Shanghai
Soaring futuristic skyscrapers converge with ancient relics in this city of contrasts where East meets West. As China's largest city, Shanghai offers a thriving culinary scene, vibrant night life and unforgettable cultural experiences.
There are currently no direct flights to Shanghai, so you’ll need to connect through a major hub including, but not limited to, Amsterdam, Paris or Doha, before continuing on to Shanghai.
Airports in Shanghai:
Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Airlines that fly one stop from BHX to Shanghai include:
Air France, Emirates, Lufthansa, Pegasus Airlines, Qatar Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Turkish Airlines
Seasons:
High = March - May and September - November
Low = December - February
Currency:
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Average temperature in
Shanghai
Arriving at Pudong International Airport
There are currently no direct flights to Shanghai, so you’ll need to connect through a major hub including, but not limited to, Amsterdam, Paris or Doha, before continuing on to Shanghai.
The main airport for international flights to and from Shanghai is Pudong International Airport which features two terminals. Taxi's can be picked up 24/7 outside Arrivals Gate 12 of Terminal 1 and Arrivals Gate 25 of Terminal 2. It's worth noting that many taxi drivers will not speak English, so have your location written in Chinese and have a phone number for your hotel/accommodation if possible.
Shanghai city centre can also be reached from Pudong via the Metro Line 2 on B1 or shuttle buses which can be boarded from the Airport Bus Parking Lot.
What to Expect in Shanghai
Due to its colonial past and current position as a global powerhouse, Shanghai has a 'East meets West' or Haipai culture with a unique blend of traditional Wuyue culture and Western influences. This cultural fusion can be seen in everything from fashion to architecture and even in food. As a result of this culture, you will find that English is more widely spoken in Shanghai than other areas of China especially in tourist districts.
If you're visiting Budhist and Taoist temples, ensure you are respectful by dressing modestly, speaking quietly and refraining from touching any statues. It is also recommended to ask before photographing traditional areas or religious sites.
Things to Do in Shanghai
Shanghai offers an incredible mix of modern wonders, historical sites and cultural excursions. One of the most popular districts of the city amongst locals and tourists is The Bund, a historical waterfront promenade of boutique shops and restaurants, which provides stunning views of the futuristic skyline.
Discover the city's long and varied history with a trip to Yu Garden, a prime example of a traditional Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Further afield, you can explore the unique Qibao Ancient Water Town which is home to picturesque waterways and vibrant food markets selling delicious delicacies.
A trip to Shanghai is not complete without sampling the renowned cultural Chinese cuisine. The city is renowned for a range of delicious dishes including Shengjianbao (juicy pan-fried pork buns), Hong Shao Rou (pork belly braised in a tasty sauce) and steamed Hairy Crab (Chinese mitten crab steamed with ginger and perilla leaves).