1.5 days in Shanghai

Question

Hi, I am flying into Shanghai PVG from Europe, arriving in the morning on 30th September, and will be leaving early afternoon on 1st October from PVG via HKG back home to Australia. I know 1st October is National Day, so I'm not sure if I should stay in central Shanghai overnight, or stay at an airport hotel. I have 29 hours between flight arrival and flight departure. I was planning on staying in central Shanghai and do a bit of sighseeting on 30th Sep and the morning of the 1st Oct before heading out to the airport, but I'm worried about the traffic to the airport and/or airport crowds. What would you recommend?

Answer

With roughly 29 hours in Shanghai during the National Day period, careful planning is important because this is one of China’s busiest holiday periods. National Day (1st October) typically sees heavy domestic travel, crowded attractions, and congested traffic, especially around airports and city centers.

Given your schedule, staying in central Shanghai overnight is feasible but comes with some considerations:

Central Shanghai Stay: Staying near central districts such as The Bund, People’s Square, or Nanjing Road allows you to do some sightseeing immediately after arrival on 30th September. You can explore key areas, take a short Huangpu River cruise, or visit Yu Garden in the afternoon and evening.
Morning of 1st October: Early morning sightseeing is possible, but traffic may already be heavier than usual as the holiday begins. Major tourist spots and transport hubs will be crowded.
Transport to PVG Airport: National Day can create severe traffic jams. Taking a taxi or Didi may be slower than usual. Using the Maglev train or airport shuttle bus is generally faster and more predictable, though they can be busy too.

Alternative approach:

Airport Hotel Stay: Staying at or near PVG airport for the night of 30th September reduces stress about early departure on 1st October. You would need to manage luggage and a shorter sightseeing window on the first day, but your departure will be much less rushed.
Combination Plan: You could stay one night in central Shanghai to enjoy sightseeing on 30th September, then move to an airport hotel late evening to ensure an easy departure on 1st October morning.

Recommendations:

Plan sightseeing for 30th September carefully; prioritize nearby attractions to avoid losing time in traffic.
Leave for the airport at least 4 hours before your flight, considering traffic and security lines during National Day.
Check the latest transport schedules (Maglev, airport shuttle) and consider pre-booking a taxi or ride-sharing for airport transfer.

In summary, central Shanghai stay allows sightseeing but carries some risk of traffic delays. An airport hotel stay offers peace of mind for your early afternoon departure. A hybrid approach—central stay first night, airport stay second night—is often the best compromise during National Day travel.

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