The city where Pudong International Airport is located is Shanghai. The air gates are small in size, so it is impossible to get lost here. However, they are quite non-standard. The runways are located on both sides of the two terminals, and not on one side, as in most hubs.
The history of the construction of the airport is no less interesting. It was conceived as an auxiliary to the already existing Hongqiao, but became the main air harbor of Shanghai. It is also interesting that the world's first maglev railway line was also built here. She connected the hub with the subway of the metropolis.
In this article we will tell you everything about Pudong Airport. We will describe its history, as well as reveal simple secrets on how to get from the air harbor to the center of Shanghai. Tourist reviews have become our main informative base.
History
If you fly China Estern Airlines, then you will be accepted by Shanghai Pudong International Airport. But back in 1999, China's largest metropolis had otherair gate. Foreign passengers (and domestic flights) were accepted by Hongqiao Airport. It was repeatedly expanded and modernized until they came to the conclusion that in order for the hub to satisfy the growing flow of people, many blocks of urban development had to be demolished. Therefore, it was decided to build a new airport.
The place for it was chosen on the south bank of the Yangtze River, in the Pudong area, thirty kilometers east of the center of Shanghai. The first terminal was designed by the French architect Paul Andre. Judging by the feedback from passengers, the exterior design resembles two waves of the sea. The Pudong took its first flight in October 1999. In March 2008, the second terminal was completed. The nautical theme has been preserved in the design of this building. From a distance, it resembles a seagull spreading its wings.
Characteristics of the hub
Today Pudong Airport (Shanghai) took away all international flights from Hongqiao with the exception of Haneda (Tokyo) and Gimpo (Seoul). Liners arriving from Macau and Hong Kong (PRC) also land here. Despite the fact that "Pudong" consists of only two terminals (the construction of the third has not yet been completed), it is the largest airport in China in terms of passenger traffic and surpasses even Beijing Capital in this parameter.
Now it serves sixty million travelers a year. With the construction of the third terminal and two runways, this figure should increase to 100 million. Pudong consider suchcarrier companies such as China Eastern Airlines, Air China, Shanghai Airlines and Spring Airlines. This hub is the world's sixth busiest hub and the twenty-ninth busiest hub in the world.
Scheme of the air harbor
At the moment, the airport "Pudong" (Shanghai) consists of two terminals. They stand at a fairly large distance from each other. Between them from six in the morning until midnight, a free bus runs at intervals of ten minutes. Passengers like that in any of the Pudong terminals the traveler will find everything they need. Luggage can be checked in for storage in the cells. Judging by the reviews of people, there is an opportunity to have a bite to eat in one of the food courts, exchange money at bank branches, and skimp in duty-free shops.
If a simple waiting room does not suit you, then there are hotels of different stars nearby the airport. To get a VAT refund on a one-time purchase of at least five hundred yuan, you need to contact the customs office (in the first terminal, gate 10, and in the second - 25). With the documents drawn up there, then you need to go to the international departures area and find the Tax-free point there.
How to get from Shanghai to Pudong Airport?
If you are traveling with a lot of luggage and do not want to fool yourself with subway schemes, it is better to call a taxi. Judging by the feedback from passengers, this service in Shanghai is more expensive than in other Chinese cities. The trip can cost one hundred and fifty yuan during the day, and more than thirty dollars at night. Seasoned Travelersit is advised to beware of private traders who can rip off a triple price. In addition, they will take you around the city for a long time.
Reviews of tourists testify to the following fact: if you are leaving the hotel, it is better to ask for a taxi with a counter at the reception. Drivers often do not understand English. Therefore, if you want to get to the airport "Pudong" (Shanghai), and not somewhere else, you need to learn the words "Pudong Guoji Jichang".
The most economical option for transport to the air harbor is the metro. The green line (second) connects the two Shanghai airports. So you can easily get from "Hongqiao" to "Pudong" and vice versa. You can also take a bus from Nanjin Road, Jin An Temple People's Square. But there is a risk of missing the plane due to traffic jams.
How to get to the city from Pudong Airport?
The center of Shanghai, tourists say, is located more than thirty kilometers from the air harbor. The fastest way to overcome this distance is the Maglev train. He travels at a speed of 350 to 430 kilometers per hour. The train arrives in Shanghai in seven minutes and twenty seconds. But it's more of a tourist attraction. Such a pleasure costs fifty yuan, about eight dollars (travel in a regular subway is $0.5–$3).
Besides, "Maglev" arrives not in the center of Shanghai, but at the metro station "Long Yang Lu" - the same green line. It is not difficult to navigate the terminals and find exits to a high-speed train or subway -Everywhere there are English-language signs with clear pictures. Tickets are sold in vending machines. They also have an option to switch to English.
