Information and Travel Guide for Shanghai Hong Qiao International Airport Shanghai Hong Qiao International Airport (SHA)
Located in the Changning District and just 13km west of Shanghai is the Hongqiao Airport. Serving as one of the main hubs for China, the Hongqiao airport takes on over 90 different airlines. Currently the airport is divided into two terminals. Terminal 2 was only opened up in 2010, but holds over 90 percent of the facility's activity. Once the Shanghai Pudong Airport was completed, the Hongqiao Airport turned into a domestic flight hub, while still offering connections for international flights.
History
The airport was originally constructed in 1907 in Shanghai. As a small military airfield, this site quickly grew into a main transportation hub. By 1923 it was upgraded and renamed to the Hongqiao Airport. Since then it has been used for civilian air travel. In September of 1984, the airport went under a huge renovation and expansion to create an additional terminal. In 2010, Terminal 2 was reconstructed and expanded significantly in order for the facility to house 90different airlines from around the world.
Services and Ammenities
The Hongqiao Airport offers numerous amenities and accommodations that would be expected of a major airline hub. Some common amenities include:
Currency exchange, post offices and financial service centers
Luggage carts and lost-and-found
24-hour business services that include internet, faxing and conference facilities
Two clinics, beauty salons and smoking zones
Free Wi-Fi in lounges and restaurants, but not in main waiting areas
Multiple restaurants that include fast food, sit-down, coffee shops and snack shops
Shopping and retail services that include duty-free, world-class and local retailers
Parking
The Hongqiao Airport offers over 600 parking spaces with daily, weekly and hourly rates. Larger cars or vehicles will pay a significantly higher parking fee than smaller, compact vehicles.
Surrounding Area
The Hongqiao Airport offers numerous travel options for those traveling into the city. Most individuals are recommended to take the local train which comes and goes from the airport every 35 minutes. Buses are extremely crowded and tourists often find them uncomfortable. Taxis are available, but often are expensive, especially for travel outside of the airport.
There are numerous tourist attractions and hotels located throughout the Shanghai area. Those new to the area are encouraged to visit The Bund, also referred to as the Zhongshan Road for true Chinese history. The Jade Buddha Temple is also available for tours and for those looking to have a little solace; the Confucius Temple is not too far from there. Hotels are located throughout the area of Shanghai, but pricier hotels are located within the city center. Those on a budget should look for hotels a few blocks out of the downtown area or in surrounding suburbs. Hotels located near the airport are typically for business and VIP members who need the additional conference facilities.
Contact Information:
Address: Hong Qiao International Airport, Hong Qiao Lu 2550, Shanghai, China 200335 Telephone: +86 (0)21 6268 8899 or 6268 8918/9 Fax: +86 (0)21 6269 0027 Website: www.shanghaiairport.com (Chinese only) Location: The airport is located 13km (8 miles) southwest of Shanghai city centre. Country code: 86 IATA airport code: SHA