Layover Guide

Shanghai

Shanghai is a pulse-pounding global metropolis and a primary gateway to East Asia. Centered around its massive aviation hub, Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), the city offers travelers a unique blend of futuristic skylines and traditional Shikumen architecture. Whether you are transitioning through /china or stopping over on a long-haul flight, the 1 airport serving the city's international traffic provides excellent connectivity. Even with fluctuating flight schedules, Shanghai remains a top-tier destination for a productive and exciting layover.

By James Windsor|Reviewed August 4, 2026

32,000+ layovers planned

4,281 Shanghai layovers

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Home to These Airports

Airports in Shanghai

PVG

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

PVG is a massive facility located 30km from the city center. For short layovers, stay within the airport's extensive dining and shopping areas. For longer stops, use the Maglev train to reach the city in just 8 minutes. Be sure to check your eligibility for the 144-hour visa-free transit to explore the city without a pre-arranged visa.

Where to sleepDay-use & overnight

Day-use & overnight hotels in ShanghaiFor long or overnight layovers when sleep is the plan — many airport hotels sell rooms by the hour.Find hotels →

Getting There

Find your flights through Shanghai

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* Fares are compared live across airlines and agencies for your Shanghai connection.

Explore the City

Top Activities for a Shanghai Layover

10 experiences to discover

0120 minutes

Ride the Maglev Train

Experience the world's fastest commercial magnetic levitation train, reaching speeds of 431 km/h as it whisks you from PVG to Longyang Road Station.

0 km (Starts at Airport) from airport

022-3 hours

Walk The Bund

The quintessential Shanghai experience. Stroll along the Huangpu River to see the historic colonial buildings on one side and the futuristic Lujiazui skyline on the other.

45 km from airport

032 hours

Explore Yu Garden

A classic Chinese garden in the heart of the Old City. Features beautiful pavilions, ponds, and the nearby bustling Yuyuan Bazaar for souvenirs.

45 km from airport

041.5 hours

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Visit the world's second-tallest building for an unparalleled bird's-eye view of the city from the 118th-floor observation deck.

43 km from airport

052 hours

Shop on Nanjing Road

One of the world's busiest shopping streets, featuring a mix of modern department stores and traditional Chinese shops.

45 km from airport

062-3 hours

French Concession Wander

Walk through tree-lined avenues, boutique shops, and charming cafes in this historic area known for its European-style architecture.

48 km from airport

071 hour

Jade Buddha Temple

A peaceful spiritual escape featuring two magnificent jade Buddha statues imported from Burma.

50 km from airport

082 hours

Tianzifang Art District

An arts and crafts enclave developed from a traditional residential area, filled with narrow alleys, galleries, and craft shops.

47 km from airport

092-3 hours

Shanghai Museum

Located in People's Square, this museum houses one of the world's best collections of ancient Chinese art, including bronzes and ceramics.

46 km from airport

102 hours

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

An iconic part of the skyline featuring distinctive spheres and a glass-bottomed sightseeing floor for the brave.

43 km from airport

Viator selectionLive recommendations

Shanghai Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession

View on Viator

Fits your layover5+ hours layover

Shanghai Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession

Spend your morning by all your senses in the south part of Shanghai's former French Concession where you will try out over 15 local breakfast, such as pan-fried dumplings (sheng jian bao), soup dumplings (xiao long bao), scallion pancake, jianbing and more in some unique Mom and Pop small restaurants or even from hole-in-the-wall street vendors. This 3-hour small group walking tour is not just about local breakfast experience but also to discover the city background, the people and the culture.

Duration

3 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 5h total

Admission

Check on Viator

What you'll see

Attraction stop (50 mins)

Meet your local guide near the Xintiandi area at 9am, and start with the taste of the fresh fried pot stickers in the alleyway surrounded by city high rises. Discover Shanghai's breakfast culture by walking through the backyards of traditional stone-gate houses (Shikumeng) which soon will be demolished due to on going urban renewal projects.

Attraction stop (50 mins)

You will sample the thin noodles with various topping such as pickled vegetable, shredded pork braised in soy sauce, sweet potatoes with bean curd sauce. Sip a cup of the tea at the traditional tea shop in the local neighborhood.

Attraction stop (50 mins)

Your last stop of the tour is at Dahuchun near by the People Square, one of the oldest dumplings restaurant open since 1932. You will taste the curry beef soup covered fresh Chinese parsley, the signature dish here.

Ready to book for your Shanghai layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

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2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy with an Artist in Shanghai, China

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Fits your layover4+ hours layover

2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy with an Artist in Shanghai, China

To the Chinese, calligraphy is more than just art—it embodies the very spirit they have lived by for thousands of years. Learn from a professional calligrapher during this small-group workshop. Not only will you experience an ancient art form, you will also gain a deeper understanding of Chinese culture. Our workshop takes place in a beautiful and peaceful studio in the heart of Shanghai. - This experience is designed for participants from all cultural backgrounds and skill levels. - This small-group workshop allows for personalized attention - Leave this workshop with your own calligraphy artwork - Meet at a convenient location near Jing’an Temple in the heart of Shanghai

Duration

2 hours

+ 2h airport buffer

Layover fit

Good for 4–6 hour layovers

Needs 4h total

Admission

Check on Viator

Ready to book for your Shanghai layover

Instant confirmation on many tours · Free cancellation available

Book on Viator

* Tours are scored against your layover length — availability and pricing confirmed on Viator.

GetYourGuide selectionLive recommendations

* Suggestions load dynamically based on seasonal availability and ratings in Shanghai.

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Shanghai

Din Tai Fung (IFC Mall)

Shanghainese/Dim Sum$$ - $$$Lujiazui

Lost Heaven

Yunnan Folk Cuisine$$$The Bund

Yang's Fry-Dumpling

Shengjianbao (Pan-fried dumplings)$Various/Nanjing Road

Jia Jia Tang Bao

Xiaolongbao (Soup dumplings)$Huangpu District

Nanxiang Mantou Dian

Traditional Dumplings$$Yu Garden

Haidilao Hot Pot

Sichuan Hot Pot$$ - $$$Various Locations

Shop & Browse

Best Shopping Spots

Sunrise Duty Free (PVG)

One of the best duty-free zones in China, located within Pudong International Airport terminals.

0 km

Super Brand Mall

A massive 13-story shopping center in Lujiazui with international brands and great river views.

43 km

Xintiandi

An upscale pedestrian-only shopping and dining district featuring restored traditional Shikumen houses.

46 km

Shanghai First Food Hall

A food lover's paradise on Nanjing Road selling every kind of Chinese snack and delicacy imaginable.

45 km

Navigate

Getting Around Shanghai

The most efficient way to travel from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the Maglev train, which connects to the metro system at Longyang Road in just 8 minutes. For a more direct but slower route, Metro Line 2 runs across the entire city, connecting PVG to the Bund and Hongqiao Airport. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Didi are widely available, though traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Note that many international ride-share apps do not work; downloading Didi (with an English interface) is recommended. Airport shuttle buses also serve various districts across the city.

Good to Know

Expert Tips for Your Shanghai Layover

Check if you qualify for the 24, 72, or 144-hour visa-free transit before arriving.

Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your international credit card; China is largely cashless.

Use the Maglev train for a fast transit to avoid Pudong's notorious traffic.

Keep your passport and boarding pass with you at all times for security checks.

Store your luggage at the official 'Left Luggage' counters in Terminal 1 or 2 at PVG.

Download a reliable VPN if you need to access blocked websites like Google or social media.

Carry a business card of your destination or hotel written in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.

Be mindful of 'Tea House' scams in tourist areas like the Bund or Nanjing Road.

Allow at least 3 hours for international check-in and security upon your return to PVG.

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Pvg Shanghai Airport

Community Discussions

Real Traveler Advice

TravelBug992 days ago

Does anyone know if immigration is fast at this airport during morning hours? We only have a 4 hour layover and want to see the main square...

AeroExplorer5 days ago

Just did this exact layover last week! A few tips: definitely take the express train instead of cab, it saves about 45 mins. Also make sure...

Travel lightBag drop

Luggage storageDrop your bags near the airport or in the centre so you can explore Shanghai hands-free.Find storage →

Make Every Minute Count

Layover Time Management Guide

With a 2-4 hour layover, stay at PVG; explore the Sunrise Duty Free shops or relax in a lounge. With 4-8 hours, take the Maglev to Longyang Road and switch to Metro Line 2 for a quick visit to the Lujiazui skyline or The Bund. Ensure you have at least 5 hours of 'ground time' to account for immigration and travel. For 8+ hours, you can comfortably explore the Old City (Yu Garden), enjoy a sit-down meal in the French Concession, and even fit in a museum visit. Always aim to head back to the airport 4 hours before an international departure.

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Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa for a layover in Shanghai?

Many nationalities qualify for the 144-hour visa-free transit if they have a confirmed ticket to a third country. Check with the Chinese embassy for your specific eligibility.

Is there luggage storage at PVG?

Yes, both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Pudong International Airport have secure 'Left Luggage' facilities.

How do I get from PVG to the city center quickly?

The Maglev train is the fastest option, taking about 8 minutes to reach the outskirts of the city center (Longyang Road).

Can I use my credit card in Shanghai?

Major hotels and malls accept international cards, but most small shops and restaurants prefer Alipay or WeChat Pay. It is wise to carry some RMB cash as a backup.

Is there free Wi-Fi at PVG?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available, though you typically need a Chinese phone number or to scan your passport at a kiosk to get an access code.

Is Shanghai safe for a solo traveler on a layover?

Shanghai is considered very safe for solo travelers, even at night. Standard urban precautions apply.

What is the best time to visit the Bund?

Evening is best to see the buildings illuminated, typically between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

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