Pudong

Introduction

You will find Pudong situated on the east bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. While its name originally referred specifically to the land directly across from the historic city center of Puxi, it now encompasses the expansive Pudong New Area, which stretches toward the East China Sea.

Before you go

Before you arrive, understand that "Pudong" can refer to several different areas depending on the context. While it literally means any land east of the Huang Pu river, your visit will focus on the highly developed central area and the Lujiazui peninsula. This district has undergone a phenomenal transformation since the late 1970s as part of a program to encourage foreign investment, evolving from farmland and low-rise industrial zones into a modern urban center.

You can navigate the primary sights by following Century Avenue, the main thoroughfare that runs inland from Lujiazui toward Century Park. Most tourist attractions are located along or near this road. If you use the metro system to reach these sites, several stops on line 2 are situated directly on Century Avenue.

Getting there

If you are arriving from the west side of the Huangpu River, you can cross into Pudong via metro, taxi, ferry, sightseeing tunnel, or bus. The ferry departing from the Bund near Yan'an Donglu is an economical option, while the metro offers several lines to navigate the area. Line 2 serves as a primary east-west route connecting downtown Pudong to Puxi and the airport, while other lines like 4, 6, 9, 7, 8, 11, 12, and 13 also provide access to both sides of the river.

For those traveling by car or taxi, the Yan'an Tunnel serves as the main route into the district, though you may encounter heavy traffic during rush hours and on weekends. Alternatively, you can request your driver use the Renmin Lu Tunnel further south. If you prefer a more unique experience, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers an underground travelator with blinking lights. For travelers arriving at Pudong Airport, you can reach the city via taxi, Metro Line 2, or the high-speed magnetic levitation train which connects to Longyang Rd Station.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using an extensive metro network that connects both sides of the river. Metro Line 2 serves as a primary east-west artery, traveling through downtown and providing access to the airport. If you need to reach major landmarks in Pudong, Lujiazui Station is a convenient starting point; from here, you can walk along elevated walkways over the roads to reach the Pearl Tower and the World Financial Centre via the Super Brand Mall and the IFC Mall. Other nearby attractions are accessible through tunnels leading from the station.

Several other lines provide connections between Puxi and Pudong, including Line 4, which follows a circular route through central Shanghai. For travel within the Pudong side of the river, Lines 6 and 16 run roughly north-south. If you are heading to the airport, you can take the ultra-fast magnetic levitation train from Longyang Road Station. Specific stations offer unique local access: Century Avenue serves as a major interchange for multiple lines, while Science and Technology Museum provides access to shopping and the Entry and Exit Bureau.

Where to stay

While many hotels in Pudong cater specifically to business travelers, you can find a wider range of choices or closer proximity to main tourist sights by staying in Puxi. For those seeking high-end accommodations with expansive views, the Lujiazui area offers luxury options such as the Grand Hyatt Shanghai and Park Hyatt Shanghai, which provide impressive vistas of the city and the Pearl TV Tower. Other upscale selections include the Ritz-Carlton near the Pearl Tower or the Pudong Shangri-La.

If you prefer a more varied selection of accommodations in Pudong, consider these options:

• Serviced apartments like Aquaspace Shanghai offer views of the Lujiazui financial spectacle while providing access to the vibrant Puxi area.
• The Citadines Biyun Shanghai and Rhea Boutique Hotel - Jinqiao provide well-equipped accommodations in the Jinqiao area.
• For a more traditional experience, the Historic 1934 Hotel offers river-view rooms near the Bund.
• Convenient business-oriented stays include the Blue Horizon International Hotel, the Eton Hotel, and the Crowne Plaza Century Park.

Food & drink

Savor a variety of international cuisines across the district, ranging from authentic Cantonese dim sum and specialties to mouth-watering Thai dishes served in a vibrant atmosphere. For those seeking Western flavors, you can enjoy tender American-style steak with panoramic views from high above the city, or opt for Italian cuisine featuring fresh, seasonal homemade dishes. If you prefer Japanese cuisine, you can choose from various ingredients to customize your curry rice at an international chain. Other options include Canadian-inspired fare and a selection of sandwiches from a Western-style bakery and cafe.

Experience the city's skyline with a drink at a high-altitude bar offering nighttime views of Puxi, or visit a local bar for a different atmosphere. For a more relaxed experience, you can enjoy a soda in a lobby cafe while taking in the scenery.

What to see and do

Explore the towering skyline of Lujiazui, where massive buildings constructed since the 1990s dominate the horizon. You can experience the thrill of walking on a glass floor high above the Huangpu River at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, an iconic landmark featuring distinctive pink spheres. For expansive views of the city and the Bund, visit the observation decks of the Shanghai World Financial Center or the Jinmao Tower, which features a soaring atrium and various dining options. If you prefer to reach extreme heights, the Shanghai Tower offers one of the tallest viewing platforms in the world with an accelerating elevator ride.

Beyond the skyscrapers, you can explore diverse cultural and educational sites throughout the area. Visit the China Art Museum to see modern Chinese art and a large-scale 3D animated interactive remake of a famous ancient painting, or browse the specialized collections of ancient bronzeware and jade at the Shanghai Museum East. For those interested in science and technology, the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum offers educational exhibits, while the Maglev Museum showcases the history and mechanics of maglev trains. You can also find relaxation in Century Park, explore the underwater world of the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, or visit the Pudong Mosque to see its expanded architecture.

When to go

You can experience a variety of seasonal conditions in Pudong, which features a humid subtropical climate. During the summer months, you will encounter the hottest time of year characterized by heat and influences from Pacific rains and typhoons.

If you prefer cooler weather, visit during the winter when Siberian winds influence the region to create a colder atmosphere.

Three days in Pudong

Day one, you can explore the skyline of Pudong New Area and take in the views across the Huangpu River. You might visit the iconic landmarks in Lujiazui, such as the Pearl Tower or the World Financial Centre, before heading to the nearby Super Brand Mall or IFC Mall for shopping.

Day two, you can travel toward the Puxi side of Shanghai. You can experience the atmosphere of the Bund or explore the streets near Donglu. If you prefer to travel underground, you can navigate through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or take the Renmin Lu Tunnel.

Day three, you can enjoy a stroll through Century Park or walk along Century Avenue. To reach different parts of the city, you can utilize the Metro Line system, including connections at Longyang Rd Station and Lujiazui Station.