Short stopover

Paul, you even didn't mention where your stopover will be and what train do you want to ride :(

OK, I will assume that you will have your layover in Shanghai and that you want to ride a Maglev train.

If this is the case, there are two outcomes.

The first one, if you are traveling on a single ticket, you will not be allowed to exit the airport because your layover is quite short.

The second one, if you are traveling on a separate tickets, you will be granted a temporary entry permit at 24 hour visa free transit counter because you will have to collect your luggage and to perform a recheck for your onward flight. If this is the case, you will have an opportunity to book a round trip Maglev ticket and to ride the train.

By the way, you can apply for a temporary entry permit at 24 hour visa free transit counter even if you are traveling on a single (through) ticket where you will tell to the authorities exactly that you want to enjoy the ride in Maglev train. Maybe they will grant you a permit, you never know.

At least, now you know your options and the situation you will encounter upon your arrival in Shanghai.

Thank you for your reply! You are right, I should have told you the airport and the train, but your guesses were very wise -- and correct, lol. I am flying on a single ticket with a 6 hour stopover, and wondered if there was a minimum time allowed before they would issue the visa. I will take your advice and try my luck. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Again, thank you for taking the time to reply.

Paul