Shanghai

Orientation

Located at the heart of the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai is the largest and most active port on the east coast of China. Meanwhile, it is one of the most essential industrial and commercial centres in China. Also renowned for its shopping and nightlife, Shanghai is undoubtedly the most fashionable international city in China.

City Facts

• Shanghai's Population: 14,173,000 (Source: UN Population Division estimate)
• China's Population: 1,276,301,000 (Source: UN Population Division estimate)
• Currency: Yuan (Renminbi)
• Time Zone: GMT+8, Eastern Standard Time +13, Pacific Standard Time +16
• Languages: The Official Language is Putonghua (also known as Mandarin), while other dialects, like Cantonese, Xinjiang, Xiamenhua, Hakka, Mongolian, Tibetian and Fukienese are spoken.

Weather

Weather Forecast

Climate

In stark contrast to its hot and sticky summers, Shanghai winters can be bitterly cold with sub-zero temperatures. Spring and autumn, with temperate conditions, are the best times to visit Shanghai.

Travel Tips

Culture and Custom

It is customary to use peopleˇs last names first in China. If invited to someoneˇs house for a meal, you should arrive slightly early with a small offering for your hosts, like chocolates or fruit. If youˇd like to make an impression, bring something special from your home country. If you are hosting, you must arrive half an hour early.

Dining

With its newfound international status, Shanghai features an exciting range of eateries from fast food and street stalls to international restaurants nowadays. Dining out in Shanghai is considered a special treat, and the city is said to be leading the way as far as Chinese catering is concerned.

Tipping Advice

Tipping is becoming increasingly accepted in Shanghai. A three percent tip is widely regarded as a standard nowadays, while room service staff expects one or two USD.

Transportation

Shanghai is one of the most accessible cities in the China, with advance land, water and air transport systems.

Arriving by Air

Pudong International Airport (PVG) is the major air traffic hub for Shanghai.

Getting Around Shanghai

A host of international hotels offer free shuttle buses to and from the main commercial area in Shanghai, but taxis are also widely available to provide the easiest way of going downtown. There is a comprehensive subway system in Shanghai that is continually expanded to cope with the ever-increasing demands.

However, road developments, building sites, crowded walkways and the constantly jammed traffic conditions may make walking in most Shanghai districts an unpleasant experience.

[Click to enlarge]