Roberta Aguirre
Shanghai is a bustling and exciting city with efficient transportation, incredible food, and unique districts. If you're spending time in Shanghai Airport, you might be wondering what to do during your layover. Shanghai Pudong Airport is not close to the city, so you'll need at least a few hours to travel back and forth. The airport itself has eateries, cafes, and Western food options, as well as airport lounges with all-inclusive experiences. If you're staying in the airport, you can book an hourly hotel room, or even get a foot massage. However, if you have a longer layover, you might want to venture into Shanghai. The city has plenty to offer, from the Shanghai Museum to the Shanghai World Financial Center for panoramic views. You can also take a walk along the Bund, a popular shopping and dining district, or ride the Maglev train, which operates on magnets and reaches speeds of 268 mph.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Shopping | Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Shanghai Tang, China Duty-Free (CDF), Qitai Tea Shop, international boutiques |
| Food | Ding Tai Fung, Old Shanghai Restaurant, Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, Hope Kaweh, Starbucks, Burger King |
| Entertainment | IMAX theatre, VR Zone |
| Business Services | Meeting rooms, workstations, printing, fax services, high-speed internet access, charging stations, conference call facilities |
| Amenities | Children's play areas, baby care facilities, stroller rental |
| Transport | Maglev train, metro, bus, taxi |
| Visa | 144-hour Transit Visa Exemption policy for citizens of eligible countries |
| Currency Exchange | Available |
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What You'll Learn
- Explore Shanghai's downtown, including The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Chenghuangmiao Old Street
- Shop at luxury boutiques, such as Gucci and Chanel, or buy local souvenirs like Chinese tea
- Experience the world's fastest train, the Shanghai Maglev, which runs from the airport
- Enjoy Chinese cuisine at Ding Tai Fung or Old Shanghai Restaurant, or opt for international chains
- Relax in an airport lounge, with options available for all travellers, regardless of class
Explore Shanghai's downtown, including The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Chenghuangmiao Old Street
Shanghai Pudong Airport is not close to the city, so you will need to spend at least two hours travelling back and forth. However, if you have a long layover, it may be worth venturing into Shanghai for some exploring.
One of the must-see spots in Shanghai is the City God Temple, or Chenghuangmiao, a Taoist temple dating back to the 15th century. The temple is dedicated to the City God, who is the protective deity of the city. The temple is located near Yu Garden and is usually crowded with visitors, mostly locals. Tickets are only 10 yuan, and you can tour the buildings, learn about Taoism and Taoism culture in China, and try some Shanghai snacks.
After visiting the temple, you can take a leisurely walk to Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with intricate design, tranquil ponds, and a Zigzag Bridge. The garden dates back to the Ming Dynasty and has a history of over 400 years. Tickets are 40 yuan from April to June and September to November, and 30 yuan at other times. The suggested tour time is about one hour.
From Yuyuan Garden, you can walk to Shanghai Old Street, also known as Chenghuangmiao Old Street, and enjoy shopping or window shopping in the stores, tasting Shanghai food and snacks, and resting in a café.
Finally, you can walk to the Bund, a popular shopping and dining district with decades of buildings in different styles. You can stroll along the street, rest along the river side, and take photos. The Bund also offers panoramic city views from the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower or the 100th floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center.
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Shop at luxury boutiques, such as Gucci and Chanel, or buy local souvenirs like Chinese tea
Shanghai Airport offers a range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to local souvenirs. If you're looking for high-end fashion, head to Luxury Brand Boulevard in Terminal 2 of Hongqiao International Airport, where you'll find brands like Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Loewe, Celine, Dior, Loro Piana, Bottega Veneta, and Max Mara. These boutiques offer a range of clothing, accessories, and fragrances for those with a passion for luxury.
For those seeking authentic local souvenirs, Shanghai Airport also delivers. You can find Chinese tea, a beloved local beverage, at shops like Qitai Tea Shop and Shanghai Tang. Tea shops in the airport offer a variety of flavours and blends, and you may even get to sample a few before you buy. If you're looking for a unique tea experience, head to Tianshan Tea City, where knowledgeable vendors like Sara Xue will guide you through the world of Chinese tea and its history. Here, you can find a variety of tea leaves, such as Tie Guan Yin, Baimudan, and Baihao Yinzhen, as well as tea sets and accessories.
If you're interested in exploring beyond the airport, Shanghai's largest tea distribution centre is located in the city itself. Here, you'll discover a plethora of tea markets, tea houses, and scattered tea shops. Spring is the ideal season for green tea enthusiasts, as the tea leaves picked during this time are highly praised. You can also find "茶庄" (chazhuang), a trusted state-owned brand that caters to the tastes of Shanghai's working class, offering a wide range of tea products, tea sets, and Yixing teapots at various price points.
In addition to tea, Shanghai Airport offers other local souvenirs. Shanghai Tang and China Duty-Free (CDF) are great places to find authentic local pieces, including silk scarves and traditional handicrafts. You can also explore the Duty-Free areas in the airport for discounts on alcohol and makeup, as well as other Chinese goods. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a short trip into Shanghai via the high-speed Maglev train, metro, bus, or taxi to explore the city's shopping malls and supermarkets for even more unique souvenirs and luxury items.
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Experience the world's fastest train, the Shanghai Maglev, which runs from the airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is one of two airports serving Shanghai. If you have a long layover, you might want to leave the airport and explore the city. However, if you'd rather stay at the airport, you can experience the Shanghai Maglev train, the world's first commercial magnetic levitation line, which has a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph). This makes it the world's fastest train in regular commercial service. The train runs between Longyang Road Station and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, taking only eight minutes to complete the 30-kilometer journey.
The Shanghai Maglev train is an impressive feat of engineering, using magnetic levitation technology developed with the help of Germany. The train can reach 300 km/h (186 mph) in just two minutes and has a maximum cruising speed of 430 km/h. The train has been in operation since 2004, with normal services beginning in October 2003.
The Maglev train provides a convenient way to get into the city centre from the airport. At Longyang Road Station, you can transfer to metro lines 2, 7, 16, and 18, as well as many buses that can take you to the urban areas of Shanghai. The Shanghai Maglev Transportation Science and Technology Museum, located at the bottom of Longyang Road Station, is also worth a visit if you're interested in learning more about the history and technology of the Maglev train.
If you plan to ride the Maglev train, keep in mind that the price for a normal seat is 150 RMB, while a VIP seat costs 300 RMB. The train operates from 06:45 to 21:42, with services running every 20 minutes. Be sure to arrive at the station at least five minutes before the departure time, as printed on your ticket.
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Enjoy Chinese cuisine at Ding Tai Fung or Old Shanghai Restaurant, or opt for international chains
Shanghai Airport offers a range of dining options for travellers. If you're looking to indulge in some traditional Chinese cuisine, Ding Tai Fung and Old Shanghai Restaurant in Terminal 1 are excellent choices. Ding Tai Fung is known for its delicious xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), while the Old Shanghai Restaurant serves a variety of classic Shanghainese dishes, including braised pork belly and Shanghai noodles. Both restaurants offer a taste of authentic Chinese flavours that will surely enhance your culinary experience.
Ding Tai Fung, founded in Taiwan in 1958, has grown from a small family-run restaurant into an internationally recognised brand. Their commitment to using natural ingredients, handmade dough, and high-quality fillings has made their xiaolongbao renowned worldwide. With branches in airports across the globe, including Shanghai, Ding Tai Fung continues to satisfy the taste buds of travellers from all walks of life.
On the other hand, if you're craving the comfort of familiar flavours, Shanghai Airport also hosts several international chains. Starbucks, Burger King, and McDonald's are readily available to provide you with a taste of home. These outlets remain open 24 hours a day to cater to your cravings at any time of day or night. Additionally, for those seeking a quick bite, convenient options such as KFC and Costa are also present in the airport.
For those with longer layovers who wish to venture outside the airport, Shanghai's vibrant culinary scene awaits. The city boasts a plethora of dining options, ranging from upscale restaurants to street food stalls, where you can savour a variety of Chinese regional cuisines and international fare. Whether you're in the mood for spicy Sichuan dishes, delicate Cantonese dim sum, or exotic fusion cuisine, Shanghai has something to tantalise every palate. However, keep in mind that travelling to and from the airport can take up to 90 minutes one way, so plan your time accordingly.
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Relax in an airport lounge, with options available for all travellers, regardless of class
Shanghai Airport offers a range of activities to keep you entertained during your layover. One option is to relax in one of the airport lounges, which are available to all travellers, regardless of class.
The Plaza Premium Lounge, for example, is an award-winning independent lounge network open to all. Here, you can unwind and enjoy the facilities, which may include comfortable seating, refreshments, and perhaps even shower facilities, depending on the specific lounge. Lounges provide a quiet space away from the bustling airport surroundings, allowing you to relax or even catch up on some work.
If you are travelling for business, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) offers fully equipped business centres in both terminals. These include meeting rooms, workstations, printing, and fax services, as well as high-speed internet access and conference call facilities. You can also take advantage of the charging stations available throughout the airport to ensure your devices stay powered up.
For those with children, PVG offers dedicated play areas in both terminals, complete with toys and activities to keep the little ones entertained. Baby care facilities, such as changing tables and feeding chairs, are also available, making it convenient for parents travelling with infants.
In addition to airport lounges, PVG boasts a variety of other amenities to enhance your layover experience. The airport is known for its extensive shopping options, featuring luxury brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, as well as Chinese boutiques like Shanghai Tang. Duty-free areas offer discounts on alcohol and makeup, and local souvenirs such as Chinese tea and silk scarves can be found at shops like Qitai Tea Shop.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a long layover, you can leave the airport and explore Shanghai. You can visit The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Chenghuangmiao Old Street, and Xintiandi. If you have a shorter layover, you can stay at the airport and visit the IMAX theatre, VR Zone, or airport lounges. You can also shop at Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, or China Duty-Free (CDF).
Shanghai Airport has over five dozen eateries, including Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh. There are also cafes, Western options, and 24-hour Starbucks and Burger Kings. If you want to try authentic Chinese dishes, you can visit Ding Tai Fung and Old Shanghai Restaurant in Terminal 1.
Shanghai Airport offers fully equipped business centres with meeting rooms, workstations, printing, and fax services. There are also high-speed internet access, charging stations, and conference call facilities. For travellers with children, there are children's play areas and baby care facilities.
