Q & A
Is it necessary to get epidemic prevention injection before departing ?
Generally speaking, there's no specific requirement for epidemic prevention injection in Shanghai. While as the health regulation may get changed at any time, you are advised to check the up-to-date regulation before departing. The tourists who pass through Shanghai also need to check the health regulation of the destination.
What about the Entry Regulation and Customs Declaration ?
The domestic tourists (including tourists from Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Macao Special Administrative Region) do not need a tourist certificate to enter Shanghai, while valid documents are needed for tourists from Taiwan and overseas countries.
Please check the Shanghai Customs website for prohibited and restricted articles when enter and leave Shanghai.
http://shanghai.customs.gov.cn/Default.aspx?tabid=5674
What are the languages and dialects spoken in Shanghai ?
As residents in an international metropolis, local Shanghai people speak both Mandarin (Putonghua) and Shanghai dialect. Moreover, many people, especially the young generation are learning English as a foreign language. They are willing to communicate with you in English if you need help. In the meantime, most people working in travel agencies and other service industry (e.g. taxi drivers, shop assistants, waiters and waitresses) can speak some basic English
How is the transportation from PVG (PVG) to downtown Shanghai ?
Option 1: Airport Bus Line Eight airport shuttle bus lines link Pudong airport, Hongqiao Airport and Shanghai's major resorts or transport hubs.
| Line 1: From PVG to Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center |
|---|
| Express buses leave Pudong every 20-30minutes between 7am and 11pm and thone-way fare is 30 yuan (US$3.74). The service from Hongqiao to PVG operates from 6am to 9pm. |
| Line 2: From PVG to the City Air Terminal (near Jing'an Temple). |
| This is also an express line and a one-way trip will cost 22 yuan. Buses leave every 10 minutes at peak times, but the off-peak interval will be longer. Buses from Pudong operate from 6:30am to 11pm. The first bus from the City Air Terminal to PVG leaves at 5:00am and the last at 9:30pm. |
| Line 4: From PVG to the Hongkou Football Stadium (near SISU) |
| If you're going to northeastern Shanghai, you can take this line, which will also stop at Deping Road in Pudong, and Wujiaochang (near Fudan University) and Da Baishu in Puxi. A one-way ticket for the entire route costs 16-22 yuan, and the service interval is 20-30 minutes. Buses leave PVG from 7:00am to 11pm and Hongkou from 5:30am to 9:30pm. |
| Line 5: From PVG to Shanghai Railway Station. |
| These buses stop at People's Square, the Oriental Hospital and Luoshan Road in Pudong. Maximum fare is 2-22 yuan, and there is a service every 20-30 minutes. The first bus leaves PVG at 6:30 am and the last at 11pm. The service from Shanghai Railway Station begins at 5:30am and ends at 9:30pm. |
| Line 7: From PVG to Shanghai South Railway Station. |
| The whole one-way journey costs 8-22 yuan. Buses from PVG operate from 7:30 am to 11pm and from Dongfang Road from 6:30 am to 9:30pm, with an interval of 15 minutes. |
| Line 8: From PVG to Nanhui Bus Station |
| This line is between Nanhui Bus Station and Pudong airport. The whole trip costs 2-7 yuan. Buses from the airport operate from 7:00am to 7:30pm and those from Nanhui between 6:00am and 6:40pm. Buses run every 15 to 60 minutes. |
| Line 9: From PVG to Xinzhuang subway station （North Square）. |
| The whole one-way journey costs 22 yuan. Buses from PVG operate from 7:00 am to 11:00pm and bus from Xinzhuang Subway station north square operate from 6:00 am to 9:30pm, with an interval of 30 minutes. |
| District Line 1: From PVG to Hang Cheng Garden |
| This line is between Pudong airport and Shiwan . The whole trip costs 2-3 yuan. Buses from the airport operate from 8:00am to 7:20pm and those from Hang Cheng Garden operate between 7:10am and 6:45pm. Buses run every 30 minutes. |
| Late Night Bus : From PVG to Hongqiao Airport T1 |
| The whole trip costs 16-30 yuan and buses run every 45 minutes. The service from the airport everyday from 23:05 until 45 mins after flights finish. |
| Disney Line: From PVG to Disney west bus terminal |
| This line costs 30 yuan. The Buses starting from the airport to Shanghai Disney Resort at 10:00am and return the airport at 15:45 from Shanghai Disney Resort. |
| Airport Bus Line No. 1 | PVG - Hongqiao Traffic Hub East Center | RMB 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus Line No. 2 | PVG - City Air Terminal (Jing'an Temple) | RMB 22 |
| Airport Bus Line No. 4 | PVG - Hongkou Football Stadium | RMB 16-22 |
| Airport Bus Line No. 5 | PVG - Shanghai Railway Station | RMB 2-22 |
| Airport Bus Line No. 7 | PVG - Shanghai South Railway Station | RMB 8-22 |
| Airport Bus Line No. 8 | PVG –Nanhui Bus Station | RMB 2-7 |
| Airport Bus Line No.9 | PVG - Xinzhuang subway station(North Square) | RMB 22 |
| District Line 1 | PVG - Hang Cheng Garden | RMB 2-3 |
| Late Night Bus | PVG - Hongqiao Airport T1 | RMB 16-30 |
| Disney Line | PVG – Disney west bus terminal | RMB 30 |
Option2: Maglev Train
The 30-kilometer trip will take only eight minutes from PVG to Longyang Road Metro Station. The operation interval is about 15-20 minutes.
The round trip ticket cost 80 yuan and the one way ticket cost 50 yuan. Passengers with current day flight ticket can buy a one way ticket of Maglev Train at 20% discount.
Option3: Taxis
Please line up in the queue for taxis. Normally, taxi fare from PVG to downtown Shanghai ranges from 230 RMB to 290 RMB.
How is taxi fare charged in Shanghai ?
| 0~3 KM | 3~15KM | Above 15 KM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime: (5:00~23:00) | RMB 14/16 | RMB 2.5 / KM | RMB 3.6 / KM |
| Night: (23:00~5:00) | RMB 18 | RMB 3.1 / KM | RMB 4.7 / KM |
You can refuse to pay in case of the driver don't start the counting screen or don't give you a valid receipt.
How is the public security situation in Shanghai ?
Shanghai may be one of the safest cities around the world. Most people in the city seldom worry about to be robbed when they walk on the streets while burglaries are also not easy to be heard, watched or read from media reports, say nothing of being killed by guns or pistols.
But, you should still pay enough attention on your wallet, briefcase or knapsack when you wander among people on main streets, shopping malls or markets in the city.
Walking at night is also safe, at least on the main streets of the city. Foreigners, especially women, won't get nervous when they return home at night. Up till now, people haven't got the news that foreign women insulted or hurt by criminals in the city.
But still try to avoid those unfamiliar places, such as small dark lanes, and the suburbs of the city.
Foreigners may be attracted by the rich nightlife of the city, especially parties, nightclubs and pubs. Temptations will surround you. Drugs, gambling or commercial sex are banned here. Though policemen won't check your room unless they get your permission or have a search warranty, it will be wise enough for you to fence out from those troubles.
You should also have an eye on cheat or fraud. Some local cheats often aim on foreigners, especially the newcomers to the city.
In case of emergencies, please call 110 for police, 119 for fire emergency and 120 for ambulance.
What about public telephone, mobile phone, media and post services in Shanghai ?
● Public telephone |
At any telephone booth dial with coin or phone card. Telephone calls within Shanghai are charged 1 yuan every 3 minutes. Every public telephone booth has using and charging instructions.
● Mobile Service |
GSM and CDMA networks are available in Shanghai.
● Media information |
Local English papers are: Shanghai Daily, Shanghai Star. A wider range of Chinese papers are provided in Shanghai: Shanghai Morning Post, Jiefang Daily, Labor News, Shanghai Securities News, Travel Times, Shanghai Wednesday, The Bund, Shanghai Weekly, Modern Weekly, Shanghai Times, Shanghai Business, etc.. Tourists in most restaurants can watch satellite TV and cable TV. There are altogether 13 television channels, 12 radio channels in Shanghai . In addition, tourists also have access to BBC English, CFII, CNN, RB, American CN-8, BTV-1, Star TV, Channel V, Hongkong Phoenix TV, China Sun TV, ESPN, National Geographic, Discovery and other international news and music TV channels.
● Post |
Shanghai is an international transportation center, which brings great convenience to its postal services. 11185 is the 24-hour hotline of Shanghai Postal Services. Check Shanghai Post website for more information.
Where to enjoy internet service ?
Most hotels, public libraries, some restaurants and downtown cyber cafes provide free internet service. Tourists with laptops can enjoy wireless broadband Internet accessing service in these places.
Is it easy to find a public toilet in Shanghai?
All the public toilets in stores and restaurants are free of charge and open to every tourist. Public toilets in other places usually charge, but no more than 1 yuan. The specific charge standard is displayed at every public toilet.
Is it safe to walk in Shanghai?
Walking is great for sightseeing, but it's easy to get lost. Embrace the crowd. Don't expect smiles because we Chinese don't often look into others' eyes and smile to each other, even though most people are very friendly to foreigners.
You will find that Shanghai is a city much more than hustle and bustle.
When you decide to go out on foot, remember to take paper and a pen along. Once you are confused by the labyrinth-like streets, which are famous for not following straight directions, you may write down your destination and ask a passersby for help. Generally, youngsters in Shanghai can more or less speak some English.
Turning to the traffic policemen is another way when you need help. Be patient with them, for their English is not perfect, yet.
Be wary of aggressive drivers when crossing the streets. When the streets become extremely busy, to get rid of the traffic jam, drivers may even ignore the traffic lights. Even with the law on your side, you still need to be careful to avoid shocks. We do see a lot of foreigners cursing at rude cabbies and drivers who rush ahead of pedestrians to turn a corner.
Nowadays, some streets are equipped with countdown timers to tell you the time left for you to get across the street. Sometimes it is accompanied with a "beeper."
The downtown area is often crowded at weekends. Beware: thieves and frauds are always with the crowds. Keep an eye on your valuables and never bother to reply to any doubtful stranger.
Is it safe to drink water directly from the tap?
No. You are encouraged to drink bottled water. Normally, complimentary bottled water are provided for hotel guests.
Is tipping necessary when dining in Shanghai ?
Consumer taxes are included in price tags on goods. Cafeterias and bars in all hotels and some restaurants and bars outside hotels may include a service charge of 10% to 15%. Tipping is not expected in most restaurants and hotels. But, tipping can be a way to show your satisfaction with the services.
What is the dining hours of all kinds of restaurants in Shanghai ?
In Shanghai, hotels offer breakfasts in their cafeterias and generally breakfasts are offered in snack bars and fast food restaurants. The lunch time often ended at 2 pm, dinner will be refused after 1 pm9. Most west restaurants and top-class Chinese restaurants do not operate between launch time and dinner time. Noodles restaurants and cafes usually run all the day. You can enjoy launch tea in the cafeterias of hotels or in fast food restaurants. Of course, snack bars are located in many streets where local snacks are available. Chinese restaurants' dinner time usually start from 6 p.m., while west restaurants start its dinner time an hour later in Shanghai . Remember to make a reservation before dinning in a top-class restaurant.
What is the etiquette of having dinner in Shanghai ?
Shanghai is a metropolis where eastern culture meets western culture. Usually those who pay the bill order dishes. Ladies get served first, and then the guests and hosts. Generally speaking, Chinese restaurants are relatively noisy, but VIP rooms are quiet and comfortable.
What are some of the wine customs of China ?
China 's wines date back to over 5,000 years ago. And wine culture is a distinct form of Chinese culture whose traditional roots give it a very special place. Celebrations with wine are invariably found on many important occasions.
At the beginning of the event, the host will usually say a few words before giving the first toast. At that point, guests will rise from their seats and the host will finish all the wine in his cup. Afterwards, he will turn his cup over to show everyone that he has indeed finished the wine as a show of respect and sincerity. Guests usually finish their wine as well, and during the rest of the event the host will individually toast each table.
Depending on age, job position, and status, the order by which toasts are given by the host will be considered.
Guests should drink only what they can. If lifestyle or health issues prohibit drinking, it is acceptable to have a family member, subordinate, or junior drink in your stead. Using other non-alcoholic drinks, tea, or water to receive toasts is also acceptable; the one giving the toast must be sympathetic to the other's circumstances.
Guests can also toast their host, or each other. During these times it is not uncommon for continual toasting among friends. They will come up with all sorts of reasons for the other to drink, and if the one being toasted cannot think of a way to refute these reasons he must drink. During this time when two people are playfully engaging in a battle of wits does their relationship become closer.
Without losing face and without disrespecting the host, if one does not know how to drink or cannot drink anymore, it is acceptable to have someone else drink for you instead.
Another distinct custom is the notion of drinking as a form of 'punishment,' akin to Western 'drinking games,' it is a playful gesture, with any number of games and rules. One of the commonest 'rules' for example, is that latecomers to a party must first drink three glasses in order to be forgiven for their tardiness.
What are some of the important customs to keep in mind during the Spring Festival ?
During the Spring Festival, people will give each other well wishes. These predefined traditional well wishes are a way to welcome the New Year and wish each other well.
Commonly used sayings are Xin nian Hao ("Happy New Year"), Gong Xi Fa Cai ("Wish you wealth"), Shen Ti Jian Kang ("Good health"), Yi Fan Feng Shun ("Clear sailing in all that you do"), Wan Shi Ru Yi ("Everything your heart desires"), Gong Zuo Shen Li ("Hope all your work goes smoothly"), Sheng Huo Mei Man ("Full and fruitful life"), Xue Xi Jin Bu ("Advance in your studies") .
Commonly seen phrases that are posted on banners in the home are loosely translated as: "The Spring wind brings luck, good tidings arrive at your door;" "Spring comes to the land, and warmth to the people;" "Good tidings to every door as Spring comes to every neighbor." A myriad of other auspicious phrases all serve to welcome in the New Year and bless the home.
What are the business hours for entertainment places in Shanghai ?
The business hours of entertainment places in Shanghai are usually from 8pm to 2 am.
What are the working hours for organizations and government at all levels in Shanghai ?
The organizations and government at all levels stipulate a five-day workweek that spans Monday to Friday. Normal working hours are from 8: 30 a .m. to 5:30 p.m.. Shops usually open from 10 am to 10 pm on weekdays and start business half hour earlier on weekends. Specific working and business hours are subject to the practical situation of every organization and government.
Time Difference
| City | Time | City | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baghdad | 06:00 | Helsinki | 06:00 | |
| Pyongyang | 13:00 | Bangkok | 11:00 | |
| Ho Chi Minh City | 11:00 | Rangoon | 10:00 | |
| Berlin | 05:30 | Honolulu | 18:00 | |
| Rio de Janeiro | 01:00 | Berne | 05:00 | |
| Irkutsk | 12:00 | Rome | 05:30 | |
| Bombay | 09:30 | Jakarta | 11:30 | |
| Rwanda | 05:00 | Brussels | 04:00 | |
| Karachi | 09:00 | San Francisco | 20:00 | |
| Bucharest | 06:00 | Khartoum | 06:00 | |
| Santiago | 24:00 | Budapest | 05:00 | |
| Kuala Lumpur | 11:30 | Seoul | 13:00 | |
| Buenos Aires | 01:00 | Leningrad | 07:00 | |
| Singapore | 11:30 | Cairo | 06:00 | |
| Lisbon | 04:00 | Sofia | 06:00 | |
| Calcutta | 09:00 | London | 04:00 | |
| Stockholm | 05:00 | Cape Town | 06:00 | |
| Manila | 12:00 | Surabaya | 11:30 | |
| Casablanca | 04:00 | Melbourne | 14:00 | |
| Sydney | 14:00 | Colombo | 09:30 | |
| Mexico City | 21:00 | Teheran | 06:00 | |
| Conakry | 04:00 | Montreal | 23:00 | |
| Tirana | 05:00 | Copenhagen | 05:00 | |
| Moscow | 07:00 | Tokyo | 13:00 | |
| Damascus | 06:00 | New Delhi | 09:30 | |
| Tunisia | 05:00 | Geneva | 05:00 | |
| New York | 23:00 | Vancouver | 20:00 | |
| Guatemala City | 22:00 | Osaka | 13:00 | |
| Vienna | 05:00 | Haiphong | 11:00 | |
| Panama City | 23:00 | Warsaw | 05:00 | |
| Hanoi | 11:00 | Paris | 04:00 | |
| Washington | 23:00 | Havana | 23:00 | |
| Prague | 05:00 | Wellington | 16:00 | |
| Beijing | 11:30 |
How can I get tourist brochures on Shanghai?
If you are overseas outside of China and would like to get some tourist brochures on Shanghai, please visit or call one of the tourist offices of China National Tourism Administration. The list is as follows:
● China National Tourism Administration Tokyo Office |
Add: 105-0001 Air China Building 8F, 2-5-2 Toranomon, Minato-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
Tel: 0081-3-35918686
Fax: 0081-3-35916886
● China National Tourism Administration Osaka Office |
Add: 556-0017 OCAT Building 4F,Minatomachi,Naniwa-ku,Osaka, Japan
Tel: 0081-6-66353280
Fax: 0081-6-66353281
● China National Tourist Office, Singapore |
Add: 7 Temasek Boulevard, # 12-02A Suntec Tower One, Singapore 038987
Tel: 0065-63372220
Fax: 0065-63380777
● China National Tourist Office, Kathmandu |
Add: P.O.Box 3639, Heritage Plaza II, Kamaladi, Kathmandu, Nepal
Tel: 00977-1-4255936
Fax: 00977-1-4267695
● China National Tourist Office, Seoul |
Add: (100-706)15F Daeyongak Bldg., 25-5,1-Ka, Chungmu-ro, Chung-ku, Seoul, Korea
Tel: 0082-2-7730393
Fax: 0082-2-7573210
● China National Tourist Office, New York |
Add: 370 Lexington Ave, Suite 912 New York, New York 10017
Tel: 001-212-760821
Fax: 001-212-7608809
Email: ny@cnta.gov.cn
Web: www.cnto.org
● China National Tourist Office, Los Angeles |
Add: 550 North Brand Boulevard, Suite 910 Glendale, California 91203
Tel: 001-818-5457507
Fax: 001-818-5457506
Email: la@cnta.gov.cn
Web: www.cnto.org
● China National Tourist Office, Toronto |
Add: 480 University Ave. Suite 806, Toronto, Ontario M5G1V2, Canada
Tel: 001-416-5996636
Fax: 001-416-5996382
● China National Tourist Office, London |
Add: 71 Warwick Road, SW5 9HB, London, UK
Tel: 0044-20-73730888
Fax: 0044-20-73709989
● Office du Tourisme de Chine, Paris |
Add: 15 Rue de Berri, 75008 Paris, France
Tel: 0033-1-56591010
Fax: 0033-1-53753288
● Fremdenverkehrsant der VR China in Frankfurt |
Add: Ilkenhansstrasse 6, D-60433 Frankfurt / M Deutschland
Tel: 0049-69-520135
Fax: 0049-69-528490
● Oficina Nacional de Tourismo de China en Madrid |
Add: Plaza de Espana 18, Edificio Torre Madrid, Oficina 7-13, 28008 Madrid
Tel: 0034-91-5480011
Fax: 0034-91-5480597
● Fremdenverkehrsamt der VR China in Zürich |
Add: Genfer-Strasse 21, CH-8002 Zürich, Schweiz
Tel: 0041-1-2018877
Fax: 0041-1-2018878
● China National Tourist Office, Sydney |
Add: 11th Floor, 234 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: 0061-2-92529838
Fax: 0061-2-92522728
● China National Tourist Office, Moscow |
Add: Krzhizhanovskogo Str.14,3,Moscow,117218,Russia
Tel: 007-495-645-02-69
Fax: 007-495-642-87-67
● Asia Tourism Exchange Centre Limited |
Add: B1, 20/F, Far East Finance Centre,16 Harcourt Road, Hong Kong
Tel: 00852-28630000
Fax: 00852-28611371
● China National Tourist Office, New Delhi |
Add: D-64, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021, India
Tel: 0091-11-41630540
Fax: 0091-11-41630541
● China National Tourism Administration Rome Office |
Add: Via Nazionale 75, 00184 Rome, Italia
Tel: 0039-064828888
Fax: 0039-0648913429
Before you enter Shanghai, China, please DON'T FORGET:
1. You must get a visa before coming to China.
2. Your passport with a validity of 6 months at least.
3. Cash. It's better for you to have some cash at hand. You can change RMB at exchange points in the airport. About 300 yuan (US$37.50) is enough at first for a casual traveler.
4. Anti-diarrhea tablets, antibiotics and any specialty medicines from home are useful. You should also take along some basic medicines, such as painkillers.
5. Daily necessities. It's easy to buy things in China but when you first arrive, it may prove difficult. Bring shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush for your first week and then you should be able to buy them at various local stores. They have imported products suitable for expats, such as hair dye and cosmetics.
6. Clothes. It's not easy for tall or bigger boned Westerners to buy clothes in China, as the Chinese are typically far smaller.
7. Electricity adaptor. The most common plug types are the dual and three-pointed prongs, which are different from the West. China runs on 220 volts, which will burn 110-volt appliances.
8. A good travel guide is necessary.
Not necessary, but very handy
1. Photocopies of important documents.
2. Several passport photos.
3. Your hotel's contact details in Chinese so you don't get lost.
