates during the winter low season, making this an ideal time to book airfare to Shanghai if you’re looking to save money on your accommodation.