Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
    IATA Code: SHA

    Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) Lies 13 km West of Downtown Shanghai, Flies Mostly Domestic Routes, and Has One of China’s Largest High-Speed Railway Stations Attached to Terminal 2

    View All eSIM Plans for China
    Airport Data Sheet
    SHA
    IATA / ICAOSHA / ZSSS
    ServesShanghai, China
    Coordinates31.1981° N, 121.3343° E
    Elevation10 ft
    Number of Terminals2 Terminals
    Airport Opening HoursNo Flights 00:00-06:00
    Recommended Arrival TimeArrive 2 h before Departure
    Official Websiteshairport.com
    // Airport Data

    Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport at a Glance

    Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Stand on Opposite Sides of the Airfield and Are Not Walkable; Metro Line 10 Links Them in One Stop. Terminal 1 Takes the International, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Flights; Terminal 2, Four Times Its Size, Carries Most Domestic Traffic and Opens onto the Hub the High-Speed Trains Share

    IATA SHA · ICAO ZSSS · Elev 10 ft
    // Connectivity

    Is There Free WiFi at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport?

    Yes. Airport-FreeWiFi-HQ Covers the Public Areas of Both Terminals. The Log-In Accepts an SMS Code, a Photograph of Your Passport Taken on the Sign-In Page, or a Number from One of the Self-Service Kiosks. Sites Blocked across Mainland China Stay Blocked on It

    Where Can I Buy a SIM Card at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport?

    Security Lane 02 · Place One Option on the BeltLive Compare
    X-Ray MonitorScanning · travelData.shop eSIM

    Airport WiFi

    Connection SpeedSlow / Unstable
    CostFree, Often Time-Limited
    Activation TimeLogin / Ads / Forms
    Documents NeededYes (eMail / ID / Login)
    CoverageOnly inside Airport
    SecurityPublic Network (Risk)
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyNo
    Local Phone NumberNo
    Can Pay in CashNot Applicable
    Where You Get ItAt the Terminal, Once You Land

    Local SIM Card

    Connection SpeedFast 4G/5G Speeds
    CostCounter Price, Varies by Desk
    Activation TimeQueue and Paperwork at the Desk
    Documents NeededPassport Often Required
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyNo
    Local Phone NumberYes
    Can Pay in CashYes
    Where You Get ItA Desk or Kiosk in the Terminal

    Roaming Options

    Connection SpeedFast, Depends on Your Plan
    CostYour Operator Rate, Can Be High
    Activation TimeInstant Connection
    Documents NeededNone
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyYes
    Local Phone NumberKeeps Your Own Number
    Can Pay in CashNo
    Where You Get ItAlready Active on Your Phone

    travelData.shop eSIM

    Connection SpeedFast 4G/5G Speeds
    CostFree Trial, Then from 2.99 $
    Activation TimeInstant Connection
    Documents NeededNone
    CoverageWorks across Entire Country
    SecurityPrivate Secure Connection
    Can Be Set Up before You FlyYes
    Local Phone NumberOn Selected Plans
    Can Pay in CashNo
    Where You Get ItOnline, before You Leave Home
    PlanPilot™ AI · Verdict
    Set It Up before You Fly and You Land Already Online
    // Why eSIM

    Why Use eSIM Instead of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport WiFi?

    Skip the Login Portals — Land, Tap Once, and You Are on a Fast Private Connection That Keeps Working Far beyond the Terminal

    Instant Connection

    Get Online the Moment You Land — No Searching for WiFi, No Waiting, No Login Screens

    Works beyond the Airport

    Stay Connected across the Entire China — From the Airport to Your Hotel, City Center, or Road Trip

    No Public WiFi Risks

    Avoid Slow, Unsecured Public Airport Networks & Stay on Your Own Private Mobile Connection Instead

    Perfect for Travel Essentials

    Use Maps, Book a Ride, Check-In to Your Hotel, or Message Instantly after Arrival

    // Setup

    How to Get Internet at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    Get Connected Instantly after Landing — No Airport WiFi Needed

    1. 01
      Pre-Flight

      Choose Your DATA Plan

      Pick the Best Option for Your Arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    2. 02
      Boarding

      Install eSIM in One Tap

      Activate Your eSIM Instantly with One Tap — QR Code Available as a Backup

    3. 03
      Arrival

      Get Online Instantly

      Start Using Internet Immediately at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    // Boarding Data

    Best Way to Get Internet at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    Compare Free WiFi vs Mobile Data & Choose What Works Best for You

    // FAQ

    FAQs about Internet at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    Everything You Need to Know about Getting Online at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    In Most Cases, Yes. eSIM Mobile Data Is Usually Faster, More Stable, and More Secure than Crowded Public WiFi at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Especially during Peak Travel Hours
    Yes. You Can Buy and Install Your eSIM before Departure so Your Mobile Data Works Instantly When You Land at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
    No. If Your Phone Supports eSIM, You Don’t Need to Buy a Physical SIM Card at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport — You Can Get Mobile Data Instantly Online
    Yes. Once Your eSIM Is Installed, Your Mobile Data Starts Working as Soon as You Land and Connect to a Local Network
    Most Travelers Are Comfortable with 1GB to 5GB for Navigation, Ride Apps, Messaging, and Light Browsing during the First Days after Arrival
    Yes. Most Dual-SIM Phones Allow You to Keep Your Regular SIM for Calls and SMS While Using eSIM for Mobile Data
    Yes. You Can Increase Your Data Amount and Also Extend Your Plan Validity, Depending on the Provider and Package Options Available for Your eSIM
    Support // LIVE CHAT 24/7

    Still Need Help?

    Chat With Our Support Team 24/7 for Help With Compatibility, Installation, Activation, or Connection Issues

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    // Terminal Guide

    First Time at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport? Here’s What You Should Know

    Number of TerminalsF1
    2 Terminals
    Terminal 1 Takes the International, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Flights and a Few Domestic Carriers; Terminal 2 Is Four Times Its Size
    SHA · Terminal Guide · F1
    Terminal LayoutF2
    T1 and T2, across the Airfield
    Terminal 2 Stands beside Hongqiao Railway Station; Terminal 1 Lies about 2 km East, across Two Runways of 3,400 m and 3,300 m
    SHA · Terminal Guide · F2
    Transfers between TerminalsF3
    Metro Line 10, One Stop
    There Is No Airside Link. Metro Line 10 Runs between the Terminals in about 5 Minutes for CNY 3, so You Repeat Check-In and Security
    SHA · Terminal Guide · F3
    Airport Opening HoursF4
    No Flights 00:00-06:00
    A Curfew Stops Take-Offs and Landings between Midnight and 06:00. Shops, Desks and Restaurants Follow the Flights and Most Close by 22:00
    SHA · Terminal Guide · F4
    Check-In and Security HoursF5
    Closes 25-45 min Before
    Spring Airlines Closes Domestic Check-In 25 min before Departure, China Eastern 30 with a Bag and Others 35; International Closes 40-45 min
    SHA · Terminal Guide · F5
    Recommended Arrival TimeF6
    Arrive 2 h before Departure
    Two Hours Suits a Domestic Flight. Allow Three for an International, Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan Departure from Terminal 1
    SHA · Terminal Guide · F6
    // Airport Parking

    Where Can I Park at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport?

    See Practical Airport Parking Options, Walking Time to Terminals, Typical Price Guidance, and Booking Tips before You Drive to the Airport

    Parking Options
    2 Available
    Booking Advice
    Pre-Book Online
    Parking Ticket

    Terminal 1 Parking Garage

    Typical Price
    CNY 10 an Hour for 2 h, Then CNY 5
    Location
    Beside Terminal 1, on the Eastern Side of the Airfield
    Best For
    Short Stays and Pick-Ups at Terminal 1

    Capped at CNY 60 within 24 Hours, CNY 80 over 24-48 h and CNY 110 for Each Further Day. The First 20 Minutes Are Free. Rates Set on 26 March 2017

    SHA · TE · Terminal 1 Parking Garage
    Parking Ticket

    Terminal 2 Garages P5 to P8

    Typical Price
    CNY 10 an Hour for 2 h, Then CNY 5
    Location
    East Transportation Center at Terminal 2, 1500 Shenkun Road, North and South Sides
    Best For
    Anything from an Hour to a Week at Terminal 2

    The Same Caps as Terminal 1, and the First 20 Minutes Are Free. Large Vehicles Pay Double. Rates Set on 12 February 2015

    SHA · TE · Terminal 2 Garages P5 to P8

    The Published Rates Are for Small Cars, and Large Vehicles Pay Double at Terminal 2. Part Hours Are Billed as Full Hours, and Charging Restarts Every 24 Hours

    // Airport Lounges

    What Facilities Does Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Have?

    Lounges at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    Access Key — Who Gets in, Stated Once
    Priority Pass× 6

    Priority Pass and Comparable Lounge Memberships, Plus Passengers Travelling in the Right Cabin or Holding the Operating Airline’s Status

    Juneyao Air V6 Lounge

    Terminal 2 · Airside, Domestic Departures
    FoodBar ServiceWi-FiSeatingLuggage StoragePlay Area
    SHA · Pass 01 · Daily 05:30-22:00

    Take the Lift Opposite Boarding Gate 38 to the Second Floor. Two-Hour Maximum Stay

    China Southern Sky Pearl Club Lounge V26

    Terminal 2 · Airside, Domestic Departures, Third Floor
    FoodBar ServiceWi-FiSeatingMassage ChairsNewspapers
    SHA · Pass 02 · From 06:20 to the Last China Southern Flight

    Near Boarding Gates 50 to 54, for Departing Passengers Only. Two-Hour Maximum Stay

    V1 VIP Lounge

    Terminal 2 · Airside, Domestic Departures, Area B
    Hot FoodWi-FiSeatingLuggage StorageFlight Information
    SHA · Pass 03 · From 06:00 to the Last Flight

    Opposite Gate A26, Second Floor by Lift. Hot Food 06:30-09:00, 11:00-13:00 and 17:00-19:00

    China Eastern V01 International Lounge

    Terminal 1 · Airside, International Departures, Fourth Floor
    FoodBar ServiceWi-FiDay BedsMeeting Rooms
    SHA · Pass 04 · From 06:00 to the Last China Eastern Flight

    At the End of the Corridor, past Passport Control

    VIP Lounge V03

    Terminal 1 · Airside, International Departures, Building A
    FoodBar ServiceWi-FiSeatingNewspapers
    SHA · Pass 05 · From 06:00 to the Last Flight

    Fourth Floor of Building A, Then Turn Right Out of the Lift. Two-Hour Maximum Stay

    AVINEX VIP

    Terminal 1 · Landside, before Security
    Soft DrinksWi-FiSeatingFlight InformationNewspapers
    SHA · Pass 06 · From 06:00 to the Last Flight

    Inside Building A through Entrance 5, on the Left. Landside, so Leave Time for Security

    // Passenger Facilities

    Lounges, Food, ATMs and Storage

    Check Practical Terminal Services While Waiting, Arriving or Departing: Food, ATMs, Storage, Charging, Accessibility Support and More

    Terminal 1 Has a Machine in the Public Arrivals Area by the International Inquiry Counter and One inside the Restricted Arrivals Area. Terminal 2 Has Five, Three of Them Airside
    Terminal 1 Has Counters Opposite Departures Gate 5, by Gates T11 and T14 Airside and near the International Pick-Up Hall. Terminal 2 Has a Bank Desk and an Exchange Machine
    Paid Left Luggage for Up to a Month. Terminal 1: The Baggage Service Counter Opposite Departures Gate 5, 07:00-20:30. Terminal 2: Opposite Arrivals Gate 1, 07:00-23:00
    Terminal 1 Takes Lost Property at the Counter Opposite Departures Gate 6, 07:00-20:30. Terminal 2 Does It Opposite Arrivals Gate 1, 07:00-23:00. Bring Photo ID
    Terminal 2 Has the Wider Choice, with Starbucks in the North Triangle and COSTA by Gate 57. Terminal 1 Has Starbucks, a Ramen Bar and KFC. Almost Nothing Stays Open past 22:00
    Duty-Free Sits in the Terminal 1 International Departures Area, Open from 07:00 to the Last Flight. Terminal 2 Is Domestic, so Its Larger Shopping Strip Is Ordinary Retail
    Both Terminals Have Sockets in the Seating and at Grouped Points. Terminal 1 Offers Two-Pin, Three-Pin, USB and USB-C; Terminal 2 Offers Two-Pin, Three-Pin and USB
    Mother-and-Baby Rooms in Both Terminals, and the Terminal 2 Pair Opposite Gates 38 and 58 Have a Feeding Area, a Steriliser and a Bottle Warmer. Play Areas by Gates 40 and 56
    Smoking Is Outdoors Only. Terminal 1 Has Points by Departures Gates 6 and 7, Airside by Gates T16 and T22, and by Arrivals Gates 2 and 3; Terminal 2 by Departures Gates 4 to 8
    Both Terminals Have Step-Free Routes, Lifts, Accessible Toilets and Priority Channels, and Wheelchairs Can Be Borrowed. Accessible Parking Bays Are Booked on the Airport Hotline

    First-Aid Rooms Open 06:30-22:30 in Both Terminals, with 11 Defibrillators in Terminal 1 and 21 in Terminal 2. Counter 101 in the Terminal 1 International Arrivals Hall Sells SIM Cards, 07:30-19:00

    // Overnight Stay

    Where Can I Sleep at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport?

    Find On-Airport and Nearby Hotel Options, How to Reach Them from Arrivals, Expected Nightly Rates, and Practical Booking Tips for Late Arrivals or Early Departures

    Hotels Nearby
    5 Available
    Inside the TerminalSHA · H1

    Boyue Hotel Shanghai Air China Hongqiao Airport

    How to Reach
    Inside Terminal 2, a Few Minutes from the Check-In Hall
    Location
    At Gate 2 on the Departures Level of Terminal 2
    Best For
    Early Departures and Long Layovers

    457 Rooms with Apron Views, an Air China Check-In Desk and Lounge in the Lobby, a 24-Hour Gym and All-Day Dining

    Connected to TerminalSHA · H2

    Hilton Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    How to Reach
    A Covered Walk into Terminal 1, with a Hotel Shuttle to Terminal 2
    Location
    Beside Terminal 1, Its Second Floor Joined to the Departures Hall
    Best For
    A Full-Service Night at Terminal 1

    The Lobby Opens Straight onto the Terminal 1 Departures Hall, and Metro Line 10 Runs from beside the Building

    Connected to TerminalSHA · H3

    Shangri-La Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai

    How to Reach
    On Foot to Terminal 2, the Railway Station and Metro Lines 2 and 10
    Location
    In the Hongqiao Business District, Connected to Terminal 2
    Best For
    Business Stays inside the Hub

    Walking Distance from the High-Speed Station and the Metro, with Horizon Club Rooms and a Wellness Club

    Near AirportSHA · H4

    IntercityHotel Hongqiao Transportation Hub

    How to Reach
    A Short Walk to Terminal 2 and to Metro Lines 2, 10 and 17
    Location
    1500 Shenhong Road, between Terminal 2 and the Railway Station
    Best For
    A Night between a Flight and a Train

    140 Rooms with a 24-Hour Gym and a Self-Service Laundry, in the Middle of the Hub

    Near AirportSHA · H5

    Home Inn Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1

    How to Reach
    A Walk to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 Station on Metro Line 10
    Location
    About 1 km from Terminal 1, near Its Metro Station
    Best For
    A Cheap Bed near Terminal 1

    A Budget Chain Hotel, Useful When the Terminal Hotels Are Full or an Early Flight Leaves from Terminal 1

    The Boyue Is the Only Bed inside a Terminal Building. The Hilton and the Shangri-La Adjoin Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and the Rest Stand in the Hub around the Station

    // City Transfer

    How Do I Get from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Shanghai?

    Bus & Train at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    See Exact Route Options, Departure Points, Schedule Windows and Ticket Tips for Getting to the Center after Landing

    Bus Connection

    941

    Bus Route 941

    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao East Transportation Center, beside Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Shanghai Railway Station, South Square
    Schedule
    About Every 20 min · 05:30-23:00 from the Airport
    Ticket
    CNY 2-6 by Distance, Paid on Board

    The Most Useful City Route from Terminal 2. It Ends at the South Square of Shanghai Railway Station, Where Metro Lines 1, 3 and 4 Meet

    SHA · 941 · Bus Route 941
    316

    Bus Route 316, Night Service

    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao East Transportation Center, beside Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    East Yan’an Road at East Zhongshan No. 1 Road, on the Bund
    Schedule
    Every 30-40 min · 23:00-05:00
    Ticket
    A Flat CNY 2, Paid on Board

    The Public Way into the Centre Once the Metro Has Stopped. It Finishes on the Bund, a Short Walk from East Nanjing Road

    SHA · 316 · Bus Route 316, Night Service
    B3

    Hongqiao Overnight Scheduled Bus

    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao East Transportation Center, beside Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Pudong International Airport, One Way Only
    Schedule
    Five Departures: 22:30, 23:10, 23:40, 00:30 and 01:00 · 22:30-01:00
    Ticket
    CNY 36, Paid on Board

    The Only Public Link to Pudong Airport Once the Airport Link Line and Metro Line 2 Have Stopped for the Night. It Runs in One Direction Only

    SHA · B3 · Hongqiao Overnight Scheduled Bus
    807

    Bus Route 807

    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1
    Arrival Stop
    Qingjian Xincun
    Schedule
    Every 20-30 min · 05:30-23:00 from Terminal 1
    Ticket
    A Flat CNY 2, Paid on Board

    The One All-Day City Bus from Terminal 1. It Is a Stopping Local Route, so Metro Line 10 from the Same Building Is Usually Quicker

    SHA · 807 · Bus Route 807
    4

    Hongqiao Hub Line 4

    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao East Transportation Center, beside Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Zizhu Science Park
    Schedule
    About Every 10 min · 06:00-00:25
    Ticket
    CNY 1-8 by Distance, Paid on Board

    The Most Frequent of the Hub Routes and the One That Runs Latest, Though It Serves the Southern Minhang District Rather than the Centre

    SHA · 4 · Hongqiao Hub Line 4
    9

    Hongqiao Hub Line 9

    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao East Transportation Center, beside Terminal 2
    Arrival Stop
    Jiading Passenger Transport Center
    Schedule
    Every 20-30 min · 06:00-23:00
    Ticket
    A Flat CNY 10, Paid on Board

    For the Northern Suburbs and the Jiading Motor-Industry District, Not for the City Centre

    SHA · 9 · Hongqiao Hub Line 9

    Train Connection

    10

    Shanghai Metro Line 10

    About 30 min
    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Stations, Both on Level B1
    Arrival Stop
    East Nanjing Road for the Bund, by Way of Xintiandi and Yuyuan Garden
    Schedule
    Every 6-10 min · From Terminal 2 05:26-22:31, from Terminal 1 05:29-22:34
    Ticket
    CNY 4-6 into Central Shanghai; 1-Day and 3-Day Passes Sold in Terminal 1 Arrivals

    The Only Metro Line at Terminal 1, and the One That Reaches the Older Centre. It Also Joins the Two Terminals to Each Other and to Hongqiao Railway Station, One Stop West of Terminal 2

    SHA · 10 · Shanghai Metro Line 10
    2

    Shanghai Metro Line 2

    About 30 min
    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station, on Level B1
    Arrival Stop
    People's Square and East Nanjing Road, Then Lujiazui and Pudong Airport
    Schedule
    Every 6-10 min · Towards the Centre 05:35-22:50; Last Train Back 23:47
    Ticket
    From CNY 3 by Distance, and CNY 8 for the Full Run to Pudong Airport

    Line 2 Crosses the Whole City and Carries on to Pudong Airport, 28 Stops and about 88 Minutes Away. It Does Not Call at Terminal 1

    SHA · 2 · Shanghai Metro Line 2
    T3

    Airport Link Line, Shanghai Suburban Railway

    About 40 min
    Departure Stop
    Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station, Entrance by Gates 11 and 12
    Arrival Stop
    Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station, by Way of Shanghai International Resort
    Schedule
    Every 15 min · First Train 06:00, Last Train 22:00
    Ticket
    From CNY 4, and CNY 26 for the Full Run between the Two Airports

    Opened on 27 December 2024 and Runs at Up to 160 Kilometres an Hour over Seven Stations, so It Halves the Cross-City Trip That Metro Line 2 Takes about 88 Minutes to Make

    SHA · T3 · Airport Link Line, Shanghai Suburban Railway
    // Ground Transport

    Taxi, Ride Apps and Car Rental

    Compare the Main Door-To-Door Options after Landing, Including Official Taxi Pickup Points, Ride-Hailing Availability and On-Airport Rental Counters

    Taxi Fare
    80-100 ¥
    Ride Apps
    DiDi

    Regular Taxi

    Official Operators
    Metered Shanghai Taxis from the Official Rank
    Pickup Point
    Terminal 1: Outside Gate 1 of the Arrivals Floor Pick-Up Hall. Terminal 2: Outside Gate 4
    Travel Time to Center
    About 30 min to the Centre
    Payment Methods
    The Meter, Paid in Cash or by QR Code with Alipay or WeChat Pay

    Ride Apps

    DiDi
    Both Terminals, Collecting inside the Car Park
    PricingQuoted in the App, Usually Close to the Metered Taxi Fare
    Pickup PointFollow the Ride-Hailing Signs from Arrivals into the P6 Garage at Terminal 2 Rather than Out to the Kerb
    NotesRead the Bay Number the App Gives You and Match It to the Painted Signs in the Garage; the Satellite Fix Is Unreliable Underground
    SHA · Ride Hail · DiDi

    Car Rental

    No Confirmed Car Rental Data Available Yet

    China Does Not Recognise a Foreign Driving Licence, so a Visitor Needs a Temporary Chinese Permit Applied for in Person. Chauffeur-Driven Hire Is the Usual Answer

    // Airport FAQ

    Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

    About 13 km. Hongqiao Sits West of Downtown Shanghai, and Metro Line 10 or Line 2 Reaches the Central Stations in Roughly 30 Minutes
    Terminal 1. It Handles the International, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan Services along with a Few Domestic Carriers, While Terminal 2 Takes Most Domestic Traffic
    The Airport Link Line from Terminal 2 Takes about 40 Minutes and Costs CNY 26. Metro Line 2 Makes the Same Trip for CNY 8 in about 88 Minutes
    Yes. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station Adjoins Terminal 2 and Handles about 210,000 Rail Passengers a Day on the High-Speed Lines to Beijing, Nanjing and Hangzhou
    CNY 10 an Hour for the First Two Hours, Then CNY 5. A Full Day Is Capped at CNY 60 and 24 to 48 Hours at CNY 80, and the First 20 Minutes Are Free
    Two Hours for a Domestic Flight and Three for an International One. Check-In Closes 25 to 35 Minutes before a Domestic Departure and 40 to 45 before the Rest
    Metro Line 10 Links Them in One Stop, about Five Minutes, for CNY 3. There Is No Airside Route, so You Repeat Check-In and Security in the Other Terminal
    Yes. The Network Is Airport-FreeWiFi-HQ and It Covers the Public Areas of Both Terminals. The Log-In Takes an SMS Code, a Passport Photograph or a Kiosk Number
    Around CNY 80 to CNY 100 to the Centre. The Meter Starts at CNY 14 for the First 3 km, Then CNY 2.7 a Kilometre, with 30 Percent More from 23:00 to 05:00
    No. A Curfew Stops Take-Offs and Landings between Midnight and 06:00, and Most Shops, Desks and Restaurants Close by 22:00
    // Know before You Go

    Travel Tips & Essential Information for China

    China is a very large country with major differences between cities, regions, climate, language, and transport systems. Visitors usually find modern transport and good mobile coverage in big cities, but payment systems, internet restrictions, and language barriers can require extra preparation.

    China AT A GLANCE
    China
    LanguageStandard Chinese
    Capital CityBeijing
    CurrencyRenminbi yuan (CNY)
    Time ZoneChina Standard Time (UTC+8)
    Emergency110 police · 120 ambulance · 119 fire
    Driving Sideright
    Plug TypeType A, Type C, and Type I
    Voltage220 V, 50 Hz
    Compare Local SIM & eSIM Plans →

    Official Languages: Standard Chinese

    English is not widely spoken outside major hotels, some tourist sites, and international business areas. In large cities you may find limited English support on metro systems and at airports, but many everyday interactions commonly require translation apps or prepared addresses in Chinese.

    Mobile Network: Mobile coverage is generally strong in cities and along major transport routes, with widespread 4G and growing 5G coverage. Speeds are commonly good for local apps and services, but access to many international websites and apps is restricted.

    Roaming/SIM/eSIM: For most visitors, a local SIM or travel eSIM is usually the most practical choice for data. Roaming from your home provider may be simpler because it can sometimes allow access to services you normally use, but it is often expensive. A local SIM is commonly cheaper for longer stays and domestic use, though setup may require passport registration and local app compatibility. A travel eSIM can be the easiest balance for short trips if your phone supports it. Before travel, check whether your chosen option gives access to the apps and sites you need, and download maps, translation tools, and booking details in advance.

    International bank cards are accepted at some hotels, larger chain stores, and major transport hubs, but mobile payments dominate daily transactions. Many small shops, restaurants, taxis, and local services commonly prefer or rely on Alipay or WeChat Pay, so visitors should prepare a workable mobile payment option and also carry some cash.

    Tipping is not traditionally expected in most everyday situations in China. In many local restaurants, taxis, and basic services, people typically do not tip. Some higher end hotels, international tour services, or private guides may accept tips, especially in tourist facing settings, but it is usually discretionary rather than required.

    Plug Type: Type A, Type C, and Type I

    Voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz

    Adapter: Commonly yes, depending on your home country and device plug type. Many travelers need a universal adapter.

    China is commonly considered fairly safe for visitors in terms of street crime, especially in well traveled urban areas. The main practical risks for tourists are payment difficulties, transport confusion, internet access limits, scams in tourist zones, road safety, and rules around registration, visas, and restricted areas.

    • Use only licensed taxis or established ride hailing apps, and confirm the destination on the map before departure.
    • Carry your hotel name and destination addresses in Chinese to show drivers or station staff.
    • Watch for common tourist scams in busy sightseeing areas, such as tea ceremony invitations, art student approaches, or inflated taxi fares.
    • Keep your passport and visa documents secure, and check whether your accommodation handles the required registration with local authorities.
    • Follow local rules carefully at stations, government buildings, border areas, and when photographing sensitive sites.
    • Air quality can vary by city and season, so travelers with asthma or other respiratory conditions should monitor local conditions.
    • Road traffic can feel fast and unpredictable, so take extra care when crossing streets even at marked crossings.

    Do

    • Carry your passport or a clear copy if required for hotel check in or ticket collection.
    • Set up payment methods before arrival and keep some cash for backup.
    • Use translation apps and save key destinations in Chinese text.
    • Queue where marked and follow station and security instructions closely.
    • Ask before photographing people, religious sites, or sensitive locations.

    Avoid

    • Do not assume your usual apps, messaging services, or maps will work without preparation.
    • Do not discuss sensitive political topics casually with strangers if you are unsure of the context.
    • Do not rely only on international credit cards for everyday purchases.
    • Do not enter restricted, military, or clearly controlled areas for photos or exploration.
    • Do not ignore local registration, visa, or extension requirements.

    Local Cultural Tips

    • Politeness and calm behavior are appreciated, especially in queues, hotels, restaurants, and public transport.
    • Exchanging items such as passports, cards, or gifts with both hands is a respectful habit in more formal situations.
    • Respect for elders and authority is important, so a patient and courteous tone usually works better than confrontation.
    • Shoes are typically kept on in shops and public places, but in some homes you may be offered slippers.
    • Crowds can be heavy at stations and tourist attractions, so expect close personal space and move with patience.
    • Rules can be enforced strictly in transport, visa, and identification matters, so keep documents and booking records accessible.
    • Greet people politely and use a calm tone.
    • Avoid causing public embarrassment or direct confrontation where possible.
    • Wait to be seated or guided in more formal restaurants.
    • Use serving utensils if provided when sharing dishes.
    • Offer and receive business cards or documents respectfully, commonly with both hands.
    // Ready When You Land

    Get Online without Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport WiFi. Activate Your Free eSIM Trial When You Land

    Get a Free eSIM Trial for China When You Land at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Then Continue with 1GB or Unlimited Data for Maps, Taxi Apps & Travel Essentials

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