Discover Shanghai in less than 24 hours
Trip.com Group launches free transit tours to turn your layover into a mini-vacation
International layovers don’t have to mean waiting for hours at the airport terminal. It’s also possible to make the most of the short window of time and explore the country you’re transiting in. Enter “Shanghai Express,” free layover city tours launched by Trip.com Group to show travelers highlights of Shanghai before their next flight—all within a few hours.
Starting from April 15, international travelers stopping by the Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for over eight hours will have the opportunity to take part in these layover city tours, the first of their kind in Shanghai. You don’t have to worry about researching where to go and how either, as these tours take charge of everything, from airport pick-up and send-off to attraction tickets and e-sim cards. All you need to do is turn up.
The tours are available to international travelers who are eligible for China’s 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy, as well as those holding a 24-hour temporary entry permit issued by the airport border inspection.
“As visa-free transit policies open up new avenues for international travelers to explore China, Trip.com is excited to unveil this innovative program for those with just a short stopover,” said Han Feng, head of marketing. “We will leverage our extensive resources to ensure a memorable tour experience and provide world-class customer service to help flyers enjoy what Shanghai has to offer.”
Upon passing customs after arrival at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport, travelers may head to the Trip. com Group currency exchange counter on Island A in the Departure Hall of Terminal 2 for in-person registration. A professional guide is available at the counter one hour before the start of each tour to assist with the registration process. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Travelers will be able to choose from several tour timings. Each free tour accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers and lasts five to six hours, including transportation from and back to the airport.
The tours feature some of the top attractions on the Ai-powered Trip.best list for Shanghai based on user reviews and expert curation, leading visitors on a journey through the past, present, and future of the bustling metropolis.
Current itineraries include the Shanghai Highlights City Tour (9 a.m.2 p.m., including exploring traditional Chinese architecture in the Yu Garden and viewing Shanghai’s iconic and futuristic skyline at the Bund; Strolling Under the Trees Citywalk Tour (4 p.m.10 p.m.) for the romantics and urban history lovers, which includes a city walk through the old villas and charming cafés along Wukang Road; Huangpu River Cruise Sightseeing Night Tour (6 p.m.-11 p.m.) on the Huangpu River Cruise with a deep dive into the bustling Yu Garden at night.
Led by Englishspeaking guides, each tour includes transportation, tickets, esim cards, and team insurance. Those seeking to travel light may store their luggage at the airport or on the shuttle bus if space permits. The free tours do not include meals, though guides will be more than happy to offer dining recommendations.
The Shanghai Express Tours are expected to enrich the experience of travelers as they transit in mainland China, sparking their interest in more in-depth trips in the future.
The International Air Transport Association reveals that transit numbers have been on the rise, with over 330,000 travelers experiencing layovers in mainland China last December alone. This represents a monthly growth of 47 percent. International airports in mainland China, particularly in Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou, have been hubs for international flights, particularly to and from the Asia Pacific region.
Singapore is among the top 10 international departure countries transiting into Shanghai Pudong Airport. Transit times vary between eight hours to 144 hours.
Currently, nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies in 23 cities across mainland China. As long as they hold valid international travel documents and interline tickets to countries or regions with confirmed dates and seats, they can apply for visa-free transit at border inspection in designated city ports.
Additionally, foreign nationals with international connecting flights within 24 hours can transit through nine designated airports in mainland China without immigration procedures. Those interested in exploring the local city within this timeframe may obtain a 24-hour temporary entry permit by presenting their passports and connecting ticket flights and fill out the Temporary Entry Card.
The Shanghai Express Tours are set against the backdrop of Trip.com Group’s various initiatives to support international travelers to discover the beauty of China with ease as the country relaxes visa requirements. With visa-free entry extended to Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg on March 14, China is now visa-free for eligible travelers from 15 countries.
Trip.com Group witnessed a triple-digit year-on-year rise in international travel bookings to China in the first two months of 2024. Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Chengdu drew the most attention from global travelers.
Trip.com Group has also been working with airlines to provide international and domestic flight combos to encourage more travelers to venture beyond traditional hotspots. The “Explore
Currently, nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies in 23 cities across mainland China.
China” campaign, launched with Air China in March, gives travelers from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland a free additional flight within China when they purchase a single round-trip flight to the country.
To enhance convenience for visitors to China, Trip.com Group has implemented various initiatives. Notably, the China Travel Guide on the Trip.com app offers practical information on navigating the country. It covers topics such as entry requirements, internet access, payment, transportation, and more with easy-to-follow tips and explanatory videos. Since its release in September 2023, the guide has served more than 100,000 international travelers planning to visit China.
Meeting the needs of all kinds of travelers, whether you’re just passing through or planning a deep dive, Trip. com Group is committed to using its expertise and resources to make such trips memorable, and help you explore China’s endless possibilities.