Before the flight
Confirm the airport, terminal, arrival date and local arrival time. Overnight flights and connections make it easy to mistake the calendar day on a booking.
Tell your accommodation about a late arrival when appropriate and save its check-in instructions. Keep the address and phone number available independently of a confirmation email.
After landing
Follow airport signs and staff instructions for arrival procedures, baggage and the correct public exit. Check your connection and payment options before committing to an onward journey.
If the flight was delayed, review whether your planned transport still operates. A daytime plan should not silently become a promise that the same service runs after midnight.
Choose the whole transfer
Compare the journey to the hotel, not only to a central station. Include the final walk or taxi and the luggage you have with you.
Use the airport-specific guide for options and pickup instructions. Keep a backup that makes sense for your arrival time and group, and confirm the fare or booking terms with the operator.
Keep the first evening flexible
Avoid placing a non-refundable attraction visit immediately after an international arrival. Allow time to find the hotel, resolve payment or connectivity issues and recover from the journey.
If you are continuing by train, treat the station transfer, entry checks and boarding as separate from the flight. Separate tickets do not automatically protect a missed connection.
Your checklist
- Correct airport and terminal
- Hotel address in Chinese
- Main transfer and late-arrival fallback
- Working data and payment backup
- Flexible first-evening plan
Common questions
Should I book an attraction straight after landing?
A flexible first day gives room for flight delays, entry procedures and the hotel transfer.
Is the airport train always the best option?
Compare the complete route to your accommodation, your arrival time and the luggage or group you are travelling with.
What should I save offline?
Hotel address and contact, booking references, transfer instructions and the travel details needed for your next leg.
Sources & updates
Official and provider references for the details above. Booking conditions, entry requirements and service arrangements can change.
- China Railway: English passenger FAQ
Official railway passenger and ticket guidance.
- Shanghai government: mobile payments
App setup and eligible overseas cards; check the app for account-specific terms.
- Shanghai government: AMap in English
English navigation and transport planning.