Stopover or layover in Shanghai? Here's how to spend 24 hours in China's most "European" city

Barbone, but do you get to see anything when you land or do you not even leave the airport? this question is found under, almost, all my videos and To answer this curiosity of the many subscribers to my YT channel, I decided to launch a new format, which is in addition to flight reviews. Don't worry, I don't want to become a tour guide or one of many "my trip to....."

The idea is to answer the many questions of those who just as often ask me: "I have a long layover in-what can I do? I have enough time to take a ride downtown....." Hence the idea of posting one video a month, but sometimes more, about a different destination around the world where one might find oneself stopping over. Of course, it can also be a cue for those who want to visit in a quieter way instead.

Layover VS Stopover, what is the difference

The difference between layover and stopover is critical for travelers, especially those seeking international flights with stopovers. The layover is a short stopover, generally of less than 24 hours, during which passengers wait for a connecting flight to their final destination. This type of stopover is common on multi-route flights and serves primarily as a break between flights, without offering the opportunity to explore the transit city. There is no need to worry about checked baggage and you can leave the airport without any problem, unless a visa or special documentation is required. It is very important to always keep an eye on the timing, because when you return to the airport, you will have to go through border and security checks, just in case.

The stopover, on the other hand, is a longer stopover, generally longer than 24 hours and, at the airline's discretion, can last several days (Air Canada allows up to 6 weeks). It is a great way to take two vacations on one ticket. It allows travelers to stop and visit the city where the transit takes place before resuming their journey. Many airlines, especially on intercontinental routes, offer stopover programs that allow you to do so at no cost additional on the ticket price. In this case, the checked baggage must be picked up and upon departure, check-in will need to be carried out again.

Landing in Shanghai

Shanghai is served by two major airports: Pudong International Airport (PVG) e Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). The Pudong International Airport (PVG) is located about 30 km east of downtown Shanghai. It is the city's main hub for international flights and offers several transportation options to downtown. Subway Line 2 connects the airport with the city center in about 45-60 minutes, while the Maglev, a maglev train, is the fastest option, covering the distance to Longyang Road station in just 8 minutes, from which you can take the subway. Alternatively, cabs take about 45-70 minutes depending on traffic.

L'Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), located about 13 km west of downtown Shanghai, is closer and specializes mainly in domestic and regional flights. Subway Line 2 and Line 10 connect it directly to downtown, with a travel time of about 25-35 minutes. Cabs are a convenient and relatively inexpensive option, with times ranging from 30 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic. Being closer to the center, Hongqiao is often the best choice for those with domestic flights or needing a quick commute within the city.

Travel to China, no visa but insurance needed

Until the end of 2025, it will not be necessary to apply for a visa to stay in China less than 15 days, it was already previously possible to have a visa on arrival just in case of layover or stopover up to 72h. The procedure at the airport takes less than 10 minutes and consists of biometric data scanning and passport verification.

Needless to say, traveling in China, as in any country far from Italy needs insurance. If you do not have a credit card, such as the ITA Airways American Express Platinum Card which also includes coverage against all contingencies, my advice is to enter into an agreement with Heymondo, also taking advantage of the 10% discount that TFC readers have thanks to our links.

The essential apps for getting around China

There are destinations where you need to install virtually nothing, others like China where instead you need several APPs without which you will not be able to move or pay unless you speak fluent Chinese.

Definitely need an eSIM, having data connectivity is critical to doing anything, even more so here where English is practically unchecked and where all the writing is in the local alphabet.

I recommend Jetpac because it has the 1gb 1$ option, this promo is interesting just for those who have a few hours to fill outside the airport where of course there is wi-fi, TFC readers can also use TFC15 to get the 15% discount on all eSIMs from this provider. The nice thing is that you only need to install it once and then each time you can simply reload it without having to reinstall it.

My favorite eSIM provider however, it is Airalo and all new customers can get 20% discount on their first eSIM, then using TFC10 you will have 10% discount on all other virtual cards you buy, infinite coverage maximum speed and VPN included that allows, especially in China to have access to services blocked by the government.

Cash in China has practically disappeared; everything is paid for by cell phone. Alipay is critical because it is a hub from which you can do everything, also open other apps, taking advantage of their automatic translation. This allows DiDi to be used, the local version of Uber, without having to go crazy. Similarly, you can use it to pay public transportation, in restaurants, renting bicycles, and more. Not accepting American Express as a means of payment, I use a Credit Card that does not charge fees on transactions outside the Euro area such as the Mastercard Gold Miles&More That in addition to saving on expenses, also allows you to accumulate points in the Lufthansa Group's loyalty program.

Shanghai what to see in a short time

If you are short of time you have to go for sure, my advice is to avoid wasting time in traffic with unnecessary commuting and focus everything on the heart of the city revolving around the Bund and Nanjing Road

• The Bund (Waitan) - A short walk from Nanjing Road, the Bund is a historic promenade along the Huangpu River, famous for its spectacular views of the Pudong skyline. Colonial buildings dating back to Shanghai's time as an international city can be seen here, offering a striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers across the river.
• People's Square (Renmin Guangchang) - Located at the west end of Nanjing Road, this large public square is surrounded by important cultural buildings such as the Shanghai Museum, the Grand Theater, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. A central green area full of activities, it is the heart of Shanghai's public life.
• Shanghai Museum - Just minutes from Nanjing Road, this museum houses one of the best collections of ancient Chinese art, with pieces ranging from ceramics to calligraphic art and bronzes. It is a great place to immerse yourself in China's thousand-year-old history and culture.
• East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street - The eastern part of Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai's most vibrant pedestrian shopping streets, famous for its historic department stores, luxury boutiques and modern shopping malls. It is a great area for a stroll and to explore the modern city, with many restaurants and cafes along the street.
• Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden) - Although a bit further away (about a 20-minute walk from Nanjing Road), this classical Chinese garden is one of the city's main attractions. An oasis of tranquility in the heart of the metropolis, the garden is famous for its ponds, historic pavilions and intricate landscapes. Near the garden is also Yuyuan Market.

Obviously, I am not a "tour bus" kind of guy, and the idea of this content series is really aimed at giving guidance to avoid spending a flood of money and then getting on and off a bus.

A really original place, but not Bund area, is definitely Columbus Circle, the former embassy district and the area where the U.S. Navy headquarters was located to the early 1900s. In the midst of skyscrapers, they have reclaimed the former barracks, turning it into a beating heart of nightlife with restaurants, clubs, and a bookstore that is more like a museum than a run-of-the-mill bookstore.

Where to sleep in Shanghai

If you have a night to spend in the city again, my advice is to stay in the Bund or Nanjing Road area. I stayed in two 5-star hotels of the Hilton group. The Waldorf Astoria is a historic building with a spatial view of the Skyline (assuming it doesn't rain). The Conrad, on the other hand, is on the opposite side of Nanjing Road. and is perfect because of its proximity to People's Square and the pedestrian area. Both facilities I booked them through Hilton Impresario that allows you to get credit to spend at the facility, Free breakfast and room upgrade even without any status.

Eating in Shanghai

Having "locals" friends, I did not miss anything. My advice, however, is to sample the many cuisines, the street food without necessarily going for starred restaurants or where to take advantage of the cashback offers that allow American Express Platinum holders to dine for free.

The alternative idea of what to do in Shanghai

If you land in Pudong, the other scenario that I would recommend is to spend a day at Disneyland Shanghai. La  Subway is cheaper solution just take the Subway Line 2 from Pudong Airport to the station of Chuansha and then change to Line 11 towards Disneyland. The total travel time is approx. 60-75 minutes, with a cost around CNY 6.

Cab is faster, but more expensive. From Pudong Airport to Disneyland takes approximately. 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, with an estimated cost between 100 and 150 CNY. If you are short on time, it is definitely the preferred option.

Did you like this new idea? Leave me in the comments the city you would like to see explored by the Barbone.

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