Originally posted by sfpaul900:
I have just booked a $512 RT SFO-Shanghai in March for a two-day turnaround trip. I even got to use my SW upgrades. 
I've applied for my visa but what do I tell the immigration authorities once I arrive. I can't imagine that a government employee in a communist country would understand 'mileage run' and I don't want to be mistaken for a drug smuggler. Anybody had any experiences with Asian countries and quickie trips. Thanks, Paul
I've never been spoken a word to when passing through PuDong Airport in Shanghai. The immigration authorities simply look for your visa, slip the visa through a scanner of some sort, and stamp the page next to your visa with a bright red Chinese entry stamp. Then they hand it back to you, and you're on your way!
Seriously, I wouldn't expect any hassle at all. You're there as a tourist, and I'm assuming that you applied for a visa under that premise. If your experiences are anything like mine, you'll find the whole immigration experience to be pretty standard and unexciting (which is obviously what you're looking for).
And what a nice airport PVG is! Very clean, very modern, and still very empty--since many airlines still use SHA (the old airport on the other side of town). It's still a lengthy taxi or bus ride into town, but a relaxing introduction to Mainland China nevertheless. Have a great time. I haven't been back in a couple of months and already miss Shanghai greatly!
Looking forward to your trip report!
