We fly to Shanghai daily

12 1/2 hour flight time

M T W T F S S
London Heathrow (LHR)

What will the weather be like?

Visas and entry requirements

Fully vaccinated*

Currently no requirements

Complete an online health declaration form if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or other infectious diseases

 

Not fully vaccinated*

Currently no requirements

Complete an online health declaration form if you have any symptoms of Covid-19 or other infectious diseases

 

What you need to know

Handy hints to help you hit the ground running in Shanghai.

Local time

GMT +8 hours

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi ¥

Language

Mandarin Chinese and Shanghainese

Electricity

220 volts 50Hz

Plug type A, C and I

 

  

Local transport

Shanghai has a comprehensive, easy to use public transport system, including the largest bus network in the world. You can travel around the city with a Shanghai Public Transportation Card.

Airport Guides

Before you set off, take a look at our Shanghai Pudong International Airport guide.

View Shanghai Pudong International Airport airport guide

Shanghai flight deals

Browse our best prices for flights to Shanghai

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Discover Shanghai

China’s cosmopolitan megalopolis is an exciting and accessible spectacle

They call Shanghai ‘The Magic City’, and at first glance it certainly looks like a trick of the eye. Some of the world’s sleekest skyscrapers tower over historic promenades. Vibrant centres of tourism and commerce give way to pockets of ancient tranquility. The result? A city you can dip into and find whatever you want between work and meetings.

 

Huangpu river

Shanghai’s past and future face off across the Huangpu river - historic Puxito the west and the skyline of Pudongto the east. Truth be told, you can have a brilliant time sticking to the latter’s panoramic bars and viewing platforms.

Puxi promenade

How you take in Shanghai really depends on how well-travelled you like your paths. You could take Puxi’s famous promenade, The Bund, at dawn. From here, it’s easy to join the stream of tourists south from the Waibaidu Bridge past an array of waterfront Art Deco, neoclassical, gothic and baroque architecture. 

Nanjing Lu shopping street

Consider stopping in at the Rockbund contemporary art museum along the way. From there you might follow the main Nanjing Lu shopping street. This runs up to People’s Square, the geographical centre of the city, where locals play mah-jong and hold outdoor ballroom dancing classes. 

French Concession

When the work day is done, consider exploring the dining options of upmarket areas like Xintiandi or Jing’ An, or spend an afternoon strolling around Tiánzfáng, a labyrinth of arts and dining. It’s only a short stroll from here to the French Concession, a scenic cluster of tree-lined streets, boutiques and cafes.

Why you’ll love flying with Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic cabin

Cabins and seats

Our seats have been carefully designed to help you fly in total comfort during the flight, no matter which cabin you're in. Find out how our Upper Class, Premium and Economy seats measure up.

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Virgin Atlantic Premium cabin

Inflight services

Whichever cabin you're travelling in, you'll enjoy exciting inflight entertainment and delicious food and drinks throughout the flight.

 

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Virgin Atlantic Upper Class

Virgin Points

We reward your adventures with Virgin Points. Whether you're taking off, doing the weekly shop or splashing out on an exclusive stay, points make it all more rewarding.  

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