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Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

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Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai · China · Airport code: SHA

50,151,025 passengers (2025)
Getting into town

Getting to Shanghai center

Airport FAQ

Just landed — what matters first

1How do I get from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) to the city center?

Use the metro (Hongqiao Railway Station area) for common city routes, or take a taxi/rideshare from the official pickup zone. If you’re heading to Pudong, consider train/metro connections. Follow signs for “Metro/Taxi/Arrivals,” and avoid unofficial offers.

2Should I buy a SIM card or eSIM at or near SHA?

Yes—airport kiosks and nearby shops often sell data SIM/eSIM. Bring your passport for registration. If your phone is unlocked, eSIM is convenient. If buying on arrival isn’t available, plan to buy at city telecom stores or convenience areas right after transit.

3Can I use cash in Shanghai, and where should I withdraw money?

Shanghai accepts cash, but cards/mobile payments are common. ATMs are widely available; use bank ATMs when possible. Tell your bank you’re traveling to avoid blocks, and choose a DCC-off option if shown. Carry a small amount of cash for taxis and emergencies.

4What are airport transit basics if I have a connecting flight at SHA?

Check whether you need to go through security/immigration or just transfer within the terminal. Allow buffer time for walking and security lines. Keep boarding documents accessible, and confirm gate/terminal updates on airport screens or airline app.

Built with data from OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage/Wikimedia.

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Nearby

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The Bund
The Bund

The Bund is one of Shanghai’s defining sightseeing areas, especially for visitors interested in the city’s colonial-era and waterfront identity. The listing places it within the International Settlement and highlights its early 20th-century buildings in Neoclassical, Art Deco, Gothic and other European styles. It also ties directly to the city’s image as a historic trading and financial center.

Shanghai Museum
Shanghai Museum

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Jing'an Temple
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Jing'an Temple is a large Buddhist temple in Jing'an District and is especially convenient because it sits next to the metro stop named after it. Its position makes it easy to combine with nearby park and shopping visits, while the temple itself is one of the city’s better-known religious landmarks. It represents the mix of centrality and tradition found in Shanghai’s urban core.

Old City and Yuyuan Gardens

The Old City is Shanghai’s original Chinese settlement, going back about 1000 years, and remains one of the city’s main tourist areas. Its center is Yuyuan Gardens, making this area especially useful for visitors who want a concentrated historic experience. The input also notes that individual listings are covered in district articles, so this is a good starting point for exploring traditional Shanghai in context.

People's Square

People’s Square is described as a major downtown park and a key urban hub rather than just a green space. The former horse-racing track now anchors a busy central area, with a museum, restaurant, large malls and one of the busiest subway interchanges on Earth beneath it. That combination makes it important both for sightseeing and as a practical base.

Nanjing Road East and West

Nanjing Road is presented as Shanghai’s major upmarket shopping street, but it is also a significant sightseeing corridor because it links several of the city’s best-known landmarks. The east section runs pedestrian-only from the Bund toward People’s Park, while the west continues into Jing'an District toward Jing’an Temple. Together, they capture both old concession history and present-day commercial energy.

Explore the Shanghai guide →