30 Mar 2026 General

Shanghai: Turn your transit into a destination

If your journey between Australia and Europe includes a stop in Shanghai, you might be passing through one of the most exciting cities in the world – and it’s well worth stepping out of the airport to explore.

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers meet historic streets, world-class shopping sits alongside traditional markets, and some of China’s best food can be found on almost every corner.

From walking along The Bund and exploring the French Concession to visiting rooftop bars, gardens, temples and incredible restaurants, there is no shortage of things to see and do – even on a short stopover.

Instead of simply waiting in transit, a Shanghai stopover lets you add another destination to your trip, turning your journey into part of the adventure rather than just the travel in between.

Discover how a stopover in “The Paris of the East” can transform your journey into something unforgettable…

The Perfect Stopover for Australian Travellers

With visa-free transit now available for Australians, Shanghai is one of the easiest stopovers to add to your journey.

Instead of waiting in the airport, you can step straight into the city, explore famous sights, enjoy incredible food, or even stay overnight before continuing on to Europe.

For many travellers, this turns a long journey into a multi-destination adventure, breaking up the flights and making the overall travel experience far more enjoyable.

What to Do in Shanghai during a Stopover

Even with just a day or two in Shanghai, there’s an incredible amount to see, eat and experience.

The city is a fascinating blend of historic China, futuristic skyscrapers, vibrant food culture and stylish shopping districts – which makes it one of the best stopover cities in the world.

Walk along The Bund for iconic skyline views

One of Shanghai’s most famous sights, The Bund is the perfect place to start your stopover. On one side, you’ll see historic European-style buildings from Shanghai’s colonial era, and across the river, the futuristic skyline of Pudong. It’s especially spectacular at night when the skyscrapers light up the skyline.

Visit Yu Garden and the old town markets

For a glimpse of traditional China, head to Yu Garden and the surrounding old town markets. You’ll find classical Chinese gardens, small bridges, tea houses, souvenir shops and plenty of local street food. It feels like stepping into another world compared to the modern skyline.

Explore the cafes, shopping and nightlife in Xintiandi

Xintiandi is one of Shanghai’s trendiest areas, filled with cafes, restaurants, boutique shops and nightlife. The area is known for its restored Shikumen-style buildings, blending historic architecture with modern dining and entertainment. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Go up Shanghai Tower for panoramic city views

For the best view in Shanghai, head to the observation deck of Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world. From the top, you’ll get incredible panoramic views across the entire city — a great way to appreciate just how massive Shanghai really is.

Experience Shanghai’s famous street food and dumplings

No stopover in Shanghai would be complete without trying the food. The city is famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), dumplings, noodles and incredible street food. Whether you visit a traditional restaurant or grab something from a street stall, Shanghai is a fantastic food city and a highlight for many travellers.

Take a river cruise along the Huangpu River

A river cruise along the Huangpu River is one of the best ways to see both sides of Shanghai — the historic Bund and the ultra-modern Pudong skyline. Evening cruises are particularly popular when the city lights reflect off the water.

Visit Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is one of the most impressive Disney parks in the world and a fantastic place to visit during a Shanghai stopover. Home to the largest Disney castle and unique attractions like TRON Lightcycle Power Run and Pirates of the Caribbean, the park blends classic Disney magic with modern technology, making it a fun and memorable experience for travellers of all ages.

Flying to Europe via Shanghai

With departures available from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide (seasonal) and connections to more than 15 European destinations, China Eastern Airlines offers excellent value airfares between Australia and Europe.

One of the biggest advantages of this routing is how straightforward the journey is. Instead of multiple connections, the itinerary is typically just two flights each way:

Australia → Shanghai → Europe
Europe → Shanghai → Australia

This streamlined routing keeps travel simple and efficient, while still giving travellers the option to add a stopover in Shanghai, turning a standard trip to Europe into a multi-destination journey.

Rather than just passing through an airport, you could be walking along The Bund, visiting traditional gardens, enjoying incredible food or seeing one of the world’s most futuristic skylines – all as part of your journey to Europe.