Had more time to explore SHA T2 last night (thanks to a 3 hour delay on my CA flight up to PEK, and that was having been put on an earlier flight than the one I was originally booked for!).

There is a VIP line at security (for F, J and those with Chinese airline top level elite status) - this has red carpet no less.

The shops after security are an odd mix of very high end (Chanel, Bulgari, Emporio Armani) and local shops selling chocolatye and the like. A little like the selection at PEK T3C (domestic). There are fast food outlets plus coffee hops such as Costa - the latter are pretty good.

CA, MU, CZ have lounges - mezzanine areas open to the terminal but one level above. These are signposted directly after security and can be accessed without much walking and without going into the main gate area - well designed! A major improvement over T1. There is also a Priority Pass / Airport Operated lounge at each end of the terminal.

No foreign newspapers or magazines in the numerous newsagents - a downgrade from T1 (which had a very good Virgin branded outlet selling a good selection of foreign language books and periodicals) and unlike PVG (which does have some international publications).

Landside, the offerings are going to improve. There is apparently already a Gloria Jeans coffee place, and on the floor above the check-in ares, pre-security, there will soon be two new restaurants by David Laris (a major operator of high end restaurants in the area). One will be a casual dining place based around pies (very healthy ;-)) for people in a rush, and the other will be more high end. More offerings are promised once the railway station opens.