Affordable flights to Shanghai

Skyline views and colonial history meet in this major coastal hub on the Huangpu River. As a primary destination for international flights, the city is a central point for trade and culture in East Asia. It has a reputation for rapid growth and is a significant entry point for those exploring the wider region.

The city is defined by a contrast between its historic and modern quarters. The Bund contains a collection of early 20th-century European-style buildings, while across the water, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower dominate the horizon. In the Old City, the Yu Garden provides a look at traditional landscaping and Ming Dynasty design.

Visitors often travel here to experience a mix of traditional customs and high-speed urban life. The streets of the French Concession are lined with trees and boutiques, showing a different side of the local character. This destination remains a popular choice for those interested in contemporary art, diverse cuisine, and architectural history.

High season in Shanghai

Spring and autumn are the most popular times to visit, with temperatures usually ranging between 15°C and 25°C. When you land at Shanghai Pudong International Airport during these months, you are met with mild air and clear skies that make the city easy to explore on foot. The Bund becomes a central social hub where residents and visitors gather to see the skyline without the intense heat of the summer months.

The city's pace feels energetic as outdoor life returns to the streets and parks. In Fuxing Park, locals gather for morning tai chi, while the French Concession is shaded by plane trees in full leaf. Major events like the Shanghai International Film Festival or the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix often draw large crowds, adding a busy, cosmopolitan feel to the atmosphere.

Low season in Shanghai

The winter months of December through February bring a sharp chill, with temperatures often dropping toward 0°C. Upon arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, you will notice a quieter, more industrial atmosphere as grey skies settle over the Huangpu River. While it rarely snows, the damp cold encourages a shift toward indoor life, making the city's many museums and galleries the primary focus of daily activity.

Life slows down significantly during the Lunar New Year, when many shops close and the usual street noise fades. This period offers a rare chance to see landmarks like Yu Garden or the Shanghai Museum without the typical high-season crowds. The city feels more intimate and private, providing a stark contrast to the neon-lit, fast-paced energy found during the warmer months.

As you descend towards the terminal, the sight of a sprawling urban landscape prepares you for the high-energy atmosphere of Shanghai. Stepping off the plane, you are met by a city that balances its rapid pace with a deep sense of history and quiet corners of tradition.

The Bund
Walking along this riverfront strip gives you a view of colonial-era buildings on one side and futuristic towers on the other. It is the best place to feel the transition from the city's merchant past to its status as a global financial centre.

Yu Garden
This traditional garden offers a sharp contrast to the metal and glass of the skyline with its classical pavilions and koi ponds. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the layout encourages a slow pace as you move through its narrow rockeries and curved bridges.

French Concession
The tree-lined streets of this district are filled with Tudor-style houses and local boutiques that give the area a residential, village-like feel. It is a favourite spot for those looking to find quiet cafes and observe the daily rhythms of local life under the shade of plane trees.

Nanjing Road
This pedestrian street is the primary artery for shopping and neon lights, stretching for 5.5 km through the heart of the city. The constant movement of people and the glow of massive digital billboards capture the relentless energy that defines the local spirit.

Pudong Skyline
Looking across the Huangpu River, the dense collection of skyscrapers including the Shanghai Tower represents the modern ambition of the region. Seeing these structures up close reveals the scale of the city's growth and its focus on the future.

Jade Buddha Temple
This active religious site houses two statues carved from single blocks of white jade, brought to the city from Myanmar. The scent of incense and the sound of chanting monks provide a grounding cultural experience away from the glass towers.

Planning your flight to Shanghai is the first step of your trip. By staying flexible with your travel dates and booking in advance, you can secure your seat to Pudong International Airport. Opodo Prime provides more ways to manage your travel experience.