As the world's eighth largest city, Shanghai stands as the epitome of China's spectacular economic growth. Once a city of nightclubs and French villas, Shanghai today is a cosmopolitan city of dazzling spectacles.
Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai, lies at the epicentre of Pudong New Area, the city's economic, financial and commercial centre.
Visas
All international travellers require visas although Brunei, Japan, and Singapore passport holders are able to enjoy visa-free access to China for up to 15 days.
Standard 30-day, single-entry visas can be issued in three to five working days from most Chinese embassies, and must be used within three months of the date of issue. Longer visas are often more difficult to obtain.
For further details, consult with your travel agent, China International Travel Service, China Travel Service, or any Chinese embassy or consulate.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Currency
The Chinese currency is known as renminbi (RMB). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels as well as shopping malls.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
RMB 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.17
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.13
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.11
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
1.25
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
8.97
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
16.61
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.20
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.16
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A 15% surcharge, including government tax, is applicable in most hotels and some private restaurants.
Tipping
Many mid-range and top-end restaurants include their own service charge that varies between establishments.
Officially, tipping is considered inappropriate and is discouraged.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday
Some banks are open on weekends as well.
Office Hours
9am - 5.30pm, Monday through Friday
Shopping Hours
9am - 9pm or later throughout the week
Department stores are open 10am to 10pm every day.
Opening hours may vary.
Public Health
Visitors entering China are required to complete a health declaration form. Check with your local doctor or health care professional about vaccination requirements before you plan your trip.
We recommend not drinking water from the tap. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every hotel room.
Dress
Dress is generally informal in Shanghai except on social, diplomatic or government occasions when a suit and tie is appropriate.
Winter requires heavy clothing, including coats, hats, and gloves as temperatures can drop to below freezing with strong winds. Light clothing is appropriate for the spring and summer months.
Weather
Temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Mid-winter temperatures can drop below freezing levels.
Spring brings warmth; April to Mid-May is probably one of the best times to visit, along with Autumn (late September to Mid-November).
In summer the hot and humid weather with temperatures sometimes as high as 40°C in July and August.
Today
Mostly Cloudy
Low clouds breaking for some sun
|
High:
|
28°C /
82°F
|
|
Low:
|
21°C /
69°F
|
Tomorrow
Intermittent Clouds
Breezy with intervals of clouds and sun
|
High:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Low:
|
20°C /
68°F
|
|
Sunday:
|
|
Intermittent Clouds
|
High:
26°C /
78°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|
|
Monday:
|
|
Cloudy, Thunder Showers
|
High:
26°C /
78°F
|
Low:
20°C /
68°F
|