Introduction to Shanghai
Shanghai (translates to mean "on the sea" ) is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East River in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. It was once a small town supported by fishing and weaving before the first Opium War. Today, housing, a population of over 16 million at present, Shanghai is one of the largest cities in the world. If you simply count heads, Sh¨¤nghai is the biggest city in the biggest country on Earth. If you simply scan statistics, this is China's capital of commerce, industry, and finance. But numbers don't tell the whole story. Sh¨¤nghai has a colonial past more intense than that of any other city in China, save Hong Kong, and this legacy gives it a dramatic character, visible in the very facades of its buildings. But the city is not only a museum of East meeting West on Chinese soil. In the past 10 years, Shanghai's GDP has grown 10% each year. Shanghai is China's most comprehensive industrial and commercial city. Overseas investment is encouraged not only in industrial projects, but also in the sectors such as commercial, trade, software, financial, tourism, real estate, etc.
Tourist Interest
The scenic spots in Shanghai are really too many for the eye to take in. Built in different periods of time and in various architectural styles of the world, the grand complex of high-rise buildings on the either bank of the Huangpu River is reputed as "the International Fair of World Architecture". On the eastern bank of the river, there are rows upon rows of high-rise structure dominating the skyline, including the Oriental TV Tower and the 88-storey Jinmao Building. Standing on the observation deck, you have a superb panorama view of Shanghai's spectacular development over the previous years. At the core part of this world-famous metropolis, there are many attractive scenic spots, such as the People's Square, the Shanghai Museum, the Municipal Exhibition Hall of Shanghai Urban Construction and Shanghai Grand Theatre. There are a large number of specialist restaurant and hotel, offering a wide diversity of cuisine.
Climate
Temperatures range between -5ˇăC to 38ˇăC. Weather during November to April is the coldest. Weather in May, June, September and October is cool, ranging between 18. 6ˇăC to 23. 5ˇăC . July and August are warm and temperature can go up to 38ˇăC .
Clothing
Heavy clothing is required for the winter whereas light clothing is adequate during summer.
Currency
The currency in China is Renminbi. International credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and major shops.
Electricity
Electricity is supplied at 220 volts, 50 cycles.
Emergency Call Numbers
Police
110
Fire Services
119
Ambulance
120
Information Center
114
Health
Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form at the Customs. Medical facilities are generally adequate in Shanghai.
Public Phones
Public phones are widely available. There are now public phone booths where you can make calls with a phone card. International mobile phones with roaming facility linked up automatically to China Telecom Service.
Shopping and Business Hours
Shops are usually open from 10. 00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. everyday.
Banks and Government offices
Banks and Government offices are open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays only.