Local Info

local_info

Overview
The largest city in Mainland China and one of the four municipalities under the Central Government, Shanghai is the leading economic, financial, trading and shipping center in China, creating a number of firsts in China and in world, according to the China World Records Association. Situated at the entry of the Yangtze River and in the middle of the coastline, Shanghai has the largest international trading harbor and industrial complexes in China. Over 20 million people live in Shanghai, most of whom are of Han nationality, rooted in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and speaking Wu and Shanghai dialects. It is also an emerging tourist destination, featuring the culture of a modern city and numerous historic sites. Today, Shanghai has evolved into an international metropolis highly recognized across the world and aims to become a global financial center and shipping center by 2020. The city is also the host of the World Expo 2010.

Area
6,340.5 square kilometers

Location
Shanghai, literally “city above the sea” is located at the east coast of Asia and west to the Pacific Ocean. A perfect geographic location in China’s east coast, Shanghai is where the Yangtze River and Qiantang River meets each other and jets into the sea. Shanghai is also neighboring to Jiangsu and Zhejiang Province, the most developed zone in China.

Visa
For Singaporean, Japanese and Bruneian citizens holding regular passports, visiting China for family, friends or business purposes and staying for no more than 15 days, no visa is required. A visa is necessary for other visitors. The standard tourist visa is valid for 30 days and easy to apply for, while any visa for more than 30 days will be more difficult.
Please consult your travel agency, China International Tourism Administration, the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China or any nearest Chinese embassy or consulate at your domicile for more details.

Currency
The official currency in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY or RMB) and credit cards are acceptable by all leading hotels and shopping malls.
You may calculate the conversion rate between your currency and other currencies with the Currency Converter.

Shopping
Shanghai is crowned as Paradise for Shopping with famous commercial districts, namely Nanjing Road, the first commercial street appeared in China; Huai Hai Rd, known for its elegancy; Si Chuan Bei Road, a market place with abundant shopping choices but favorable price; Jin Ling Dong Road, a street with exotic South East Asian styled buildings; Yu Garden, a traditional commercial center with ancient buildings and the emerging Xu Jia Hui Commercial district. Tourists will definitely enjoy their stay here with so much pleasant experiences offered by the diversified shopping centers in Shanghai.

Tax
15% Government tax and service charge.

Tipping
Tipping is acceptable in China, thought it is not mandatory in tradition.

Office Hours
Banks: 9 am – 5 pm, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10 am – 10 pm , Daily

Dress
There is no dress code except for formal and social occasions. However, decent wear is recommended and business wear is ideal for formal occasions. In Shanghai, it is cold and windy in winter, and hot in summer, when light and casual wear is preferred.

Health
A tourist must submit a health statement upon entry. The hotel offers bottles of complementary drinking water in the rooms.

Weather
Month Average                    Temperature                         Humidity
March to May                       10 to 15 C (50 to 59 F)        56% to 59%
june to August                      21 to 40 C (70 to 104 F)     62% to 66%
September to November    18 to 28 C (64 to 82 F)       55% to 64%
December to February       -2 to 7 C (28 to 45 F)           57% to 62%