Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is one of the more smoker-friendly major mainland Chinese airports, but the rules have changed significantly since October 2016. All indoor smoking rooms were permanently closed on October 31, 2016, and smoking is now restricted to designated outdoor or semi-open-air areas only. The good news: those areas exist both before and after security, so you don't have to exit the secure zone to smoke on a layover.

Before Security

Landside smoking is outdoor-only, in designated standing spots near the terminal entrances. Travelers report pole-mounted ashtrays at multiple spots outside the terminal buildings. Keep in mind:

• You must pass through a metal detector each time you re-enter, even before the main security checkpoint.

• All lighters and matches are confiscated at this airport on arrival and pre-departure. Do not bring an expensive lighter. Fellow smokers are generally around 24/7 and can provide a light.

• Beer can be purchased from the Cheerway Store located next to the terminal entrance and brought outside.

After Security

PVG keeps open-air smoking terraces airside in all terminals and satellites, so transit passengers can smoke without leaving the secure zone.

Terminal 1 - Domestic: One smoking area, accessed by taking the escalators down toward gates 200-203. Signs are clear and easy to follow.

Terminal 1 - International: One smoking area near gate 216. Follow signs to gate 216 and you will see smoking room signage. As of May 2024, the room is well-ventilated and has 3 seats.

Terminal S1 - Domestic/International: Smoking area near gate H501, an open area with no seats. Signs are only visible close to the area itself. A second smoking room is located at gates 551-552 (no chairs, as of Feb 2024).

Terminal 2: Multiple options reported by travelers:

• Near gate G651 (downstairs, well signed, lighters available in the room as of January 2025).

• Beside Lounge 68, near gates D67-69. Take the escalator up and walk beside the lounges. Small open-air room with lighters provided in a security box. Primarily used by staff but accessible to travelers.

• Next to the Cathay Pacific Lounge (upstairs), near gate D69. Follow signs to the Cathay Pacific Lounge.

• Near gate C221 on the ground floor (take escalator down). Outdoor cage-style area, no seating, one sign.

• The older spot behind Cafe Deco (near gate D73, 2nd floor) was reported active in 2020 but may have changed.

Terminal S2: Smoking area reported near gates 601/602 downstairs (similar layout to S1). Note: was temporarily closed as of September 2020; current status uncertain.

Vaping Rules

China implemented a state monopoly on e-cigarettes in November 2022. Only tobacco-flavoured vapes are legal; all other flavours are banned. Vaping is treated the same as smoking at PVG, so use the designated smoking areas. Bringing non-Chinese vape products into China is restricted.

Transit and Layovers

Because open-air smoking areas exist after security in T1, T2, S1, and (usually) S2, transit passengers on short layovers can smoke without exiting and re-clearing. This is a genuine advantage over many other major Chinese airports.

Bottom Line

PVG has smoking areas both before and after security in every terminal, but they are all outdoor or open-air, no lighters are allowed through security, and the areas vary in comfort and seating. Plan ahead, find a fellow smoker for a light, and follow the blue "Smoking Point" signs once airside.