Shanghai is an international metropolis situated on the estuary of the Yangtze River, and it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, and cultural center in East China. The city has a status equivalent to a province and reports directly to the central government. Serving as the largest base of Chinese industrial technology, it has become one of the most important seaports and China's largest commercial and financial center. Shanghai now draws the attention of the whole world. In addition to its modernisation, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. In Shanghai, travelers can find the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined and formed the city's culture, making a visitor's stay memorable.

Airports in Shanghai

1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Situated on the south bank of the Yangtze River estuary in the east of the city, Pudong International Airport, completed in 1999, is about 30 kilometers away from the city center and 40 kilometers from Hongqiao International Airport. In total, about fifty airlines have flights to over sixty domestic cities and over seventy cities of other countries and regions. It has two terminal buildings, and the Terminal 2 (T2) was newly completed in 2008. There are buses and other means to shuttle between the terminals. Pudong International Airport enjoys very convenient transportation to the city. They have the option of shuttle busses, the Maglev train, the Metro (subway trains) or taxis.

2. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)

Located in the west of the city, Hongqiao International Airport is only 13 kilometers from the city center. It mainly handles domestic flights. There are two terminals with two runways. Terminal 2 (T2) is open into public use since 2010. Fourteen airlines are in Terminal 2 (T2), and another fourteen airlines are in T1. Passengers should make sure to get to the right terminal. It is also very easy to get to the city center from SHA. Visitors can take either the shuttle busses, the Metro or taxis.

How to Get Cheap Flights to Shanghai?

Traveloka is a travel search engine that makes it easy for travellers to find the cheapest flights to Shanghai. All you need to do is key in the information in the search box, and the application will recommend the best trip according to your budget. It compares flight prices across some trusted airlines to help you to get the best possible deal. Use Traveloka's price alert feature to be notified of flights in your desired price range to get the best flight price to Shanghai.

When is the Best Time to Fly to Shanghai?

Shanghai experiences four distinct seasons and experiences climatic extremes – bitter winters and hot and humid summers. The most pleasant seasons in the city are spring and autumn. Spring is comfortable and warm while autumn is generally sunny and dry. The best time for a Shanghai trip will be around spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Spring welcomes the beautiful blossoms that reside in the city's parks. However, spring is considered as peak season in Shanghai and hotel rates will soar due to the numerous national festivals that take place around this time. If you are on a budget or simply want to avoid crowds, then it is recommended to avoid visiting Shanghai at this time. Autumn is the best time for travelers on a budget. Travelers will see a decline in hotel prices and temperatures. Visiting Shanghai at this time will see travelers enjoying comfortable temperature during the day while only a light sweater or jacket is needed at night. Avoid, however, visiting during the first week of October when the public holiday draws many Chinese tourists.

What are the Top 3 Things to Do in Shanghai?

Shanghai, meaning on the sea, is one of China’s earliest port city that has a deep connection to the world. Sitting at the entrance point where China's mighty Yangtze River joins the sea, Shanghai witnesses the magnificent change and splendor history that China had been through in the past a few centuries and more. This ancient city is now a modern metropolis of both technological and financial center of China with its boutique history and travel sites attracting numerous tourists come for its beauty.

1. Yu Garden - Yu Garden has been a Shanghai fixture since the 16th century when a Ming Dynasty official wanted to create a tranquil garden for his parents to spend their senior years. Today, it is one of the most famous classical gardens in China. Yu translates as pleasing and satisfying, a concept that is very relevant in today's garden. The garden is filled with rockeries (the Great Rockery is at the entrance), halls, pavilions where visitors can rest tired feet, and ponds that ooze serenity. Pagodas and artistically arranged lush vegetation round out the picture.

2. Zhujiajiao - Anyone visiting Shanghai must visit at least one water town to make their time there complete. Zhujiajiao, located in a Shanghai suburb, is one of the best-preserved water towns in Shanghai, despite being 1,700 years old. Visitors must take a cruise on the canal, boating under 35 ancient mostly stone bridges lined with old-fashioned houses. Perhaps the most famous bridge is the 1571 Fangsheng Bridge with its five openings and eight dragons surrounding a pearl. Visitors also won't want to miss the short North Street that is lined with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Also worth a visit is Kezhi Garden, Zhujiajiao's largest memorial garden.

3. Nanjing Road - Nanjing Road is the shopping street that crowds flock to in Shanghai. It is one of the world's largest and most famous shopping areas attracting about a million shoppers a day. The road, created in 1845, is divided into East and West; the East section is the primary shopping area. Where once it was lined with traditional Chinese stores selling daily necessities, today Nanjing Road is lined with upscale shops, restaurants and hotels. The eastern section is one long pedestrian mall, so shoppers don't have to worry about being hit by cars. They should, however, be on the lookout for hawkers zooming along on lighted roller-skates.