Shanghai essentials
- Country
- China
- Airports
- Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) for international flights, plus Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic flights and high-speed trains
- Cheapest time to fly
- Late autumn and winter, outside Lunar New Year, are usually cheapest; Lunar New Year, the Golden Week holidays and summer cost the most.
- From the airport
- The Maglev train from Pudong reaches Longyang Road metro station in about eight minutes; Metro Line 2 is the cheaper, slower option. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go.
- Time difference
- 12 hours ahead of Toronto (can shift by an hour when clocks change)
- Entry for Canadians
- Canadians can visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit. The policy started on February 17, 2026 and runs until at least December 31, 2026, so check whether it has been extended if you travel later.
Entry rules change, so confirm on the Government of Canada travel advice page before you book.
Visiting Shanghai: what to know
Best time to visit
Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best times to visit. June to early July brings the 'plum rain' season, summers are hot and humid with occasional typhoons, and winters are chilly and damp, though rarely below freezing.
Getting around
Shanghai's metro is one of the world's largest and the easiest way around, with signs in English. From Pudong Airport, the Maglev reaches Longyang Road in about eight minutes. Didi is the main ride-hailing app, and high-speed trains to Hangzhou and Suzhou leave from Hongqiao station.
Money and costs
China uses the renminbi (RMB, yuan). Mobile payment is the norm: link your Canadian credit card to Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go and pay by scanning QR codes. Carry a little cash too, and only exchange money at banks or approved counters.
Where to stay
People's Square and Nanjing Road put the Bund, museums and shopping within walking distance. Jing'an is a little calmer and still central, and Pudong's Lujiazui suits short stays near the skyscrapers.
Good to know
Hotels register your stay with the police at check-in, which is required within 24 hours of arrival; if you stay with family, you must register yourself. Many foreign websites and apps are blocked, so download offline maps, translation and your bookings before you fly. For halal food, look for the green 清真 (qīngzhēn) sign, common on Hui Muslim noodle shops and restaurants.
Checked October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia: Shanghai (climate) · Government of Canada: Travel advice for China
Cheapest flights to Shanghai from Canada
Nonstop flights
- From Toronto: Air Canada and China Eastern
- From Vancouver: Air Canada and China Eastern
Our guides for Shanghai
Hotels, tours and more for Shanghai
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Shanghai: common questions
When is the cheapest time to fly to Shanghai from Canada?
Late autumn and winter, outside Lunar New Year, are usually cheapest; Lunar New Year, the Golden Week holidays and summer cost the most.
Which airport do you fly into for Shanghai?
Shanghai Pudong International (PVG) for international flights, plus Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic flights and high-speed trains. The Maglev train from Pudong reaches Longyang Road metro station in about eight minutes; Metro Line 2 is the cheaper, slower option. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you go.
Do Canadians need a visa for China?
Canadians can visit mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit. The policy started on February 17, 2026 and runs until at least December 31, 2026, so check whether it has been extended if you travel later.
Which Canadian cities fly to Shanghai?
Viorvo tracks fares to Shanghai from Toronto, Vancouver. Each route page shows the lowest recent fares and the cheapest month.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are the best times to visit. June to early July brings the 'plum rain' season, summers are hot and humid with occasional typhoons, and winters are chilly and damp, though rarely below freezing.
How do you get around Shanghai?
Shanghai's metro is one of the world's largest and the easiest way around, with signs in English. From Pudong Airport, the Maglev reaches Longyang Road in about eight minutes. Didi is the main ride-hailing app, and high-speed trains to Hangzhou and Suzhou leave from Hongqiao station.
Where should I stay in Shanghai?
People's Square and Nanjing Road put the Bund, museums and shopping within walking distance. Jing'an is a little calmer and still central, and Pudong's Lujiazui suits short stays near the skyscrapers.