Two stopovers/day trips worth it?

Question

I'm going to book a return flight where it's possible to book long stopovers at Shanghai Airport on both journeys.

Each stopover is about 15-19 hours during the day. So arriving at Shanghai Airport early in the morning and leaving around midnight or after.

Is it worth booking long stopovers for each journey or just one? That said, is it possible to do any? I won't be stopping in any hotels as there is no need.

Could you also recommend which places are a must? I'm not particular interested in shopping, but sightseeing and culture instead.

Thanks very much and hope you can help.

Answer

Long stopovers in Shanghai can definitely be worth it if you want to get a brief taste of the city without staying overnight in a hotel. A 15–19 hour stopover gives you enough time to leave the airport, explore a few key sights, have meals, and return comfortably for your onward flight. Doing two long stopovers is possible, but it depends on your energy and tolerance for travel; some travelers prefer using only one long stopover to avoid fatigue.

Logistics to consider:

Shanghai has two main airports: Pudong (PVG) for international flights and Hongqiao (SHA) for domestic/regional flights. Make sure your stopover aligns with the correct airport, and plan for transport time (30–60 minutes each way for Pudong, shorter for Hongqiao).
Immigration: For a long daytime stopover, you will go through Chinese immigration and customs. With proper planning, this is straightforward for most nationalities.
Transport: Taxis, Didi (China’s Uber equivalent), and Maglev/train options are available. Using public transport is also feasible but takes more time and can be confusing for first-time visitors.

Recommended sightseeing options for a day trip focused on culture and city highlights:

The Bund: Iconic riverside promenade with historic colonial architecture and views of the modern skyline.
Yu Garden & Old City: Classical Chinese garden with traditional architecture and nearby cultural streets.
Jing’an Temple: A serene Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.
Shanghai Museum (People’s Square): Excellent for Chinese art, ceramics, and history. Free entry but plan for 1–2 hours.
Nanjing Road (optional): Mainly shopping, but a quick stroll gives a sense of Shanghai’s modern urban energy.
Optional river cruise: A short Huangpu River cruise can give a nice overview of the cityscape in 1 hour.

Suggested itinerary for a 15–19 hour stopover:

Arrive early, clear immigration, store carry-on luggage if needed.
Take a taxi or Didi to Yu Garden/Old City (1–2 hours).
Lunch in the Old City or nearby traditional restaurant.
Visit the Bund and take photos, optionally walk along Nanjing Road.
Optionally visit Shanghai Museum or Jing’an Temple if time allows.
Return to airport with at least 2 hours for security and boarding.

If you are energetic and enjoy sightseeing, using both stopovers can be rewarding. If you prefer a more relaxed trip, one long stopover is sufficient to get a good feel of Shanghai.

Two stopovers/day trips worth it?

More Shanghai Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions