More Information about Shanghai

Destination Overview

Shanghai in China is the most populous city in the world, as it is home to more than 24 million as of 2017. There’s no shortage of things to see and do in the city, which is renowned for its historic buildings and museums. There’s no better place to take it all in than the World Financial Center or the revolving restaurant at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, both of which offer some incredible views. There are also numerous ways to get around, including the world’s fastest train as well as boats and ferry cruises.

Flying to Shanghai

1. Which airports serve Hong Kong to Shanghai?

Hong Kong International Airport, also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport, is one of the most popular airports serving flights from Hong Kong to Shanghai. It is one of the world’s busiest airports for both cargo and passengers. Flights arriving in Shanghai from Hong Kong will land at Pu Dong Airport.

2. Which airlines operate flights from Hong Kong to Shanghai?

Dragonair is the major provider for these flights, with daily departures and no connections required. Spring, Cathay, Shanghai, Juneyao, Hong Kong and China Eastern also offer similar flights. Other airlines, including Aeroflot, Air China, Air France, All Nippon, Asiana, British Airways, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, EVA Air, Ethiopian, Etihad, Finnair, Garuda, Hainan, JAL, Korean, KLM, Lufthansa, Malaysia, Philippine, Qantas, Qatar, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Sichuan, Singapore, Swiss, Thai, Vietnam, Virgin Atlantic and Xiamen, also offer daily departures but require a connection. Air India, Austrian, Jetstar Japan, Royal Brunei, Turkish, S7, Shandong, and Srilankan also offer some departures throughout the week.

3. How long is the flight?

Direct flights from Hong Kong to Shanghai should take around 2 hours and 15 minutes. This can typically increase to 5 hours or longer with layovers. Shanghai and Hong Kong are in the same time zone.

4. Climate changes between Hong Kong to Shanghai

Both Hong Kong and Shanghai have cooler, dryer weather from December to February and warmer, wetter weather from May through September/October. Shanghai experiences significant rainfall in June and August.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

The currency in Shanghai is the Chinese Yuan and it can be acquired at most Shanghai banks, international airports, hotels and money exchange booths. Credit cards such as Mastercard and Visa can be used at ATMs to obtain currency as well.

A visa is required to enter China and should be applied for one month in advance of arrival. A detailed itinerary, including all the places you plan to visit and your hotel bookings, must be provided as part of the visa application process. Random spot checks by police officers are commonplace in China, particularly near sporting venues, so you must carry your passport at all times.

City Information

Due to its massive population and appeal to tourists, Shanghai is an extremely busy city. Its numerous museums and historic buildings, such as the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai Municipal History Museum, as well as Shanghai Circus World are all very popular attractions. You can also expect to see a lot of tourists on Nanjing Road as it is the ideal place to shop for souvenirs to take home.

Zhujiajiao, the ancient water town in Shanghai, has many canals, bridges and extensive architecture to take in and can be explored on foot or by ferry or boat. Shanghai Disneyland Park or the Yuyuan Garden are both excellent places to spend the day with the family. Shanghai Natural Wild Insect Kingdom is also a great destination for those that love creepy, crawly things.