A
Addresses
Buildings are usually sequentially numbered, odd numbers on one side of the street and even numbers on the other. As the major streets often run the entire length of the city, it helps to know what the nearest cross-street is when trying to locate an address, such as Central Huaihai Road near (kaojing) Gao’an Road. It’s easier with newer buildings, as the street address now indicates building numbers within an area – for example, Central Huaihai Road 1000–2000.
Old and modern Shanghai
Dreamstime
Chinese New Year parade
David Shen Kai/Apa Publications
Age restrictions
It is illegal to sell alcohol and tobacco to those under 18 years of age in China, although the law is not strictly enforced. It is not uncommon for children to be given small amounts of beer or wine at family dinners, and it is relatively easy for teenagers to buy alcohol and cigarettes without ID in shops and clubs.
B
Budgeting
Shanghai is China’s most expensive city, although you can still enjoy some good bargains. Accommodation can cost from as little as RMB 100 for a dorm bed to upwards of RMB 3,000 for one of the city’s deluxe five-star hotels.
Similarly, a meal in a simple Chinese restaurant can cost as little as RMB 50 per person, while you can easily pay RMB 500 at the one of the city’s swankier Chinese or Western eateries. Local beer costs as little as RMB 25; imported beer is three times more. A glass of wine at an expensive restaurant costs RMB 60 and upwards.
The city’s efficient public transport system is cheap – a bus or metro ride within the downtown area won’t cost more than RMB 5. Taxi rides are also inexpensive, running about RMB 14–30 for trips within the city centre, or slightly more after 11pm, when flag fall starts at RMB 18.
Entry fees to most attractions are under RMB 20, except for prime attractions that can cost around RMB 100. In 2007, many parks and museums stopped charging admission, and provincial art galleries across the country are now following suit. Most temples charge a nominal entrance fee.
Business cards
In business and other formal situations in Shanghai, you will be expected to present a business card. Present cards with both hands, and accept them the same way.
C
Children
The Shanghainese love children. There is not a museum, restaurant or theatre where your child will feel unwelcome. The downside is a loss of privacy: your kids will be touched, stared at, talked to and photographed – just take a positive attitude about the whole thing and you’ll meet new friends and gain fresh insights.
Hotels often allow children to stay with parents in a double room at no extra charge. Extra beds are available for a small surcharge. Reliable babysitters, called ayi (aunty), are easily available. If you’re planning to be in Shanghai for any length of time, consider a serviced apartment with kitchen and laundry facilities.
Shanghai has a northern subtropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Rainfall is plentiful throughout the year, though most of it falls during the rainy season from June to September. Expect hot and muggy summers with daytime temperatures hovering in the low to mid-30s°C (90–95°F) in July and August, and chilled-to-the-bone damp winters in December and January. January is the coldest month, with daytime temperatures usually below 10°C (50°F), occasionally dipping below zero at night. Snow is rare in Shanghai, although there are sometimes late December/January flurries.
The city’s most comfortable (and sunny) weather is in spring (mid-March to May) and autumn (September to early November), although even then it is hardly reliable.
Clothing
Shanghai errs on the side of casual, but it is a city of unrelenting style: you’ll be forgiven for not wearing a tie, but never for looking like a bumpkin. Light, breathable clothes work best in the hot, humid summer months, with a light cover-up for overly air-conditioned restaurants and offices. In winter, several layers of clothing are the key to staying warm – coats, scarves, hats etc. Savvy travellers always carry a foldable umbrella with them to protect against sudden showers.
Crime and safety
Shanghai is a relatively safe city, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing do occur in crowded areas like train stations, markets and busy streets. There is very little violent crime against foreigners, but tourists should be aware of scams that generally begin with a request from the scammer to practise their English or visit a student art exhibition. Avoid unlicensed cab drivers or motorcycle taxis.
Shanghai is a safe city for women, who are able to walk alone, even at night, without being harassed – but again, you should be on your guard.
Every neighbourhood has its own police station or post, often labelled in English. This is the place to report any crime, although you might have to wait for the Public Security Bureau officer in charge of foreigners to handle your case. Otherwise, contact the Public Security Bureau directly.
Customs
Duty-free allowance per adult is as follows: two bottles of liquor (75cl each), 400 cigarettes, 50g of gold or silver, and perfume for personal use. On arrival, tourists have to fill out a baggage declaration form and hand it in to customs. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency and Chinese Renminbi traveller’s cheques that can be brought in; the unspent portion may be taken out. There is a long list of prohibited items, including animals, firearms, plant material and media deemed ‘detrimental’ to China’s social and political security. For up-to-date details see www.china.org.cn. Note: antiques require a government stamp in order to be exported; most reputable dealers can take care of the necessary paperwork.
D
Disabled travellers
Most of Shanghai’s modern hotels, buildings and museums are wheelchair-accessible, but older buildings and the myriad over/underpasses and walkways can present challenges for disabled travellers. Newer metro stations all have lifts or wheelchair ramps, though you may need to contact staff first to have these activated. Bashi Taxi (tel: 6431 2788) has several minivans that cater for the wheelchair-bound.
E
Electricity
Local electricity is 220 volts; 50 cycles AC. Chinese-to-foreign conversion accessories – whether conversion plugs or voltage converters – are easily available at department stores and hotels.
Embassies and consulates
Australia: 22/F, Citic Square, 1168 Nanjing Road West; tel: 2215 5200; www.shanghai.china.embassy.gov.au
Canada: 8/F, Eco City Building, 1788 Nanjing Road West; tel: 3279 2800; www.shanghai.gc.ca
New Zealand: Rm 1605–1607A, The Centre, 989 Changle Road; tel: 5407 5858
Singapore: 89 Wanshan Road; tel: 6278 5566
United Kingdom: Suite 301, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Road West; tel: 3279 2000; www.ukinchina.fco.gov.uk
United States: 1469 Central Huaihai Road; tel: 6433 6880
The police have a foreign translator on hand 24/7, so their’s is the best number to call in an emergency.
Ambulance: 120
Fire: 119
Police: 110
Traffic jams full of taxis are a common sight in Shanghai
Ryan Pyle
Migrant workers flock to Shanghai to find work
David Shen Kai/Apa Publications
Etiquette
You could be forgiven for thinking that ‘anything goes’ in Shanghai. But do bear in mind the following:
Shoes should be removed when entering homes; sometimes slippers will be provided.
Use both hands to present business cards at meetings.
Tea should be offered when you host someone, whether at home or in a business setting.
If you invite someone to dinner, you’re usually expected to pay for the entire meal – Shanghainese only ‘go Dutch’ with close friends or colleagues.
Fortunately, the Shanghainese are very forgiving of foreigners when it comes to local rules of etiquette, so you’ll be excused most gaffes. The most serious breaches of etiquette tend to involve politics rather than manners: although the atmosphere is far more open now, it’s still wise to avoid political discussions, especially involving sensitive topics like Taiwan and Tibet.
G
Gay and lesbian travellers
Acceptance of the gay and lesbian community in Shanghai has been tentative on an official level. Shanghai LGBT (shanghailgbt@yahoogroups.com) hosts events in the city’s gay and lesbian bars.
Homosexuality is generally frowned upon in China – it was only downgraded from a mental illness in 2001 – but in liberal Shanghai, the gay scene is increasingly open, albeit a predominantly male one. Nevertheless, discretion prevails; China is still basically a conservative society, so flagrant displays of affection are best avoided.
Green issues
China is one of the world’s worst polluters, but environmental concerns are starting to be taken seriously. Air pollution is a serious problem that can cause discomfort on ‘bad air’ days when the city is blanketed in thick smog. Consider wearing a mask, particularly if you’re sensitive. The China Air Quality Index app charts real-time air pollution readings of the dangerous PM2.5 particles in cities across China, and alerts when protection is recommended. On the street level in Shanghai, collecting and recycling waste materials is a means of business for many low-income senior citizens, aided by recycling bins across the city. Cycling is also a popular means of getting around the flat and compact inner city – though can be a dangerous undertaking if you’re not familiar with Shanghai’s crazy traffic.
China is also leading the way in solar power and other environmental building technologies. The twice-yearly grassroots Eco Design Fair champions sustainable producers and healthy lifestyles. Its website, www.ecodesignfair.cn, also serves as a directory and general community resource. For those conscious of their carbon footprint, Shanghai’s Urbn Hotel (www.urbnhotels.com) is China’s first carbon-neutral hotel – with plenty of style to boot.
H
Health
Healthcare in Shanghai is reasonably good. There are Western-staffed clinics and designated foreigners’ clinics in local hospitals with English-speaking personnel. For more serious and complicated issues, patients often return to their home countries or seek treatment in Hong Kong, so visitors to Shanghai are encouraged to have health insurance that covers repatriation expenses. You should bring all required medications during your visit, whether over-the-counter or prescription, as medicines may be sold under different names.
Inoculations
Other than requiring a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers coming from tropical South America or sub-Saharan Africa, Shanghai does not require any immunisations.
The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, US, recommends the following vaccines for travellers to Shanghai (see www.cdc.gov). Be sure to consult your doctor at least four to six weeks before your trip so that there is sufficient time for the shots to take effect:
Hepatitis A – A food- and water-borne viral infection of the liver.
Hepatitis B – An estimated 10 to 15% of the Chinese population carry hepatitis B, which is transmitted through bodily fluids and can lead to liver disease. The vaccine is recommended if you might be exposed to blood, have sexual contact with the local population, stay longer than six months or risk exposure through medical treatment.
Japanese encephalitis – This is only recommended if you plan on visiting rural areas for four weeks or more, except under special circumstances such as an outbreak of the disease.
Rabies – Recommended if there is risk of exposure to wild animals.
Hospitals and clinics
Emergency/evacuation:
SOS International 24-Hour Service, tel: 6295 0099.
Emergency/general:
Shanghai East International Medical Centre, 150 Jimo Road, Pudong; 24hr hotline: 5879 9999, 150 0019 0899.
Opened in 2003, this international-class facility is operated by Shanghai East Hospital and a California-based healthcare company. Provides both outpatient and in-patient medical services.
Huashan Hospital, 15/F, Foreigners’ Clinic, 12 Urümqi Road; tel: 6248 3986.
A mid-sized general hospital which offers most specialities.
Parkway Health, Room Nos. 203–4, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Road West; tel: 6445 5999; www.parkwayhealth.cn.
Reputable clinic with overseas-trained and English-speaking doctors and staff. Operates clinics throughout the city. For 24-hour assistance, call 6445 5999
Pudong Children’s Medical Centre, 1678 Dongfang Road, Pudong; tel: 5873 2020.
A large, modern teaching hospital built as a Sino-US joint venture.
Ruijin Hospital, 197 Ruijin No. 2 Road; tel: 6437 0045, ext 8101 (outpatients and emergencies only); 6324 0090 ext 2101 (24-hour house calls).
Large teaching hospital. The foreigners’ clinic is located in Guang Ci Hospital, in the grounds.
Pharmacies
Shanghai No. 1 Dispensary, 616 Nanjing Road East; tel: 6322 4567.
Watsons, 789 Central Huaihai Road; tel: 6474 4775.
People’s Liberation Army soldiers march along the riverfront
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
Many cafés offer WiFi
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
A trendy store logo
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
Hours and holidays
Offices generally open Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm. Government offices are open weekdays 9am to 5pm with a one- or two-hour lunch break. Banks may stay open until 6pm or 7pm; some currency exchange desks are open around the clock, and ATMs are found everywhere.
Most large malls and department stores are generally open from 10am to 10pm, seven days a week. Smaller shops may have shorter hours. Keep in mind that most businesses are closed during Chinese New Year and other national holidays.
The list of holidays is as follows (*denotes holidays determined by the lunar calendar):
New Year’s Day: 1 Jan
Spring Festival: Jan/Feb*
Qing Ming: 4 or 5 Apr
Labour Day: 1 May
Dragon Boat Festival: June*
Mid-Autumn Festival: Sept/Oct*
National Day: 1 Oct
Note that the Spring Festival (or Chinese New Year) and National Day are week-long holidays. Schools and government offices are open the weekend before or after the one-week holiday. Spring Festival and National Day holidays signal a huge migration of travellers across China, and trains, airlines and hotels are booked out well in advance, so try to avoid travelling during these times.
I
ID
Visitors should carry with them a form of photo identification, such as passport, or a photocopy of it at all times.
Internet facilities
Most hotels have either in-room WiFi or ports for high-speed internet connections. Many cafés and small restaurants offer free WiFi if you buy a coffee.
L
Language
Shanghai’s official language is Mandarin (Putonghua). Local residents also converse in the Shanghainese dialect. English is increasingly understood by the younger generations in downtown areas (though not by taxi drivers, so always have your destinations written in characters). Street names, public transport and utilities signage is written in Chinese and Pinyin (phonetic) or English translation, as are many restaurant menus. For more information, click here.
Left luggage
Luggage can be left at the airport and the train station.
Pudong International Airport: Arrivals Hall, tel: 6834 6078; Departures Hall, tel: 6834 5035.
Hongqiao Airport: Arrivals Hall, tel: 5114 4520.
Shanghai Railway Station: tel: 6354 3193.
Lost property
If you lose your passport, it’s best to contact your consulate immediately. Some consulates have emergency 24-hour numbers for this. For items left in taxis, refer to the taxi receipt for the telephone number to call (the receipt also has the taxi number on it, which will help the company locate the vehicle).
The train schedule billboard in the Southern Railway Station’s main hall
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
Police in training
David Shen Kai/Apa Publications
M
Maps
Free tourist maps of Shanghai in English and Chinese are available at the airport, and at the concierge desks of most hotels. The maps sold at the bookshops are usually in Chinese. The Insight Fleximap Shanghai, which is laminated for durability, is a recommended purchase.
Media
Newspapers and magazines
Shanghai has two daily English-language newspapers. The Shanghai Daily (www.shanghaidaily.com) is published locally. The China Daily (www.chinadaily.com.cn) is the national newspaper published in Beijing. The English edition of the Chinese-language People’s Daily is available online at http://english.peopledaily.com.cn. Foreign newspapers and magazines are only available at the city’s four- and five-star hotels and foreign-language bookstores. One of the best sources is The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, which carries the South China Morning Post, International Herald Tribune, Asian Wall Street Journal and magazines like Economist, Time and Newsweek.
Shanghai also has several free English-language publications of varying quality, most with useful listings for restaurants, bars and entertainment spots. Among the best are Time Out (www.timeoutshanghai.com) and City Weekend (www.cityweekend.com.cn). These magazines are available at many bars, restaurants and cafes around town. The online www.smartshanghai.com portal is also a useful reference.
Radio
BBC World Service is accessible on radio. English-language programming is on FM 101.7 and FM 103.7.
Television
Shanghai has two English-language TV channels. News and cultural programmes are broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV) Channel 9, while ICS is a locally produced channel with slightly more entertaining programming, including foreign movies. Most hotels will offer a range of international cable and satellite channels.
Money
The Chinese yuan (CNY) is also known as renminbi (RMB). One yuan or renminbi (colloquially called kuai) is divided into 10 jiao (or mao); one jiao is divided into 10 fen. RMB bills are issued by the Bank of China in the following denominations: one, five, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Coins come in denominations of 1 kuai, and 50 and 10 fen.
Major currencies can be changed at hotels, but you must be a registered guest, or at Bank of China and ICBC, which requires a passport. Be sure to keep the foreign exchange receipt, which is required to change your remaining renminbi back to your home currency.
International credit cards and bank cards (Cirrus, Plus, Visa, MasterCard, American Express) can be used to withdraw local currency from ATMs, which are found throughout the city. International credit cards are now accepted at major hotels and most restaurants – although many Chinese restaurants and small hotels only take cash or domestic credit cards. Cash is also king in the markets and most smaller local shops.
Locals rarely tip, and most service professionals and cab drivers don’t expect tips. A service fee of 10–15 percent is added in hotels and some restaurants, and tipping for particularly good service is becoming more common at higher-end establishments and on private tours.
P
Police
Every neighbourhood has its own police station or post, often labelled in English. This is the place to report any crime, although you might have to wait for the Public Security Bureau officer in charge of foreigners to handle your case. Otherwise, contact the Public Security Bureau directly. For more information, click here for a list of emergency numbers. Most public areas have roaming security guards that can help if needed.
Post
Every neighbourhood in Shanghai city has a post office, recognisable by its dark-green and yellow signage. Post offices in the busiest areas, such as Sichuan Road, Central Huaihai Road, Nanjing Road and Xujiahui, are open 14 hours a day, while the Huangpu district post office is open 24 hours a day. In addition to mailing and selling stamps, post offices also deliver local courier packages. Most large hotels will post letters to international destinations for you.
R
Religious services
Taikang Lu Art Street information centre
David Shen Kai/Apa Publications
There are many Buddhist temples in Shanghai
David Shen Kai/Apa Publications
Officially, the People’s Republic encourages atheism. However, as elsewhere in China, there are Buddhist and Daoist temples and places of worship throughout the city, as well as mosques and Catholic and Protestant churches.
Buddhist and Daoist temples are well frequented by local people and are also open to visitors – some of the most popular are: City God Temple (next to Yu Garden), Jing’An Temple (1686 Nanjing Road West), Longhua Temple in the city’s west (2853 Longhua Road) and the Daoist White Cloud Temple (239 Dajing Road).
Hengshan Protestant Community Church (53 Hengshan Road) in the former French Concession and Moore Memorial Baptist Church (316 Tibet Road) at People’s Square host regular multi-denominational services in English and Chinese languages. Both of these churches are beautiful, historic buildings.
Prayer flags at Jing An Temple
David Shen Kai/Apa Publications
Muslims gather for prayers at Fuyou Road Mosque (378 Fuyou Road) and Huxi Mosque (No. 3, Lane 1328 Changde Road).
There’s also an active Shanghai Jewish Centre located in Hongqiao (Shang-Mira Garden Villa 1, 1720 Hongqiao Road).
S
Smoking
Smoking is popular across China, and only recently have many restaurants and public spaces brought in smoke-free policies. You can still smoke in most bars, clubs and outdoor areas, and even in some restaurants.
T
Telephones
The country code for China is 86 and the city code for Shanghai is 21, or 021 when dialling from inside the country. To make an international direct dial call from Shanghai, dial the international access code: 00, followed by the country code, the area code and the local telephone number.
Local directory assistance: 114
International operator: 116
Most public telephones in China take prepaid phone cards, which can be used for local, long-distance and international (IDD) calls. Prepaid phone cards are available in amounts of RMB 20, 30, 50 and 100.
Most mobile phone users with a roaming facility will be able to hook up with the GSM 900 local 3G or 4G networks, with the exception of those from Japan. To avoid roaming charges, get a prepaid SIM card with a local number and fixed number of minutes. Many phone providers, hotels, convenience stores and self-serve kiosks at airports sell them in denominations of RMB 100.
Time zone
The entire country operates on Beijing time, which is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). There is no daylight saving, so the time relative to Europe and North America is one hour less advanced in the summer months. Having a single time zone in such a large country means that on the east coast the sun rises very early.
Toilets
Public toilets are plentiful in Shanghai, but toilet paper often seems to be in short supply (always carry a pack of tissues with you). Payment – usually a few jiao – is sometimes required. If you’re squeamish, head for a smart hotel or shopping mall, where the public facilities are almost always user-friendly.
Tourist information
A tourist hotline (tel: 962 020) operates daily from 10am to 9pm. Information can be patchy depending on who you get on the line. Be sure to ask for an operator who speaks English. The Shanghai Tourist Information and Service Centre (http://lyw.sh.gov.cn/en) operates branches in each of Shanghai’s districts, including one on the ground level of the arrival hall of Pudong International Airport, though these are geared towards Chinese-speaking travellers – the level of English spoken by the counter staff varies from one service centre to another. The service centres can book hotel rooms and tours, but of more use are the free brochures and maps they give out. Hotel concierges in five-star hotels and local tourist magazines and websites are generally the best source of current information.
Overseas tourism offices
The China National Tourism Offices abroad are useful sources for maps, brochures and travel information. Check its website at www.cnto.org. It’s likely that the CNTO branches will recommend that you book your holiday packages with its affliated CITS – China International Travel Service (www.cits.net) or the CTS – China Travel Service (www.ctshk.com/english), both of which are government-run travel agencies. They handle tours, hotels, flights (international and domestic) and train tickets. You can opt to use CITS or CTS agencies even before you set foot in Shanghai. Or you can fly to Shanghai and then book your trips locally, either with the CITS or CTS office in Shanghai or a privately run travel agency
Tours and guides
Various cruises on the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek offer views of the rapidly changing cityscape along the banks of the city’s two main waterways. We recommend the Huangpu River cruises for the best views of the Bund and some jaw-dropping crane action at the world’s busiest container port. These leave from the Shiliupu Wharf, conveniently situated on the South Bund.
For a city tour with a difference, Shanghai Insiders (tel: 138 1761 6975; www.shanghaiinsiders.com) offers tours of the city’s historic neighbourhoods in vintage motorcycle sidecars. The fabulous Changjiang 750s are replicas of Russian Ural sidecars and were formerly used by the People’s Liberation Army.
You can explore Shanghai’s fascinating Jewish heritage on a walking tour with Israeli documentarian and photojournalist Dvir Bar-Gal, conducted in English or Hebrew (www.shanghai-jews.com).
UnTour Shanghai runs weekly themed food tours, including ‘Street Eats Breakfast’ and ‘Dumpling Delights’, as well as private customised tours. They also arrange morning and night running tours (http://untourshanghai.com).
Transport
Shanghai has an easy-to-use and well-priced public transport system. Roads and even footpaths can be hazardous, so be careful when negotiating traffic lights and pedestrian crossings as cars seldom give way. Driving is not recommended for visitors.
Getting around
Bus: Shanghai’s bus system can be confusing for visitors, and bus routes are in Chinese characters only. Taxis, which are cheap, and the metro are better options.
Sign for the lift to the observation deck in the World Financial Center
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
The mesmerising lights of the Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
Metro: Thanks to a pre-Expo 2010 infrastructure boom, Shanghai has the longest metro system in the world. The city currently has 11 metro lines (with several more under construction) running all across the city from around 6am to midnight. Everything is signposted in English and Chinese, and on-train stop announcements are multilingual. Metro line 2 connects Pudong International Airport in the east with Hongqiao Airport in the far west.
Purchase a ticket at the machines in each subway station (you can press a button for English and follow the prompts). Have plenty of coinage on you, as only some machines accept notes.
Alternatively, you can purchase a stored-value Shanghai Public Transportation Card – jiaotong yikatong – that can be used to pay for fares on the metro, plus taxis, buses, ferries and Maglev. The added bonus with the Maglev is that you won’t have to produce your air ticket to get the RMB40 flyer’s fare (handy when running late for your flight). The cards can be purchased at the service desk of most Shanghai metro stations with an RMB50 deposit.
Taxis: Taxis are easy to hail on the street outside rush hour – Dazhong (tel: 96822) and Jingjiang (tel: 96961) are reputable companies. Fares are cheap, straightforward and always metered, and receipts are given if requested. Flagfall is RMB 14 (RMB 18 after 11pm). Tipping is not expected. Keep the taxi receipt, which has each driver’s licence number printed on it, in case you leave something behind in the car.
Arriving by air
Shanghai has two airports (www.shairport.com): Pudong International Airport (30km/19 miles east of the city – code PVG) is mainly for international flights; Hongqiao Airport (15km/9 miles west of the city – SHA) is for domestic flights and some Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korean routes. Getting from both airports to the city is straightforward. From Pudong, official taxis into the city cost RMB 100–250, depending on your destination. The Maglev train (one way RMB 50, or RMB 40 with same-day air ticket) links with Longyang Road metro station (Line 2) in Pudong – from here, you can catch a metro or taxi to your onward destination. Ten air-conditioned airport bus routes transport passengers around the city (route details are posted in the arrivals hall). From Hongqiao, the Hongqiao Transport Hub connects Terminal 2 with metro lines 2 and 10, Hongqiao railway station and the long-distance bus station. Terminal 1 connects with metro line 10 only. Taxis are easily available and cost RMB 20–100 to downtown, depending on the final destination.
Arriving by sea
Set to become a major cruise destination, Shanghai has built the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on the North Bund and another terminal on Potai Bay in Wusong Port to handle the larger vessels that are unable to pass under the Yangpu Bridge. A third terminal is located at the mouth of the Yangtze.
Arriving by train
Train services have improved dramatically in recent years, cutting travel time by hours to nearby locations such as Suzhou, Hangzhou and Nanjing. Shanghai to Beijing bullet trains depart several times a day, with a journey time of less than five hours. Most high-speed trains use Hongqiao railway station, a sparkling new hub in the city’s west that integrates with the domestic airport, metro, taxis and long-distance buses.
Tickets can be purchased at the railway stations or official ticketing counters throughout the city up to 10 days ahead of the date of travel. You’ll need to present your passport at the time of purchase (your passport number will be printed on your ticket), as well as on the train. Most hotels can obtain train tickets for guests. If you change plans, tickets can be exchanged for a different time train up until a few minutes before the train departs by going to the correct counter in the station.
Train classes. Historically, there is no first or second class on Chinese trains, but four categories or classes: ruanwo or soft-sleeper, ruanzuo or soft-seat, yingwo or hardsleeper, and yingzuo or hard-seat. The soft-seat class is usually only available for short journeys. However, some new high-speed trains are now described as having first class, second class and even business class seats.
Long-distance trains normally only have soft-sleeper or hard-sleeper facilities. The soft-sleeper class has four-bed compartments with soft beds, and is recommended, particularly for long journeys. The hard-sleeper class has open, six-bed compartments. The beds are not really hard, but are cramped and not very comfortable. While you can reserve a place for the first three classes (you always buy a ticket with a place number), this is not always essential for the hard-seat category. There is always boiled water available on the trains. There are washrooms in the soft-sleeper and hard-sleeper classes. The toilets, regardless of which class, are usually not very hygienic, and it is a good idea to bring your own toilet paper. There are dining cars on long-distance trains.
Arriving by bus
Overland buses are the most important means of transport in many parts of China, especially where there is no railway line. In most towns and settlements there are main bus stations for overland buses. Although some rural bus journeys can be slow, China’s enormously improved highway infrastructure makes major routes fast and reasonably safe. High-speed (gaosu) buses stick to the expressways and don’t make regular stops to pick up passengers en route. There are regular breaks during bus journeys; on journeys lasting several days you will usually find simple restaurants and overnight accommodation near the bus stations. Some buses have numbered seats, but it is not usually necessary to book a ticket or seat in advance. Modern buses with air conditioning operate in tourist areas.
Car hire
You need a Chinese licence to drive in China and, besides, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Dangerous driving is rampant. Avis (www.avischina.com) operates throughout Asia, offering self-drive options and cars that come with experienced drivers.
Trips out of Shanghai
The cheap option when making excursions from Shanghai is to use the special sightseeing buses that depart from several venues around town, but these are mainly used by domestic tourists and don’t cater to foreigners (ie. people who don’t speak Chinese).
Trains are one good option for independent travel to Suzhou and Hangzhou; tickets can be booked through your hotel or directly at the Shanghai Railway Station at 100 Molin Road, tel: 6317 9090.
You could also arrange to hire a private car with a driver. This option would give you the most flexibility. Some travel agencies also have English-speaking guides who will accompany you – this is useful for translation purposes, but be aware that the ‘guide’ may not know much about the destination itself.
Some places (like Suzhou) are standard day tours offered by travel agents. Some companies also sell a Hangzhou day trip, but this is a bit of a stretch. Ask about 2-day package tours to Hangzhou that include a night’s accommodation.
The high-speed Maglev Train runs to the airport.
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
Shanghai’s bus services are not particularly tourist-friendly.
Ryan Pyle/Apa Publications
V
Visas
Apply for visas in your home country prior to arriving in China. There are several ways of procuring one. The easiest way is to use the services of a travel agent. There will be a commission charge on top of the visa-processing fee paid to the visa office of the Chinese embassy or consulate. Individual travellers may also apply for a visa directly with the Chinese embassy or consulate in their home country. Two passport-size photos, the completed application form and the fee are required. It takes about 7–10 working days to process your China visa, so make sure you apply for one well before your intended departure. Hong Kong is a convenient alternative. A single-entry, 30-day visa is usually provided for those with passports with a minimum of six months’ validity.
Double-entry or multiple-entry visas are more expensive and more difficult to obtain.
W
Websites
The following websites provide a variety of information on travel-related subjects on Shanghai.
General Information
China Foreign Ministry
Shanghai Government
Hotel Bookings
Health Matters
Banks in Shanghai
Weights and measures
The metric system is used across China. Traditional measurements, such as jin (approximately 500g) are sometimes used when buying food.