Self-guided Layover Tour for Shanghai

Overview

Follow these instruction for your self-guided layover trip in Shanghai. Don't hesitate contact me if you have any questions!

You can leave your luggage at the airport, take public transit to city center, and visit all the most-visited attractions in under 3 hours. Hope you enjoy the tour!

Left Luggage Service at Pudong Airport (PVG)

When traveling through Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), the left luggage service can be extremely convenient for passengers.

Locations

In Terminal 1, the left luggage counters are located at the 3F Departure Hall near Gate 4 - 5 and at the 1F Arrival Hall near Gate 7. For Terminal 2, you can find the service at the 3F Departure Hall at counter A and at the 2F Arrival Hall Gate 2A. These locations are clearly marked, ensuring that passengers can easily locate them without much difficulty.

Service Hours

The service starts 06:00, and closes around 0:00. Check the service time prior to leaving you luggagehere.

Fees

The pricing of the left luggage service is based on the size of the items. For small - sized items, it costs 15 - 25 yuan per day. Larger items are charged 30- 45 yuan per day, and for oversize luggage, the fee is 60 yuan per day.

Items Restrictions

There are certain items that are not allowed to be stored. These include flammable and explosive items, such as fireworks and gasoline, as well as sharp weapon. Also, perishable items are not accepted for long- term storage to avoid any unpleasant odors or spoilage issues.

This left luggage service at PVG aims toprovide passengers with a hassle - free travel experience, allowing them to explore the city or wait for their next flight without the burden of carrying all their luggage around.

Transit Options to Shanghai City Center

Subway

Metro Line 2 serves PVG. It's a cost - effective option. Take a subway to the city center, such as to East Nanjing Road for your tour at the Bund. It can take around 40 - 60 minutes depending on the destination. It's a convenient way as it connects directly to many key areas in the city.

‍Maglev Train:

This is one of the fastest ways to reach the city center. The Maglev train departs from PVG and can reach Longyang Road Station in just 8 minutes. From Longyang Road Station, you can transfer to the subway network to reach various parts of the city. The high - speed experience offers a unique way to start your journey in Shanghai.

‍Airport Bus:

There are multiple airport bus routes operating from PVG to different parts of the city center, but this is mostly for residential area rather than tourist desination.

Taxi/Cab:

Taxis are readily available at the airport. It offers a direct and private transfer to your destination in the city center. But be aware that during peak hours, traffic congestion can make the journey slow and increase the fare. The travel time is also subject to traffic but generally takes around 30 - 60 minutes.

About Carrying Cash

An experienced traveler would prepare mobile payment app like Alipay or WeChat pay prior to arrival in Shanghai. Check this website provided by Shanghai municipal government for more instructions.

Nevertheless, if you choose the cash oprion it would be fine. Please keep around 500-800 yuan on hand for a full-day experience in Shanghai.

1. Transportation Costs

• Metro: Shanghai has an extensive metro network. A single - way metro ticket usually costs between 3 - 10 yuan, depending on the distance.
• Bus: A standard bus fare is usually 2 yuan. If you take a few bus rides, you might need around 10 yuan.
• Taxis or Ride - sharing: In case you need to take a taxi or a Didi (counterpart of Uber in China), a short - distance trip (within 10 kilometers) might cost around 30 - 50 yuan.

2. Food and Drinks

• Street Food and Snacks: Shanghai is famous for its street food. You can get a xiaolongbao (steamed dumplings) for around 10 - 20 yuan per steamer (usually 4 - 6 dumplings). Other snacks like scallion pancakes cost around 5 - 10 yuan each. If you plan to have a few street food items throughout the day, you might need around 50 - 100 yuan.
• Restaurants: If you prefer to have a meal in a mid - range restaurant, a set lunch or dinner might cost around 80 - 150 yuan per person, including a main dish, a side dish, and a drink. If you plan to have one such meal, you need to allocate this amount.
• Beverages: A bottle of water or a soft drink from a convenience store usually costs around 3 - 5 yuan.

3. Attraction Tickets

• Popular Tourist Attractions: Some of the well - known attractions in Shanghai have the following ticket prices. For example, the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck ticket might cost around 180 yuan. The Yu Garden entrance ticket is around 40 yuan. If you plan to visit a couple of attractions, you should budget around 200 - 400 yuan for tickets.

4. Shopping and Souvenirs

• Souvenir Shops: If you want to buy some souvenirs, the cost can vary greatly. A small keychain or a postcard might cost around 10 - 20 yuan each. A more elaborate handicraft could cost 50 - 200 yuan or more. If you plan to buy a few souvenirs, you might need around 100 - 300 yuan.
• Shops: This really depends on your budget, but most establishment would receive credit card payment, so cash is not necessary.

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Top Destination for 1 Day or Less

Nanjing Road

• Transport from Pudong Airport:
  • Take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road or People's Square. Taxis from the airport are available with cost of 150 - 200 yuan.
• Features:
  • East Nanjing Road is a pedestrian-friendly, bustling shopping street with diverse stores. As China's first modern commercial street, starting as a simple lane 150 years ago, it's seen Shanghai transform. Its old-style department store facades reflect the city's colonial and commercial past.
• Why Visit:
  • A shopper's haven with options for all budgets. It also offers a cultural blend of modern and historical elements. The architecture makes for great photos, and the vibrant atmosphere is captivating.

The Bund

• Transport from Pudong Airport:
  • Take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, then a short walk. Taxis from the airport are available with cost of 150 - 200 yuan.
• Historical Significance:
  • Famous for its colonial-era buildings in various Western styles. The Huangpu River provides a view of Pudong's modern skyline, creating an old - meets - new contrast.
  • Once the financial and commercial hub during the foreign-concession era, housing banks, trading firms, and consulates.
• Why Visit:
  • A visual treat of architecture. The night view with illuminated buildings is spectacular. It's a key spot to understand Shanghai's past and present, ideal for photography and cultural experiences.

Yu Garden Bazaar

• Transport from Pudong Airport:
  • Take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road, transfer to Line 10, and get off at Yuyuan Garden. Taxis from the airport are available with cost of 150 - 200 yuan.
• Features:
  • A traditional Chinese-style market with narrow alleys full of antique, handicraft, and snack shops. Its architecture is in the southern Chinese style.
• Why Visit:
  • An immersive traditional Chinese cultural experience. It offers unique handicrafts, delicious local snacks, and a chance to soak in the charm of old Shanghai.

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