Hi. I thought this would be straight forward but there is so much information.

Basically I'm traveling NZ - PVG - UK both ways with more than 24hr stop, transiting from VS/NZ both ways. I purposely put in this 24hr+ stop due to mobility issues and like a rest.

I have both NZ and Ireland passports. Am I right in thinking that I can get 72hr transit visa? All I want is to take transport downtown and book into a hotel, have a wee look around and then get some rest, ready for the next flight. First time visit to PVG.

If I do qualify for the transit visa, any recommendations for areas of interest, with easy access to airport and decent hotels? Any advice welcome!!

You can actually get a 144-hour transit visa (6 days, not counting the day of your arrival) in each direction -- see the TWOV thread. How much of Shanghai you can see on your transit will depend on how much time and energy you have!

Note that you no longer need a professional Covid test (a self-administered rapid test is fine) before taking the NZ-Shanghai flight, but you still need one for UK-Shanghai.

Actually China offers a 144 hours transit WITHOUT visa if your passport qualifies, and if you will stay within
the Shanghai/Zhejiang area. Without looking it up, I am sure that both Irish and NZ passports do qualify.
There is no " easy access " to airport from downtown hotels, all will involve a 40-60 minute cab ride for about 150 RMB.

Maglev train will take you to Longyang station in 8 minutes and then subway to downtown area (Nanjing Road). Alternatively, you can take Subway Line 2 to downtown in about 1 hr.
https://www.chinahighlights.com/shan...glev-train.htm

Yes, but....
Maglev train can wait for 20 minutes for next train
On arrival at Longyang, transfer to subway is difficult, especially if with luggage
Line 2 all the way also involves one platform transfer, plus any other transfer depending on destination
( and again, not luggage friendly)

Thanks for the advice. I will be traveling with only hand luggage so not too bothered about moving downtown.

I think I'll take the maglev for the novelty value. Are there any areas that would be must see for tourists, I have two stop over of 30 hours, one on each direction. I was thinking somewhere walking distance to the bund one time but keen on ideas for the other.

What is the area around People Square area like? What is the Bund (and local area) like? Any must doo with during the day or the evening??

-People's Square is a favorite of many FTers, primarily because of the Western hotel options, but I'm not a fan myself
-I also don't care for the Bund or Lujiazui (directly across the river), BUT for only one night, both could be okay
-If you tell us about your potential hotel choices, we can opine further

ETA: Upon additional reflection, I think Lujiazui might be your best option.
-staying there would potentially allow you to see the Bund from your room
-the Shangri-La and RC are both great hotels
-the Hyatts are a little further away from the river, but are also nice
-you'd be closer to Longyang Road after your Maglev experience
-you could slot in a visit to the aquarium
-you'd have Binjiang Park, including some solid restaurants, at your immediate disposal
-the downside to this plan is that you'd miss out on experiencing Shanghai; you can save that for a longer visit in the future

Glad your visa need is sorted :-)
How about spending a day in the French concession - I don’t think there’s anything like it in uk & nz.