Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Guide (2026): Dining & Duty-Free Shopping

On the final day of our Shanghai adventure, we departed from Hongqiao Airport, and to our surprise, it offered a fantastic array of dining and cafe options.

From familiar favorites like Starbucks to authentic Chinese restaurants, and a great selection of Shanghai souvenirs in the duty-free zone, there's plenty to explore.

Let's dive into how to get to Hongqiao Airport from Nanjing East Road, the best airport eateries, Starbucks city mugs, and a full duty-free shopping guide, including prices!

1. Getting to Hongqiao Airport

📌 Getting to Hongqiao Airport from Nanjing East Road

· Subway: Approximately 30 minutes / ~$1

· Didi Taxi: Approximately 20-30 minutes / ~$11 and up

You can take Metro Line 10 directly to Hongqiao Airport Terminal 1. No transfers needed! Just hop on Line 10 from Nanjing East Road Station and get off at Hongqiao Terminal 1 Station (虹桥1号航站楼역).

(After exiting from Terminal 1 Station Exit 1, follow the temporary connecting passage.)

If you're traveling with family or have a lot of luggage, pre-booking an airport pick-up can be a lifesaver. (I'll leave a link to my airport pick-up review below!)

2. Hongqiao Airport Dining Guide

Before security, you'll find familiar spots like Starbucks, Subway, and Lawson.

Once you pass through customs and enter the duty-free zone, you'll have access to more dining and cafe options, including another Starbucks, Wagas, SeeSaw Coffee, and Macau Por King.

There's also a Starbucks located within the duty-free area, offering a good selection of sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.

An Americano typically costs around ~$4-$5, while a Cafe Latte is about ~$5-$6.

They also sell city mugs, so if you missed getting one in the city, this is your chance!

(The city mug, a 14 fl oz size, was priced at ~$22.)

For a proper meal, head to the 3rd floor for Macau Por King, which serves a delicious blend of Chinese and Macanese dishes.

Think flavorful Beef Brisket Claypot Rice for about ~$12, and dim sum options starting around ~$4.

SeeSaw Coffee, a popular local chain, also has a location in the duty-free area.

If you're looking for a coffee alternative to Starbucks, this is a great spot to grab a cup before your flight.

Wagas is also easily accessible, perfect if you're craving a sandwich or Western-style meal.

It's a convenient option for a quick bite before boarding.

3. Hongqiao Airport Duty-Free Shopping List

The Hongqiao Airport duty-free shops actually have some interesting finds!

You'll spot brand stores like Montblanc and TUMI.

Sunrise Duty Free offers a selection of liquor and cosmetics.

As expected in China, there was an abundance of adorable panda merchandise!

From panda mugs and teacups to teapots, the variety was impressive.

You'll also find a selection of international chocolates and the famous Butterfly Pastry, a popular Shanghai souvenir.

Butterfly Pastry: ~$28

(I picked up a box myself; it's quite similar to a palmiers pastry and a pleasant, if not groundbreaking, treat.)

You'll also spot plenty of the iconic White Rabbit (Dabaitou) candy, a famous Chinese souvenir.

They come in various tin designs, perfect for collecting.

(Approx. ~$9-$12)

While Dabaitou candies can be a bit polarizing in taste, their charming packaging makes them a great keepsake after you've enjoyed the sweets. You can find them widely across the city, but if you missed out, the duty-free shop is your last chance!

Don't forget to check out the Shanghai magnets!

There were several designs featuring the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai's stunning skyline, typically costing around ~$2 each.

Hongqiao Airport is considerably less crowded than Pudong Airport, making for a more relaxed duty-free shopping experience.

The airport isn't sprawling, so it's easy to navigate and explore the shops in a limited area, which felt quite convenient.

With a decent selection of restaurants, cafes, and duty-free stores, I highly recommend arriving a little early for your Shanghai Hongqiao flight to explore the duty-free zone!

▽ Detailed Review of Shanghai Airport Pick-up Service ▽

Shanghai Pudong Airport Pick-up vs. Didi Taxi: Terminal 1 to Cityblog.naver.com