12 h in Shanghai, is it worth going downtown?
Jan 29, 2024, 4:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2020
Programs: FlyingBlue
Posts: 2,424
12 h in Shanghai, is it worth going downtown?
Asking for relatives: would those of you familiar with Shanghai recommend leaving the airport for a 12h layover?
They are well-traveled but not familiar with China and don't speak a word of Mandarin... Even though they would be eligible to the new visa-free scheme, I fear the border crossing/taxi or public transportation ride/Alipay drama might be too much.
Would you recommend it?
They are well-traveled but not familiar with China and don't speak a word of Mandarin... Even though they would be eligible to the new visa-free scheme, I fear the border crossing/taxi or public transportation ride/Alipay drama might be too much.
Would you recommend it?
Jan 29, 2024, 6:47 am
#6
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,356
If you just turn up, and have no clue where you're going and how to get into the city, when asked; I could see them denying it.
YMMV.
Jan 29, 2024, 10:32 am
#7
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
Asking for relatives: would those of you familiar with Shanghai recommend leaving the airport for a 12h layover?
They are well-traveled but not familiar with China and don't speak a word of Mandarin... Even though they would be eligible to the new visa-free scheme, I fear the border crossing/taxi or public transportation ride/Alipay drama might be too much.
Would you recommend it?
They are well-traveled but not familiar with China and don't speak a word of Mandarin... Even though they would be eligible to the new visa-free scheme, I fear the border crossing/taxi or public transportation ride/Alipay drama might be too much.
Would you recommend it?
Feb 15, 2024, 9:05 pm
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Shanghai
Posts: 42,041
While it's true that the Shanghai municipality is larger than some of the smallest US states, downtown fits within a 7 by 4 km rectangle, and is pretty easy to navigate.
Feb 15, 2024, 9:07 pm
#10
Join Date: Feb 2024
Posts: 9
Mar 8, 2024, 12:05 am
#12
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 209
Is it possible to go into the city on a 5hr international transfer (0915-1415)? Even if it’s just a return trip on the Maglev for the novelty factor?
Traveling F/J so should be first off the aircraft and have fast track going back through, if that helps. Just trying to manage expectations having never transited through China.
Traveling F/J so should be first off the aircraft and have fast track going back through, if that helps. Just trying to manage expectations having never transited through China.
Last edited by steview111; Mar 8, 2024 at 12:14 am
Mar 8, 2024, 12:21 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,228
Is it possible to go into the city on a 5hr international transfer (0915-1415)? Even if it’s just a return trip on the Maglev for the novelty factor?
Traveling F/J so should be first off the aircraft and have fast track going back through, if that helps. Just trying to manage expectations having never transited through China.
Traveling F/J so should be first off the aircraft and have fast track going back through, if that helps. Just trying to manage expectations having never transited through China.
Mar 8, 2024, 2:22 am
#14
Join Date: Jan 2024
Posts: 84
In the german Frequent Traveller forum there are quite a few reports of German passengers who already used the visa free entry via PVG.
None of them was asked about the departure ticket etc. at all.
Mar 8, 2024, 3:11 am
#15
Join Date: May 2010
Location: AVP & PEK
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM
Posts: 6,356
One is the TWOV (Transit Without Visa) for an up-to 144hr transit. The other is the visa-free enry for up to 15 days for nationals of 6 (soon-to-be 12) countries.