International but also oriental (Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG))

Member Name: his0yir

Product:	Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Date:	13/07/09 (36 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: clean, convenient, and friendly

Disadvantages: Too big for lazy feet

This April I went to Shanghai for the first time. My first impression of this city is its first-class airport. It is wide, clean and the interior is designed to combine modern chic with oriental colour. It is obviously an international meeting place for travellers all over the world, but you will never forget that you are standing on the land of China, whose culture is never overruled by foreign influence.

Pudong airport claims to be the third busiest airport in the world with 60 million passengers pay visit to this place each year. However, I had not a slight feeling of being in the crowd while in the airport. This place is well constructed to take in such amount of people. Signs for directions and facilities are clear and English can be found everywhere. I had no difficult to find where to go in the airport.

The airport is well connect to the city itself with various public transportations. Maglev train is the fastest way to reach the city (about 25 minutes) but costs twice more than normal bus service (about 25 RMB, that is around 2.5 pounds), which takes 30 to 65 minutes depending on where you are going.

A warm story happened to me in the airport. I was waiting to exchange some RMB at the airport. After a while, seeing me still waiting, an airport guard pointed at the cash machine in the corner. I explained that I wanted to make a phone call so I needed to change some coins as well. Hearing that, the guard immediately got out some coins for me. 'Take these, so you don't need to wait here.' I thanked him and went to the public phone. Unfortunately, the phone which accepted coins was out of order and the other one only took IC phone card. While I was standing in front of the phone helplessly, the guard came to me again. I pointed at the phone and asked where I could buy phone card. 'No need to buy phone card', he said, 'use mine.' I was really touched with those friendly people in the airport and such warmth they show to strangers.

The only disadvantage of this airport is its size. It can take up to 20 minutes to walk from drop point to check-in counter. A bit weary if you have heavy luggages to carry. Nevertheless, my experience with this airport is very pleasant. No doubt Pudong international is one of top airports in the world.

Summary: It is a world-class airport.