MD-11
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Confusion; Communication Breakdown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Incursion Taxiway
Flight Crew Returned To Clearance
Human Factors; Chart Or Publication; Airport; Manuals; Procedure
We landed on ZSPD Runway 34 and taxied east to get to our gate on the west side. After following Ground's instructions we turned south on A; held short of P2 and contacted Tower. Tower told us to turn right on P2; cross 35R and hold short of 35L. I had discussed the Airport Operations restrictions with my First Officer so he told Tower we were unable. Tower told us again to turn right on P2 and cross 35R hold short of 35L. I told Tower we were unable; that our flight documents said it was prohibited to cross 35L using P2 and I asked if we could use P1. Tower came back a few minutes later and again told us to turn right on P2; cross 35R and hold short of 35L. We evaluated and discussed how the taxiway looked; it was daytime; that it seemed safe; we were very light (300;000 [LBS]) and that; in spite of our protests; Tower continued to tell us to use P2. I elected to use P2 as directed. We crossed the runways according to Tower's instructions and taxied to our parking spot without any problems. The ZSPD Airport Operations Information page under General; Operation; Runway Restrictions says: 'Crossing Runway 17L/35R from east to west by Taxiway P2-P5 is strictly prohibited.' The ZSPD airport diagram has a very distinct red circle with a white bar on the east side of 35R at P2 and P5. So looking at the Commercial Charts we both agreed that using P2 in our case was prohibited. However; we could not get any other instructions from Tower and they wouldn't allow us to taxi down Taxiway A to use P1 so I elected to use P2. Ensure the local ATC approves what is on the airport pages and that it agrees with their procedures.
Despite published prohibitions against crossing Runway 17R/35L from East to West on Taxiway P2 at ZSPD; Ground Control refused to let the flight crew of an MD11 cross at P1; the sole alternative to the prohibited crossings. When no other option was provided they crossed as directed.