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Shanghai First Day Guide

Pudong or Hongqiao? How to get to your hotel, sort payment on the way, and settle in for your first night in Shanghai.

When to read

After choosing Shanghai as the arrival city.

What it covers

Rules and services change. For anything important — entry, transport, payment, hotels, telecom — double-check with official sources before you travel.

Arrival point choicesShanghai has two airports (Pudong PVG and Hongqiao SHA) and several train stations. Pudong is far from downtown. Hongqiao is closer. Know which one you're landing at.SourcesShanghai MetroShanghai MaglevRead detailsAirport to hotelAfter a long flight, pick the easiest route, not the cheapest or most interesting. From Pudong, that usually means a taxi or the Maglev + metro combo.SourcesShanghai MaglevShanghai MetroState CouncilRead detailsPayment and address checksShanghai is super convenient once your basics work. Before you start moving fast, make sure payment, address, map, and hotel contact are all sorted.SourcesState CouncilBank of ChinaNational Immigration AdministrationRead detailsFirst evening planShanghai is amazing for wandering — but not tonight. Check in, eat something easy, charge up, and save the Bund for when you're rested.SourcesState CouncilChina Meteorological AdministrationRead details