Shanghai Layover Tour Guide

Shanghai Layover Tour

Shanghai boasts as the ultramodern megacity in the world. Travelers will deeply experience how fast China grows its economy as you viewing the skyscrapers and taking the well-developed subway system even the Maglev train. There are some important tips for you to enjoy your wonderful Shanghai layover tour!

1. Visa

Shanghai now offers 24 and 144 hours free visa policy. It’s a great opportunity for travelers to explore Shanghai city, Jiangsu and Zhejiang province without Chinese visa. Check more information here.

2. Time Calculation

Please allot at least 4 hours at the airport to applying for a free visa and get out, in addition to being ready for your onward flight after you visited Shanghai.

Visiting Shanghai

If you still have 6-7 hours left, explore one of the beautiful Yu Garden and its nearby vibrant City God Temple Bazaar for shopping and enjoying delicious street food, and take a leisurely walk along the Bund, the symbol of Shanghai city.

If you have more than 8 hours layover time, consider boarding the Huangpu River cruise or enjoy the beautiful city skyline on one of the skyscrapers, such as Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, or shop at Nanjing Road.

Kindly note: Better avoid Oriental Pearl Tower if you don’t want to waste your time queuing up.

If you have more than 1 day, consider exploring other attractions in Shanghai, experience unique European-style buildings at French Concession, and venture into exhilarating Tianzifang full of art stuff, enjoy traditional Shikumen buildings at Xintiandi and experience the combination of the modern and ancient architecture.

If you are a history lover, recommend Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center, China Art Museum, Shanghai Confucian Temple, Jing'an Temple etc. If you are looking for fun activities, why not take this opportunity to visit Shanghai Disneyland?

Or explore the nearby Zhujiajiao Water Town to enjoy the charming waterway landscape or take the optional boat, wander on the uneven stone road and appreciate historical residences and shops for selling delicious local food.

Except for Shanghai, traveler can also explore other water towns and cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou. Better spare 2-4 days for exploring the highlights. Check the Shanghai Suzhou Hangzhou tour package we prepare for you! 

3. Left Luggage

In general, the check-in luggage will transit to the final destination. If you have bring-in luggage and don’t want to carry it, you may consider using Left Luggage service at the airport or store in our private car if you take the layover tour.

The location for Left Luggage service:

Pudong airport T1: Between Gage 4 - 5 in the Departures Hall

            Between Gate 6 - 7 in the Arrivals Hall

Pudong airport T2: Near Island A in the Departures Hall

                               Near the exit of International, HK-Macao-Taiwan Arrivals in the Arrivals Hall

Hongqiao airport T1: Near Gate 5, Departures Hall.

Hongqiao airport T2: Reception area of Arrivals Hall

4. Currency

Better exchange some local currency after your arrival at the airport.

5. How to get to downtown from the airport?

In general, it will take around 1 hour from Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airport to the downtown area with convenient transportation like subway and taxi. Pudong airport even connects with Maglev train.

1. Maglev train

It’s very efficient to take the high-speed maglev train from Pudong airport to Longyang Road station which takes around 7 minutes 20.5 miles, then transfer line 2 to central Shanghai.

2. Subway

Or you can take subway line 2 to some of the major attractions like Luijiazui for skyscrapers, Nanjing Road for shopping, People’s Square and Jing’an Temple from Hongqiao or Pudong airport. For the subway map of Shanghai, please check https://exploreshanghai.com/metro/

3. Taxi

In general, take the taxi from the airport to the hotel or attraction, sometimes take about 1 hour or delay another 1 hour if you got jam traffic especially during morning peak(7-9am) and afternoon peak(5-7pm). Besides, you can put your worries aside if you book a private transfer and enjoy your flexible journey!

6. Hotel

The hotel near the subway line and central downtown are highly recommended. It’s very convenient for travelers to access other attractions easily.