Travel Information
ABOUT SHANGHAI
Shanghai, Hu for short, is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. Also it is a popular tourist destination, vistors can sense the pulsating development of modern China.
In addition to its modernization, Shanghai's multicultural flair endows Shanghai with a unique glamour. Here, one finds the perfect blend of cultures, the modern and the traditional , and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen lanes together draw the skyline of Shanghai. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwined, form Shanghai's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.
English Name: Shanghai
Chinese Name: 上海 (shàng hǎi)
Location: Yangtze River Delta, Southeast China (31° 14' N, 121° 29' E)
Government: Municipality
Area: 7,037 sq km (2,717 sq mi)
Population: 18,884,600
Postal Code: 200000 – 202100
Area Code: 021
Airports: Pudong International Airport; Hongqiao International Airport
Railway Stations: Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station
ORIENTATION
At present, Shanghai has 18 districts and one county of Chongming under its jurisdiction. You can refer to the map to see the locations of the districts.
The core area of the city zone includes Huangpu District, Luwan District and Jing'an District. The periphery area of the city zone includes districts of Yangpu, Honghou, Zhabei and Putuo to the north of the core area, Changning District to the west and Xuhui District to the south.
Suburbs of Shanghai include Jiading District and Baoshan District to the northwest of the city zone, Minhang District to the south and Pudong New Area east of the Huangpu River.
Exurbs of Shanghai consist of the remaining Chongming County and five districts, namely, Qingpu, Songjiang, Jinshan, Fengxian and Nanhui. They are to the west and south of Shanghai, occupying over one half of the city's area.
GETTING AROUND
Travelers arriving from international destinations will land at Pudong International Airport. Pudong (airport code: PVG) is approximately 45 minutes from the city center (downtown Puxi). The Maglev train currently connects the airport to Shanghai's subway system but if you're not staying in Pudong, it is faster and wiser to take a taxi.
Note: Be sure to use the proper (official) taxi line for lifts into the city, the taxi touts that approach you in the airport charge higher rates. Just wave them away with a bu yao, pronounced "boo yao" (don't need/want) and continue out the door to the taxi line.
If you're arriving from within China, you will land at Shanghai Airport (airport code: SHA) which is about 25 minutes from the city center on the western side of Shanghai. Shanghai Airport is currently not connected by rail but plans are in the works. Taxis are the best option to get to and from SHA.
Rental cars are available but spend 5 minutes on a Shanghai motorway and you'll glad you opted not to rent. Most travelers who require their own transportation hire a car plus a driver. Taxis are really a very inexpensive and easy way to get around Shanghai and you'll probably be very glad it's not you driving. The base fare is currently 11rmb (US$ 1.35) and this gets you a long way.
Note:When using taxis, be sure to have your hotel or destination card with the address in Chinese with you. Taxi drivers don't speak English no matter how loud you speak.
Public busses are an inexpensive means to get around the city but I've yet to discover an English-language bus guide. If you're daring and you have time, by all means take the bus. Fares for air-conditioned buses range 2-4rmb (US$ 0.25-0.50). Traffic in Shanghai can be very bad, so don't expect to get anywhere in a hurry on a bus.
The subway ("Metro") system is undergoing a massive overhaul and by 2010, the system is supposed to double in capacity and reach. Right now, five lines operate around Shanghai. The base fare is 3rmb (US$ 0.37). It's a very convenient and easy way to get around Shanghai. The trains are very clean and stations and exits are labeled in English and Chinese.
Note: Make sure to keep your wallet and belongings safe, subways are where a lot of pickpockets make their livings.
Shanghai has two major train stations connecting it to rail systems throughout China. Rail is a wonderful way to travel. There are usually several classes on trains and sleepers on overnight routes. It takes approximately two hours to go from Shanghai to Hangzhou and twelve hours to get to Beijing on a convenient overnight train.
