Explore Pvg Airport: Activities And Attractions

what to do in pvg airport

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 66 million passengers in 2016. If you're facing a long layover at PVG, there are plenty of ways to pass the time. The airport offers free and fast WiFi, VIP lounges, duty-free shopping, and a variety of eateries. If you have at least eight hours before your next flight, you can even venture into central Shanghai, which is just a short ride away on the high-speed Maglev train.

Characteristics Values
Eateries Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, Hope Kaweh, Starbucks, Burger King, and many cafes and Western options
Amenities Free and unlimited WiFi, power sockets, USB ports, airport lounges, hourly hotel rooms, foot massages
Shopping Sunrise Duty Free, Qitai Tea Shop, international boutiques, convenience stores
Attractions Shanghai Museum, The Bund, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center

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PVG Airport, also known as Shanghai Pudong Airport, is a sprawling and modern airport with a range of amenities to keep travellers entertained during layovers. While the airport may lack world-class attractions, there are certainly some interesting options to explore, including an art gallery and a museum.

The art gallery in Terminal 1 is located north of the Domestic Departure Hall. It typically showcases beautiful oil paintings and sculptures. So, if you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a quiet place to spend your layover, head to the art gallery in Terminal 1 to admire the local artwork and exhibits.

The Museum of Pudong Airport, located in Terminal 2, can be found south of the International Departure Hall. This museum displays a variety of artefacts, including porcelain and handicrafts. It's a great place to learn about the local culture and history while waiting for your flight. The museum also has an airport theme park popularising the culture of the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD), which is worth checking out if you're interested in ancient Chinese history and culture.

In addition to the art gallery and museum, PVG Airport offers other unique experiences. The airport boasts the world's first IMAX theatre, allowing travellers to catch the latest blockbusters during their layover. There is also an indoor garden in both terminals featuring lush greenery, flowers, and calming water settings, providing a peaceful escape from the busy airport environment.

If you have a longer layover and wish to explore beyond the airport, Shanghai's city centre is easily accessible via public transit options such as the high-speed Maglev train, metro, or bus. However, keep in mind that travel time can be significant, so it's recommended to have at least 8 hours between flights if you plan to venture out. The bustling city of Shanghai offers plenty of attractions, including the Shanghai Museum, the Bund shopping and dining district, and panoramic views from the Jin Mao Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Centre.

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Shop at Sunrise Duty-Free for high-end goods and discounts on luxury brands

Shanghai Pudong Airport is a bustling hub, and one of two airports serving Shanghai. With a long layover, it is worth venturing into the city itself, but if you are short on time, there are still plenty of ways to pass the time in the airport.

Sunrise Duty-Free is a great option for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy. The shop is located in Terminal 2, and it is a large space with a wide range of products. Sunrise Duty-Free is an airport duty-free shop approved by the Chinese government, and passengers can take advantage of this to pre-purchase goods to be delivered between exit and entry ports.

The shop offers a range of high-end goods, including perfumes and cosmetics, clothing, leather goods, watches, jewellery, electronics, and toys. The cosmetics counters are particularly popular, with brands such as Chanel, Dior, Lancome, Estee Lauder, and Guerlain available. These duty-free cosmetics are known for being relatively affordable, and there are often discounts and promotions available, making it a great place to pick up luxury items at a lower price.

In addition to cosmetics, cigarettes and alcohol are also priced well, and there are often value sets available. For those looking to treat themselves or pick up gifts for loved ones, Sunrise Duty-Free offers a convenient and luxurious shopping experience within the airport.

Of course, there are other options for passing the time at PVG airport, including dining at one of the many eateries, relaxing in an airport lounge, or, if you have at least 8 hours before your next flight, venturing into Shanghai to explore the city's cultural highlights.

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Enjoy unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, and magazines in an airport lounge

Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) is a sprawling, modern airport that ranks as the fifth busiest airport in Asia and the ninth busiest in the world. While it may lack the world-class amenities of other major Asian airports, there are still plenty of ways to keep yourself occupied during a layover, including enjoying the comforts of an airport lounge.

Airport lounges at PVG offer a quiet atmosphere and a range of amenities to keep you relaxed and refreshed during your layover. For a set price, you can enjoy unlimited food and drinks, including snacks, buffet options, and a wide assortment of alcoholic beverages, spirits, and liquors. Catch up on the news with unlimited WiFi, newspapers, and magazines, and if you need to freshen up, some lounges even offer shower facilities.

You can pre-book a pass online or use a lounge membership program to gain entry. Lounges are open to passengers at a reduced cost, no matter the airline they are flying with, so you can enjoy the benefits of the lounge regardless of your class of travel. With comfy seats and a quieter environment, lounges are a great place to relax, especially if you have an early morning check-in or a long layover.

If you're looking for other things to do during your layover, PVG also offers foot massages and hourly hotel rooms. The airport has a variety of dining options, including multiple outposts of popular chains like Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh, as well as cafes, Western options, and 24-hour Starbucks and Burger King outlets. For shopping, you can visit the dedicated shopping area in both terminals, browse the duty-free stores for Chinese goods, alcohol, and makeup, or explore the international boutiques.

If you have a longer layover, you might consider venturing into Shanghai itself. The high-speed Maglev train can take you from the airport to the outskirts of central Shanghai in under eight minutes, but keep in mind that travel within the city can take up to 90 minutes one-way, so plan your time accordingly. Must-see attractions in Shanghai include the Shanghai Museum, the Bund shopping and dining district, and the observation decks of the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center for panoramic city views.

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Take the high-speed Maglev train into central Shanghai to visit the Shanghai Museum

If you're looking for something to do during a layover at Shanghai Pudong Airport, why not take the high-speed Maglev train into central Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Museum?

The Shanghai Maglev train is the world's first commercial high-speed Maglev train, with a maximum cruising speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). The train connects Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road Station in just 7-8 minutes, with a total distance of 30.5 kilometres (18.6-18.95 miles). At Longyang Road Station, you can transfer to Line 2 of the Shanghai Metro, which runs through the city centre and passes major stops such as People's Square.

The Shanghai Museum, located at No. 201 Ren Min Da Dao in the Huangpu District, is a great place to learn about the history, art, and culture of Shanghai. The museum has a collection of over 120,000 pieces, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, furniture, jades, ancient coins, paintings, seals, sculptures, minority art, and foreign art. It has eleven galleries and three special temporary exhibition halls, so plan for at least 1-2 hours to explore. The museum is closed on Mondays (except national holidays) and the latest entry is at 4:00 pm.

After your visit to the museum, you can stroll through the Bund, the popular shopping and dining district, or head to the Jin Mao Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center for panoramic views of the city.

Remember to leave enough time to return to the airport for your next flight, and note that while WiFi is free and unlimited, you will need a Chinese phone number to access it.

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Sleep in the airport—the airside is more comfortable, with more seating and amenities

PVG Airport in Shanghai is not the most sleep-friendly airport, but if you need to sleep there, the airside is more comfortable than the landside section. The landside section has very few benches and amenities, while the airside has more seating, sleep spots, and amenities. There are several rows of chairs around the check-in area of the departure floor, but it can get very noisy. You can also find a quiet area and lay on the floor, but you may want to bring a mat or blanket for comfort. There is also an hourly hotel located in Terminal 2 for uninterrupted sleep, and several other hotels are within walking distance or offer complimentary shuttle services.

If you have a long layover, you may want to consider leaving the airport and exploring Shanghai. The high-speed Maglev train can take you from the airport to the outskirts of central Shanghai in under eight minutes. Once you're in the city centre, you can visit the Shanghai Museum, stroll through the Bund, or take in panoramic city views from the Jin Mao Tower or the Shanghai World Financial Center. Keep in mind that travel time can be up to 90 minutes one way, so it's recommended to only leave the airport if you have at least eight hours before your next flight.

If you decide to stay at the airport, there are a variety of shops and eateries offering Chinese and Western cuisine, although travellers have reported expensive prices. Several eateries are open 24 hours, mainly in Terminal 2, and there are two Family Mart convenience stores open 24 hours in Terminal 1. You can also pay to access airport lounges in both terminals, which offer unlimited food and drinks, WiFi, newspapers, magazines, and a comfortable atmosphere. Some lounges even have shower facilities.

Overall, while PVG Airport may not be the most comfortable place to spend the night, airport staff and security are generally tolerant of overnight travellers trying to sleep there. By following the tips provided and planning ahead, you can make the most of your time at the airport and get some rest before your next flight.

Frequently asked questions

PVG Airport, also known as Shanghai Pudong Airport, is a bustling hub with two terminals and two satellite concourses. If you have a long layover, you can explore the city of Shanghai. However, if you have a shorter layover, you can stay at the airport and make use of the amenities, such as the restaurants, cafes, shops, art galleries, and lounges.

If you have a long layover, you can venture into central Shanghai, which is a 30km trip on the high-speed Maglev train from Pudong. Once you're in the city centre, you can explore popular areas such as the Bund, the Shanghai Museum, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

PVG Airport has dozens of eateries, including multiple outposts of chains like Yonghe King, Ajisen Ramen, Chatime, Chez Choux, and Hope Kaweh. There are also Western options like Starbucks and Burger King, which are open 24 hours.

Yes, PVG Airport has a dedicated shopping area with convenience stores, duty-free shops, and international boutiques. You can find a variety of goods, including Chinese souvenirs, alcohol, and makeup, and luxury items from brands like Dior, Chanel, and Hermes.

PVG Airport has VIP lounges in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, where you can purchase access to enjoy comfortable seating, food, and privacy. Additionally, there are benches available throughout the airport, and an hourly hotel in Terminal 2 if you need a private room for rest.

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