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What to Do in Shanghai Airport - Pudong Airport

As a large airport with abundant international and domestic flights, many passengers choose to connect their flights at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). If your layover time is somehow long, what to do in Shanghai airport to kill time? Keep reading to find out some fun things to do in Shanghai Pudong Airport.

1. Go Shopping

One of the top things to do in Shanghai Pudong Airport is to go shopping. At both T1 and T2, most tourists usually head straight to the Sunrise Duty Free because it gathers assorted high-end goods and sometimes offers discounts. Best sellers vary from skin-care products, cosmetics, perfumes, tobacco, watches to other accessories. Famous brands include Dior, Chanel, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Tissot, Longines, Montblanc, and so on. Besides, there are many other stores for tourists to buy Shanghai specialties.

2. Try Delicious Foods

A variety of restaurants at the PVG cater to tourists with different tastes. If you prefer Chinese foods, try dumplings, wontons, rice noodles and Cantonese foods in both T1 and T2. Burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, Japanese and Korean foods can also be easily savored. Well-knowns chain stores like Papa John’s, Burger King and Pizza Hut can satisfy your demands. If you are not really hungry, a cup of coffee at Starbucks or a dessert at Hui Lau Shan is recommended.

3. Enjoy Works of Art

In Shanghai airport, what to do next is to feast your eyes on the works of art. In the Terminal 1, there is an art gallery at the north of the Domestic Departure Hall. It usually exhibits beautiful oil paintings and sculptures. In the Terminal 2, at the south of the International Departure Hall lies the Museum of Pudong Airport, and it displays porcelains and handicrafts.

Other worth-seeing sites in T2 include an airport theme park which popularizes the culture of the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), and many scattered booths letting tourists know more about the Southern China.

4. Send Postcards to Your Family or Friend

Two post offices in Pudong Airport sell many beautiful postcards. Why not send them to your family or friend while waiting for your departure? Besides, if you are a stamp collector, it is an interesting thing to do in Pudong Airport to find the stamps for special editions or with exquisite patterns.

Location:
Terminal 1: at the rear of the Island A in the Domestic Departure Hall
Terminal 2: near the exit of the International Departure Hall

5. Freely Surf the Internet

When asked what to do in Shanghai Pudong Airport, ten to one people will say chatting online, watching videos or playing games in their mobile. If your answer is the same as theirs, the fast and free Wi-Fi in the PVG won’t let you down. In addition, the Terminal 1 and the Terminal 2 have power sockets and USB ports everywhere, so passengers needn’t worry that your electronic devices such as mobile, camera, laptop and ipad power off.

6. Get Some Rest at the VIP Lounge

If you have to stay at the airport for one night to catch the plane the next day, a worthwhile thing to do in PVG airport is to get some rest at the VIP Lounge. Even if you didn’t buy the Business Class ticket, you can pay extra to enjoy the delicious foods, cozy compartment and privacy at the VIP Lounge. It is worth mentioning that the VIP Lounges in PVG are named after their nearest boarding gate.

Location:
Terminal 1:
Domestic Departure Hall: VIP Lounge 9
International Departure Hall: VIP Lounge 37
Terminal 2:
Domestic Departure Hall: VIP Lounge 73, 76
International Departure Hall: VIP Lounge 66, 69, 77

7. Make a Layover Tour to Downtown Shanghai

If you have a layover more than seven hours, why not take advantage of the 144-hour visa-free entry permit to make a short tour in downtown? The convenient maglev, metro and shuttle buses offer you an easy access to the prosperous downtown. For instance, you can take the Metro Line 2, either from T1 or T2, and get off at the Lujiazui on the east bank of the Huangpu River where there are many skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai Tower and the World Financial Center. Depending on your time, you can also take a Huangpu River Cruise to fully enjoy the view.

Someone who doesn't want to stay in the airport but have limited layover time may wonder “what to do near Shanghai airport”. There are indeed some places to visit near Shanghai Pudong Airport, such as Shanghai Wild Animal Park and the Sanjiagang Seaside Resort. But there is no convenient way of public transport to them and by taxi may also be time-consuming due to long queues. So, it’s a wiser choice to take the maglev or metro to tour downtown.

Recommended Tours

2 Days Shanghai Classic Tour from $309

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4 Days Beijing Tour from Shanghai from $639

- Last updated on Sep. 01, 2024 -

Questions & Answers on What to Do in Shanghai Airport - Pudong Airport

Asked by Nista from MAURITIUS | Aug. 30, 2024 20:23

Hi. From Shanghai I have to go to Nanjing

Helo. I have to travel from Shanghai to go to Nanjing by air flight. Please guide me

Answers (1)

Answered by Emily | Sep. 01, 2024 23:29

There direct flight from Shanghai to Nanjing at 21:5 0 or 22:00 with a duration of about 1.5h, taking CNY 500. Bullet trains are more popular, taking only 2 hours and CNY110 - 141 for a second class seat.

Asked by julia from UNITED KINGDOM | Aug. 07, 2024 13:54

Travel with kids

Are there any play areas for children in PVG Airport?

Answers (1)

Answered by Daniel | Aug. 07, 2024 20:26

There is a children area near Gate C79 in T2.

Asked by John from SCOTLAND | Apr. 04, 2024 11:54

PVG Airport

Hi Good day.
I am in transit at PVG airport the Middle of May 24. I arrive at 6 am for 3 hours on the return journey 9 pm for 3 hours.
I would like a sandwich or a light meal in between flights.
My question is. are there stores open and can i.pay cash Chinese currency.
How much Chinese money do I need for a light snack
Thankyou
John

Answers (1)

Answered by Lori | Apr. 07, 2024 00:10

Yes. There are noodles, dumplings, hamburgers and so on. You can pay in Chinese cash. You may need about CNY 50 for a light meal.