Business & First Class Flight Deals to Shanghai

Call today to redeem deals

1-800-359-5175

Read AFG Reviews

Visit the Yu Garden

Stroll through Nanjing Road

Walk along the Bund

Take photos from the Pearl Tower

Top Attractions in Shanghai

After booking discounted flights to Shanghai, start planning the best way to explore this unique Asian destination. It’s the biggest city in China so it’s a good idea to plan ahead. If you have traveled all the way from Sydney, Melbourne, the United States, or the United Kingdom, you don’t want to miss any of the attractions and things to do that interest you the most. The following top Shanghai attractions should be included on your Shanghai itinerary. Your flight guru can search the cheapest hotels and flights to Shanghai so you won’t miss the opportunity to see the best-known attractions in the city.

• Yu Garden – If you are booking flights to Shanghai, make sure you visit the Yu Garden located next to the City God Temple. This urban haven is a vast Chinese garden in the center of Old Town Shanghai. Known for being one of the most well-preserved gardens in China, this lush hotspot is crowded every day. This city garden is a must-see for every tourist. Buy tickets and enter the garden on the north shore of the Huxin Ting pond. It is open from 8:30am to 5:30pm. Like most tourist spots in China, it is best to visit in the early morning to avoid the crowds. Allow at least 2 hours to tour the gardens at a leisurely pace. You may take a train or a cab to reach this attraction from the airport, but the Metro would be the cheapest way.
• Nanjing Road –Whatever your reason for reserving flights to Shanghai, you could never resist a shopping trip to the ritzy Nanjing Road. This is the main shopping street in Shanghai, China. It is the longest shopping district in the world at 3.5 miles, divided into east and west. The eastern section is pedestrianized from The Bund to People’s Square. The Western section runs from People’s Square to the Jing’an Temple. If you visit at night, take the sightseeing train that runs the entire length of the street. Nanjing Road makes Shanghai, China a top travel destination for avid retail shoppers.
• The Bund -The US has Wall Street, and China has The Bund for international trade. This riverfront boardwalk in the Huangpu district is frequented by fashionable Shanghainese and tourists. See grand colonial architecture along the waterfront of the Huangpu River, facing the financial district of Pudong. International visitors book cheap flights to Shanghai to witness and enjoy the artsy side of the city with its east-meets-west glamour. Stroll along The Bund, taking in the sights, and ride through the sightseeing tunnel. The Bund is a 5-minute walk from the East Nanjing Road station. It takes approximately 40 minutes by taxi from the airport (PVG).
• Oriental Pearl Tower –As soon as your flight arrives, discover this landmark TV tower in the Pudong district alongside the Huangpu River. It is known for being one of the tallest structures in Shanghai and for its striking design. It is the highest TV tower in Asia, and the 3rd highest in the world. Take an elevator ride up the tower to the observation deck for sweeping views of Shanghai, China. The city is especially dazzling at night. Be sure to stop by the Shanghai History Museum in the basement. Hop on a boat tour on the Huangpu River from the Pearl Dock beside the tower.
• Shanghai Museum – Travel agents take care of your flights, visas, hotels, etc. so you can reach the city airport free of worries and ready to explore the bustling and dazzling Shanghai French Concession. This well-developed area of Shanghai was administered by the French government from 1849 until 1946 and is reminiscent of Paris with tree-lined avenues, wrought iron fences, and many renovated old houses. In this fashionable area of China, you’ll find upmarket residential and office towers, numerous hotels, and several large shopping malls. Plus, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, and cafés.
• Shanghai French Concession - This well-developed area of Shanghai was administered by the French government from 1849 until 1946 and is reminiscent of Paris with tree-lined avenues, wrought iron fences, and many renovated old houses. In this fashionable area, you’ll find upmarket residential and office towers, numerous hotels, and several large shopping malls. Plus, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, and cafés.

Best Times to Visit Shanghai

The cost of flights to Shanghai varies according to season. The peak travel season in Shanghai, China is the summer, but the best time to visit the city is from October through November. This brief autumn season offers pleasant temperatures, less crowds, and less rain. If you visit Shanghai in the winter, you can expect chilly weather. Temperatures rise in the spring, which makes it also a good season for travel, but try to avoid visiting Shanghai during public holidays. The best time to book flights to Shanghai in the spring is in late March. Whenever you decide to visit Shanghai, be sure to contact our travel gurus for the best deals on luxury hotels and business class flights to Shanghai via major airlines, including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Asiana Airlines.

Weather in Shanghai

• Spring – Save on Shanghai flights when you book during this “shoulder season.” From April through May, Shanghai has mild daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s, as well as some rain.
• Summer – June through September is the peak travel season in Shanghai. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s with frequent downpours and humidity. Beware of possible typhoons in late summer.
• Autumn – When you travel anytime from October through November, you can enjoy Shanghai’s pleasant daytime temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
• Winter – If you cannot stand the cold, avoid booking flights to Shanghai in winter season from December through March with daytime temperatures in the upper-40s and low 50s. If it is any comfort, Shanghai does not get as cold as Beijing, the capital of China. Evening temperatures range in the 30s. Very little rainfall.

Shanghai Tour Options

• Shanghai Big Bus Tours – China bus tours are not uncommon, especially for tourists who want to make the most of their short trip. Take a sightseeing tour of Shanghai aboard an open-top double decker bus with commentary about the history of the city. The tour takes you to all the famous landmarks, so you’ll see it all during your ride. If you want to explore further, you can hop-on and hop-off at a variety of locations. The 48-hour ticket provides access to all of the tour routes.
• Shanghai Free Guided Tours - Travelers booking their flights to Shanghai can take advantage of this free and awesome service. Shanghai Greeters provides local volunteer guides to take you on a tour of the city. This is a free service, but you have to visit their website ahead of time to request a Shanghai Greeter. If you want to, you can offer to pay for your travel guide’s meal and/or admission to attractions, but it is not required.
• Shanghai Bicycle Tours – Exploring Shanghai by bicycle is a great way to see the city. After all, China is considered the bicycle capital of the world.There are daily half-day and full-day bicycle tours, as well as a nightly city tour. Other options include motorbike and sidecar tours with a duration of 1-hour, 2-hours, or 4-hours.

Transportation in Shanghai

• Metro – The best way to get around Shanghai is via metro. On board the state-of-the-art China railway, you will avoid rampant street traffic in the metropolitan areas of China. Plus, the signs, maps, and station announcements are in Chinese and English. Hours of operation are 5:30am to 11:30pm daily. Fares are determined based on distance traveled. Purchase a ticket from the ticket office or from the automated machines in the metro stations. Consider buying a Smart Card, which is the universal payment method for Shanghai public transportation. If there are seats available on the metro, move quickly if you want one. Beware of pickpockets on board. Pudong International Airport (PVG) can be accessed through Shanghai Metro line 2 and Maglev.
• Metro – China has revamped major transportation in Shanghai. It has a magnetic levitation (maglev) train that connects Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Central Shanghai (Longyang Road). The train journey lasts for about eight minutes (it takes more than 30 minutes by taxi!), starting from 6:45 AM daily. Passengers can board this train every 15-20 minutes. An ordinary single trip costs $7.50 while a VIP ticket costs $14.
• Bus - Buses are the cheapest way to get around Shanghai, but the experience can be unpleasant even for returning visitors to China. Passengers are often crammed in without having any personal space whatsoever. You may miss your stop because the signs are in Chinese, and most drivers don’t speak English. Plus, there are over 1,000 bus routes, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip ahead of time. Keep an eye on your belongings. Note that Pudong International Airport offers airport shuttle buses that transport passengers to Shanghai city center.
• Taxi - Like in most modern cities in China, taxis are everywhere in Shanghai, but it may be difficult to hail one during rush hour. When it isn’t rush hour, taxis are an inexpensive option for getting around Shanghai. Find the best flights to Shanghai by keeping in mind the rush hour in the city: 7am-9am and 5pm-7pm daily. Taxis are metered, and it is not necessary to tip your driver.
• Bike - Bikes are very common on the streets of Shanghai, but it can be a dangerous way to get around the city for foreigners or tourists. If you are feeling adventurous, exploring the city via bicycle is a cheap and convenient way to travel throughout Shanghai, China. Bike rentals, however, are uncommon in China. Instead, you can purchase a cheap used bike at local stores or marketplaces. You can sell your bike back to the shop where you bought it when you are done using it. Search for bike shops and stores days before your flight to Shanghai.
• E-Bike - Long-term visitors often use e-bikes and scooters as a cheap, fast, and practical way of navigating the city. E-bikes don’t require a driver’s license, and can be purchased at a cheap price from any major supermarket. Small shops sell converted e-bikes that run on electricity and are faster, but they are also more expensive. There is plenty of parking for e-bikes, but be sure to secure it, so it doesn’t get stolen.
• Ferry – The ferry runs between the Bund and the financial district in Pudong, Shanghai. This is the cheapest way to cross the river in Shanghai, China. Keep in mind that bikes are not allowed on board. The ferry is air-conditioned, runs every 10 minutes, and takes about 5 minutes to cross the river. The ferry docks are not linked directly to public transport, so you’ll have to walk a short distance first.
• Air – Book domestic flights to visit remarkable tourist destinations outside Shanghai. If you wish to see the world-renowned Great Wall of China, flying would be the fastest travel option. There are direct, internal flights from Shanghai to Beijing (and vice versa) daily. You can also find non-stop flights from Shanghai to other major cities in China, including Tianjin,Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Book internal flights through your flight guru for convenient air travel within China.

Shanghai Travel Safety Tips

• In Shanghai, pickpocketing and bike theft are common on main streets and near major tourists attractions in China.
• Sexual harassment occasionally occurs on crowded public transport. This is among China’s unsolved public transit woes.
• Google maps may not work accurately in China due to limited coverage, so do not completely rely on it when navigating Shanghai.
• Uber hasn’t caught on in China due to dishonest drivers scamming the international company. Choose an official, metered taxi instead of private car-hailing services.
• Beware of independent taxis because they usually scam tourists. Legitimate taxis belong to a taxi company, and include their telephone number inside the taxi.
• After reserving your flights to Shanghai, China, find out the average price of common goods and services.
• Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who speak English very well. They are usually con artists.
• In case of an emergency or if you get into trouble in China, call 110 for assistance.
• Refuse and walk away from people who approach you offering to polish your shoes or to take “professional” photos of you and your travel companions.
• Sometimes Shanghai metro train doors close before all passengers have boarded. When you hear the door closing alarm, stand back from the doors. Don’t try to squeeze between closing doors.
• Safely store your passport at your hotel but bring a photocopy with you when you tour the city in case you are asked by law enforcement to show it.
• Do not drink the tap water in Shanghai unless it was boiled or has gone through a reverse-osmosis filter. When in China, it is smart to buy bottled water.
• If you have asthma or respiratory issues, consult a doctor prior to visiting Shanghai because of the air pollution.
• Save on your flights to Shanghai by booking months ahead of your trip. Or for last-minute flights booking, it pays to ask your travel gurus for the cheapest Shanghai flights

Shanghai Airport Tips

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the 3rd busiest international airport in mainland China.
• Pudong International Airport PVG is the primary hub for China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, and a major international hub for Air China, the national flag carrier of China.
• International flights are mainly served at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) in its two terminals. Terminal 2 serves more than 30 airlines and acts as the main entry point for international arrivals.
• At PVG, over 80 airlines offer service to more than 190 destinations.
• Business and first class flights via most major airlines (ie. Emirates Airlines, Virgin Airlines, Qatar Airways) offer complimentary chauffeur airport transfers to passengers.
• International airlines, such as Qantas Airlines, Virgin Airlines, Emirates Airlines, United Airlines etc. operate direct flights to Shanghai (PVG).
• Book non-stop flights to Shanghai via British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airlines, or China Eastern Airlines if you are coming from London.
• Plenty of PVG Airport lounges are open for free or for a fee. When you reserve flights to Shanghai and you need to shower, access to the airport lounge will come in handy.
• The airport lounges at PVG do not have sleeping facilities. There are nearby airport hotels where you can stay the night: Dazhong Airport Hotel Shanghai, Ramada Pudong Airport Shanghai, and Shanghai Airlines Travel Hotel.
• Passengers of Economy flights can reserve a space at PVG airport lounge by booking online at least 24 hours before arrival.
• International passengers can enjoy browsing or buying at luxury shops located in Terminal 2 include Prada, Shanghai Tang, and Anna Sui.
• China has a variety of unique regional dishes, but dining options at Shanghai Airport (PVG) are mostly fast-food.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in airport lounges and at the airport terminals. However, the connection is unreliable. Visit the information desk to get a username and password for access.
• There are currency exchange centers in both airport terminals and a Travelex at the Transportation Center. Banks and ATMs are also located in both terminals.
• Taking a taxi is the most comfortable way from the airport into the city, but as the mantra goes, beware of rush-hour in all cities in China because the fares increase.
• Time your flights to Shanghai to catch the high-speed Maglev Train to Longyang Road Metro Station where you can transfer to Line 2 or Line 7 into Shanghai, China. Trains help you avoid traffic and they operate every 15 minutes.
• Eight airport bus lines go to various destinations, and many hotels offer free airport transfers for their guests.

Fine Dining

• Ultraviolet – Travelers booking flights to Shanghai are in for the grandest dining surprise at Ultraviolet. Since 2012, this experimental restaurant has been considered the best in Shanghai and the first of its kind in China. French chef Paul Pairet created this unique, exclusive dining experience that has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. If you manage to get reservations, you will arrive at a meeting spot in the city and then be transferred to a secret location. Only 10 guests at a time get to enjoy the multisensory, 20-course meal served here. Be prepared to pay nearly $1000 per person.
• Fu 1088 – How far can your Shanghai flights take you? Travel back in time and make reservations to dine in this 1930s Spanish-style mansion in the Jing’An district. The menu features classic Shanghainese cuisine with a modern twist. This exclusive Shanghai restaurant has Chinese antiques in all of its private dining rooms. China tourists can dine here for a special occasion or an important business dinner.
• Sushi Oyama – See how China embraces the finest of Japanese cuisine at Sushi Oyama. For the best sushi in Shanghai, head to Donghu Road where you’ll find this traditional restaurant on the top floor of a historic villa in the French Concession. You can expect the freshest and best prepared sushi from a seasonal 10-course set menu. Watch as the chefs prepare your meal right in front of you at the sushi bar. With only 14 seats, reservations are a must.

Mid-Range Restaurants

• Table No. 1 – Located in designer boutique hotel The Waterhouse, this Shanghai restaurant serves modern European food in a contemporary, casual setting. The menu focuses on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. This gastro-bar encourages communal dining at long tables. The extensive wine list is a bit pricey.
• Mr & Mrs Bund – Your flights to Shanghai can be your ticket to an unexpected, exhilarating French gastronomic adventure in China. Created by chef Paul Pairet, this award-winning restaurant serves classic French bistro cuisine with a unique flair. Guests are encouraged to share the generous portions served here. The kitchen and dining room were renovated in 2015. Enjoy impressive views of the Shanghai skyline while you dine.
• Barbarossa – China meets Middle East style dining at Shanghai’s iconic restaurant: Barbarossa.This lakeside restaurant in People’s Park offers a peaceful dining experience. The menu features Arabian cuisine with influences from Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean. If the weather is nice, dine outside with gorgeous views of the lake. Locals and visitors frequent this Shanghai favorite.

Cheap Eats

• Dongbei Four Seasons Dumpling King – After securing flights at the lowest possible price, it is time to hunt for the most delicious and affordable Chinese food in Shanghai. For some of the best dumplings in Shanghai, visit this chain restaurant. With over 20 locations throughout the city, there are plenty of opportunities to sample this cheap yet delicious food. Be prepared to wait in line to try China’s famous hawker food, especially if you visit on the weekend.
• Cha’s Restaurant – This always-crowded diner features retro décor and serves authentic Cantonese comfort food popular throughout China. Open late, so you can enjoy a meal here any time of day or night. Crowds flock here for a taste of Hong Kong in Shanghai.
• Yang’s Fry Dumpling – If it is your first China trip, you will appreciate the menu here because it is in English. The crispy-fried pork dumplings are the most popular menu item here. There’s always a line, but service is quick This is a must-try eatery for foodies visiting Shanghai. Several locations across the city.

When booking ultra low-cost business flights to Shanghai, China, consider staying at a luxury hotel. Our travel gurus can help you get a cheap rate on the best flights and hotels in the city. Your trip to Shanghai will be even better if you stay at a 5-star hotel. Enjoy the very best of Asian hospitality, and take advantage of the exclusive perks only offered at these high-end hotels.

• The Peninsula Shanghai – Since 2009, this upscale hotel along The Bund has been delighting visitors from around the world. Guests who stay at this luxury Shanghai hotel can expect Chinese traditions along with modern comforts. You will be pampered from check-in to check-out, which is why this is a favorite of many who travel to Shanghai for business or leisure. Enjoy high-end shopping, spa treatments, world-class cuisine, high tea, and other fantastic amenities you can expect from top China hotels. To arrive in style (in a Rolls-Royce or BMW), book airport pick-up and drop-off through the hotel. It is 42 km away from Pudong International Airport (PVG) and 17 km from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
• Park Hyatt Shanghai – This new Shanghai hotel is one of the tallest in China and the world. If you stay here, you can expect Hyatt’s excellent personalized service along with topnotch amenities. Enjoy luxurious accommodations in guestrooms with modern Chinese décor and impressive Shanghai views, and dine at one of the international restaurants on site. Contact the concierge to reserve your luxurious airport transportation, either a chauffeur-driven Benz or a BMW. The hotel is roughly 25 km from Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and 40 km from Pudong International Airport (PVG).
• The Portman Ritz-Carlton – This classy landmark hotel in Shanghai boasts a friendly staff, including a very helpful concierge. Located on Nanjing Xi Lu, you will find recently renovated rooms here, along with plenty of retail and dining options. As one of the best hotels in Shanghai, this establishment attracts visitors traveling to China from all across the globe. Airport transportation can be booked directly through the property. Ritz Carlton is 48.8 km away from Shanghai Pudong Airport and 12.1 km from Hongqiao International Airport.
• Hotel Indigo Shanghai On The Bund –With views of China’s Huangpu River, this sophisticated hotel is a short walk from the metro and The Bund. The stylish rooms and suites offer many perks to guests, like free Wi-Fi, floor-to-ceiling windows, and terraces. Dining options include 24/7 room service, a chic restaurant, and a charming café. Additional amenities include a fitness center and an indoor pool. Airport transfers can be arranged through the hotel’s concierge. The hotel is approximately 19 km away from Hongqiao International Airport and 42 km from Shanghai Pudong Airport.
• The PuLi Hotel and Spa - Stay in the Jing’an district of Shanghai at this upscale high-rise hotel. It is ideally located just a short walk away from a metro station, providing easy access to many attractions and things to do in Shanghai, China. Luxury guestrooms and suites offer international TV channels, city views and complimentary minibars. Guests with upgraded accommodations have access to 24-hour butler service, as well as free breakfast and happy hour. Dine and socialize at the elegant restaurant, stylish bar, and outdoor lounge. For your convenience, book a roundtrip airport limo service for $100 through the hotel. Alternatively, you may take a cab from the airport for $38 per way. The hotel is 48.8 km away from Pudong International Airport and 11.4km from Hongqiao International Airport.

Those who viewed Shanghai also viewed…