Plan Your Trip to Shanghai

20–22 November 2026 | National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai)

Everything international visitors need in one place — visa guidance, invitation letters, flights and hotels, getting to the venue, getting around the city, and how to claim your tax refund on the way home.

Shanghai is China’s financial and commercial capital, and the gateway to the Yangtze River Delta. Hongqiao Tech Week puts you at the centre of it.

Destination

Welcome to Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s financial and commercial capital — and the gateway to the Yangtze River Delta, one of the world’s most dynamic innovation economies.

Home to more than 7,000 digital economy enterprises
Direct high-speed rail to Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing within an hour
Two international airports: Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA)
A global hub for AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, life sciences and new energy
One of the world's best-connected metro networks, signposted throughout in English

Before You Fly

Preparing Your Visa

Most international visitors need a visa to enter mainland China. Start the process at least four weeks before you travel.

Step 1

Check visa-free eligibility

China offers visa-free transit and unilateral visa-free entry to eligible passport holders. Check the current policy with your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate, or the National Immigration Administration.

Step 2

Choose the right visa type

Business visitors usually apply for an M visa (commercial activities) or an F visa (exchanges and visits). Leisure travel uses the L visa.

Step 3

Prepare your documents

A passport valid for at least six months with blank pages, the completed online application form, a recent passport photo, proof of onward travel and accommodation — and for M/F visas, an invitation letter.

Step 4

Apply early

Submit your application to the Chinese embassy, consulate or visa application service centre in your country. Processing commonly takes 4–10 working days.

Visa policies change frequently. Always confirm current requirements with official sources before booking travel.

We Can Help

Visa Invitation Letter

Attending Hongqiao Tech Week? We can issue an official invitation letter to support your visa application.

1. Register for the event

Complete your visitor registration first. Your registration must be confirmed before we can issue a letter.

2. Request your letter

Once your registration is confirmed, open your account centre, enter your details — full name exactly as shown in your passport, passport number, nationality, company, job title and travel dates — and submit the application. We’ll review and issue your letter.

3. Receive and submit

We will send a PDF invitation letter by email within five working days. Print it and submit it with your visa application.

An invitation letter supports your application but does not guarantee a visa will be granted. Allow at least four weeks before your travel date.

Getting Here

Flights & Hotels

Flights

Pudong International Airport (PVG): Shanghai’s main long-haul hub, around 60–90 minutes from the venue by car.
Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): much closer to the venue — approximately 15–20 minutes by taxi, and directly connected by Metro Line 2.
Both airports are served by Metro Line 2, which runs directly to Xujing East Station for the NECC.

Hotels

A range of partner hotels near the venue and in the Hongqiao business district will be offered at preferential rates.
Staying close to Metro Line 2 gives you a direct, traffic-free route to the venue.
Book early — November is a busy period in Shanghai.

On Arrival

Getting to the Venue

National Exhibition & Convention Center (Shanghai)

333 Songze Avenue, Qingpu District

(On-site Visitor Registration: East Entrance Hall & North Entrance Hall)

By Metro

Main metro line: Line 2 (Green Line).
Station: Xujing East Station (Exit 4, 5 or 6 lead directly to the NECC).
From downtown / Pudong: near People’s Square, take Line 2 towards Xujing East (about 40–50 minutes). From Pudong Airport (PVG), take Line 2 via the Guanglan Road transfer — around 90 minutes.
From Hongqiao Airport (SHA) or Hongqiao Railway Station: take Line 2 one stop towards Pudong to Xujing East — only about 5 minutes.

Note: Visitors arriving by metro can take the shuttle bus to the North Square for registration upon exiting the station.

By Taxi / Ride-Hailing

Show the driver this address in Chinese: 国家会展中心（上海），青浦区崧泽大道 333 号, or say “Qingpu, Guo Jia Hui Zhan Zhong Xin”.
From Hongqiao Airport: approximately 15–20 minutes, around ¥40–60.
From Pudong Airport: around 60–90 minutes, around ¥180–250.
From central Shanghai (People’s Square): 40–60 minutes, around ¥100–150.
Ride-hailing: use Didi Chuxing (an English version of the app is available) or Meituan. Set pick-up and drop-off at the NECC East or West entrance.

Note: Visitors arriving by taxi should alight at Gate 14 (East).

By Bus

Several public bus routes stop near the NECC:
Route 197: from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 to Zhuguang Road Panlong Road stop.
Route 706: from Xujing Town to Panlong Road Longzhu Avenue stop.
Route 773: connects from Shenkun Road Metro Station.

While You're Here

Getting Around Shanghai

Shanghai is straightforward to navigate once you know the basics.

Metro

Fast, cheap and signposted in English across 16 lines. Fares start at ¥3 and the network reaches almost every part of the city.

Taxi & ride-hailing

Metered taxis are widely available. Didi Chuxing offers an English-language app, and ride-hailing is also built into Alipay and WeChat.

Payments

Mobile payment is the norm. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before you arrive. Cash and major credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger stores.

Connectivity

Buy a local SIM or activate an eSIM or roaming data plan. Some international websites and apps may require a VPN while in China.

On Departure

Tax Refund Guide

Overseas visitors can claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases when leaving China.

Who can claim

Foreign visitors, and compatriots from the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions of China, who have stayed in mainland China for no more than 183 consecutive days before departure.

Minimum spend

At least ¥200 of eligible goods from the same tax-free store on the same day. Goods must be unused, and carried out of China within 90 days of purchase.

Refund rate

11% of the invoice amount for goods taxed at 13%, and 8% for goods taxed at 9%, less the tax refund agency’s service fee.

How to claim

Ask the store for a Refund Application Form and sales invoice. Have your purchases verified by Customs at the port of departure, then collect your refund from the tax refund agency.

Refunds are paid in renminbi, in cash or by bank transfer. Some stores offer refund-upon-purchase with a credit card pre-authorisation.

Ready to join us in Shanghai?

Three days, one venue, and every decision-maker you need to meet. Register now and we’ll help you sort out the rest.