Book cheap flights to Shanghai

Shanghai serves as a major gateway to East Asia, positioned on the Yangtze River Delta. This global financial hub offers a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition, attracting visitors keen to explore its dynamic character.

Discover impressive art deco architecture along The Bund, visit the historic Yu Garden, or explore the French Concession’s leafy streets. The Shanghai Museum showcases ancient Chinese art, while the Oriental Pearl TV Tower dominates the Pudong skyline.

Your journey to this metropolis reveals a destination celebrated for its lively cultural scene, innovative cuisine, and historical depth. Shanghai provides a unique window into Chinese heritage and contemporary life.

High Season in Shanghai

Shanghai's high season generally runs from March to May and September to November, offering pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Spring brings mild weather, with cherry blossoms and other flowers adding colour to parks and gardens. Autumn is equally inviting, with crisp air and comfortable warmth, making it ideal for exploring the city on foot. You'll find a lively atmosphere as locals and visitors enjoy the outdoors, from riverside promenades to bustling markets.

During these months, Shanghai feels particularly energetic. Festivals and outdoor events are common, reflecting the city's lively cultural scene. The comfortable conditions encourage dining al fresco and participating in various outdoor activities. Upon arrival, you'll sense a palpable buzz, with many people out and about, ready to embrace the city's offerings.

Low Season in Shanghai

The low season in Shanghai typically covers the summer (June to August) and winter (December to February) months. Summer brings hot and humid conditions, often accompanied by heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. Temperatures can frequently exceed 30°C, making outdoor activities less appealing during the day. The city adapts with air-conditioned indoor attractions, shopping centres, and museums becoming popular retreats.

Winter transforms Shanghai into a cooler, often grey city, with temperatures dropping close to freezing, especially in January and February. While snow is rare, the cold can be quite sharp. Despite the chill, the city prepares for holidays like Chinese New Year, which sees many locals travel, creating a quieter period for some parts of the city. You'll notice a more introspective pace, with warmth found in indoor dining and cosy cafes.

Stepping off your flight into Shanghai, you are immediately greeted by a city that blends innovation with deep cultural roots. Prepare to discover a destination where future-forward architecture meets historic neighbourhoods, offering a unique journey through China’s lively pulse. Each turn reveals a new facet of this dynamic metropolis, from its towering skyline to its tranquil gardens.

Here are some distinctive Shanghai attractions and experiences:

The Bund
Walk along the waterfront promenade to see Shanghai’s iconic skyline across the Huangpu River. This historic stretch features colonial-era buildings that contrast with the futuristic Pudong skyscrapers.

Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden)
Enter a classical Chinese garden, a serene escape with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. This Ming Dynasty garden offers a glimpse into traditional Chinese landscape design and culture.

Nanjing Road
Experience one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, bustling with department stores, boutiques, and eateries. The lively atmosphere here captures Shanghai’s commercial energy.

Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Look up at this distinctive landmark in Pudong, instantly recognisable with its spheres and unique design. The tower offers panoramic views of the city, showcasing Shanghai’s impressive urban scale.

French Concession
Stroll through leafy streets lined with plane trees and historic European-style villas. This area offers a quieter, more charming side of Shanghai, complete with cafes and independent shops.

Shanghai Museum
Explore ancient Chinese art and artefacts within this grand museum in People’s Square. Its extensive collections span bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and more, providing deep cultural insights.

Xintiandi
Discover a pedestrian area that creatively blends traditional shikumen (stone-gate houses) architecture with modern cafes and restaurants. It's a stylish hub where old Shanghai meets contemporary life.

Planning your journey to Shanghai? Finding great flight deals is simple when you book in advance and stay flexible with your travel dates. For frequent flyers, an eDreams Prime subscription offers even more exclusive benefits to make your trip planning effortless. Soon, you'll be on your way to discovering all that Shanghai has to offer.