The American-British partnership returned to action for the first time since winning the US Open, producing a composed performance to advance to the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.
Harrison and Skupski make winning return
Harrison and Skupski delivered 12 aces and held their nerve in a competitive opening set, winning the tie-break 7-3.
The top seeds then found the decisive break late in the second set to secure a 6-4 victory and avoid a deciding set.
Skupski described the performance as solid, acknowledging the challenge of adjusting to the conditions after several weeks away from competition together.
The pair had opted to skip the Beijing tournament as a precaution after Harrison experienced a minor issue. Skupski confirmed that both players were fit and looking forward to the remainder of the season.
Buse and Vallejo produce upset
Elsewhere, Ignacio Buse and Adolfo Daniel Vallejo recorded one of the day's notable results by defeating sixth seeds Guido Andreozzi and Manuel Guinard.
The South American pair recovered after losing the second-set tie-break to win 6-3, 6-7(7), 10-7 in the deciding match tie-break.
The result ended Andreozzi and Guinard’s campaign in Shanghai earlier than expected, while Buse and Vallejo advanced to the next round.
Krawietz and Puetz survive opening-set setback
Third seeds Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz also progressed, overcoming Bart Stevens and Botic van de Zandschulp 6-7(4), 6-1, 10-4.
After dropping the opening set, the German duo responded emphatically in the second before dominating the deciding match tie-break.
Meanwhile, Robert Galloway and André Göransson defeated David Pel and Alejandro Tabilo 6-7(7), 6-3, 10-5, completing another comeback victory in the opening round.
Harrison and Skupski target first Masters 1000 title
Despite winning both the Australian Open and US Open during their first season together, Harrison and Skupski are still pursuing their first ATP Masters 1000 doubles title.
The duo have already qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals, underlining their consistency at the highest level of men's doubles.
Their successful start in Shanghai gives them another opportunity to add a major title to an already impressive season.
With several seeded partnerships facing challenging opening matches, the Shanghai doubles draw has already delivered close contests and early surprises.