Shanghai Longhua Heliport

Longhua Airport, located in Shanghai's Xuhui District, has not handled commercial passenger flights since the 1960s. Today, it operates as a military airfield, inaccessible to the public, but its legacy as one of China's earliest airports remains a point of interest for aviation historians and curious travelers alike. Established in 1907, Longhua was Shanghai's first airport, serving as a base for early Chinese aviation pioneers and later as a military installation during the war years. Its historic terminal building, built in the 1930s in a modern style, is one of the few surviving examples of pre-revolutionary airport architecture in China. While the airfield itself is closed to civilians, the surrounding area in Xuhui District offers a blend of history, culture, and urban life. The site is a reminder of Shanghai's rapid transformation from a small port city into a global metropolis. For those fascinated by aviation history, Longhua Airport is a quiet footnote to the city's bustling modern airports. But for travelers willing to explore beyond the runways, the district holds treasures that make a detour worthwhile.

Getting There

Longhua Airport is situated in the southwestern part of Xuhui District, about 8 kilometers from the city center. The easiest way to reach the area is by metro: take Line 11 or Line 12 to Longhua Station (Exit 3 or 4), then walk approximately 10 minutes east along Longhua Road. If coming from downtown, the journey takes roughly 30 minutes by metro or 20 minutes by taxi (à¥80–à¥120). Buses such as Route 56, 87, and 118 also stop near the airport gate. For those driving, the address is 214 Longhua Road, but be aware that parking is limited and the nearby streets are often congested during weekday rush hours. The airport's location in a quiet, leafy part of the city makes the approach pleasant, with plane trees lining the streets and older residential neighborhoods giving way to the perimeter fence. Note that the airfield itself is not open to visitors; the closest you can get is the boundary fence, which offers minimal views of the tarmac. The Longhua area, however, is well-connected and easy to navigate on foot or by bike.

Inside the Terminal

Longhua Airport does not have a functioning passenger terminal. The original terminal building, a two-story structure with rounded corners and large windows, now stands vacant or repurposed for administrative use. It is not accessible to the public, but the exterior can be viewed from Longhua Road. The building's Art Deco-influenced design hints at the optimism of early Chinese aviation. What remains of the airport's infrastructure is mostly hidden behind the perimeter wall, including the runway, now used by military aircraft. For the general public, the closest approximation to an airport experience is the nearby Shanghai Aviation Museum? No such museum exists; rather, the area's aviation history is commemorated by a small monument and some informational plaques near the main gate. Wheelchair-accessible paths and a ramp are present at the entrance gate, though the interior of the airfield is off-limits. Toilets are available at a small park adjacent to the site, which also features wheelchair-accessible facilities. The atmosphere is quiet and a bit forlorn, with little signage indicating the airport's historical significance. Visitors should prepare for a brief visit, as there is limited reason to linger inside the grounds.

Longhua Airport and Xuhui District

Xuhui District is one of Shanghai's most desirable residential and cultural areas, rich with history from the former French Concession. The district's name comes from Longhua, a historic township that predates the airport. The area's main attraction is Longhua Temple, a Buddhist temple dating back to the Three Kingdoms period (3rd century), though the current structures are from the 19th century. The temple's pagoda, standing seven stories tall, is an iconic landmark visible from the airport approach. Nearby, Longhua Martyrs Cemetery commemorates the revolutionaries executed here in the 1920s, and its memorial hall offers insightful exhibits on Shanghai's revolutionary history. The West Bund, a revitalized stretch of the Huangpu River, is a short drive away and features contemporary art museums, riverside promenades, and restaurants in former industrial buildings. The district also houses Shanghai Botanical Garden, a vast park with themed gardens and greenhouses. Culturally, Xuhui blends old Shanghai charm with modern cosmopolitan energy: tree-lined streets, historic villas, and boutique shops contrast with soaring office towers and upscale malls. For travelers, Xuhui offers a more relaxed alternative to the bustling Bund and Lujiazui. It is a place where one can spend a day visiting temples, exploring art galleries, and enjoying local cuisine in quiet lanes. The presence of Longhua Airport, though sealed off, adds a layer of historical intrigue—a reminder that this part of the city once echoed with the roar of early aircraft. The district's diversity makes it worth a visit even for those with no interest in aviation.

Practical Information

Longhua Airport is not open to the public. The airfield operates on a restricted schedule, typically weekdays, but access is forbidden without prior military clearance. The phone number listed for the site, +86 21 6457 3550, may connect to administrative offices, but callers should not expect visitor services. Hours of operation for the perimeter area are effectively 24 hours, as Longhua Road is a public street. However, the adjacent park (Longhua Park) has set hours: 5 am to 10 pm. For aviation enthusiasts, the best time to visit is on weekdays when military activity is possible, though viewing opportunities are limited. The nearest metro station, Longhua, operates from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. A concrete piece of advice: Combine a visit to Longhua Temple and the historic airport site with a walk along the West Bund riverfront in the afternoon—this gives you a full day of culture and history without traveling far.