While traveling through Shanghai Pudong International Airport on a China Eastern business class ticket, I visited Lounge 137, a lounge also accessible to Priority Pass members. Located in Terminal 1, it’s situated on an upper level, quietly tucked away above the main departure gates. The terminal was unusually quiet that evening, and the lounge felt almost deserted, which added to the calm and peaceful atmosphere.
The lounge itself is large—spacious in a way that feels like it was designed to handle much heavier traffic than it was experiencing during my visit. Despite its size, the space didn’t leave much of an impression. It was clean and functional, but lacking in personality. The design is minimalist and forgettable, with neutral colors and a layout that feels more like a holding area than a place meant to welcome or impress travelers. There’s no art, no distinctive touches, nothing that says “Shanghai” or “China Eastern.” It could have been anywhere in the world, and that lack of identity was noticeable.
What the lounge lacks in charm, it makes up for in comfort. There are a variety of seating areas spread out across the space, with different types of chairs and setups depending on whether you want to work, eat, or simply relax. The armchairs were genuinely comfortable, and it was easy to find a quiet corner to settle into thanks to how empty the lounge was. Power outlets were plentiful and easy to access, which made charging devices a breeze. The lighting was soft and calming—not overly bright like in some airport lounges—and that contributed to the sense of relaxation.
Food options were decent, offering a mix of hot and cold dishes. There was a small but sufficient selection that included local Chinese dishes like dumplings and noodles, along with Western-style salads, fruit, and packaged snacks. Nothing stood out as exceptional, but it was good enough for a pre-flight meal. The beverage choices included bottled soft drinks, tea, and coffee, along with a basic selection of alcoholic drinks. There was no bar and no premium offerings, but everything was self-service and easy to access. It was clear that the goal here is to provide convenience more than luxury.
The true highlight of the lounge, however, was the nap room. This space was clean, dark, and extremely quiet, with reclining loungers and flat daybeds spaced out in semi-private cubicles. It’s a real advantage, especially for long-haul travelers or anyone with a long layover. The lounge provides blankets and pillows, and the setup is simple but effective. Being able to lie down and rest properly between flights makes a huge difference, and this was by far the most valuable feature of Lounge 137. Not many Priority Pass lounges offer a nap area of this quality, and it’s something I’d definitely return for.
Other facilities included clean restrooms and showers, though I didn’t use the showers during this visit. The Wi-Fi was stable and relatively fast, and flight information was displayed clearly throughout the lounge. If there was one drawback, it was the lack of windows. Natural light was minimal or nonexistent in most parts of the lounge, which added to the sense of blandness and made the space feel more enclosed than it should have. It’s not a place you’d want to spend more time in than necessary, but it’s certainly better than waiting at the gate.
Overall, Lounge 137 doesn’t stand out as a particularly memorable airport lounge, but it delivers on the basics. It’s a quiet, spacious, and comfortable place to relax before your flight, with decent food, good seating, and an excellent nap room.
