Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao is not just an airport, but the true "city gateway" of Shanghai, where the history of Chinese aviation meets futuristic efficiency. Unlike its giant counterpart Pudong, located on the coast, Hongqiao is situated surprisingly close to the heart of the metropolis, allowing travellers to immerse themselves in the dynamic rhythm of the city almost immediately after landing. This airport is renowned for the cosy, almost intimate atmosphere of its international terminal and the grand scale of its domestic one, forming part of one of the most complex and advanced transport hubs on the planet.

A Unique Transport Hub. Hongqiao is the benchmark for multi-modality. The airport is inextricably linked to the railway station of the same name, from where high-speed trains depart all over China. Upon arrival, you can transfer to a train within minutes and head to Hangzhou, Suzhou, or Nanjing without stepping outside.

Unrivalled Proximity to the Centre. The main advantage of Hongqiao is its location. A taxi ride to The Bund or the French Concession takes only 20–30 minutes, which is considered an instant by Shanghai standards. This makes it the preferred choice for business travellers and those who value their time.

Terminal Separation. The airport has two terminals that differ greatly in spirit. Terminal 1 (T1) is historic and recently renovated, serving international flights (mainly to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong) and low-cost carriers. It is compact and quiet. Terminal 2 (T2) is a massive modern complex for domestic airlines, impressing with its selection of restaurants and shops.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). We recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date data before your trip.

• Official Website: www.shanghaiairport.com/hongqiaoair
• Inquiry Service Phone: +86-21-96990 (24-hour hotline for both Shanghai airports).
• Airport Address: 2550 Hongqiao Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website.
• Social Media: Current information and news can be found on the official website, as well as on the airport's official WeChat account (for users within China).
• Lost & Found Information:
  - Terminal 1 (T1): +86-21-22344553
  - Terminal 2 (T2): +86-21-22381086
• Customer Support Contacts: For assistance and consultations, use the unified inquiry service number: +86-21-96990.

Getting to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) from the centre of Shanghai or other districts is quite simple thanks to the developed transport network. This airport is part of a massive transport hub that also includes a high-speed railway station, making it convenient both for air passengers and those travelling around China by train. The choice of transport depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and the time you have available.

Public Transport is the most popular and economical method. Two metro lines serve Terminal 2 of Hongqiao Airport: Line 2 (green) and Line 10 (purple). Line 2 directly connects Hongqiao with the city centre (People's Square, Nanjing Road) and the other major airport — Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Line 10 is convenient for trips to the Xintiandi area and The Bund. A metro ride from People's Square will take about 30-40 minutes, and the cost is only a few Yuan. Additionally, numerous bus routes depart from the airport, connecting it to various parts of the city.

Taxi and Transfer offer a more comfortable, albeit more expensive, option. Official taxis can be easily found at designated ranks outside the terminal exits. A trip from the city centre to Hongqiao Airport will take from 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions and will cost approximately 60-100 Yuan. It is recommended to use only official taxis and always ask the driver to switch on the meter. Ride-hailing services like DiDi are also popular in Shanghai and often offer competitive prices. For maximum convenience, you can book a private transfer in advance.

Car Rental and Parking. Renting a car can be complicated for tourists, as local driving licenses are required to drive in China. However, if you are travelling by car, Hongqiao Airport provides convenient and spacious parking facilities. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones located near both terminals, allowing you to leave your vehicle for the duration of your trip.

If your itinerary includes travel to neighbouring cities, it is worth noting that there are other major aviation hubs in the region. These include Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi, Xingdong Airport in Nantong, as well as major international hubs such as Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and Ningbo Lishe International Airport, from where you can also continue your journey across the country.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) consists of two terminals — Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 2 (T2). It is important to verify in advance which terminal your flight departs from, as they are located at a significant distance from each other and serve different destinations and airlines.

Terminal 1 is the older and more compact terminal. Following recent renovations, it has become more modern but continues to serve primarily international flights, as well as some domestic flights by low-cost carriers such as Spring Airlines. There are fewer shops and restaurants here compared to T2, but passenger traffic is generally lower.

Terminal 2 is the main, large, and modern terminal serving the vast majority of domestic flights across China. Leading Chinese airlines are based here: China Eastern, Air China, Shanghai Airlines, and others. T2 is integrated into the massive Hongqiao Transport Hub, which also includes the railway station for high-speed trains and stations for several metro lines. This makes it incredibly convenient for further travel around the country.

Navigation in both terminals is intuitive thanks to clear signs in Chinese and English. Departure zones are traditionally located on the upper floors, and arrival zones on the lower ones. To move between terminals, you can use the free shuttle bus, which runs every 15-20 minutes, or take the metro Line 10 for one stop.

For completing all formalities on domestic flights in T2, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-2.5 hours before departure, especially during peak hours. For international flights from T1, it is better to allow at least 3 hours. Queues for check-in and security can be long, so it is best to have time in reserve. To avoid confusion, always check your terminal information on your ticket or the airline's website before travelling to the airport.

The history of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) reflects the rapid development of the city itself and all of China. The airport was founded in 1921 and was originally used as a small military airbase. It opened for civil flights in 1923, becoming one of the oldest airports in the country and marking the beginning of the era of air travel in the region.

For decades, Hongqiao remained the main air gateway of Shanghai. A significant stage in its development was the 1980s, when rapid growth in passenger traffic began due to economic reforms in China. Significant reconstructions were carried out in 1984 and 1988, expanding its capacity. Until the opening of Pudong Airport in 1999, Hongqiao handled absolutely all international and domestic flights, receiving heads of state and witnessing key moments in the city's history.

The most massive transformation of the airport occurred in the run-up to the World Expo, Expo 2010. In March 2010, the modern Terminal 2 and a second runway were opened. This event not only increased the airport's capacity several times over but also turned it into a unique integrated transport hub. Today, Hongqiao Airport is directly connected to the high-speed railway station of the same name and metro stations, creating one of the largest multimodal transport hubs in the world. This project became an achievement that many metropolises look up to.

Interesting fact: the name "Hongqiao" (虹桥) translates as "Rainbow Bridge", which is symbolic for a place connecting people and cultures. After the opening of Pudong Airport, Hongqiao reoriented mainly towards domestic flights, as well as short international routes to East Asian countries, becoming a convenient choice for business trips and travel around the country thanks to its location closer to the city centre.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) offers passengers a wide range of services, making the wait for a flight comfortable and productive. The terminals host numerous restaurants and cafés, where you can enjoy both Chinese cuisine and familiar continental snacks. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops, boutiques of famous brands, and souvenir stalls where you can purchase gifts and memorabilia.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and numerous power outlets and USB ports are provided for charging electronic devices. Passengers who value enhanced comfort can use the business lounges and VIP lounges. They offer a secluded atmosphere, complimentary snacks and beverages, fresh newspapers, and comfortable armchairs for relaxation.

To handle financial matters, bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points operate at Hongqiao Airport. In case of illness, passengers can visit medical points where first aid will be provided. The safety and health of travellers are a priority for the airport services.

Families with children will appreciate the availability of specially equipped nursing rooms, where one can take care of a baby in a quiet environment. The airport is also fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, lifts, special restrooms, and an assistance service, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline.

For business travellers, there are business centres offering copying, printing, and internet access services, as well as conference rooms for meetings. If you have a long layover or an early flight, several hotels are at your service, located directly on the airport grounds or in the immediate vicinity of the terminals, allowing you to rest with maximum convenience.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) offers passengers a wide selection of establishments to suit every taste and budget, allowing you to enjoy both the authentic cuisine of Shanghai and familiar international dishes. Regardless of how much time you have before departure, you will definitely find a suitable option for a snack or a full meal.

The majority of restaurants and cafés are concentrated in Terminal 2, which serves most flights. In the area before check-in (landside), the selection is usually wider and includes large food courts and full-service restaurants. Here you can have a leisurely lunch with family or colleagues. After passing security control (airside), there are also numerous cafés, beverage lounges, and fast-food outlets, ideal for passing the time before boarding your flight.

A trip to China is impossible to imagine without experiencing local gastronomy. At Hongqiao Airport, be sure to try the famous Shanghai steamed dumplings xiao long bao with broth inside or a hearty bowl of noodles. Many restaurants offer sets that allow you to sample several dishes at once. This is a great opportunity to savour the final taste of the city before flying out.

For those who prefer something familiar, popular international chains such as Starbucks, McDonald's, and KFC operate at the airport. Regarding special dietary needs, finding specialized vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free restaurants can be challenging. However, most Chinese establishments offer dishes based on vegetables, rice, and tofu that will suit vegetarians. It is recommended to check the ingredients with the staff. While strictly Halal-certified options may be limited, many places offer seafood and vegetarian choices.

The price range varies from budget options in fast-food outlets to moderate and high prices in full-service restaurants. Opening hours for most establishments are tied to the flight schedule, starting early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last planes. Some coffee shops in the departure zones may operate around the clock or longer than others.

Our Recommendations:

• For a quick snack: choose one of the coffee shops with pastries or grab ready-made sandwiches and drinks from shops in the departure zone.
• For a full meal: head to the food court in Terminal 2 before passing security, where the maximum selection of dishes is presented, or find a restaurant with authentic Shanghai cuisine to make your gastronomic journey complete.

Planning a trip through Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) will go smoothly if you know a few key points. This airport is located closer to the centre of Shanghai than Pudong (PVG) and serves mainly domestic flights, but also has international terminals. Here are a few tips to help you save time and reduce stress.

Arrival Time and Check-in

For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 2.5-3 hours. Hongqiao is a modern and efficient airport, but it can be crowded during peak hours. To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. This will allow you to head straight to baggage drop or security if you are travelling with hand luggage only.

Security Control and Hand Luggage

Security services in airports in China work very thoroughly. Ensure that all liquids (up to 100 ml each) are packed in a transparent bag, and laptops and tablets are easy to remove from your bag. Pay special attention to power banks: they can only be carried in hand luggage, and the capacity marking must be clearly visible on the casing. Lighters and matches are generally confiscated at control, so it is best to leave them at home.

For Transfer Passengers

If you have a layover at Hongqiao, check with your airline whether you need to collect your luggage. When transferring from an international flight to a domestic one, you will need to pass passport and customs control, and then re-register your luggage. The airport is well-organised, navigation is intuitive, but always allow sufficient time between flights.

Customs Control

When entering or leaving the country, it is necessary to declare goods exceeding established limits (for example, cash, expensive electronics). If you are unsure whether you need to declare your items, it is better to choose the "Red Channel". For most tourists, the "Green Channel" (nothing to declare) is suitable.

Saving Time and Money

Hongqiao is excellently connected to the city by the metro (Lines 2 and 10), which is the fastest and cheapest way to get to the centre. Inside the airport, there are many cafés and restaurants, but prices can be high. To save money, bring an empty water bottle with you — after security, you will find dispensers with drinking water. Wi-Fi at the airport is free, but connecting may require a local phone number or a passport scan at a special kiosk.

In Case of Flight Delay

If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or hotel accommodation. Hongqiao Airport has comfortable waiting areas, shops, and restaurants that will help pass the time.