Exploring Shanghai Airport And Its Surroundings

what to do around shanghai airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located about 30 kilometres from the downtown area. If you have a long layover, you can easily get to the city centre by the Shanghai Maglev, metro, taxi, or private transfer. If your layover is less than 6 hours, it is recommended that you stay at the airport. However, if you have 6-12 hours to spare, you can explore the city and visit some of Shanghai's top attractions, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Shanghai Disneyland. If you have an overnight layover, you can explore Shanghai's nightlife and enjoy the city's skyline from the Bund or a skyscraper.

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Explore the city centre, including Nanjing Road and the Bund

If you're looking to explore the city centre, Nanjing Road and the Bund are must-sees. Nanjing Road is a bustling, largely pedestrianised street and one of the world's premier shopping destinations. It's divided into two sections: Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road. The East Road is the more touristy of the two, with over 700 shops, including department stores, food courts, restaurants, and unique shops selling Chinese herbal remedies. It's also a great place to experience Shanghai's nightlife. The West Road, on the other hand, is the most luxurious commercial street in China, with upscale shopping centres, fancy restaurants, and prime office buildings.

At the eastern end of Nanjing Road is the Bund, a Shanghai landmark with colonial buildings and impressive skyscraper views. It's a popular dining and shopping district, and you can stroll along and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The night scenes at the Bund are particularly eye-catching, with neon lights and sparkling signs. From the Bund, you can also take in panoramic views of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and other iconic Shanghai buildings.

If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, consider a Huangpu River cruise, which offers a different perspective of the city and its skyline. Zhujiajiao Water Town is another option, located about 40 minutes away by car. Here, you can walk along the bridges, relax by the river, and even enjoy a rowing boat ride.

To get to Nanjing Road from the airport, you can take a taxi, private transfer, or the Metro Line 2. Keep in mind that Shanghai Pudong International Airport is about 30 kilometres from the downtown area, so plan your time accordingly if you have a connecting flight.

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Visit Shanghai Disneyland

Shanghai Disneyland is a great option for those looking for something to do near Shanghai Airport. The park is quite close to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and can be reached by metro, taxi, or other public transportation.

Before you go, it is recommended that you check the park attendance, as weekdays tend to be less busy and cheaper than weekends and holidays. You can also download the Shanghai Disney App to purchase tickets, register your ticket, check wait times for rides, and view a map of the park. It is also recommended that you download Alipay or WeChat and set up Alipay and/or WeChat pay for shopping. Make sure your passport number is correct, as it will be checked upon entry, along with your bag.

If you want to dine at the Disneyland Resort, your ticket may include a food voucher. To redeem the voucher, you must first scan your ticket with the Disney WeChat or Disney app, and then redeem the voucher at the restaurant.

Shanghai Disneyland has a number of headline attractions to keep visitors entertained, including the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Tron, Soaring Over the Horizon, and Peter Pan's Flight. The wait times for these attractions range from 20 to 75 minutes, but you can purchase a Disney Premier Access pass to skip the lines.

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Take a cruise on the Huangpu River

Shanghai's Pudong International Airport is about 30 kilometres from the city centre, so it's easy to get to the heart of the city and explore. One of the best ways to experience Shanghai is to take a cruise on the Huangpu River. The river is the largest in the city, stretching 113 kilometres with an average width of 400 metres. It divides Shanghai into two sections: Pudong in the east and Puxi in the west.

The Huangpu River cruise is a popular choice for tourists and locals alike, offering a panoramic view of the city's iconic skyline. The cruise boats offer a privileged view of the bridges spanning the river, as well as the famous colonial-era buildings that make up the Bund on the eastern bank. You'll also see modern skyscrapers on the western bank, including the Jinmao Tower, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center. The cruise route usually starts from the wharf near the Bund and heads towards Yangpu Bridge or Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal before returning along the opposite side of the river.

There are several tour lengths to choose from, ranging from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours. The most popular option is the 50-minute classic cruise, which is available during the day and night. It is recommended to take the cruise at night when the river is illuminated by sparkling neon lights on both sides, showcasing the city's vibrant nightlife. The best times to take a cruise are from March to May and September to November when the weather is pleasant.

If you have time, you can also opt for the Shanghai Expo route, which offers a glimpse of the remaining features of the 2010 Shanghai Expo site. This route has a more flexible timetable, so be sure to check the times and book your tickets in advance on the cruise company's website.

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Relax in Zhujiajiao Water Town

If you're looking to unwind in a serene setting, Zhujiajiao Water Town, located just 45.9 kilometres from Shanghai's city centre, is the perfect place to visit. This idyllic town, steeped in history and cultural significance, offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. With its well-preserved ancient architecture and picturesque scenery, Zhujiajiao is a great place to relax and explore.

Take a stroll along the idyllic streets and canals of Zhujiajiao, soaking in the unique blend of modern shops and ancient structures. Wander through the ancient streets and admire the original Qing and Ming Dynasty architecture, including dozens of stone bridges built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Don't miss the Fangsheng Bridge, adorned with four lion sculptures and the elegant Dragon Gate Stone, or the Lang Bridge, the only wooden bridge in the town.

For a truly relaxing experience, take a gondola ride along the waterways. You can also opt for a sightseeing boat or a traditional rickshaw ride to explore the town from a different perspective. If you're seeking serenity, sail under the bridges or stroll across them to take in the tranquil views.

Zhujiajiao also offers a variety of culinary delights. Indulge in fresh river seafood, sticky rice dumplings, and other local specialties. Sample juicy marinated crabs or treat yourself to a box of snowflake crisp, a sweet local delicacy. For coffee enthusiasts, the Yichi Garden Cafe, set in a converted grain silo, provides a unique ambiance for a quick break. Alternatively, head to the Zhongnan Zhuli Art Collection, a modern cafe similar to Starbucks, to relax and unwind.

To delve into the town's rich history, visit the Tourist Service Centre on Kezhiyuan Road to gather information about Zhujiajiao's ancient past and must-see attractions. The City God Temple offers a glimpse into religious customs, and the Qing Dynasty-era post office provides a step back in time. For a peaceful escape, explore the Kezhi Garden, a well-maintained destination featuring a picturesque garden, pavilion, and main hall.

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Check out the Shanghai Museum

If you're looking for things to do around Shanghai Airport, the Shanghai Museum is a great option. Located on People's Square, the museum is a leading cultural site, blending history, art, and culture. It's reputed as the "Half of Cultural Relics Field" due to its vast collection of over 145,000 precious artistic relics, some dating back more than 5,000 years to the Qing dynasty.

The Shanghai Museum offers a rich display of Chinese history and culture. You'll find a wide range of artefacts, including bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphies, jades, coins, Chinese seals, furniture, and sculptures. The museum also showcases the diverse craftsmanship and cultural heritage of China's ethnic minorities, with exhibits featuring costumes, textiles, metalwork, carvings, and lacquerware.

When planning your visit, keep in mind that the museum has two locations: the original museum on People's Square and the newly opened Shanghai Museum East. Special exhibitions, such as the Egyptian Exhibition, may require pre-booking and an admission fee. It's also worth checking ahead to see which galleries are open, as some may be temporarily closed for maintenance.

To make the most of your time, plan to spend at least 1-2 hours at the museum. The museum is easily accessible from the airport, and you can get there by taxi, private transfer, or metro. If you have time, you can also explore nearby attractions, such as Nanjing Road and The Bund, a popular shopping and dining district known for its colonial buildings and stunning city views.

Frequently asked questions

If your layover is less than 6 hours, it is recommended to stay at the airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport has free Wi-Fi, restaurants, shops, and lounges. If your layover is 6-12 hours, you can visit the city centre and explore attractions such as Nanjing Road, the Bund, and the Shanghai Museum. For a 24-hour layover, you can explore Shanghai's nightlife and take a cruise on the Huangpu River.

Shanghai Disneyland is quite near Shanghai Pudong International Airport and can be a fun place to visit. Other nearby attractions include the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, Zhujiajiao Water Town, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

There are several dining options at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, including Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh, as well as cafes and Western options. However, travellers have reported expensive prices, even at fast-food kiosks.

There are hotels located within a few minutes' drive of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and one is within walking distance. An hourly rate hotel is also located inside Terminal 2.

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