Layover At Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport

If you have a long layover, there’s tons to do in this city. Taxi cabs are really reasonable and a great way to get around in Shanghai. A 30 minute ride will usually cost no more than $5.00. However, if you have time to spend in Shanghai, it’s sun to take the Maglev train – the world’s first commercial high-speed train that travels up to 268 MPH! The Maglev train runs every 15-20 minutes ($10 roundtrip) and in less than 10 minutes, it can take you from the Pudong International Airport to Long Yang Road station.

The Bund
The Bund, also called Zhongshan Road, is a famous waterfront along the bank of the Huangpu River, in the eastern part of Huangpu District, and is famous which is famous for its grand buildings of various architectural styles. A taxi takes 45mins to 1hr to get to the Bund area, so please plan with plenty of time to get back to the airport (and take into account the, at times, long lines for immigration and security.) Check out the shopping street Nanjing Road (3.4 miles long) with some of the “best shopping in the world.”

Oriental Pearl Tower
The Oriental Pearl Tower is in Lujiazui, by the bank of Huangpu River. At 468 meters high, it’s the third highest TV Tower in the world. Ranked as one of the ten best views in Shanghai, you can visit the observation deck for around 50 RNB. The Tower also has a restaurant shopping, entertainment, and hotel.

Feng Xiang Market
Take a cab to the market, located 580 Nan Jing West Road. The Feng Xiang Market is a three story complex with many stalls, selling anything you can want including knock-off name brand products. Come prepared to negotiate – vendors will initially quote you roughly 5 times higher than what you can negotiate them down to. Also, be aware of people trying to get you to enter stalls. Many receive a commission to bring you into shops, that you will have to pay for.

Shanghai Acrobatic Show
If your layover is at night, check out the Shanghai acrobatic show at the Shanghai Center. The show involves foot juggling, glasses balancing, silk rope hanging, nose balancing, etc.

Hotels

Shanghai Grand Hyatt

A 50 minute taxi drive from the airport, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai is the highest hotel in the world. The hotel offers great views, city tour arrangements, fitness and spa, live entertainment and 6 restaurants.

Intercontinental Pudong

At the International Pudong, a 45 minute drive from the airport, you can grab breakfast from their raved breakfast buffet, or even a quick body and/or foot massage at their spa.