If you’re coming to Shanghai, you’ll most likely be arriving through Pudong International Airport (PVG). Located 30 km east of downtown, it took over most international flights from the older Hongqiao Airport (SHA) when it first opened in 1999. It is big, it is modern, and the architecture is, uh, big and modern.
It is also remarkably unremarkable.
You really do not want to hang out there.
Yes, you’d think such a cosmopolitan first-tier city like Shanghai would have an impressively cosmopolitan airport like Hong Kong’s, filled with name-brand shopping and palatable dining options for the legions of travelers passing through each day, but as far as major international airports go, Shanghai’s PVG sucks (so does Beijing, but that’s a story the Imagethief tells best). Get past immigration, head for the exits, and make your way to downtown Shanghai, where it is far more interesting.
If you’re foreign to Shanghai, and no one was sent to pick you up, there are three common methods for getting from the airport into the city center, which is where you’re most likely headed. Each of these options are detailed below, with pros, cons, instructions, and some useful tips.
Method 1: Taxi
Why: Convenience. Unless there is a long line of people waiting to get taxis, this is your option for door to door service, and especially useful if you have a ton of luggage. The major drawback will be the cost, and the risk of dishonest drivers intentionally taking a less-than-direct route from the airport to your stated destination. Unfortunately, this risk gets higher the more foreign you appear and the less familiar you are with Shanghai’s roads/geography.
Typical rates during the day to the Puxi side of downtown Shanghai will be around 150-170 RMB. To the Pudong side, around 100-130 RMB. As long as you’re certain your destination is in the city center, you should get worried if the fare hits 200. A vein on your forehead should pop if you see 300.
When: Anytime. Note that fare rates will be higher at night, from 11:00pm to 5:00am.
How: Look for signs as you exit the terminal. Taxis will typically wait for passengers by the curbside, you can’t miss them. Grab an empty taxi, load up your luggage, have a seat, and tell the driver where you’d like to go. Having the destination written down or printed out, especially in Chinese, often helps, but the driver should recognize most major hotels or city streets. Switch taxis if they claim they don’t. It isn’t worth the hassle.
Sit in the back if you want to feel important. Sit in the front for a better view of where you’re going. The front seat may also give you a slight psychological edge with regards to keeping the driver honest. You can keep an eye on the fare meter and the see the freeway/road signs more clearly. Even with the protective plastic cage around the driver, you could also theoretically reach around and choke the bastard if he’s messing with you.
Method 2: Shanghai MagLev (then Metro or Taxi)
Why: Fast. Sorta. The airport is located quite a ways from downtown Shanghai, approximately 45 minutes from city center without too much traffic. The MagLev will get you from the airport to the Longyang Road MagLev/Metro station on the Pudong side of downtown Shanghai in as little as seven minutes. A taxi would take about 30 minutes for the same trip. The problem is, sometimes you have to wait for the train and you need to walk between transfers, both of which take additional time.
However, riding the MagLev has novelty value. It floats on magnets and is, like, really fast. It also costs about as much as a taxi for covering the same distance. More importantly, it at least gets you from the airport to Pudong without the risk of taxi driver shenanigans. Once you reach the Longyang Road station in Pudong, you have the option of transferring to the Shanghai Metro subway system or switching to a taxi.
Transferring to the metro system can help you get closer to your destination cheaply, leaving any necessary taxi ride to cover the remaining distance between the metro stop and your goal costing only 11-20 RMB. Your total trip shouldn’t cost more than 55-80 RMB, and you didn’t have to worry about getting ripped off. If you have a lot of luggage, however, you would’ve had to carry/drag it to the MagLev, off the MagLev, through the subway station, onto the subway, through any subway transfers, out the subway station, and maybe onto a taxi. If you don’t have a lot of crap or you’re a rugged individual, you’re golden.
Switching to a taxi directly at Longyang Road Station would usually be fine if you’re destination is within the Pudong side of downtown. Just be aware that there are shady taxi drivers waiting at Longyang Road Station also, since there are enough gullible foreigners coming out of the MagLev for them to still take advantage of. Fortunately, the city sometimes posts someone at the taxi queue to advise foreigners on how much you should expect to pay to get where you’re going. Regardless, your total trip shouldn’t cost more than around 70-100 RMB.
When: MagLev operates between 6:45am to 9:32pm, at 15-20 minute intervals. The Shanghai Metro typically operates between 5:30am to 11:00pm, depending on the line.
How: The MagLev station is located directly in the middle between Terminals 1 and 2, which you can walk to via several long indoor corridors. If you see the KFC, you’ve reached the Airport station, so enter opposite the KFC and purchase your ticket. One-way will be 50 RMB, or 40 RMB if you can show them your airline ticket. Once you’re in the MagLev train, stow your luggage, and prepare for, uh, a really fast train ride.
The MagLev will reach peak speeds of 430 km/hr during most of the day while the early morning and late evening trains only go up to 300 km/hr, ostensibly to conserve power. Again, the ride will be over in as short as seven minutes. It isn’t much time to enjoy the scenery, but highlights include the the train banking as it turns and first-time passengers getting the shit scared out of them as the train passes the other train going the other direction. Boom.
Once you get to Longyang Road Station, decide if you want to transfer to the Metro or take a taxi to continue to your destination.
If Metro, follow the signs, go down the escalators, and cross over to the Line 2 Metro station of the same name. The Line 2 subway goes East-West across Shanghai, with interchanges for Lines 1, 3, 4, 6, and 8 (basically everything). UrbanRail.net has a useful subway map here. Depending on where you want to go in the system, fare will cost you 3-6 RMB. You can purchase your metro ticket at one of the ticket vending machines (which have English) or from a nice ticketing person located behind some glass in a booth nearby.
If taxi, follow the signs, go down the escalator, and look for the taxi queue.
Method 3: Airport Shuttle Bus (then Taxi)
Why: Cheap. The airport shuttle bus system will only cost you 15-30 RMB to get you to most major destinations in the city center. This is what the vast majority of the locals use. It may be the slowest option, but honestly not by much. Like riding a taxi, you get a much more scenic route entering downtown Shanghai on surface streets. Unlike riding the taxi, you avoid the risk of getting ripped off, which would be the “scenic route” you don’t want to take. Once you reach the stop nearest where you want to go, you can always hop into a taxi for the last leg of your journey. All told, using the shuttle bus will be approximately 60-75% cheaper than using a taxi only, and you got a chance to make new friends. Everyone wants friends. If your destination is in the city center and you choose the right bus line to take, your total trip should only cost about 30-50 RMB.
When: Operates from 7:00 am to 11:00pm.
How: As you exit the terminal and into the main arrival reception area, look for signs directing you towards the airport shuttle buses. You will exit and likely see several buses waiting at the curb, each with a different number. There should be a large sign and map along the wall that details the route of each bus line, including their stops. More information can be found here. If you’re uncertain, you can ask for assistance at a nearby ticketing window. There should also be someone standing in front of each bus whom you can try asking. Don’t expect perfect, if any, English.
If you’re transferring directly to Hongqiao Airport, you’ll want Line 1. I don’t know where you’re going, but Shanghai will miss you. For everyone else arriving for the main attraction, you’ll probably be using Lines 2-8 depending on where your destination is in the city center.
Don’t worry about buying a ticket just yet. Just find the right bus line to hop on. Only after the bus begins moving will someone come by to collect fare. Your fare will be based on what stop you want. Once you get to your stop, hop off and don’t forget your luggage. If you need to, hail a taxi to complete your journey.
And there you have it…
I personally usually use method 2 or 3, depending on whether the MagLev is operating or not when I need to get to or get away from PVG. Having lived in Shanghai for quite some time, I know the city’s layout fairly well. Not only does this help me avoid getting ripped off by sneaky taxi drivers, it’s also why I feel perfectly comfortable and even prefer using methods 2 and 3 to not even have to deal with airport taxis at all.
Unfortunately, if you’re new to Shanghai, you may not enjoy the same confidence I do. Taxis are tempting for the convenience they offer, especially when you don’t know your way around a big, unknown city. There certainly are honest taxi drivers, but I’ve heard too many horror stories. I don’t want your first experience in Shanghai to give you such a poor impression of what is otherwise a fascinating metropolis with plenty of positive things to share. My advice is to jump in and start learning the other forms of transportation, because they’re part of Shanghai’s splendor too.
Good luck and welcome to Shanghai.
Links:
- Shanghai Airport Authority
- Shanghai MagLev
- Shanghai Metro
- Min’s coverage of the new Terminal 2 at PVG
Have questions? I’ve got answers (uh, maybe). Feel free to ask in the comments.
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Shanghai Pudong International Airport Terminal 2 (T2) 
Is it worth going to shanghai if we are there for 1 night only?
Are you passing through and wondering if you should head into town or are you asking if it is worth making a stop in Shanghai if only for just one night? Give me more information about what your circumstances are. Are you talking about one day or literally just one night?
Hi,
Thanks for your useful information you posted! I’m visiting Shanghai soon, but my flight is due to arrive at only 10.25 pm. Do you think I’ll still be able to catch the shuttle bus my 11 pm? I’d definitely have missed the Maglev by then. Also, even if I am able to, do you know which bus line goes to East Nanjing Road? My hotel is East Asia Hotel found along there.
Lastly, if I fail to catch the bus (as is very likely the case), and given that the cab fare will be higher at night, would it be safe to assume that it will be at most 200 RMB? The airport transfer arranged by my agent costs too much (350 RMB) and I prefer to take a taxi.
Thanks a lot in advance for your help. It is my first time in Shanghai and like you said, I don’t really want my trip to start off on a bad note by meeting a nasty taxi driver :(
Is your hotel located at 680 Nanjing E. Road?
If so, Airport Shuttle Line 5 (People’s Square stop) looks like it’ll get you closest to where you need to go. You may still need to take a taxi to your hotel’s door front, if you’re not inclined to walk.
Will you have enough time? Hard to say but its possible. I’ve had people arrive earlier and actually got through customs, claimed their luggage, and on their way out of the terminal by their “arrival time.”
If you miss the bus, you should definitely get to your hotel in under 200 RMB. My mother just made a late-night taxi trip from the airport to my place in Pudong for 138 last night…and getting to your hotel should not take much longer or be much further.
Do you speak Chinese? If you do, just try not to appear ignorant and lost and you’ll minimize the chances of getting taken for a ride. Good luck and welcome to Shanghai! :)
Yes, that is the address of my hotel. I don’t mind the walk from People’s Square – it definitely looks walkable, though it might be a little late. Hmm I do hope to be able to take the bus actually, not only to save costs, but also to have a look at the surroundings. After all it’s my first time in Shanghai and I don’t really have to rush around, save for the fact that I do want to catch the shuttle bus! Hopefully I manage to catch the last bus before 11 pm! I travel fairly light, so pulling the luggage along shouldn’t be too difficult.
Thanks – 200 RMB sounds a lot more decent than the 350 RMB or the 39 USD quotes I’ve received from typical airport transfers. I do speak Mandarin, but it won’t sound very much like a Shanghainese and I’d be caught as a tourist in 5 seconds flat I think :)
But thanks loads for your suggestions and advice. Very useful for clueless people like me. The power of the internet :)
The walk shouldn’t be too bad, People’s Square should be reasonable well-lighted, and China is generally a safe place. Whether you go by bus or taxi, you’ll see a bit of the city on the ride. It isn’t a tour or anything.
Don’t worry about sounding Shanghainese, it isn’t necessary (but obviously doesn’t hurt). If your Mandarin is fine and you’re able to sound confident about where you’re going, you’ll be okay. The key is to avoid sounding like you don’t know where you’re going, which is a dead giveaway for being a tourist.
1. Hop into taxi. Try to sound understandably tired after your late night flight with a sigh and an an audible remark to yourself along the lines of “I’m beat” (“lei si le…”);
2. Without sitting forward or speaking too earnestly to the driver, casually instruct the driver that you’re headed towards People’s Square (“ren min guang chang”).
3. Once the car starts moving, narrow down the destination to the cross street you’re headed towards. At the beginning of the trip, cross-streets suggest familiarity, addresses suggests otherwise. You want him to feel like you know where you’re going.
4. As you get near People’s Square (which you’ll hopefully notice as you get off the elevated highways or by road signs), then give him the street number, “Nanjing Dong Lu 680 hao.” Again, keep it casual and disinterested.
5. Arrive, pay your <200 RMB fare, and don’t leave a tip. Gratuity is not customary here.
Cheers.
Thanks so much :) Hoping it all goes well and looking forward to Shanghai!
I am going to stay in north si chuan road in Shanghai, can you please suggest how to to go to this area from pudong airport (via Airport shuttle bus – which route?) etc. Thanks in advance.
Looks like they’ve changed the website. You can try this link for more information. I recommend calling the hotel and asking them, but my guess would be Line 5 might take you closest, again getting off at People’s Square, then taking a taxi due north towards Sichuan Road. I’m not familiar with any other routes that might take you closer and the online information admittedly isn’t very helpful. You may want to inquire at the information booth at the airport with your hotel address in hand.
Even if you do the above suggestion, the total cost should be around 50 RMB for one person (shuttle fare is per person) including the taxi ride. If you take the taxi from the airport directly to the hotel, it still should not exceed 150 unless it is late night rates.
Hello Kai Pan,
I will be visiting Shanghai too, in a few months. I like the idea of the shuttle bus. The hotel were I am staying is either the Renaissance Zhongshan Park or the Renaissance Yuyuan. Any comments on what hotel would be better for the tourist things?
If I decide on the Renaissance Zhongshan Park, shuttle no. 6 would be a good choice, I guess? I have no idea where the bus stops. Any idea perhaps?
Thanks!
Dan, the Yu Yuan location looks a bit better on the map. You’d be physically closer to People’s Square, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, Yu Yuan (Yu Gardens), Cheng Huang Miao (Old City God Bazaar), The Bund, even one end of Huai Huai Road. All of them are reasonably within walking distance (good way to see Shanghai) and you’re not too far from metro line 9 which is one stop away from the People’s Square metro hub for lines 1, 2, and 9. Check out ExploreMetro for some good metro maps. To get to this hotel, you might want to try Shuttle Line 5 and get off the Middle Yan An stop, then take a taxi for a short ride to your hotel. Either that or ride the Maglev to Longyang Station, switch to Line 2, then interchange to Line 1 at People’s Square to Line 9, and get out at Dashijie stop.
That said, the Zhong Shan park location is pretty good also as it appears to be directly connected to the Zhong Shan park metro hub for lines 2, 3, and 4 (whereas Yuyuan is a walk away). Most visitors to Shanghai should be using Lines 1 and 2 the most. Shuttle Line 6 would indeed be the bus to take. Either that or take the Maglev to Longyang Station, switch over the Line 2, and take it over to Zhonshan Park. Not a bad option either if you want to ride the Maglev.
It looks like the Zhongshan Park location is easier for airport-hotel transport but the Yuyuan location is physically more in the “meat” of downtown town Shanghai. You’ll end up seeing all the same things, of course, but it just means Yuyuan might be a better starting point for walking around if you’re keen on doing so.
Yuyuan will be better if you’re keen to walk to the “traditional” big tourist spots in Shanghai (People’s Square, Yu Gardens, Old City God Temple, Huai Hai Road, Nanjing East Pedestrian Mall, The Bund). Otherwise, the ZhongShan Park location appears to be easier for airport-hotel transportation because of Shuttle Bus #6 and because it is directly connected to the ZhongShan Park Line 2, 3, and 4 metro hub. The Yuyuan location is near the Dashijie Line 9 metro and also close to the People’s Square metro hub (line 1, 2, and 9), so it isn’t that bad either, but it it’s just not “directly” connected. If you’re keen on walking out the hotel and walking a few blocks to see the sights, I’d recommend Yuyuan. If you want to take the shuttle from Pudong Airport to the Yuyuan hotel, try Shuttle Line 5, get off at Middle Yan An Road, and take a taxi for the remaining short drive to the hotel door. I think Line 6 will take you within walking distance of the ZhongShan Park Renaissance hotel, however. Cheers.
Thanks Kai, much appreciated.
any recommendation of any hotels really close (downtown preferred and not too expensive =p ) to any airport bus shuttle that can get me from the hotel to pudong airport? we have 4 suitcases…
thanks!
Hey, sorry buddy, can’t say I’m too familiar with all of the hotels around each shuttle stop. There are tons to choose from in downtown Shanghai, and its tough to know what you’re looking for in a hotel too. Heh. If you want cheap, you’d be looking at Motel 168s and Home Inns. Both should run you under 200 RMB a night easily, and they’re quite comfortable/clean.
what is RMB?
RMB = Ren Min Bi, also known as CNY = Chinese New Yuan, either way the currency of mainland China.
Just want to say great information on transfer’s from airport!! I will be arriving in Shanghai for the first time in a few weeks for buisness. I would like to go with the Maglev to the city centre. I will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott Pudong.Should I take a taxi from the station or try the subway? Which stop would I need if I chose the subway? Any help would be great.
Thanks
Sorry for the late response. Is this your hotel? If so, you can:
MagLev-Metro route:
Take the Maglev to Longyang Rd. station, transfer to Line 2, ride 3 stops, exit Century Blvd. station through Exit #7 (?). Walk south along Dongfang Rd. until you hit your hotel.
Airport-Shuttle Bus route:
From PVG, take the #5 (or was it #6?) Shuttle for 18 RMB to the Zhangyang Rd./Dongfang Rd./Century Blvd. intersection stop. There should be a list of major stops beside each shuttle waiting area, so just check if it is 5 or 6. I just rode this the other day but I forgot. It’ll drop you off in the same vicinity as the above Maglev-Metro route.
MagLev-Taxi route:
If you just want to ride the Maglev and can’t be bothered to walk a bit to the hotel from the subway, then just head towards the taxi queues coming out of Longyang Rd. station instead of transferring to Line 2. Give the driver your address and he’ll take you to your hotel. It shouldn’t cost more than ~15 RMB, 20 MAX.
As with below, check out this post for a good reference website in English for Shanghai’s metro.
i will reach at airport pvg by 5:30 pm my hotel is super 8 ,151 Miaopu Road, Pudong how i will reach my destination by meglav can we reach directly?
If I have your address right, this is where you’re headed. If you look on the map, the a Shanghai Metro Line 6 Beiyang Rd. station is about two blocks south.
If you want to take the MagLev, you’ll go from PVG to the LongYang Rd. Line 2 station where you’ll then exit, and transfer to Shanghai Metro Line 2. Ride Line 2 for 3 stops until you get to the Century Blvd. station where you’ll then transfer to Shanghai Metro Line 6. Ride another 3 stops to Beiyang Rd. station and exit, probably Exit #1 or #3 and walk southwest along Zhangyang Rd. towards the Miaopu Road. intersection where you’ll turn right (north) and walk another two blocks.
This will probably take you around 45-60 minutes, accounting for transfer times, waiting for subways, checking maps, feeling lost, panicking, etc. and cost you 44 RMB. A taxi will take at least that much time if not longer due to evening traffic, and cost you at least 2x more.
Here’s my recommendation if you want more subway/metro maps and information.
thanx, it’s very clear and useful!
i am coming to shanghai first time,
pls let me know,
which area is down town(city center) with reasonable hotels to live in,
and then i want to move to Haghzou and Yiwu, both places i want to go by bus or train from where in shanghai i will get these.
regards,
nadeem
Nadeem, I recommend staying around People’s Square and the Line 1 Metro. The reason is because whether you take a bus or train to Hangzhou or Yiwu, you’ll probably be departing from either People’s Square (buses), Shanghai Railway Station (buses and trains), or Shanghai South Railway Station 9buses and trains). Both railway stations are accessible through the Line 1 Metro.
hi, you’ve already answered what’s supposed to be my first question. anyway, my “expected” time of arrival in shanghai is 11.45pm, so that leaves the unreasonably expensive airport transfer service offered by my agent & the more affordable yet, could be adventurous tour of shanghai taxi ride. i’ll be staying at the china’s best value inn north bund (no. 309 zhapu rd., hongkou district), would you know how much my cab ride would cost? when should i start flexing my muscles in preparation for an i-can-rip-you-out -of-your-cage-cabbie moment? many thanks!
Hey zandie, hm, it’s kind of hard to say. I’m thinking late night rates, you should be looking at 130-170 and no more than 200?
got that, thanks a bunch!
Hey Kai, just got back from Shanghai and in (in)voluntary quarantine. Anyway, our late night trip from the airport to our hotel went well, and by well i mean that nobody (especially cabbie) got hurt. We went over 200 rmb (250 to be exact) & my friend nearly went ghetto, but i calmed her down & reassuringly told her that it’s probably because of all the construction & that we should blame those damn decepticons & not the smiley cabbie. We got a turquoise (or light teal) cab for our return trip to the airport from our hotel (late night also past 11pm & raining) & were charged only 190. dude, i was like, that freakin son of a he-b*&@#! i so want to injure that smiley bastard!
Hey zandie, sorry to hear you guys got a little swindled one way. The teal/light green taxis should be Da Zhong 大众, part of the largest cab company here in Shanghai and usually have a better standard of drivers so I’m glad to hear they once again lived up to their (generally) better reputation. Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to know when you’re getting taken for a bit of a ride without having some familiarity with the lay of the land (and bad luck with nut-swinging constructicon decepticons). Now that you’ve experienced it once, next time should be better!
Also, thank you for coming back and sharing your experiences with everyone else who veers through this page. Cheers, doll.
have you ever considered starting a sort of 911 for the not-very-well-prepared & therefore somewhat helpless tourists in China (i.e. our kind)? something like a hot line where dummies like myself can holler someone up 24/7 in case we get into some crappy situation like being toured around the former decepticon hideouts late at night? just a thought.;-)
There actually are services like these though I can’t remember them off the top of my head (I don’t use them). The main problem with them as a business is that they’d need a lot of good targeted marketing in order to achieve any kind of volume that could justify a price low enough for anyone to use them. You can see the business problems and challenges in that sentence alone.
yeah (blink-blink)
hopefully china mobile or that other telecoms would eventually have a type and send to 4357 (or whatever) or perhaps twitter.
sorry, am quarantined & bored (obviously) i’ll shut up now
Thanks for the information, and the style in which it was given.
Now I can decide how will get into Shanghai!.
Need advice on how to go from Pudong Airport to Manhattan Shanghai Business Hotel near to peace hotel. Intend to try the Maglev train and take taxi from Longyang Rd station.
Thanks
If it’s near the Peace Hotel on the Bund, then you can take Maglev to Longyang Rd station, transfer to Line 2 and take that to East Nanjing Rd. station, exit, and follow East Nanjing Rd. (can’t miss it, lots of people, big tourist location) towards The Bund to the Peace Hotel and navigate your way to wherever Manhattan Shanghai Business Hotel is (one block north on Dianchi Rd, parallel to East Nanjing Rd.). You’ll need to walk a few blocks but it doesn’t sound particularly difficult to find. The subway is definitely 10x cheaper than the hotel’s estimated 40 RMB taxi ride from Longyang Rd., and it might even be faster.
Thanks KaiPan
First time in Shanghai, read some reviews that it may not be easy travelling on the metro with luggage. Arrival time in Shanghai is in the afternoon about 3pm not sure if we can pack ourselves inside the metro with luggage.
Ah. How much luggage do you have? 3pm in the afternoon probably suggests getting onto the metro between 4 and 5pm, which may be a bit crowded (but not necessarily so, not quite rush hour yet) on a weekday. If you do have a lot of luggage, then sure, a taxi at Longyang should be fine. Just be sure you have the address, ideally the Chinese address and nearest cross-street. The hotel’s estimate of no more than 40 RMB should be fair.
Thanks for the info…cheers
I would like to know the distance between the city center and the shanghai international exhibition center
Is it the Shanghai NEW International Exhibition Center? If so, this might be helpful.
Yes it is shanghai new international expo center
Great, then that link will be useful for you. SNIEC is in Pudong and if you designate People’s Square as “city center”, SNIEC could be reached via a ~15 minute ride on the Line 2 Metro, getting off the Longyang Metro Stop and a short (probably within the starting 11 RMB fare) taxi ride.
1st time in Shanghai. Need advice on how to go from Pudong Airport to Holiday Inn Vista Hotel. Airport Shuttle or Maglev?
Hi Lim, both are fine and it boils down to what you want to see/experience.
Option 1:
a) MagLev from PVG to Longyang Station.
b) Line 2 Metro from Longyang Station to Jin An Temple Station.
c) Taxi from Jin An Temple to your hotel.
Option 2:
a) Airport Shuttle Line 2 from PVG to Jin An Temple.
b) Taxi from Jin An Temple to your hotel.
Option 3:
a) Taxi from PVG to your hotel.
Option 1 lets you experience the MagLev but you’ll need to transfer one extra time and ride the subway. Cost should be 55-60 RMB.
Option 2 lets can let you see more of the city as you drive through it. Cost should be something like 30-35 RMB or so.
Option 3 is recommended if you can’t roll around all your luggage by yourself. The hotel website says 180 RMB for the one-way ride, which strikes me as a bit high. I’d like to see you do it in 150 RMB, but 180 RMB may not be unreasonable. 200+ is when you might want to start worrying.
Hi Kai Pan, thanks for the advice. Would it be easy to get a taxi from JingAn temple? (if i were to choose either Option 1/2) Any thing to look out for?
And roughly how long will the journey takes if i were to go for the shuttle service from PVG->taxi->hotel?
I will be landing in the afternoon around 1:30pm.
Hey Lim, yes, getting a taxi at Jin An won’t be difficult. Nothing much to look out for than the usual. It shouldn’t take more than 11-15 RMB to get to your hotel from there, max 20.
If you take shuttle to taxi to hotel, assuming no major traffic, I’d say 60-90 minutes should be reasonable.
Hi Kai Pan, i will be staying in Radisson Plaza Xing Guo hotel instead. Which shuttle line should i take? And would it be easy to get a taxi from where i would be alighting to get me to the hotel??
Hi Kai ill be going to Shanghai alone on September 11. I will be staying at Holiday Inn Express Putuo. Address is 843 GUANGFU XI ROAD
SHANGHAI, 200063 CHINA. Im totally not sure which is the best option to take from airport to my hotel. :( Help. thanks in advance.
Michael,
Be sure to check this Holiday Inn page.
I would take the Airport Shuttle/Bus Line 2 directly to City Air Terminal (Jin An Temple), and then take a taxi with the hotel’s Chinese address in hand (print it out if your computer can display Chinese characters or bring the English printout with address and name to an airport help desk and ask them to write it in Chinese for you). The shuttle should cost you ~19 RMB with the taxi being ~12-16 RMB. The taxi ride should be pretty direct too since there’s one major road that leads between the two points. You’ll get out at Jin An Temple, probably on Nanjing Xi Lu. Grab a taxi at the curb (in front of the mall, not the opposite curb). The taxi should immediately make a right turn onto Wanhangdan Lu (the first right at the busy intersection), this street becomes (or turns slightly right onto) Wuning Nan Lu, then Wuning Lu, crosses over a bridge (the Suzhou River), and immediately turns left onto Guangfu Xi Lu (Guangfu west Road). A block or two and you should be at your hotel.
If you want to ride the Maglev and Metro, you can take the Maglev to Longyang Lu Station (40RMB with proof of airline ticket), transfer to the Metro (4 RMB), and ride Line 2 to the Jin An Temple stop, before doing the above taxi thing (~12-16 RMB).
The Holiday Inn page says a taxi ride from airport to their place will be 200 RMB.
I recommend the airport shuttle/bus to see more street-level Shanghai. You can take the Maglev for kicks on your way back.
Hi Kai Pan, we’ll be arriving at Pudong Int’l Airport on Sept 11, 2009 around 1130PM and shall be out of the terminal around 12 midnight.
We are four persons and we’d like to know what are our options.
Would taking the Airport Night Line be adviseable before transfering to a taxi somewhere else on our way to our hotel? (The Nanjing Hotel which is located at 200 Shangxi South Road) Or would taking a Taxi be more convenient/safer? What Taxi line is the safer company? Is it true that the sky blue (Dazhong) taxis are safer as well as the Orange (Qiang Sheng) taxis compared to the Burgundy ones? Thanx a lot.
Are you coming in with the Michael above? LoL, both 9/11 flights. In my recent flying experience, the stated time of arrival has corresponded not with the plane landing but with me walking out of the terminal, so you might get out earlier than you think. I’m assuming this is your hotel. I’ve never taken the Midnight Line but judging by the stops it lists online, there isn’t a stop that is close to your hotel. This makes it a bit more inconvenient because it means your taxi ride from the shuttle/bus stop to your hotel will be longer.
How much luggage will you guys have? Would it all fit in a single taxi’s trunk and/or on your laps while the four of you cram in (1 front, 3 back)? If so, one taxi will be fine, but otherwise two. The most expensive but slightly more convenient option is taking two taxis from the airport direct to the hotel. I imagine you’ll end up spending something around ~300-400 RMB this way. Half that if you cram into one taxi.
Alternatively, all four of you would board the midnight shuttle/bus line (~15-19 RMB each) and get off either Dongfang Lu in Pudong or Huashan Lu in Puxi. Both are about equidistant from your hotel though, with Huashan Lu bringing you further west requiring you to taxi backwards east to your hotel (but you might see more street-level Shanghai while you’re at it for the extra time, few RMB, and backtracking). Once you get off the shuttle/bus, hail one-two taxis. Again, like above, have the address in hand, in Chinese for best results. If two taxis, have one follow the other. The taxi ride, from either stop, to your hotel should cost maybe 20-25 RMB, hopefully no more than 30 RMB (each taxi) at that time of the night (higher fare rates).
The shuttle/bus is safe. The taxis are safe too, but there’s a bit more risk in meeting an unscrupulous taxi driver who might want to rip off a foreigner by taking “the scenic route”. They’re getting better these days since the airports have thrown up signs advising visitors of approximate fares but its still better to be careful about that as it leaves an unnecessary bad taste in your mouth. Having four people might be in your favor too. Either way, you shouldn’t expect to get mugged or anything as Shanghai’s a safe city. The teal/light blue taxis definitely have better behaved drivers on average. They’re the biggest company and manage their drivers better. The light green (Ba Shi) and Orange (Qiang Sheng) should be fine too. The burgandy and red ones definitely have a far poorer reputation since they’re smaller companies and thus have lousier drivers/employees. Definitely swing a Dazhong if you can.
Best of luck and have fun in Shanghai!
Thanx Kai Pan for the very prompt and detailed responses.
I saw a map of the Hotel and i noticed a big road which is Yan’an,
How about if we drop off at Middle Yan’an Road then take a Taxi towards Nanjing Hotel which is located at 200 Shangxi South Road?
Does the Airport Nightline buses pass thru there? We’ll be bringing 2 luggages only, so it won’t be a problem putting them on the trunk and we are medium-built people (as most Filipinos are, my wife, sister, & mother are only about 55kgs & me the heaviest at 65 kgs only)
so we’ll definitely fit on 1 taxi only. Are the Jinjiang and Dazhong sightseeing buses still operational?
Thank you very much for your time and patience.
-Leo
Leo, I don’t remember where on Middle Yan’an Road (Yan’an Zhong Lu) the shuttle/bus stops, and it’s a long road. It doesn’t say if the Midnight Line stops on Middle Yan’an Road either. If it does and you opt to get off there, it might be slightly closer to your hotel so it’ll save you a few RMB.
Two suitcases and you guys should be fine taking one taxi. Just up to you if you want to go via shuttle/bus + taxi or just taxi only from the airport.
There should definitely be a help/information desk near the arrival hall at the terminal. I’ve never taken any private transportation from the airport aside from individual taxis. If you’re thinking of a privately-run shuttle or something, I can’t help you there.
Good Day Mr. Kai Pan,
Is there a Taxi/Help Desk/Information counter at or near the Arrival area at Pudong International Airport? Can we just take a ride via some Transportation companies situated at the Airport Arrival area?
Thank You very much.
We’ll be staying at Nanjing Hotel, located at 200 Shangxi South Road,
where is the nearest place to board the Jinjiang and Dazhong Sightseeing buses? If we’ll watch the Shanghai Acrobatic Show, we were told that we can use the subway at Nanjing East Station to get to People’s Square and transfer to Subway Line 1 towards the Shanghai Acrobatic Show. Do you know how near or far is the Theater from the Station? Approximately how many minutes of walk? How many meters?
We’d like to know because our 72-year old mother is coming with us.
Thank you very much Kai Pan.
Leo, sorry, I don’t know about the Jinjiang and Dazhong sightseeing buses. Is the Shanghai Acrobatic Show at Shanghai Circus World? I’m not sure because a lot of shows could be called the “shanghai acrobatic show.” If it is at the Shanghai Circus World, then there’s a stop which is not very far to walk, but I’m not sure if that’s the show/venue you’re referring to.
Hi Kai Pan,
I will be in Shanghai alone on 12/9. I have the afternoon and evening free for walking around. Where will be a good place to stay to see the places of interest like the bund, oriental tower and the shopping districts? I am going to be greedy to see as much as I can. I will be heading to Shanghai Uni at Yanchang Road the next day so I hope to stay somewhere convenient to all. Hope it is possible…:) Thanks in advance!
Shanghai University on Yangchang looks like it is north of downtown Shanghai close to the Line 1 Metro. Given the convenience between switching between Metro Lines 1 and 2, I’d recommend staying anywhere near People’s Square if you want to convenience to the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, and any of the major shopping districts along Nanjing Lu.
Click here for a Google Map. Point A should be close to the Shanghai University campus you’re heading to. Zoom out/scroll down until you see where the red metro line intersects with the green metro line and that’s People’s Square.
For the afternoon you have, you’ll pretty much ride Line 2 to see the various sights along it including the ones you mention. The next morning, you can jump on the Line 1 and head north to Shanghai University.
Hi Kai Pan,
Thank you!
Are there affordable restaurants near our Nanjing Hotel?
What restaurants can you recommend to us that are not very expensive but are worthwhile?
What is spoon and fork in Chinese? Thank You Kai Pan.
Leo, no idea what is “affordable” to you nor am I familiar with the restaurants near your hotel. Spoon is “tiao geng” while fork is “cha zi”. A reasonably popular restaurant serving Shanghainese food would be “Xiao Nan Guo” and they’re a chain. It is mid-range in price, not cheap nor expensive. Here’s the official website but it doesn’t seem to be particularly useful.
am arriving in shanghai and looking for a cheap (25-30Dollars range) near the railway station. do you have any recommendations???
cheeers
sandra…
sandra, I’m sure you can find a Motel 168 ($25) near the Shanghai Railway Station. There are a lot of cheap stays in the area, but unfortunately I don’t have any personal experience with them.
I will be staying at Seventh Heaven Hotel at Nanjing East Road and found this website : http://www.asiatravel.com/china/shanghai/shuttlebus.html that states Airport shuttle bus Line C goes to Sofitel Hotel which is the closest to Seventh heaven hotel. I wonder if this is still running and if this service is only for their own hotel guests only or it is also open for the public.
Appreciate your reply. Thanks
I’m guessing those hotel shuttles must be a private non-airport operated service, or it is really outdated information. I’m afraid I can’t tell you for sure.
According to your earlier reply, Airport Bus Line 5 goes to People’ Square. Can I know which part of People’s Square is the stop and how far is it to the hotel on foot / taxi. I’ve been to this part of Shanghai before, so if you could tell where’s the stop it would be great.
Thanks.
KH, I’m not quite sure why I said Airport Bus Line 5 goes to People’s Square but I certainly said it. Maybe I knew something back then that I forgot now but I recognize that there’s no “People’s Square” stop listed on the official website (the buses do stop at more places than listed online). Moreover, I don’t know where exactly the bus stops as I’ve never taken the 5 personally (I usually take the 6). Judging by the map, it looks like getting off anywhere in People’s Square would be a ~10-15 minute walk at most to your hotel. Taxi shouldn’t cost you more than the starting fare. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
May I ask if KFC is adjacent to T2 terminal. Thanks!
Ms. Elle, not exactly. Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are parallel with each other with the MagLev station in the middle and bridged by 3 major corridors. There is a KFC right outside/opposite the MagLev Station and then another one near it in a food court (more like a food strip) between the MagLev station and Terminal 2 (but towards the MagLev side). That food strip also has a Pizza Hut and several other options. There is a Burger King on the first floor of Terminal 2, however.
Thanks a lot for the info. it wud be a great help. May I inquire on this situation. I’ll be arriving in Shanghai coming from Harbin, and I’l be headed for Shanghai Pudong Airport from there. I understand the taxi fare in Shanghai is quite expensive, is there a bus who will transport us directly to the airport, specifically to T2, as I am leaving for the Philippines.
Thanks in advance!
Ms. Elle, are you arriving in Shanghai (from Harbin) Hongqiao Airport or Pudong Airport? I know you’re leaving for the Philippines from Pudong, but where are you arriving (just to be clear)? If Hongqiao Airport, take the airport shuttle bus between Hongqiao directly to Pudong. See above information and links.
LOL, I’m really sorry I forgot to mention that from Harbin to Shanghai, I’ll take train. thanks again!
Shanghai Railway Station or Shanghai South Railway Station? The links provided above show that both railway stations have shuttle buses to the airport, lines 5 and 7 respectively. You’ll just need to find the boarding area at the train station. I’m afraid I couldn’t explain how to find them at each station but I’m willing to bet Shanghai South Railway Station has better signage and directions being newer and all.
You can also opt to take the Line 1 metro and interchange at Line 2. Once you’re on Line 2, go to Longyang Lu station, exit, and transfer to the MagLev to the airport.
Hi
Thank you for your information but I also have a question. I am trying to combine business with pleasure while I am in China. I need to visit a factory that in in the Song jang area. I understand that Shanghai is a very big place. I plan on being in Shanghai for 4 nights. So I was wondering if it would be to my advantage to stay 2 nights in the city center and 2 nights in the song jang area. I want to be able to see as much as possible, especially since 2 days will be in a factory. Please help.
Thank you in advance.
Kathleen
Kathleen,
What hours do you anticipate needing to be at the factory in Songjiang? Songjiang is southwest of downtown Shanghai. If you’re only going to be at the factory for a few hours during those two days, it might make more sense to stay in downtown Shanghai so you can make the most of your non-factory time. Helping this would be if the factory can arrange transportation to and fro for you, or you’re willing to spend some money on taxi-ing (or taxi+metro) to and fro.
If the factory is going to arrange sights for you to see in the Songjiang area during those two days, then maybe you can stay there, but generally, if you’re hoping to see Shanghai, you’d likely want to start with the sights in downtown proper.
Cheers.
I’m arriving Shanghai Railway Station. I actually found out what bus to take which is directly going to Shanghai Pudong Airport, Line 5 buses. But, MagLev is something I wanted to experience, too. It’s sounds interesting, and for us who don’t usually come to this city, it’s a once i a lifetime experience as well.
Just being adventurous. I would really risk riding on Maglev, even if I got a lot og baggages to carry with me. LOL.
Anyway, thanks for all the infos. You have helped a lot.
Good luck!
Hey Kai,
All great info but I’d like to know – do Shanghai taxis have big gas tanks in the boot like other places in China. Gotta collect friends from Pudong and while I would use maglev/metro option they are opting for taxi route. There’s three of them and I’m worried all the luggage and four people won’t fit.
Hey Jenny,
I’ve seen both in Shanghai though those with the extra gas tank very rarely. Most have the normal full trunk of a VW Santana, minus whatever junk they may or may not have back there. I’d say its good for two full-size luggage cases, and some small ones, depending on how big your luggage is and how creative you are about fitting things in. For four people all with luggage, I have a feeling you’ll need two taxis to be comfortable. :\
Have just got back to Wuhu from Shanghai and all went painlessly. Out of the airport to a taxi rank, expecting to get two taxis (once I’d actually seen the size of their bags!) We get in line and a really friendly official asks us if we want one large mini bus taxi – it’ll cost the same as one ordinary taxi. I’m suspicious, and ask if it will be on the meter, the reply – “Of course” So, we wait five minutes, and I’m real happy when a Da Zhong taxi turns up. It could have seated seven easily and lots more luggage then we had. We took a direct route to the city and he dropped us off as close to our hotel as he could (East Asia – 680 East Nanjing Rd) Grand total 150RMB. Not bad. Maybe it was easier because I speak some Chinese and was quite relaxed about it and showed that I knew what I was doing/where I was going but it seemed a pretty typical service.
Ok, so that’s the good stuff. However, the taxi fares did go up whilst we were there and some drivers were using that as a reason to scam laowai! Swings and roundabouts!
Jenny,
Glad to hear your trip from the airport went smoothly. Yes, there are minivans and truck taxis too, just much rarer but it seems like they had some at the airport. Probably a good idea to recommend people to ask attendants for those in the future if they have a lot of people. :)
LoL, and yeah, the fares went up to 12 RMB (first 3km) and 2.40 RMB (per km afterwards) on the 10th I think. That should make things a bit pricier. It would suck if they’re taking scenic routes and claiming the higher prices are due to a recent fare change though. Blah.
Hi Kai Pan
I would like to thank you for the traspo guide you posted in my favor. I had a great time tracking down to Shanghai Pudong airport from Shanghai railway station. It was a great help you did. Thanks again! Good luck dude!
Hey Ms. Elle, glad it helped and thanks for the thanks! :)
Hi, I have not been to Shanghai for ages and will be heading there next week. Staying at Sheraton Hongqiao. Do you know the estimated cost for taxi from the MegLav station to the hotel? much appreciated! :D
Dju-Lyn,
Your hotel is all the way on the other side of Shanghai. With the new taxi rates, I’m guessing a taxi ride from Longyang Lu Maglev Station to Hongqiao can cost you ~200 RMB, of course, all subject to traffic and time of day. I’d recommend transferring to the Line 2 Metro and riding it across Shanghai (4 RMB) to Loushanguan Rd. station before taking a taxi to your hotel. This is, of course, assuming I have the address correct for your hotel. If so, the taxi ride from the metro station to your hotel shouldn’t be more than 12-15 RMB.
Hi Kai Pan, thanks for this. The hotel address is No. 5 Zun Yi Nan Road.
If the transfer to the metro line 2 is convenient with luggage, I think I will do that. If not, I would probably still have to take the taxi. Is there a taxi rank at the Loushanguan Rd. Station?
Hey Dju-Lyn,
The Maglev and Metro station at Longyang will have escalators up and down so transferring luggage shouldn’t be too tough. There’s no taxi rank at Loushanguan Rd. but you’ll basically go to the curb and flag down a taxi. Just be sure you have the hotel’s address in hand, ideally written in Chinese (though they should be able to read Pinyin anyway). Unless you’re in gridlock, you shouldn’t see the taxi cab fare go above 20 RMB. If it goes above 30, that’s probably time to act crazy and start wailing on the plastic divider between you and the driver. ;) I think you should be fine though. Cheers and welcome back to Shanghai!
HI!
Need advice here, this is my first time to Shanghai, I will arrive on Monday evening, around 6pm. I am thinking of taking the Maglev to Longyang and transfer to a cab or metro. My hotel is in Nanjing West Road. However, I am afraid that the metro will be packed with people as it is around evening time when people knock off from work. Am afraid I will have difficulty boarding the metro with my luggage. Would you recommend me skipping the metro and take cab from Longyang station instead? I can speak Mandarin as I am overseas Chinese. Thanks
Hey Ann,
You’re right that you’ll probably be getting here during rush hour but that’s true for both the metro and taxis. I’m thinking there won’t be too many people already on or boarding the westbound Line 2 Metro at the Longyang stop. Of course, as you head towards city center, the metro will accumulate more passengers but the idea is for you to have gotten on before them and thus already have staked out your spot.
The metro should get the most crowded before reaching People’s Square, which should be one stop before where you’re getting off if your hotel is at Nanjing West Road. At People’s Square, a lot of riders will get off, usually to switch to other lines. If you’re lucky, fewer people (switching to Line 2 from other lines) will get on, leaving you relatively unsquished to exit at the next stop. If you’re unlucky, about as many people will get on as those who got off. Therefore, it’s probably a good idea to position yourself as unobtrusively as possible near the exit either way. You don’t want to reach your stop and then be unable to get you and your luggage out because other passengers who aren’t getting off are blocking your way.
If you decide to take a taxi from Longyang station, be advised that you’ll most likely run into substantial traffic most of the way, especially through the tunnels under the Huangpu River and then trying to get to your hotel near Nanjing Xi Lu. You won’t be crowded but it’ll take you much more time to get where you need to go and it’ll cost you much much more. If you don’t mind the price, you can consider it and comfort yourself with the notion that this way, you’ll be seeing Shanghai at street-level for the first time.
Cheers.
hi thank you for your advice, it’s very helpful! I think I will take the metro since my hotel is on this westbound line 2 and I do not need to switch line, makes travelling so much easier.
Hi,
my friend & i will reach pudong airport at 22.35pm on 12 nov .Was trying to figure out the airport shuttles and it looks like line no5(not sure?) could let us down nearest the Phoenix hostel which’s on Yunnan South Rd, or if it’s the last airport shuttle, stopping at middle zhejiang rd would be closest. Do u know what’s the estimated total fares if we take one of these shuttles and then a cab down to our hostel from there so late at night? Will we save a lot by using this method and is it convenient or should we just try to get the hostel shuttle at rmb 150? Is 150rmb a lot for a hotel transfer?We’ll be travelling light, most likely just a suitcase & at most a hand-carry each.we both speak chinese well btw(but not native accent).
Thanks so much!
Hi wen,
150 RMB for a hostel transfer is probably okay for where your hostel is located relative to the airport. It’s probably at least the cost of the taxi ride or even possibly cheaper at the recently increased fare rates. You may want to check if they’ll offer the service at the time you’re arriving (late night) if you decide to take that option.
The shuttle bus fares should be around ~20 RMB I think. Even with a taxi ride from the shuttle stop to your hostel, the total shouldn’t exceed ~50 RMB (unless you stop at the wrong stop). As such, it should still be much cheaper than the hostel transfer shuttle or taxi. No worries about the native accent. As long as your Mandarin’s fine and you have a general idea of the geography of where you need to go, you should be okay. Cheers!
Hi
I am arriving at PVG at 3pm on a Sunday. I want to take the MagLev and then subway line #2 to my hotel (thanks to your previous postings). My hotel address is 1225 Nanjing XI Lu across from the Ritz Carlton. What subway stop do I want to get off at? And when i get on the subway will it be clear what direction to get onto line #2? Thanks for your help. By the way this is my first trip to Shanghai. Where do you go for a dinner out with friends – not where the tourist go? I will be with someone (once I arrive at the hotel) who speaks Mandarin.
Hey working traveler,
If its right across from Ritz Carlton, you’ll want to get off EITHER at Nanjing Xi Lu (Nanjing West Road) or the Jin An Temple metro stop. Both are roughly equidistant from your hotel, one stopping a bit east of the hotel, the other overshooting your hotel a wee bit west. Hm, I’m trying to think of whether Jin An Temple might be slightly closer. Both stations have exits onto Nanjing West Road and distance to the hotel is easily walkable (a few blocks).
When you get off the MagLev, the Line 2 Metro Station is in another building parallel with and right next to the MagLev station. It shouldn’t be hard to miss it, there will be signs, and people can point you the way. When you get into the Line 2 station (buy a ticket, 4 RMB), be sure to board the train heading West towards Songhong Lu (Songhong Road), which would be the train that has far more stops left on its route.
If you want good but pricey Shanghainese food, you can try a place called Crystal Jade in the Westgate Mall (the mall with the big Isetan I think, near the Nanjing Xi Lu metro station on the same side of Plaza 66). This is easily walkable from your hotel as well. If you want decent and more reasonably priced Shanghainese food, try the Xiao Nan Guo chain. I think there’s one near the Nanjing Xi Lu metro station as well, on Wujiang Lu. Your Mandarin-speaking friend should be able to help you find these places. Frankly, there are tons of good dining for a group of friends in Shanghai. It more or less boils down to your personal preferences for ambiance and cuisine. Welcome to Shanghai!
Awesome! Thank you for the help on the trip from the airport. And for the food ideas. Can i ask your favorite place for a drink (beer) and good food? Casual is good. I would like to try places that you might not find on the web. Thanks again for everything!
Frankly, you can find almost anything on the web. There are tons of drinking holes around your hotel’s area, most of which I don’t recommend precisely because they’re full of tourists and really sleazy types (both foreign and domestic). If you’re looking for a beer and good food kind of place, I can recommend Boxing Cat Brewery (French Concession location). You’ll need to taxi there and its American food but casual ambiance and not shady. Nearer to your place is Malone’s (just ask for directions from the hotel) which is also beer and American food, also casual. You can also get beer with pretty much any restaurant and cuisine though, but I think you’re specifically looking for watering holes, pubs, bars, lounges? Blue Frog is also another bar-restaurant kind of place though a bit trendier that the above two. It’s also a chain and also very American. Not sure if this is what you had in mind so feel free to describe more of what you’re looking for if you need more suggestions.
Again great help and suggestions. What I would like to find is what your describe but with local food and local beverage. Thanks again.
Hm, the Chinese don’t really have that sort “pub” or “restaurant-bar” culture. Even “piano bars” are decidedly Western so I’m afraid there’s no true Chinese equivalent featuring draft beers and Chinese cuisine/finger-foods.
If you’re keen on local alcohol, you can try Chinese beers (but they’re generally considered unremarkable in taste), Chinese “huang jiu” (literally, “yellow wine/alcohol”), and Chinese “bai jiu” (literally, “white wine/alcohol”). Chinese beers are generally very cheap, a few kuai for a 640ml bottle from a convenience store. At a restaurant, of course, it’ll be more expensive. “Huang jiu” is mid-level and can be enjoyed hot. “Bai jiu” is generally not for the meek. The good stuff can be very expensive, with the decent stuff costing in the mid-hundreds (of RMB) at a restaurant (though 100-300 at the supermarket). Both of the restaurants I mentioned earlier will serve all three types of alcohol. I suggest enjoying them (or not) with dinner with your friends.
Another recommendation for dining would be 1221. You’ll need a taxi for this one as well. It’s actually quite famous amongst slightly more informed tourists and foreigners but it’s actually downright tasty and genuine Chinese food. I’m trying to recommend the places that I know many other foreigners have enjoyed that I can also say Chinese people enjoy as well.
Again, there’s no “pub” that serves only Chinese beers and foods, so gather your friends, go to a Chinese restaurant, and just order some alcohol with your meal, whether that be a ton of Chinese beer or a bottle or two of the hard stuff. If all goes well, I think you’ll quickly realize that while many Chinese lack the enzyme to metabolize alcohol and get flush right quick, they put down some hard stuff with the best of them.
Hi,
Our hotel is the Salvo Hotel in the Bund, I didn’t see this hotel listed, would you know what number bus will take us there.
Thanks
What us the best option for a family of 5 arriving at 22:00 hours?
Thanks in advance
Kerry L,
You’re not giving me much information to work with here. At 10pm at night, you won’t have the subway or maglev, so its either the airport shuttle bus or a taxi. In general, as mentioned in the post, the airport shuttle bus is going to be cheaper by far UNLESS you manage to find a taxi that is a van that can hold all five of you. Otherwise, you’d need to get two taxis and if you’re going downtown, that’ll run you 300-600 RMB total. Taking the shuttle bus to a stop nearest to your destination before taking two taxis to your final destination should be much cheaper as the shuttle bus portion should only run the five of you ~100 RMB total, while the taxi portion hopefully won’t cost more than 16-50 RMB per taxi (depending on how far your destination is from the nearest shuttle bus stop).
HI! I just came back from Shanghai one week ago. My hotel is on Nanjing West Road, Ruitai Hotel. My fare from the airport to the hotel cost me RMB166 (with a bit of jam) and from hotel to airport, cost me RMB213!!! The travelling time is about an hour from Nanjing West to the airport, hope this helps.
Thank you. Just starting the planning so anything helps!
Hi,
My friends and i are from singapore and this is our first time here.
My hotel is at 619, JiuJiang Road, Huangpu District in Shanghai. Would really appreciate if you can help me on using the Maglev or Airport Shuttle bus. Thanks thanks!! look forward to your reply.
=D
Wan Ching,
Your hotel appears to be near the Nanjing Pedestrian Street, between the Line 2 People’s Square station and the Line 2 Nanjing Dong Lu station. If you don’t have too much luggage and don’t mind walking a few blocks (rolling your luggage the way), I recommend taking the MagLev from Pudong Airport to Longyang Lu MagLev station, transferring over to the Line 2 metro station (right next to the MagLev station), and then riding Line 2 to either of the above two stations. Once you reach one of those stations, exit, and walk to your hotel. Obviously, you should check some online maps or the maps posted at the metro stations to know which direction to walk.
If you want to try to Airport Shuttle Bus, I think Routes 2, 5, or 6 might work for you. Just ask which shuttle bus will take you closest to People’s Square. You may want to get a taxi for the remainder of the distance from your bus stop if it’s anywhere but People’s Square though.
Good Mrg Kai Pan,
My friends & I will (5 pax) be staying at 789 Nanjing Road East Shanghai, flight arriving abt 1 noon on Christmas Day. Can you guide us the best way & estimate cost to our hotel from Pudong Airport. Can you also suggest just a 1 day trip on the place of interest tat we should not miss since is our first & only 4 days trip. Shopping & eating is a must to us…haha…..By the way will it be snowing by the than we arrive????……..thanks
Gwedolyn,
If the address you give me is correct, you’re right on the Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street. All the information you need should already be in the post. I would take the MagLev to the Metro Line 2 and then exit the Nanjing East Road metro station, then walk 1 block to your hotel. The cost should be 44 RMB per person.
In my experience, it doesn’t usually snow in Shanghai during the winters. When it does, it only lasts maybe 1 day and usually happens in January.
Since this is your first time in Shanghai, you probably want to see all of the major tourist spots. Your hotel is already on one of the major tourist spots (Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street). If you walk East on that street, you’ll reach the Bund, which is another tourist spot. However, I think the Bund is still mostly under renovations. You may want to take a Huangpu River cruise while at the Bund to see both sides of Shanghai (Puxi and Pudong) from the middle of the river.
If you walk West along Nanjing East Road, you’ll reach People’s Square, which is also a tourist spot. There you’ll find more shopping and the Shanghai Grand Theatre, Shanghai Museum, and Shanghai Urban Planning Exposition Center. Just walk around the square and admire the architecture and parks. You can go inside the museum if you like art, but I do recommend going into the Urban Planning Exposition Center to get a good overview of Shanghai.
For bargain shopping, the main place to go will probably be Qi Pu Lu or Qi Pu Road, which is north of your hotel across the Suzhou River. You can even walk there (ask your hotel for a map and directions). There are tons of big buildings there filled with small stalls selling almost everything. Generally, be sure to shop around and know that the prices will be better in the upper floors than the lower floors. Bargain hard.
If you go further west on Nanjing Road until you get to Nanjing West Road, you’ll reach some higher end shopping malls. Frankly, there’s no real point to shop there if you’re from Singapore, but you can just walk around if you want. One place you want to stop by is the older half of Wujiang Lu which has a lot of restaurants and snacks. They’re going to close this part down soon I think, so hopefully you’ll get there before they do. Even now, it isn’t as cool as it used to be.
Go further west and you’ll get to Jin An Temple. However, it really isn’t that big of a deal. Instead, you’ll probably want to go south of your hotel to the old Shanghai city and visit Cheng Huang Miao (the Old City God Temple), which surrounds the Yu Gardens (Yu Yuan). This is another big tourist spot so unless you want people asking you why you didn’t visit it, you should probably visit it at least once and walk through it. Inside, beside the Yu Garden, there’s a famous Shanghai “xiaolongbao” restaurant that you may want to try, though I personally don’t think it’s that good.
I think visiting just these places alone over four days should be enough. If you don’t walk around much, you can probably visit more places but part of the fun is to take your time walking around and explore. If you need another place, then I’d recommend exploring the French Concession along Huai Hai Lu.
Kai Pan,
Thank you very much for your information…….it’s really sound interesting and shall be looking forward to this trip……..CHEERS
Hi Kai Pan,
Wondering if you have any comments about the Shanghai’s Ocean Aquarium Park? My family & I will be making a trip to Shanghai soon and we are thinking of bringing our children there. Do it think it’s worth to make the trip to the Aquarium? Any suggestion how do we make our way there if we are staying in a hotel in Nanjing Road East? Thanks in advance!
Hey Catherine,
Visiting the Aquarium is, personally, not near the top of my list of things to do when visiting Shanghai…but if it’s for the kids, I can understand. More information on the Acquarium, in English, is here. I’ve also personally never gone there in all my years in Shanghai. It depends on your kids, but I think the Shanghai Urban Planning Exposition Center in People’s Square is much more interesting and more “Shanghai” than another aquarium.
Here’s one review on SmartShanghai.
If you’re on Nanjing East Road, you just need to take Line 2 Metro east one stop to Lujiazui station. The Aquarium is right underneath/beside the Oriental Pearl Tower when you exit that station.
Hello Kai,
I am going to travel to Australia via Shanghai. There I have to wait 10 hours and I thought it would be cool to have lunch in the centre of Shanghai. Ofcourse I don’t want to miss my flight and it would be nice to have some kind of coordination when I will be there. So where I will take of of the Maglev, is that right in the centre or some of the centre? Is it easy to find it back and can the people there speak proper english if I would ask something?
Hope you can help me with this!
Greets,
Edith van Munster
Hey Edith,
The Maglev will have people who speak reasonable English (not so sure about proper). With 10 hours, you should be fine for a little jaunt into downtown Shanghai for lunch. Where are you coming from? You have a visa that allows you to wander out of the airport, right?
If so, to be on the safe side, make sure you’re checked in to your next flight before leaving the airport and budget at least an hour for going through security on your way back. If you had 10 hours, let’s say that cuts off a liberal 2 hours, leaving you with 8.
Leave another hour for the roundtrip Maglev train. Although the train ride itself only takes about 7-10 minutes, you have to factor in waiting time, and the train sometimes only leaves once every half hour. Now you’re down to 7.
Once you’ve taken the Maglev out of PVG, you’ll be at Longyang Rd Maglev station, adjacent to the Longyang Rd. Line 2 Metro station. Go in, buy a ticket, ideally at a kiosk (4 RMB), and take it into downtown Shanghai, getting off wherever you please for lunch. If you don’t have a predetermined destination and just want to wander and find a place to eat, some obvious stops would be Lujiazui (skyscrapers, pearl tower, and mall), Nanjing East Rd (the bund, pedestrian street, malls), People’s Square (malls, malls, malls), Nanjing West Rd (malls, park, pedestrian street), Jian An Temple (mall, park), even Zhongshan Park (malls, big park). All of these are on Line 2. If you want to go to XinTianDi, transfer to Line 1 at People’s Square, and take the Line 1 metro south one station to Huang Pi South Rd. There’ll be maps and people who can easily point you to XTD. Budgeting 1-1.5 hours for roundtrip subway leaves you with 5.5 hours.
5.5 hours is plenty for strolling around and having lunch.
Dear sir,
i got to give you a bravo, this article is very helpfull for anyone who s first visit to Shanghai. Following your advice to take option 2 or 3, i decided, for the few rmb that i know i will not be cheated of to take option 2. Basically thank you very much, it is very helpful. Thanks a lot man. You deserve a big hi 5. Thanks
Hi
please could you let me know the nearest airport bus stop for Broadway mansions hotel
Bei suzhou road
Thanks
Richard
Hello Kai,
I have obtained very valuable info from this site. My wife and myself will arrive at PVG very first time on the land of China at 1600 on Mar. 19. I have booked at Hengsheng Peninsula International at 205 Wusong Rd. We may take one of the two ways but another will be taking a taxi at the airport.
1. Take Airport Shuttle Line 4 to reach Hongkou Football stadium and find a taxi to the hotel.
==> Is it easy/difficult to get a taxi there at night?
2. Take Hotel Shuttle bus Line C and get off at Broadway Mansion Hotel. Then walk up or take a taxi north on Wusong Rd to the hotel.
Somewhere above you mentioned that Hotel Shuttle may not run anymore. We will find it out.
==> my question is if Wusong Rd is walkable with luggages. Someone mentioned it is not.
Is there any other options?
Any suggestions or advice will be much appreciated.
Thanks Kai.
Hey Yoshihiro, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a taxi if you take the Airport Shuttle.
Hi Kai Pan,
I will arrive to Shanghai after 1100 pm on 17 Mar 10, so the option is only taxi. I am planning to stay in Bund hotel. Can you pls advice me how much it would cost for taxi? Or it is better to book taxi (i am searching for it) to pick me up from the airport.