16th Congress of the APSR
Shanghai, 2011
About China & Shanghai
Shanghai is China`s industrial and commercial centre, and the most populous city. As a tourist destination it attracts both travelers from home and abroad, attracted by its rich culture and history, scenic beauty and entertainment activities.
Climate
In November Shanghai experiences a cool temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 8.6°C to 16.7°C.
Currency
The currency in China is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Credit cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and shopping malls.
Customs
Visitors entering China are required to complete a customs declaration form, distributed by the cabin crew during their inbound flight to China. The customs form must be filled out in duplicate and include a list of items of value you are declaring, ie. currency, electrical goods and luxury items, (cameras, computer equipment, etc). You are required to keep a duplicate copy of the customs declaration form until you exit China. There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into China. However, an amount of US$5,000 or equivalent in other foreign currencies should be declared to customs.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220 volts.
Emergency Numbers
Police 110
Fire Services 119
Ambulance 120
Mobile Phones
Networks accepted in Shanghai include GSM or TD-SWCDMA.
Dial to China:
00 + 86 + cell phone number or 00 + 86 + 2-4 digit area codes (10 for Beijing; 21 for Shanghai) + 6-8 digit telephone numbers
Shopping and Business Hours
Shops are usually open 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. daily.
Banks and Government offices
Banks and Government offices are open 9.00 a.m to 5.00 p.m, Monday to Friday.
Time Zone
GMT + 8
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Shanghai, for waiters, drivers or even hotel maids.
Airport
There are two international airports in Shanghai: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
- Hongqiao Airport:
Hongqiao International Airport is situated in the western outskirts of Shanghai, about 13 km (8 miles) from the downtown area and approximately 60 km (37 miles) from Pudong International Airport. Hongqiao Airport now has two terminals. Terminal 2 serves China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Air China, China Southern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Tianjin Airlines, Sichuan Airlines and Juneyao Airlines. Terminal 1 serves Spring Airlines, All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Korean Air and flights to Japan and the Republic of Korea by Shanghai Airlines, China Eastern Airlines.
Transportation between Hongqiao Airport and Shanghai City Centre:
- By Taxi
The taxi fare from Hongqiao International Airport to People's Square in the city centre is approximately CNY60 with a journey time of half an hour. A taxi from Hongqiao International Airport to Shanghai International Convention Centre (SHICC) costs about CNY 90 and 30 minutes journey time.
- By Subway
The east extension project of Subway Line 2 connects Hongqiao Airport to the city centre and Pudong Airport. With this subway line (only available in T2), passengers can travel directly from Hongqiao Airport to Jing'an Temple, People's Square, Nanjing East Road, Lujiazui, Longyang Road and Pudong International Airport.
- By Taxi
- Pudong Airport:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located in Pudong New District, about 30 km (18.6 miles) from Shanghai's downtown area and about 40 km (24.9 miles) from Hongqiao International Airport.
Tansportation between Pudong Airport and Shanghai City Centre:
- By Taxi
A taxi costs approximately CNY 140 from Pudong International Airport to Shanghai International Convention Centre (SHICC), with a travelling time of 40-50 minutes.
- By Maglev
Shanghai Maglev Train operates between Pudong International Airport and Longyang Rd. Trains depart from Pudong Airport Subway Station daily from 06:45 to 21:40, at intervals of 15 to 20 minutes. The whole journey takes only eight minutes. The charge is CNY 50 for an ordinary single trip and CNY 100 for VIP, CNY 80 for an ordinary round trip and CNY 160 for VIP. At Longyang station, you can transfer to Subway Line 2, which runs westward and passes many of Shanghai's prosperous areas such as Century Park, Lujiazui, East Nanjing Road and People's Square.
- By Subway Line 2
Shanghai Subway Line 2 is a long and busy line connecting Pudong and Puxi. After undergoing many extentions, it currently stretches to Pudong Airport and Hongqiao Airport. Passengers have to get off the 4-car metro train at Guanglan Road Station (between Longyang Road Station and Pudong Airport) and change to another 8-car metro train to head towards Hongqiao Airport. It costs CNY9 for the whole trip and CNY8 from Pudong to Hongqiao airport. The travelling time between the airports would be more than one hour.
- By Taxi
For more detailed information, please check the website shanghaiairport.com
Visas
Kindly consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country for details of visa application.