8hrs layover in Shanghai and want to apply for TWOV

Question

Hi! Philippine passport holder here. I have 8hrs layover. I'll land around 1pm and then my next flight is 9pm (so I have to check in at least 7pm). No need for baggage claim since all my flights are China Eastern. Assuming I have to still deplane, store my carry on luggage, and apply for a transit visa -- is it worth it to still go outside of Pudong airport? If yes, I just plan to see Nanjing road, see the Bund and go to riverside promenade (Lujiazui area). I also have IBS D. Are there decent public toilets by Nanjing road, promenade area and the metro?

Answer

With an 8-hour layover at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG), it is technically possible for a Philippine passport holder to go through the 24/72-hour Transit Without Visa (TWOV) procedure and explore some parts of Shanghai, but there are several practical considerations to keep in mind.

Time calculation:

Arrival at 1 PM. You need to deplane, go through security checks, and apply for TWOV (if eligible). This can take roughly 45–60 minutes, depending on queues.
By the time you leave the airport, it might already be around 2 PM.
Travel time from Pudong Airport to central Shanghai (Nanjing Road/Bund/Lujiazui) is approximately 1 hour by taxi or 1–1.5 hours by Maglev + Metro.
Considering the return trip, you should aim to be back at the airport by 7 PM at the latest, leaving you roughly 3–4 hours to explore downtown.

Transit Visa / TWOV:

Shanghai offers 24-hour TWOV for Philippine passport holders if you are traveling to a third country. You apply at the dedicated counter in the international arrivals hall.
You will need your onward ticket (for the 9 PM flight) and passport.
The process can take 20–40 minutes depending on lines, so factor that in.

Feasibility of sightseeing:

With limited time, you can realistically visit:

Nanjing Road for shopping and street views (walking time: 30–60 mins).
The Bund, riverside promenade, and view of Lujiazui skyline (another 30–60 mins).

Keep a taxi or ride-hailing app ready to maximize time.

Toilets and IBS considerations:

Public toilets are available at major shopping centers along Nanjing Road (e.g., pedestrian street malls) and near The Bund attractions.
Metro stations generally have clean, public toilets, though some may require a small fee or token in larger stations.
Hotels and restaurants along your route often allow patrons to use restrooms, so plan for short breaks at cafes or fast-food outlets.

Tips:

Consider using a taxi for speed and convenience rather than relying solely on Maglev + Metro.
Store your carry-on luggage at the airport to move around freely.
Have a printed map or app to avoid getting lost and optimize sightseeing time.
Maintain a buffer for unforeseen delays—returning by 7 PM is crucial for international check-in.

In summary, it is possible to leave the airport for a brief sightseeing trip during your 8-hour layover, but your sightseeing time is limited to roughly 3–4 hours after travel and transit procedures. Plan carefully, prioritize a few main spots, and use taxis to save time.