Shanghai Overview

Shanghai is China's most comprehensive industrial and commercial city, ranking the first in population and population density. As a tourist city, it attracts travelers from both home and abroad by its commercial activity rather than scenic beauty.

Time Zone

GMT + 8 hours, same as Singapore. The whole of China, including Hong Kong, is set to Beijing time.

Climate

Weather during November to April is the coldest and temperatures range between 3.5oC to 13.7oC (38.3oF to 56.7oF). Weather in May, June, September and October is cooling, ranging between 18.6oC to 23.5oC (65.5oF to 74.3oF). Climate in July and August starts to turn warm and temperature can go up to 28oC (82.4oF).

Clothing

Dressing in Shanghai is casual but modest. Bring along some heavy clothing for the winter whereas light clothing is adequate during summer.

Currency

The currency in China is Renminbi. Credit cards and US dollars are widely accepted in hotels and major shops.

Airport

Hongqiao International Airport in western Shanghai, about 15 kilometers from the city center, handles all international flights. By taxi, the trip from the airport will take you about 30 min. to an hour. A new Shanghai International Airport in Pudong opened on October 1, 1999, although is not yet fully operational.

Customs

Visitors to China must fill out a customs form upon arrival. When you enter the country you are asked to declare electrical goods and luxury items such as cameras, computer equipment etc. Keep this form until you exit to avoid paying duty on goods you brought into the country. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into the country. However, one must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 or the equivalent.

Health

Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form at the Customs. Medical facilities are generally adequate in Shanghai. It is advisable to drink only boiled and bottled water.

Local Area Information

Shanghai is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East River in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. Housing a population of over 16 million at present, it was once a small town supported by fishing and weaving before the first Opium War. Late in 1990, the central government started developing the area, and has since became the well-known booming metropolis city.

Mobile Phones

Network accepted in Shanghai is GSM.

Public Phones

In China, telephoning is relatively easy if you adhere to certain procedures. The best way to place a phone call is to go to the local post office. At most places it is possible to dial directly, in other places you have to ask the operator. There are now public phone booths where you can make calls with a phonecard.

Offices

Commercial offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes

Taxes are not applicable.

Time Zone

GMT + 8

Shopping and Business Hours

Shops are usually open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday.

Banks and Government offices

Banks and Government offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays only.

Visas

Consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country to arrange for a visa. A tourist visa is valid for 90 days but can be extended for 30 days. For business visa extensions, you'll need to bring your passport and registration of temporary residency from your hotel, plus a letter from the business that invited you, to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Division for Aliens at 333 Wusong Lu (tel: 6357-6666) on weekdays from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m..

Currency

The RMB (Renminbi) is the official currency. The basic unit of RMB is the yuan (¥), also known as "kuai," divided into 10 jiao, which is again divided into 10 fen. Yuan notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100. Click here for currency conversion.

Credit Cards

Most major credit cards -- including American Express, Diner's Club, Federal Card, JCB, MasterCard and Visa -- are accepted at hotels and certain restaurants and shops.

Health Risks

Pneumonia and influenza are common, although there is a limited risk -- according to the government -- of hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, malaria, tuberculosis, dengue fever, tetanus and rabies particularly in rural areas. In areas where dengue or malaria is found, use mosquito nets or bug spray and wear clothing that covers your entire body. Consider taking anti-malarial pills.

Electricity

Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles.

Tipping

It is not a custom to tip and not necessary to do so.

Emergency/Useful Numbers

Police: 110
Fire Department: 119
Ambulance: 120
Public Security Bureau: 6357-6666
Visa Card Hotline: 10-800-110-2911
MasterCard Hotline: 10-800-11-0-7309 (only in certain provinces)

Electricity

The voltage is 220 volts, 50 cycles. Most luxury hotels have built-in converters in bathrooms for shavers, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, because a wide variety of plug types are used.

Holidays

Jan. 1, New Year's Day; Jan. 24-26, Spring Festival Chinese New Year; March 8, International Women's Working Day; May 1-2, International Labor Day; May 4, Youth Day; June 1, Children's Day; July 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party; Aug. 1, Anniversary of the Founding of the Chinese PLA; Oct. 1-2, National Day. If you'd like to know more about China's customs and culture, click here.

Banking Hours

Banks: Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although all foreign banks have slightly different hours (Japanese banks tend to close at 4:30 p.m. and American ones at 6 p.m.). Half days are the rule on Saturdays. For more information on banking in Shanghai, click here.

Government

Communist state. President and vice-president elected by the National People's Congress for five-year terms. Administrative divisions: 23 provinces, 5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities

Climate

Shanghai summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. The rainy season begins in June. Fall is mostly mild. In winter (January to February) temperatures can reach below freezing. Spring begins again in March. Click here for 3-day weather forecast for Shanghai.

Clothing

Shanghai was once famous for its stylishness, but has been overtaken by a more laid-back fashion sense over recent years. Recently, however, young executives are trying to recapture the bygone era, what with more disposable income and the arrival of brand-name fashion products.

GDP Growth Rate

Growth rate: 7.1% percent (1999)
Per capita: $3,600 (1998 est.)

Inflation

-0.8% (1998 est.)

Major Trading Partners

Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, Germany, South Korea, the Russian Federation, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands

Major Industries

Manufacture of textiles, garments, footwear, toys, crude oil, household electrical appliances, sports goods, telecommunication equipment, pharmaceuticals, steel products, general metalwares and coal

Major Exports (1998)

electrical machinery and equipment, machinery and mechanical appliances, woven apparel, knit apparel, footwear, toys and sporting goods

Religion

China is officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic. Some 2% to 3% of the population practice Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism and Islam. An estimated 1% are Christianians.

Language

The official language in China is Mandarin but distinct dialects are spoken throughout the country. Shanghainese speak Mandarin or Shanghaihua, however most tourist hotels have staff who are fluent in foreign languages.

Population

China: 1,246,871,951 (July 1999 est.)
Shanghai: 14 million

Ethnic Groups

Han Chinese make up the majority of China's population (91.9%). Zhuang, Uygur, Hui, Yi, Tibetan, Miao, Manchu, Mongol, Buyi, Korean, and other nationalities make up only 8.1%.

Geography

China is the fourth largest country after Russia, Canada and the United States. It is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam.
Land area: 9,326,410 sq. km.
Shanghai occupies 6,200 sq. km. and lies in central-eastern China, facing the East China Sea.

Tipping

Tipping is generally not expected in mainland China. For more information on business and social etiquette in Shanghai, click here.