shanghai  Trave Tips

Shanghai, China's largest city, has a status equivalent to a province, and reports directly to the central government. The city is located on the East China coast just to the south of the mouth of the Yantze River and has Jiangsu province to the north and Zhejiang to the south, and includes the third largest island in Greater China - Chongming Island.

Today, Shanghai is one of China's biggest and busiest port, most important industrial and commercial center. The entire administrative area of the city, including surrounding suburbs, townships and farmland, covers a total area of 2,383 square miles (6,185 aquare km).

Its population is 12 million, with a population density of 41,000 per square km. Its industrial products rank the best in quatlity in China. It has one of China's 2 stock exchange markets. Its residents are known for their business talents, quick wit and sophistication. Its fashions and standards of products and services are more international than other Chinese cities. Its shopping is the best in China. It is so-called "the dragon head" of East China, this leading force has driven Shanghai's economy forward. 
 

The best times to visit Shanghai are in spring or autumn. The city has a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. Generally, the warm spring and cool autumn are the more comfortable seasons. While summer and winter are far less pleasant. Overall, Shanghai enjoys a mild and moist climate.

Shanghai's temperature is the highest in July and August. For ten days or so in these two months, the temperature can reach 35 degrees centigrade. The coldest period is from the end of January to early February - usually during the Chinese Spring Festival. This awfully cold period will last for about three days but it seldom snows, in fact there has been none for years. From March to May, the conditions are pleasant so this is the best season for traveling. One thing to mention is what is called the Mei-Yu Season which in English is the 'Plum Rain Season'. This lasts for about a month commencing in early summer when the plums ripen along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. During this period from mid-June to early July it is difficult to tell whether it will be wet or dry and the rainfall will often equal twenty-five per cent of the city's annual total! From late August and through the first twenty days of September, typhoons can bring heavy rain in their wake. These periods are best avoided by the traveler but should you decide to visit be sure to bring an umbrella. Of course, the umbrella can also be used as a protection from the strong ultraviolet radiation on the sunny days. Generally you will need a light coat and sweater in spring and long and short sleeved shirts in summer. In autumn, long-sleeved shirts, sweater and coat are necessary, while sweater and overcoat are appropriate in winter.

Sunrise in Shanghai's winter is 6:49 and sunset 16:57
In summer sunrise at 4:50, sunset at 19:01

Electricity

220 volts, 50 cycles

Emergency Number

Tourist Hotline: 5261179
Ambulance: 120 , 7213460
Emergencies: 110 (foreigner's section 552729)
Fire: 119
Tel No. Enquiry: 114
Police: 110
Foreign Affairs Office of Police: 7216795

Useful Emergency Phone No.
 
International assistance - 115

Fire brigade - 119

Police - 110

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Area code: 021

Tourist Hotline: 6252-0000

Emergency Center: 6324-4010

Tourist Complaints: 6439-3615

Port Passenger Station: 6326-1261

People's No.1 Hospital: 6324-0100

Shanghai Railway Station: 6317-9090

Shanghai Hongqiao Airport: 6268-3659

Shanghai Branch, Bank of China: 7329-1979

Shanghai East Airlines Air Ticket Reservations: 6247-2255

Shanghai Local Customs
 
In China people will always use your last name first. If you are invited to somebody's house for a meal, it is polite to arrive with an offering for your hosts such as chocolates or fruit. If you really want to impress, take something special from your home country, although such items as key rings embossed with your company logo will not be well received. When invited out, it is considered good manners to arrive slightly early. If you are hosting, then try to arrive even earlier - about half an hour or so.
 

Shanghai Tipping Advice
 
Tipping used to be very rare in China but now, no doubt through Western influence, the idea is catching on. In restaurants, a 3% tip is standard, and bellboys and room service staff expect roughly USD 1.00 or USD 2.00. You can tip in American dollars as hard currency is always appreciated.