Cheapest Month to Fly Singapore to Shanghai in 2026

Updated: September 2026

Shanghai is a straightforward direct-flight destination from Singapore, sitting 5.5 hours north of Changi with daily services on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Eastern, and Air China. What varies dramatically month-to-month is the price. This guide breaks down SIN-PVG round-trip economy fare ranges across every month of 2026, factors in Chinese public holiday demand cycles that reshape the calendar, and covers the visa-free 30-day arrangement that changed the Singapore-to-China trip planning economics in 2024.

The verdict

February (outside Chinese New Year) and June are the cheapest months to fly Singapore to Shanghai in 2026. Off-peak fares land SGD 380 to 620 round-trip economy on the four main carriers. Golden Week (October 1-7), Spring Festival (mid-February), and cherry blossom peak (late March to mid-April) are the three peak windows where fares can reach SGD 800 to 1,400 round-trip. Book 6 to 10 weeks ahead for off-peak and 10 to 14 weeks ahead for peak.

• Scoot: cheapest LCC option, off-peak from SGD 380 round-trip.
• China Eastern and Air China: full-service Chinese carriers with meal and baggage included, off-peak from SGD 420 to 550 round-trip.
• Singapore Airlines: premium full-service option, off-peak from SGD 480 to 700 round-trip.

Plan your next Shanghai trip with the ShopBack Travel Planner to compare flights, hotels, and activities across Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com, and Klook.

Compare cashback offers on shopback.sg alongside your flight and hotel booking to Shanghai, since ShopBack Singapore travel partners offer cashback on eligible bookings.

New to ShopBack? ShopBack is Singapore's largest cashback platform, paying real money back on more than 2,000 online and in-store merchants across retail, groceries, dining, and travel. Confirmed cashback lands in your ShopBack wallet and can be withdrawn to any Singapore bank account via PayNow. Sign up free at shopback.sg/signup.

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Why the Singapore-Shanghai trip planning shifted in 2024

Two structural changes made 2024 and 2025 the years of renewed Singapore-to-Shanghai travel demand.

First, mutual visa exemption. Effective February 2024, Singapore passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visit, or transit purposes. Per the National Immigration Administration of China, this replaces the previous requirement for a tourist L visa application through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in Singapore. The result: Singapore-to-Shanghai trip planning collapsed from a 2 to 4 week visa lead time to zero lead time (subject to passport validity).

Second, capacity restoration. Direct SIN-PVG capacity across Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Eastern, and Air China has broadly returned to pre-2020 levels, restoring competitive pricing that had disappeared during the pandemic. Per IATA industry data through 2024-2025, Asia-Pacific international capacity recovery reached parity with pre-pandemic norms, and SIN-PVG has been one of the earlier routes to reach that recovery threshold.

Third, currency dynamics. The Chinese yuan has traded in a broadly stable range against the SGD over 2024-2025, making Shanghai on-the-ground spending economics predictable for Singapore travellers.

For a Singapore-China trip planning comparison covering multiple mainland cities, the Beijing 7-day budget piece and the Beijing-Shanghai train vs flight piece are related reads.

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Month-by-month SIN-PVG fare guide for 2026

Fares below are typical round-trip economy ranges across Scoot, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, and Air China, based on editorial snapshots from Skyscanner Singapore, Trip.com, and Google Flights. Actual fares fluctuate; verify at booking time.

Month	Fare range (RT economy)	Demand context
January (early to mid)	SGD 380 to 550	Off-peak, post-New Year lull
January (late)	SGD 550 to 800	Rising into Spring Festival
February (Spring Festival week)	SGD 800 to 1,400	Peak, chunyun travel period
February (post-Spring Festival)	SGD 380 to 500	Sharpest post-peak drop
March (early)	SGD 400 to 600	Building toward cherry blossom
March 20-April 10 (cherry blossom peak)	SGD 700 to 1,100	Peak, sakura tourism
April (mid to late)	SGD 500 to 700	Softening post-peak
May (Labour Day May 1-3)	SGD 650 to 900	Chinese domestic holiday peak
May (mid to late)	SGD 450 to 650	Off-peak softening
June	SGD 380 to 550	Off-peak sweet spot
July	SGD 450 to 700	Summer school break demand
August	SGD 450 to 750	Summer + typhoon disruption risk
September (early)	SGD 400 to 600	Off-peak return
September (mid to late)	SGD 500 to 700	Rising into Mid-Autumn Festival
October 1-7 (Golden Week)	SGD 800 to 1,400	Peak, National Day holiday
October (mid to late)	SGD 500 to 700	Softening post-Golden Week
November (early to mid)	SGD 400 to 600	Off-peak, ideal weather
November (late)	SGD 450 to 650	Rising into December
December (early)	SGD 500 to 700	Christmas approach
December (mid to late)	SGD 600 to 900	Christmas and New Year peak

The two structural sweet spots are late February (post-Spring Festival) through mid-March and June, both offering weather that is either mild spring or early summer with acceptable typhoon risk.

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The four airlines side by side

Airline	Type	Off-peak fare	Peak fare	Meal	Baggage	Aircraft
Scoot	LCC (Singapore Airlines Group)	SGD 380 to 550	SGD 700 to 1,100	Buy on board	20kg checked add-on	A321neo, 787-9
Singapore Airlines	Full-service	SGD 480 to 700	SGD 950 to 1,400	Included multi-course	30kg checked	A350-900, 787-10
China Eastern	Full-service (SkyTeam)	SGD 420 to 600	SGD 800 to 1,200	Included	23kg checked	A330, 787-9
Air China	Full-service (Star Alliance)	SGD 450 to 650	SGD 850 to 1,250	Included	23kg checked	A330, 777

Scoot is the cheapest option for budget travellers who can travel light. Baggage add-ons and paid meal service push the total closer to Singapore Airlines LCC parity if you add both. On-time performance has been strong through 2024-2025.

Singapore Airlines operates SIN-PVG with premium full-service inclusions including KrisFlyer miles earning and lounge access at Changi for eligible fare classes and status members. Best for miles collectors and Singapore Airlines loyalists.

China Eastern is a SkyTeam member and Delta Air Lines partner, useful for connecting to onward Chinese domestic routes on the same PNR. Meal service and 23kg checked baggage are included in economy.

Air China is a Star Alliance member, so miles earn credits to KrisFlyer for a Singaporean based traveller with a KrisFlyer account. Comparable service quality to China Eastern.

Compare fares across all four on Skyscanner Singapore, Trip.com, or Google Flights for your specific travel dates.

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Golden Week 2026: the biggest demand cliff of the year

China's National Day Golden Week runs October 1 to 7 in 2026. This is the single largest coordinated domestic travel event in China each year, with over 700 million domestic trips reported in some recent years per China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. International arrival capacity into Shanghai fills alongside domestic demand.

Fare impact. SIN-PVG round-trip economy in the October 1-7 week typically lands SGD 800 to 1,300, with fares booked less than 4 weeks ahead potentially exceeding SGD 1,400. Compare to the SGD 400 to 600 range 3 weeks before or after Golden Week.

Booking strategy. Book Golden Week travel 8 to 12 weeks ahead for the best available fares. Consider bracketing the peak: travel September 24 to 30 or October 8 to 14 for softer pricing while still capturing early autumn weather in Shanghai.

On-the-ground implications. Tourist sites (The Bund, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao water town, Shanghai Museum) are extremely crowded during Golden Week. Book restaurants, tours, and inter-city train tickets weeks ahead. Hotels typically add 30 to 60 percent premium during Golden Week.

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Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) 2026

Chinese New Year 2026 falls February 17. Spring Festival travel period (chunyun) runs roughly February 4 to March 15, and is often described as the largest annual human migration on the planet with over 8 billion domestic passenger trips across all modes.

Fare impact. SIN-PVG round-trip economy in the week around February 17 can reach SGD 900 to 1,400. Fares drop sharply from late February, with the week of February 24 to March 2 typically the softest of the entire quarter.

Booking strategy. Book 10 to 14 weeks ahead for CNY week travel. For maximum savings, travel February 24 to March 15 for post-CNY off-peak pricing with early spring weather.

On-the-ground implications. Shanghai empties as many residents return to home provinces for the holiday. Small businesses and family-run restaurants close for the week; large tourist attractions remain open but with adjusted hours. If you value city bustle, avoid CNY week; if you value quieter city exploration, CNY week is unusually calm in Shanghai city centre.

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Cherry blossom peak in Shanghai: late March to mid April

Shanghai's cherry blossom (sakura in Japan, ying hua in Chinese) peaks late March to mid April, roughly two weeks earlier than Tokyo. Key viewing spots include Gucun Park, Fuxing Park, Wuxi Yuantouzhu (day trip from Shanghai), and Chenshan Botanical Garden.

Fare impact. SIN-PVG round-trip economy from mid-March to mid-April lands SGD 600 to 1,100 depending on specific week. The two peak weeks (typically March 25 to April 8) push toward the upper end.

Weather context. Per the China Meteorological Administration, Shanghai spring temperatures range 10 to 22C from March through May, with light rainfall possible. Pack layers.

Booking strategy. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead for cherry blossom peak. Consider late April travel for shoulder-season savings while still catching late-blooming sakura varieties.

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Typhoon season and August risk

Typhoon season on the East China coast runs July through September, with peak activity in August. Shanghai has been directly impacted by named typhoons in most recent years, and Shanghai Pudong periodically ceases operations for 6 to 24 hours during major typhoon transits.

Fare context. August SIN-PVG fares often price lower than peak seasons but the flight disruption risk is real. Scoot, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, and Air China all typically waive change fees during actively tracked typhoon warnings.

Booking strategy. If you must travel in August, buy flexible fare classes or travel insurance covering flight disruption. Build 24 to 48 hour flexibility into your itinerary. Verify with the China Meteorological Administration and your carrier before departure.

For weather-fit and price-balance sweet spots without typhoon risk, June is the standout.

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Use case segmentation

For the budget backpacker. Scoot in late February (post-CNY), June, or early September. Off-peak fares SGD 380 to 550 round-trip. Pack light to avoid baggage add-on.

For the miles collector. Singapore Airlines SIN-PVG for KrisFlyer earning, or Air China SIN-PVG for Star Alliance mile credits back to KrisFlyer. Off-peak windows have the widest KrisFlyer saver-award availability.

For the cherry blossom traveller. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead for late March to early April. Fares SGD 700 to 1,100 round-trip on all four carriers.

For the business traveller. Singapore Airlines or China Eastern midweek departures. Flexible fare class typically SGD 800 to 1,500 round-trip. Compare with Air China business class for KrisFlyer Star Alliance status accrual.

For the family with school-age children. June or November mid-month for pleasant weather, off-peak pricing, and lower crowds at major attractions.

For the shopping-focused traveller. Late October to early December aligns with 11.11 sale prep window in Chinese domestic e-commerce (Alibaba's Singles Day) and pre-New-Year retail activity. Shanghai's malls (IFC Pudong, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road) are at their busiest.

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Where to buy in Singapore

ShopBack Singapore travel partners. Compare cashback offers on shopback.sg for Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com, and Klook. Activate ShopBack via the app or Cashback Buddy Chrome extension before checkout. Cashback earned on eligible bookings lands in your ShopBack wallet within 48 hours as Pending and confirms 30 to 90 days later depending on the travel supplier.

Skyscanner Singapore, Google Flights, and Trip.com for fare comparison. Trip.com is China-headquartered and often has the deepest inventory of Chinese domestic connections if you plan to fly onward from Shanghai to other Chinese cities.

Direct booking. Singapore Airlines (singaporeair.com), Scoot (flyscoot.com), China Eastern (us.ceair.com), and Air China (airchina.com) all sell directly. Direct booking is worth it for KrisFlyer or Star Alliance miles collectors who want to ensure earn credit.

Travel Planner. Plan your next Shanghai trip with the ShopBack Travel Planner to compare flights, hotels, and activities in one place while earning cashback on eligible bookings.

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Step-by-step booking workflow

1. Confirm your travel window aligning with off-peak months for savings or with cherry blossom, Golden Week, or specific event timing if event-anchored.
2. Verify passport validity for at least 6 months beyond travel dates and confirm visa-free 30-day eligibility (Singapore passport holders qualify as of 2024).
3. Set fare alerts on Skyscanner Singapore and Trip.com for your travel window 8 to 12 weeks out.
4. Compare cashback offers on shopback.sg for the ShopBack Singapore travel partners.
5. Book flights through the ShopBack activated flow on Booking.com, Agoda, or Trip.com to earn cashback.
6. Book hotels through the same flow, comparing Shanghai central districts (The Bund, Xintiandi, French Concession, Pudong Lujiazui).
7. Book activities via Klook through the ShopBack activated flow for Shanghai Disneyland tickets, day trips to Suzhou or Hangzhou, and river cruises on the Huangpu River.
8. Download WeChat, Alipay, DiDi, and Baidu Maps or Amap for on-the-ground use in Shanghai.
9. Book onward train tickets via Trip.com or the China Railway 12306 app for high-speed rail to Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing.
10. Buy travel insurance especially if flying during typhoon season (August).

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When this comparison does NOT apply

• You are booking business or first class. Business class fare curves are less volatile than economy and less sensitive to peak seasons. Off-peak business class SIN-PVG typically starts around SGD 2,500 to 3,500 round-trip on the four carriers.
• You are travelling to Shanghai on transit. If Shanghai is a transit point to onward Chinese domestic destinations, book through-fares on China Eastern or Air China for baggage through-checking and simpler transit.
• You are booking multi-city China itinerary. Consider a Singapore to Beijing (PEK) open-jaw with return from Shanghai (PVG), or vice versa. Trip.com and the ShopBack Travel Planner support open-jaw and multi-city itineraries.
• You are flying during a public health advisory. Verify current entry requirements with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and the National Immigration Administration of China, since these can change on short notice.

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What this means in real budget

For a Singapore traveller building a 7-day Shanghai trip in June 2026, the budget breakdown approximates:

• Flights (round-trip economy): SGD 380 to 600 on Scoot or Singapore Airlines off-peak.
• Hotels (7 nights, 3 to 4 star central Shanghai): SGD 700 to 1,600 booked via Booking.com or Agoda through ShopBack.
• Activities (Shanghai Disneyland day, Yu Garden, Bund cruise, Suzhou day trip): SGD 250 to 500 via Klook.
• Food and local transport: SGD 300 to 600 for 7 days across mixed street food, mid-range restaurants, and Metro travel.
• Total per-person budget: SGD 1,630 to 3,300 for a 7-day trip.

Layering ShopBack Singapore cashback on the flight, hotel, and activity bookings via shopback.sg returns cashback into your ShopBack wallet, adding to the effective savings on top of the off-peak fare timing.

For a Golden Week or Spring Festival week trip, add 30 to 60 percent to flight and hotel costs. For a cherry blossom peak trip, add 20 to 40 percent to flight and hotel costs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest month to fly Singapore to Shanghai in 2026?

February outside the Chinese New Year window, plus June, are the cheapest months to fly SIN-PVG in 2026. Fares typically land SGD 380 to 620 round-trip economy on Scoot, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, and Air China during these windows. Peak-season fares during Golden Week (October 1-7), Spring Festival (late January to mid February), and cherry blossom peak (late March to mid April) can reach SGD 800 to 1,400 round-trip.

How many hours is the flight from Singapore to Shanghai?

SIN-PVG (Singapore Changi to Shanghai Pudong) is typically 5 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes northbound, and 5 hours 45 minutes to 6 hours southbound. Great circle distance is approximately 3,830 kilometres. Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Eastern, and Air China all operate direct daily services.

Do Singapore passport holders need a visa for Shanghai in 2026?

Singapore passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visit, or transit purposes, effective under the mutual visa-exemption arrangement between Singapore and China (in force since February 2024). Per the National Immigration Administration of China, this covers arrival at Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) among other ports of entry. Verify current visa-exemption terms with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore before travel.

Which airline is cheapest for Singapore to Shanghai in 2026?

Scoot is typically the lowest fare option on SIN-PVG in 2026, with off-peak fares from SGD 380 round-trip economy. China Eastern and Air China compete closely on price with meal service and checked baggage included. Singapore Airlines is the premium option with typical off-peak fares from SGD 480 to 700 round-trip economy including full-service inclusions. Compare fares on Skyscanner, Trip.com, and Google Flights.

When is Golden Week in China in 2026 and how much do Shanghai flights cost?

Golden Week 2026 runs October 1 to 7 marking the National Day holiday. SIN-PVG round-trip economy fares in Golden Week week typically land SGD 800 to 1,300, with fares booked less than 4 weeks ahead potentially exceeding SGD 1,400. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead for the best Golden Week pricing, or travel in the week before or after to avoid the peak.

When is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) 2026 and how much do Singapore-Shanghai flights cost?

Chinese New Year 2026 falls February 17, with the Spring Festival travel period (chunyun) running roughly February 4 to March 15. SIN-PVG fares peak in the week around February 17 and can reach SGD 900 to 1,400 round-trip economy. Travel in the week immediately after the New Year period (from late February) sees fares drop back to the SGD 400 to 600 range.

Is Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) cheaper to fly into from Singapore?

SIN-PVG (Shanghai Pudong International Airport) is the primary international route from Singapore, with direct daily services on Singapore Airlines, Scoot, China Eastern, and Air China. SIN-SHA (Shanghai Hongqiao) has fewer direct international flights, since Hongqiao primarily serves domestic and select regional routes. For Singapore travellers, PVG is typically both cheaper and more available.

What is the weather like in Shanghai for each season and when is best to visit?

Per the China Meteorological Administration, Shanghai has four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) is mild 10 to 22C with cherry blossom peak late March to mid April. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid 25 to 35C with typhoon risk August to September. Autumn (September to November) is mild 15 to 25C and considered the most pleasant window. Winter (December to February) is cold 2 to 10C. For flight-price to weather-fit balance, June or late October are the sweet spots.

When is typhoon season in Shanghai and does it affect flights?

Typhoon season on the East China coast runs roughly July through September, with peak typhoon activity in August. Shanghai Pudong periodically ceases operations for 6 to 24 hours during major typhoon transits. If you must travel in August, buy flexible fares or travel insurance covering flight disruption. Verify with the China Meteorological Administration and your carrier before departure during typhoon season.

How far in advance should I book a Singapore to Shanghai flight for the best price in 2026?

Book 6 to 10 weeks ahead for off-peak windows (February, June, early September, mid November) to get the best fares on SIN-PVG. Book 10 to 14 weeks ahead for Golden Week (October 1-7), Spring Festival, and cherry blossom peak windows. Last-minute bookings within 3 weeks of travel typically add 30 to 60 percent to the base fare.

Where can I earn cashback booking Singapore to Shanghai flights and hotels?

Compare cashback offers on shopback.sg across ShopBack Singapore travel partners for flights and hotels to Shanghai. Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com, and Klook all participate in the ShopBack Singapore travel category. Activate ShopBack before booking to earn cashback on eligible bookings. Plan your next Shanghai trip with the ShopBack Travel Planner.

Are there any cheap direct flight alternatives if SIN-PVG is expensive during peak season?

Consider Chinese domestic connections via Guangzhou (CAN) or Shenzhen (SZX) on Scoot or China Southern, then a domestic China Southern or China Eastern hop to Shanghai. This can save SGD 100 to 300 during peak weeks but adds 3 to 6 hours of transit time. Alternatively, consider flying Singapore to Hangzhou (HGH) on Scoot and taking the 60-minute high-speed rail to Shanghai Hongqiao.

Do Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles work for redemption to Shanghai in 2026?

Yes. Singapore Airlines operates SIN-PVG daily, and KrisFlyer miles redemption is available for economy, premium economy, and business class subject to seat availability. Off-peak windows (February outside CNY, June, early September) typically have the widest saver-award availability. Peak windows require booking 8 to 12 months ahead for saver awards. Verify current KrisFlyer award availability on singaporeair.com.

Is it cheaper to fly Singapore to Shanghai return, or one-way outbound and one-way inbound separately?

Round-trip fares on SIN-PVG are typically 15 to 30 percent cheaper than the sum of two one-way tickets in economy on Singapore Airlines and China Eastern. Scoot as an LCC often prices one-ways independently, so a mix-and-match Scoot outbound plus Singapore Airlines inbound may be viable if timing aligns. Compare both configurations on Skyscanner or Trip.com before booking.

How do I plan a Singapore to Shanghai trip in 2026?

Set a travel window aligning with off-peak months (February outside CNY, June, early September) for best fares. Book flights and hotels through the ShopBack Travel Planner to compare Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com, and Klook while earning cashback. Confirm visa-free 30-day eligibility with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore. Book train tickets to onward Chinese cities through Trip.com or the China Railway 12306 app.

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Primary sources referenced

• Singapore Airlines Official Site (accessed 2026-09-06)
• Scoot Official Site (accessed 2026-09-06)
• China Eastern Airlines Official Site (accessed 2026-09-06)
• Air China Official Site (accessed 2026-09-06)
• National Immigration Administration of China (accessed 2026-09-06)
• China Meteorological Administration (accessed 2026-09-06)

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Key takeaways

• February (outside CNY) and June are the cheapest months to fly SIN-PVG in 2026, with off-peak round-trip economy fares SGD 380 to 620 on Scoot, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, and Air China.
• Golden Week (October 1-7), Spring Festival (mid-February), and cherry blossom peak (late March to mid-April) are the three peak windows with fares SGD 800 to 1,400 round-trip.
• Singapore passport holders enter mainland China visa-free for 30 days per the mutual visa-exemption arrangement effective February 2024.
• Typhoon season August to September introduces flight disruption risk. Buy flexible fares or travel insurance if flying in this window.
• Compare cashback offers on shopback.sg and plan your next Shanghai trip with the ShopBack Travel Planner for flights, hotels, and activities on Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com, and Klook.

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Disclaimer

Airfare ranges, airline schedules, visa policies, and public holiday travel demand cycles are subject to change without notice. Verify current fares with each carrier and third-party comparison tools before booking. Confirm current visa-free entry eligibility with the Chinese Embassy in Singapore and the National Immigration Administration of China before travel. This article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered professional travel or immigration advice.

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