SHANGHAI- American Express (Amex) is set to open its first branded airport lounge in mainland China at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) in late April 2026. The move marks a significant step in expanding the American Express Global Lounge Collection across Asia.
The lounge is located in the pre-security area of the 21M Floor of Terminal 2 at SHA and will open to eligible local and international American Express cardmembers. It is not a Centurion Lounge but an American Express Lounge, part of the broader Global Lounge Collection, which covers more than 1,550 lounges worldwide, TPG flagged
American Express Lounge at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Hongqiao Airport focuses on domestic and regional routes and sits closer to the city center than Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), which serves as the main international hub. Amex’s choice of SHA over PVG signals a deliberate focus on China’s premium short-haul and regional business travel segment.
The lounge will feature nods to Shanghai’s local architecture, along with food and beverage options curated to highlight the surrounding area’s unique culture. Visitors will also have the option to watch incoming and outgoing planes from a terrace with runway views.
The space spans approximately 1,572 square feet and offers a range of seating options, including spots for individuals, small groups, and elegant dining.
Anna Marrs, Group President of Global Merchant and Network Services at American Express, described the lounge as designed for local, regional, and international business and leisure travelers, offering premium amenities and a space to relax before a flight.
Lounge Access: Which Amex Cards Qualify?
Eligible American Express cardmembers receive complimentary access to the SHA lounge and may bring one or two guests per visit, depending on their card type. The following cards provide complimentary access:
- American Express Platinum Card
- The Business Platinum Card from American Express
- The Centurion Card from American Express (personal and business versions)
In phase one, access may be limited to China-issued Centurion cardholders, with Platinum and foreign cardholders expected to be included in future phases.
What Amex’s China Expansion Signals for the Future
It is interesting to see this lounge placed at Shanghai Hongqiao rather than Shanghai Pudong, pointing to a strategy focused on premium short-haul business traffic in China rather than primarily international travelers.
The decision suggests Amex is targeting the high-frequency domestic corporate traveler in China, a fast-growing and underserved segment within premium travel.
Whether this opening leads to further lounge expansion across other Chinese cities or airports remains to be seen. However, the move clearly positions Amex as a more serious player in the Asia-Pacific premium travel space.
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