About Shanghai

Shanghai is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East Sea in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. Housing a population of over 16 million at present, it was once a small town supported by fishing and weaving before the first Opium War. Late in 1990, the central government started developing the area, and has since become the well-known booming metropolis city. Huangpu River, the biggest river in Shanghai, divides Shanghai in Puxi Area and Pudong Area.

Climate
Climate
unit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temperature
'C
3.1
4.3
8.4
13.9
19.1
23
27.8
28.1
24.1
18.1
12.5
5.9
Precipitation
mm.
37.5
39.7
47.1
57
66.3
73.4
82
82.5
75.3
64.5
54.5
42.6

Currency

The RMB (Renminbi) is the official currency. The basic unit of RMB is the yuan (¥), also known as "kuai," divided into 10 jiao, which is again divided into 10 fen. Yuan notes come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100. Click here for currency conversion.

Electricity
The voltage is 220 volts. Most luxury hotels have built-in converters in bathrooms for shavers, hair dryers, etc. Otherwise, come equipped, because a wide variety of plug types are used.

Emergency Call Numbers

Police 110
Fire Services 119
Ambulance 120

Time Zone
GMT + 8

Language
The official language in China is Mandarin but distinct dialects are spoken throughout the country. Shanghainese speak Mandarin or Shanghaihua, however most tourist hotels have staff who are fluent in foreign languages.

Mobile Phones

Network accepted in Shanghai is China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.

Shopping Hours

Shops are usually open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday.

Offices Hours
Commercial offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays.

Taxes
Taxes are included in the price.

Tipping

It is not a custom to tip and not necessary to do so. The service charge if any, should be indicated.