Compare cheap flights to Shanghai

What to do in Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s biggest and most modern city. With stunning architecture, heaps of attractions, and great shopping destinations, the locals are truly proud of their city.

In fact, they call Shanghai “Modu” which means “Magic City”. And many travellers would agree with the nickname because visiting Shanghai is like exploring an entirely different country from the rest of China.

Start your Shanghai trip and visit the city’s top tourist attractions like the beautiful Yuyuan Garden. Culture vultures will love spending hours at the Shanghai Museum. And for a spiritual twist, just head to the Jade Buddha Temple.

Feast your eyes on the city’s amazing architecture. For the classic style, check out the ancient buildings at the Bund and the French Concession. The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, and Shanghai World Financial Center embody Shanghai’s modern architecture.

Take as many photos as you want of the city because you’ll find many spots to take the best pictures of Shanghai. You can go to the Bund waterfront for a great view of the Huangpu River, and for a small fee you can go above the clouds at the Oriental Pearl Tower and the observation deck of Shanghai’s World Financial Center.

If you’ve got some Yuan left, experience Shanghai shopping and stroll through the popular Nanjing Road and the Yuyuan Bazaar, or save your pocket money for tasty treats at the Wujiang Road snack street.

Experience the incredible city of Shanghai! Start searching for cheap Shanghai flights on Skiddoo now and pack your bags for China!

When to visit Shanghai

The best time to visit Shanghai is autumn, from the second week of October to November, for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Save more on direct flights and airfare when you book flights for March and May travel dates because they're the cheapest times to fly to Shanghai. 

Shanghai has many dialects like Shanghainese, but Mandarin is mostly used. Locals speak English in top hotels and major tourist attractions, but it’s best you bring a Mandarin phrase book or a good language app to help you.

Before book China flights and visit Shanghai, make sure you secure a visa because Australians need it when traveling to China. Find out which travel visa you need and check out the Embassy of The People's Republic of China in Australia and Smartraveller for more info.

Travelling to and around Shanghai

International flights from Australia land at these two Shanghai airports:

• Shanghai Pudong International Airport – options for travel/transfer from Pudong Airport to city centre:
  • Airport Shuttle Bus
  • Subway
  • Maglev Train
  • Taxi
  • Car rental

• Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport – options for travel/transfer from Hongqiao Aiport to city centre:
  • Airport Shuttle Bus
  • Subway
  • Subway + Maglev Train
  • Taxi

Journey time from airport to Shanghai central is around 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, your next destination, and choice of transport.

Once there, travel around Shanghai by bus, subway, train, taxi, and ferry. But we recommend you take the subway since it’s the easiest and most efficient way to travel for its english subway map.

See the lights and the sights that make this city magical and book your Shanghai flights with Skiddoo today.

Best Hotels in Shanghai

Book cheap tickets to Shanghai on Skiddoo for a grand trip to China! Book your accomodation at one of these top Shanghai hotels!

3-star hotels in Shanghai. Click to book now! 

• Crowne Plaza Shanghai Xiayang Lake Hotel
• Yazhou Hotel
• Yunfeng Grant Hotel Shanghai

4-star hotels in Shanghai. Click to book now! 

• Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong
• Holiday Inn Shanghai Jinxiu
• Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai Central
• Central Hotel Shanghai

Airlines that Fly to Shanghai

Airlines that offer cheap flights to Shanghai from Australia include:

• Air China
• Shanghai Air
• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Sichuan Airlines
• Qantas

For more on Shanghai holidays check out our Flight Deals or view our range of best times to fly.