Boasting an increasingly extensive flight network, visitor-friendly visa policies, efficient transport links, and continuously upgraded border entry services, Shanghai ranked third globally in 2025 with 135 million air passengers, overtaking Tokyo to become the busiest aviation hub in Asia. It has become the perfect launchpad for immersive travel within China and convenient air hub across Asia - efficient, welcoming, and effortlessly convenient. Why and how? 

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

  Shanghai boasts two major international airports, Pudong and Hongqiao. At present, Shanghai’s aviation network covers 291 cities across 48 countries in the world, with its international and regional routes and flight frequencies ranking among the world’s highest. For international visitors, transiting through Shanghai to other Chinese cities or Asian nations not only offers abundant flight choices but also relatively short travel distances, meaning more time to explore your destination and less time spent in transit.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

  On the visa front, China currently grants 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 77 countries. In addition, the Port of Shanghai provides a 240/24-hour transit visa exemption scheme. This flexible policy allows both tourists planning short, in-depth trips in China and transit passengers bound for a third country to arrange their itineraries freely, with no need for advance visa applications.

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  Shanghai is not only an international gateway but also a pivotal transport hub linking major cities across China. Whether you wish to visit the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, see giant pandas in Chengdu, or explore the Great Wall in Beijing, flights and high-speed trains departing Shanghai operate with remarkable frequency, enabling you to depart at almost any time to suit your schedule. You could easily enjoy a morning coffee along the Bund, board a high-speed train at noon, and arrive in another vibrant Chinese city within hours to begin a new adventure.

Visitors strolling in Shanghai's Yu Garden

Tourists visiting the Bund in Shanghai

  In terms of facilities and services, Shanghai’s two major airports have been relentlessly optimizing the passenger experience in recent years. The widespread deployment of self-service border clearance facilities and the rollout of the electronic entry card system have drastically reduced waiting times and streamlined entry procedures. The airports have also set up dedicated “one-stop service center” for international travelers, where they can conveniently handle mobile SIM cards, digital payment setup, transport inquiries and more in one place, greatly easing the unfamiliarity and inconvenience of first-time arrival.

Free rest areas with sofa beds

 
Furthermore, Shanghai’s airports feature well-developed transit corridors and dedicated international connection facilities. Travelers are exempt from cumbersome passport checks, baggage reclaim and re-check-in procedures; simply follow the “International Transit” signage to reach the correct boarding gate. For connections between different terminals, complimentary shuttle buses are provided. The airports also offer free rest areas equipped with comfortable sofa beds, hot and cold-water dispensers, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. These amenities are particularly invaluable for travelers with long layovers.

Moreover, travelers can satisfy their shopping needs right at the airport, with a much wider selection of duty-free goods available. Visitors can also receive their tax refund immediately after making a purchase.

Whether you are planning a dedicated trip to China or a flexible adventure across Asia, consider making Shanghai your first port of call.
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