Layover in Shanghai recs

We have an all day layover in Shanghai and if we are able to leave airport, we would like to explore for a few hours. Anyone ever been? I am trying to figure out the best use of our time. Thanks for any input.

9 years ago

Off Topic

6 replies

Latest reply was from heather.enhui

rachylou

Veteran

Oh gosh. To be honest, I'd be afraid to leave the airport for fear of getting back. But...what stands out for me is... I had a great desire to see 'the pearl' - this funny building, which I enjoyed doing. And walking around old Shanghai. And running after a girl with my brother, chasing her Pom Pom leg warmers...lol, she was just too cool. The fashion is fascinating.

Shanghai is the most major city I've ever experienced. The scale, the traffic, the pollution red sun...

9 years ago

Veteran

You're probably right about leaving the airport, Rachylou, but I found all of these blogs about people who've done it...hmmm, Id love to see even a little bit of that city though.

9 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Do you know which airport you're going into? The Bund (where the Guccis of the world are) and one of the old towns are probably closest. Shanghai is so big. I'd pick one destination area and do that. What are your interests? I like architecture and food and just getting to know a locale, the street life. One of the other things me and my brother did was go to a big bookstore. We don't speak any Chinese and certainly don't read it, but we know some principles and recognise a few words and we spent a long time in it. I bought a dictionary

9 years ago

Sadie

Active Member

You can take the high speed train to/from airport. See the Bund- best if you can take a boat at night and see the Bund all lit up. Many parks, great French quarter. I loved Shanghai!

9 years ago

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Did you go out?

9 years ago

heather.enhui

Active Member

I just saw this post - are you already traveling? I live in Beijing and haven't been down to Shanghai in a few years, but a day trip is definitely worth it. Public transport from both airports is much better and easier than it used to be, so it's fairly easy to get out of the airports. Pudong is much further out than Hongqiao. I would recommend to visit the French Concession area, especially Xintiandi, and the Bund area is lovely. The ultramodern Pudong area across the river from the Bund is a sharp contrast and offers great views of the Bund side, especially at night as Sadie recommends.

9 years ago

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