Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Review 2026: Duty-Free, Crowds, & Pickup

China

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

Hello, I'm Lisa, your travel blogger!

Recently, leading up to the May Golden Week holiday and Labor Day,

more people traveling to Shanghai, China

reportedly surpassed those traveling to Japan.

Even though it's peak holiday season, for Shanghai to be that popular

means its popularity is no joke! Haha.

When you travel to Shanghai,

you'll usually arrive at one of two airports.

Pudong Airport / Hongqiao Airport.

Among them, today I'll introduce you to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

Here's what we'll cover.

I'll cover everything from duty-free shops, tax refunds, crowd levels, and airport pickup

in this post! 🇨🇳🇨🇳

In today's post, I'll tell you about:

and more!

1. Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

As you prepare for your trip to Shanghai,

you'll come across two airports: Pudong and Hongqiao.

Among these, Hongqiao Airport is known as

a domestically focused airport,

It serves Chinese domestic routes, as well as flights to cities like Tokyo, Seoul, and Hong Kong,

connecting nearby short-haul international destinations.

Simply put, it's like Korea's Gimpo Airport,

if you're familiar with that.

Therefore,

if you're traveling from Korea to Shanghai via Gimpo Airport,

you'll head to Hongqiao Airport,

while flights from Incheon Airport will take you to Pudong.

✔️ Gimpo ↔︎ Shanghai: Hongqiao Airport

✔️ Incheon ↔︎ Shanghai: Pudong Airport

And if you're flying Korean Air during the evening or morning

and heading back to Korea,

you'll most likely be using Hongqiao Airport.

2. Hongqiao Airport Duty-Free Shops

Hongqiao Airport's duty-free section

is generally smaller than Pudong Airport's.

However, though it's smaller in scale than Pudong Airport,

it features popular Shanghai eateries like Din Tai Fung and Nanxiang Xiaolongbao,

as well as a Starbucks Reserve and luxury boutiques.

So, for its size, the selection is quite impressive!

You'll find all the usual spirits you'd expect at a duty-free shop...

Royal Salute / Ballantine's / Hakushu / Yamazaki

They have all sorts of varieties.

And notably, there's a huge selection of Balvenie.

Please refer to the photos for prices.

Oh, and of course, Maotai is available too, haha! :)

(Even if you know the price, you might not be able to buy it!)

For souvenirs, you'll find items like those sold at Nanjing Road and Tianzifang,

including White Rabbit candy!!

Still, Nanjing Road is much more affordable.

"Even cheaper? RT-Mart."

>> RT-Mart Prices

For something truly unique, there are Chinese-style pretzels.

(Peking duck / Hairy crab / Mapo tofu / Lychee flavors)

You'll also find crab roe noodles and pineapple cakes (Fenglisu).

They even sell 'Lady Cream'!

Of course, it's much cheaper to buy these in downtown areas like Nanjing East Road and Tianzifang than at the duty-free shop.

​

4. Getting a Tax Refund

If you've done a lot of shopping during your Shanghai trip,

make sure to get your tax refund!

You can apply for a refund if you purchase 500 CNY or more at the same duty-free shop on the same day.

✔️ 500 CNY = ~$73

The tax refund rate is generous: 11% of the 13% tax-inclusive amount is refunded to foreign travelers.

For tax refunds at Hongqiao Airport,

you'll find the office across from Gate T11.

Operating hours are from 07:00 until the last flight departs.

While I didn't use it personally,

there's a kiosk located here.

(Self-application available / Receipt required)

​

4. Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Congestion

My visit was on a Sunday around 5 PM.

It felt so relaxed, with almost zero congestion. I moved through everything without waiting in a single line and passed security quickly.

Pudong Airport is always bustling, so coming to the calmer Hongqiao was a welcome change.

⚠️ During Shanghai's May Labor Day period, which sees large crowds, the proportion of domestic Chinese travelers is high, so Hongqiao Airport (domestic flights) might get crowded.

✔️ Departure time: Two hours before your flight is usually enough.

5. Recommended Shanghai Airport Pick-up & Drop-off Services

When you travel around Shanghai,

you'll probably use Didi (ride-hailing) frequently.

It's really affordable, so you might even use it for airport transfers.

However, for arriving at and departing from the airport,

I personally recommend booking Shanghai airport pick-up and drop-off services.

First off, the vehicles themselves are very comfortable.

Plus, the price is fixed, so there are no hidden extra charges.

​

The driver will pick you up directly from your hotel on time,

and surprisingly, the price isn't much different from a Didi taxi.

Traveling with three or more people?

I definitely recommend airport pick-up and drop-off services.

Prices start from around ~$7.

For the best prices on Shanghai airport pick-up bookings,

click here 👉🏻👉🏻 here - 🚘

6. Wrapping Up

Today, I've shared some useful information about Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, which travelers heading from Gimpo Airport to Shanghai will likely use.

Honestly, if it weren't for the shopping...

This place truly shines for its comfort and convenience in so many ways.

It's just a 30-minute drive from Nanjing East Road in the city,

making it incredibly easy to get to.

I have such wonderful memories of its relaxed and pleasant atmosphere.

✅ Compared to Pudong, it's paradise! ✈️

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!

I hope you have a fantastic trip to Shanghai!

Until next time, bye! :)

<📎 Handy Info You Might Like >

🔻Click!🔻

Make sure to get an eSIM discount for your China trip!

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