Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a major hub for commercial aviation located in the Pudong district on the eastern edge of Shanghai, China. The facility includes two large passenger terminals and several satellite piers connected by automated train systems, handling hundreds of thousands of travelers daily between domestic and international flights.

The airport opened for service in October 1999 and quickly became the main international gateway to mainland China. A second terminal followed in 2008, greatly expanding capacity and reinforcing Shanghai's growing role in global air travel.

Inside the terminals, travelers often encounter exhibitions of Chinese calligraphy and contemporary art installations that introduce local culture. Tea ceremonies and demonstrations of traditional crafts take place in several waiting areas, giving passengers a first taste of regional customs.

Terminal 2 primarily serves international flights and offers multilingual signage that helps passengers navigate customs and immigration. Allowing extra time between arrival and connecting flights is advisable, as distances between gates can be long and security checks are thorough.

The airport operates one of the fastest commercial transit systems in the world: the Maglev train connects it to the city edge in just eight minutes, reaching speeds exceeding 430 kilometers per hour (267 miles per hour). This technology remains a surprising experience for many travelers and highlights China's interest in forward-looking transport solutions.