Perhaps I should have wrote "11/06/10"; I doubt much has changed during the past 34 days.

Yes, there are two terminals, which are equally "blah" IMO.

The only airports I can think of that are worse for transit in the region are PEK (my de facto current base) and CAN, though I must admit that the massage chairs in the CA lounge are pretty sweet.

The main reason I rank PEK below PVG, is the ATC issue; it's not uncommon to be delayed for 3+ hours there because all of the major arteries are jammed (PLA often plays a role).

But, seriously, the idea of comparing PVG to ICN/HKG/NRT is ludicrous. HND, which I sampled for the first time last month, is also MUCH better. IMO PVG is a poorly designed and underfunded project. While many are awed by the Maglev, keep in mind that it terminates in the middle of nowhere.

Actually, T1 is blah. T2 is a lot better. I think PVG as an airport is actually nicer than NRT. Though NRT's shops are more abundant and the lounges are indeed better.

That being said, I really don't think PVG lounges are that bad. They don't compare to the full lounges of NRT (showers etc) but they have decent food offerings during meal times and I can't complain too much.

HKG is good too, I will admit. Probably the best of the list above. Haven't been to ICN so can't compare, but would expect it to be good.

Let's face it, PVG isn't really home to a major international carrier as compared to NRT/ICN/HKG. So no reason to be great on lounges.

I've used PVG so often in the past 4-5 years that actually am beginning to develop affection for the complex. It can be quite likeable at times.

Some rules:

- Always consider Pudong as T3 when considering layover activities. There are many decent dining (Chinese, Japanese and Western) and some spa options for example at Zhangjiang High Tech Park which is really not that far from the terminals

- Storage for cabin luggage is available at both T1 and T2, arrival and departure levels. According to Chinese business logic, departure level storage costs more

- No free wifi outside lounges but relatively cheap internet (also own laptop/notebook can be used) available landside at the business centres

- For restaurants, the Chinese chain outlets landside near the Maglev staton with high turnover might be the best option. Avoid any "Western" food outside of Burger King. In the terminals themselves, airside, I would not eat anything else than noodle soups or Chinese breakfast dumplings

And a question to add: Is there currently any barber shop that offers head massages in either terminal or elsewhere in the complex? There were signs in T1 but I was never able to find the damn' place.

I'm pretty sure T2 has free wifi throughout the terminal (in addition to the CMCC wifi that you can pay with your China Mobile SIM on the spot).

Yup
 

I'll repeat that I found the PuDong experience quite enjoyable

to the point that I will definitely utilize it for transfers again

Some of the architectural details are amazing & the extremely

friendly & unhurried atmosphere was in favorable contrast

Again I will say I would only consider it with sufficient time

I'll be at PVG later this week and check this. Thank you.

Yes it does, they also have many stations with computers where you can surf for free.

I agree T2 is better, but I'm still underwhelmed.

If you think PVG is better than NRT, I dare suggest that you've been making poor use of your NRT time. The free massages in the Sakura lounges are great, the NH lounges are also good, and those without lounge access can partake in nice showers for $5.

In the unlikely event you need to transfer between terminals, the process is efficient. And security is really fast.

Meanwhile, ICN and HKG are nicer versions of DTW and DEN.

As FLLDL's post suggested, PVG is a really bad place to transfer.