Shanghai Layover Guide (PVG)

What are you looking for in PVG?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

The Pudong International Airport (PVG) is one of two international airports found in Shanghai, China. It is situated 30 km (19 mi) from the Shanghai city center. It was first opened to international flights in 1999. Shanghai is known as a global epicenter for business, finance, innovation, and transportation. It is famous for its ports.

Can you leave Shanghai Airport (PVG) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to visit the city during a layover. You will a visa depending on your nationality and in some cases an invitation letter. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

China Organized Tours

Zhujiajiao UNESCO Water Town Afternoon Tour

Visit the oldest and most well-protected water village in China. It is found 16 miles west of downtown Shanghai. The water village is 400 years old and has beautiful canals and rivers. This is a chance to explore the beautiful village with lots of great local street food and you can immerse yourself into the culture. » book this tour

Yu Yuan Gardens and the Shanghai Museum

This is an opportunity to visit the famous Shanghai Bund and revel in the ancient Yu Yuan Garden, the royal garden of the Chinese Emperor. Immerse yourself in the Shanghai Museum of Ancient Chinese Art, with an art collection of more than 120,000 precious and rare works. » book this tour

Suzhou & Zhouzhuang Water Town with Boat Ride

Suzhou and Zhouzhuang, are two unique and historical cities. These old settlements are filled with beautiful architecture and immaculate gardens and courtyards. Traveling by boat through the city’s waterways is one of the best ways to explore the area. » book this tour

China Things to do / Sightseeing

Shanghai Tower

It is located in Lujiazui Finance and Trade Zone. It is the tallest building in China and the world’s second-tallest building at present as it stands at 128 stories or 632 meters (2,073 feet) tall and is a premier Shanghai tourist highlight. Make sure to visit, the world’s highest observation deck on the 118th floor and the indoor Chinese-style garden, Half Garden, which is on the 37th floor.

Time required: About an hour.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 45 minutes..

The People’s Square

This is the heart of the city with illustrious hotels, fascinating museums, restaurants, and beautiful fountains. It has several spots for photographs. It is perfect for quick exploration during a short layover.

Time required: You will need at least 30 mins to enjoy the city center.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 45 minutes.

The famous Bund

Enjoy the prominent waterfront running along the Huangpu River and facing the magnificent cityscape. The historic buildings surrounding the river reflect a multitude of architectural styles. The skyline looks splendid at night as well as during the day.

Time required: At least an hour would be the minimum.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 50 minutes.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall is great if you are in a time crunch. The Exhibition Hall is six-stories tall and shows off detailed scale models of the entire Shanghai.

Time required: You can spend an hour.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 55 minutes.

The historic Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is a stunning Chinese garden featuring beautiful halls, courtyards, and landscapes. This unique extensive garden will leave you marveling in awe.

Time required: Set aside 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the garden.

Airport to here: Taxi takes an average of 40 minutes.

Zotter Chocolate Theatre

Zotter is a renowned chocolate company that has a factory in Shanghai’s Yangpu district. The Zotter Chocolate Theatre offers visitors a treat as they get to taste chocolate products and get an educational tour of the chocolate-making process.

Time required: Takes about 2 hours to have a complete tour.

Airport to here: Typically takes a Taxi 40 minutes.

Things to Do in Shanghai Airport (PVG)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are several lounges in each terminal of Pudong Airport. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are hotels very close to the airport and even one inside the airport. » view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Sleeping zones are not available.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at the airport, but a Chinese mobile phone number is required. The Wifi is named “SPIA-guest.”

SIM Card: You can also buy a SIM card from shops near the baggage claim area. » buy a global sim card for China, Shanghai that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: You can easily get taxis outside each terminal buildings. Have a written address of your destination in Mandarin.

Train: There are trains between Pudong Airport and Longyang Road metro station in the Shanghai suburbs (more info).

Bus: Local buses operate between Pudong Airport's terminals and parts of Shanghai city. There are also long-distance buses that operate to and from the airport. (more info).

Shuttle: Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a free shuttle bus. There are also several shuttles that go into the city.

Car rentals: There are no car rental services at Pudong International Airport » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Parking lots are available and free for the first 20 minutes.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

There are secure luggage lockers in all terminals. » book a luggage storage or locker at Shanghai Airport (PVG) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Shanghai Airport (PVG) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks