NECC Shanghai: how to get to the National Exhibition and Convention Center

Both lines stop at National Exhibition and Convention Center station, just north-west of the halls. Exits as published by the Shanghai government for the 2025 CIIE:[1][2]

After a big show, Line 17 (reached from the north-west corner of the North Square) is usually less crowded than Line 2. Exit numbers in guides from before September 2024 are different. Plan the rest of the trip with our Shanghai metro route finder.

On foot from Hongqiao: the underground walkway

Walked by our editor, who lives next to the Hongqiao hub. From Hongqiao Railway Station, Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 or the metro, you can walk to the NECC without going outside: about 15 minutes from the railway station, or 25 to 30 minutes from the airport.

1. 1

   Stay underground

   When you come out of the metro or the airport, take the underground passage through Hongqiao Railway Station. Do not go up and out to street level.

2. 2

   Head for the Hongqiao Business District

   Follow the signs towards the Hongqiao Business District (虹桥商务区) and the National Exhibition and Convention Center (国家会展中心). Just keep going straight along the signs.

3. 3

   Look out for two shops

   On the way you pass Duozhuayu (多抓鱼), a low-price second-hand shop, and Zhi’er (只二), a pre-owned luxury store. They tell you that you are on the right track.

4. 4

   Keep following the signs

   Signs point the way all along the walkway to the exhibition centre. China is very safe, and volunteers stand along the route to guide and help visitors.

5. 5

   Or take the shuttle bus

   If you would rather not walk, take a shuttle bus. Most leave from the end of the underground passage from Hongqiao Airport: walk on past the security check and you will see them waiting, so just get on. Some are free and some charge a small fare, which is worth paying for the time it saves. During shows they run so often that you will not miss one.

Taxi times without traffic. More on the airports in our Shanghai airport guide.

By taxi or car: which gate

Gate numbers from the organiser’s guide for CIFF Shanghai (2024).[4]

1. 1

   Taxi pick-up

   Use Gates 1, 6, 10 or 15. Show the driver the address in Chinese, 青浦区崧泽大道333号国家会展中心, or type it into the app.

2. 2

   Driving to the North Square

   Enter at Gate 10; leave by Gate 9 or 11.

3. 3

   Driving to the South Plaza car park

   Enter at Gate 18 for the basement; leave by Gates 2, 19, 20 or 21.