DELHI- IndiGo Airlines (6E) plans to launch nonstop flights between New Delhi (DEL) and Shanghai Pudong (PVG), pending regulatory approval, adding capacity on a key India–China business corridor.
The route would make IndiGo the third carrier operating direct Delhi–Shanghai flights after services resumed following nearly five years of suspension.
IndiGo Plans Delhi to Shanghai Flights
IndiGo plans to start services by late March or early April, subject to government approvals in both countries. The addition would strengthen direct connectivity between two major economic centers that rely heavily on business travel.
Air India restarted its Shanghai–Delhi route on February 1, restoring connectivity after nearly six years. China Eastern Airlines had already resumed operations between the cities in November last year, marking the first restoration of this corridor.
Officials have also indicated that plans are progressing to reintroduce direct Delhi–Beijing flights, which would further expand air connectivity between the two countries.
IndiGo earlier resumed direct Kolkata–Guangzhou flights on October 26, becoming the first Indian airline to restart direct China services after the pandemic and diplomatic pause.
Passenger Demand Shows Strong Recovery
Flight data indicates strong travel demand between India and China. Currently, two daily round-trip services connect Guangzhou with Indian cities.
By early February, the Kolkata route completed 102 flights while the Delhi service operated 87 flights, transporting around 54,000 passengers. Seat occupancy averaged about 85 percent in 2025, with business travelers forming the majority of passengers.
Cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou host large Indian business communities, making direct flights commercially viable.
IndiGo Eyes Wider China Network
IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers has previously highlighted the long-term opportunity in India–China travel, noting that both nations together account for roughly one-third of the global population.
With China as the world’s second-largest economy and India ranking fourth, airline executives see significant scope for additional routes and increased competition.
The airline is also evaluating services from more Indian cities to Chinese destinations as market demand grows.
Flights Resume Amid Improving Bilateral Relations
Air services between India and China were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were later delayed by prolonged border tensions in eastern Ladakh.
Relations began stabilizing after diplomatic engagements between leaders of both countries in 2024, followed by further meetings during regional summits in 2025.
Both sides have since introduced measures to normalize travel and people-to-people exchanges, including the resumption of tourist visas for Chinese nationals and revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
The restoration of direct flights forms part of broader efforts to rebuild economic and tourism links between the two countries.
Shanghai Travel Guide
Shanghai blends futuristic skylines with efficient transit, strong café culture, and diverse urban experiences that reward slow exploration.
This guide highlights where to stay, what to do, and how to navigate the city efficiently while avoiding common travel missteps.
Planning a Memorable Shanghai Trip
Shanghai stands out for organization, accessibility, and lifestyle-driven experiences rather than traditional sightseeing alone. Visitors find a city built around convenience, stylish cafés, large shopping districts, and efficient public transport.
The metro network is clean, affordable, and easy to navigate, making most neighborhoods accessible within minutes. Travelers can balance sightseeing with café hopping, shopping streets, and wellness experiences while keeping daily schedules relaxed.
A stay of three to five days typically allows enough time to explore without fatigue, while longer stays suit visitors who prefer slower neighborhood discovery.
Best Neighborhoods and Where to Stay
Accommodation choice shapes the Shanghai experience.
Areas west of the Bund, particularly Jing’an and Xuhui, provide walkable streets, independent cafés, boutique shops, and quieter surroundings. Streets near Anfu Road and Wukang Road are especially pleasant for morning walks and casual exploration.
The Bund area delivers iconic skyline views but stays crowded and noisy. Visitors benefit more from staying inland and visiting the Bund at night instead of lodging there.
Mid-range or higher hotels usually provide better comfort, while budget hotels may compromise on quality. Rooftop facilities or spa amenities improve overall stay quality.
Shanghai’s 24-Hour Spa Experience
Shanghai’s spa culture offers unique full-day wellness experiences. Qushui Lanting is among the city’s most notable options.
Guests receive access to bathhouses, hot springs, saunas, rest lounges, gaming areas, buffet dining, and relaxation zones. Packages often include a traditional Chinese massage focused on pressure points and muscle release.
The massage style feels intense but leaves visitors deeply relaxed. Extra services such as foot treatments or facials are available without complicated booking.
A visit here works well as a recovery day after heavy sightseeing.
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
Walk the Bund at Night
Historic colonial buildings contrast with Pudong’s illuminated skyline, creating one of China’s most recognizable night views.
Attend Gongyan Imperial Feast
This immersive dining show combines costume experience, performances, and multi-course meals inspired by imperial traditions. Advance booking is recommended.
Take a Local Food or Coffee Tour
Guided neighborhood tours introduce regional snacks, cafés, and districts visitors may otherwise miss.
Explore Shopping and Mall Districts
Modern malls double as lifestyle hubs with concept stores, cafés, and restaurants. Butler Mall areas and streets near Anfu Road offer better experiences than quieter tourist malls.
Visit Yu Garden and Surrounding Markets
Classical Chinese gardens provide contrast to modern Shanghai, while nearby night markets offer lively street scenes.
Shanghai Disneyland
The Pirates of the Caribbean ride remains the park’s highlight. The park suits families or Disney fans but may feel optional for short trips.
Coffee, Milk Tea, and Café Culture
Shanghai’s café scene ranks among Asia’s most creative. Independent cafés and chains both deliver quality drinks and striking interiors.
Popular stops include M Stand for consistent espresso drinks, Metal Hands for specialty coffee blends, and themed cafés like 13 de Marzo, known for playful presentation.
Milk tea brands such as Chagee serve refined tea-based drinks with lighter sweetness, while experimental shops like Ah Ma cater to adventurous drinkers.
Café hopping easily becomes a daily ritual due to the city’s density of quality options.
Vegetarian-Friendly Dining and Bakeries
Vegetarian dining remains limited compared to other global cities, though good options exist with planning.
VegeGood serves balanced plant-based dishes, while Vietnamese restaurant Pink’s offers vegetable-forward meals. Bakeries such as Butterful & Creamorous and Our Bakery provide excellent pastries and coffee breaks throughout the city.
Travelers with dietary restrictions benefit from researching restaurants in advance.
Trains vs Flights Within China
High-speed rail offers smoother domestic travel than flights. Trains provide easier boarding, stable connectivity, and fewer restrictions on electronics and luggage.
Flights remain necessary for distant destinations but often involve lengthy procedures and onboard announcements that reduce travel comfort.
Whenever possible, rail travel improves overall journey experience.
Final Impressions of Shanghai
Shanghai presents a polished, globalized image of modern China. The city feels fashion-forward, café-driven, and highly organized.
While it may not offer the deepest traditional cultural immersion, it excels in convenience, design, and urban lifestyle experiences. Visitors leave impressed by scale, efficiency, and the city’s ability to balance business energy with leisure comfort.
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