Shanghai is an exciting and exotic city by the sea that has beckoned travelers for over a century. At the heart of China’s economic revival, Shanghai offers its visitors fun, excitement and entertainment like no other place in the world. With its own unique take on Chinese traditions and Western culture, Shanghai is definitely a place to visit for vacation.
Shanghai culture can be traced back to its roots as a tiny fishing village on the Chinese coast. After colonization by the British, the French and the Americans, Shanghai exploded onto the map as a great place to go to visit, work and learn. With its often-mystical Chinese traditions, Shanghai was mysterious and alluring to people which lead to its becoming rather colorful and decadent as an easy stopover for sailors and merchants. However, by 1950, communist rule came into force and most foreigners left the city. It remained dormant until the 1990’s when it was once again revived to spearhead China into the new millennium.
Shanghai is once again a great place for business and at the very core of China’s economy. The handshake here is now an accepted form of greeting, as is the exchange of business cards. Cards and gifts should be always presented, and received, with both hands. When invited to someone's house it is important that you never go empty-handed; always take a gift, even if it is just some fruit. Also, remember to take off your shoes at the entrance of a house, as shoes are considered to be unclean. The Chinese are very hospitable and often take guests and business colleagues out to dinner, so it is important that you learn to use chopsticks.
Weather in Shanghai
The best time to visit Shanghai is in the autumn, when the temperature is mild and it is less likely to rain. Shanghai's weather is moderate with an annual average temperature of about 15° C (59° F). The weather in Shanghai can be divided into four seasons: a warm spring, a hot summer, a cool autumn and a cold winter. Shanghai also receives plenty of rainfall from July to September; thunderstorms and torrential rain occur frequently. Summers in Shanghai are hot and humid with July and August as Shanghai's hottest months. January is the coldest month in Shanghai.
Shopping in Shanghai
Shanghai has a great city for shopping. From ancient Chinese artifacts to trendy western wear, Shanghai has it all. Western-styled shopping malls, huge department stores, street stalls, shops and colorful open-air markets can be found all over Shanghai. Most shops are open daily from10 am - 10 pm, with weekends, especially Sunday being the most hectic and busiest day to shop. Shanghai has some of the best antiques in mainland China and is known for its variety of Chinese silk. Jewelry, especially jade, gold, silver, and freshwater pearls can be found at bargain prices. As with most Asian cities bargaining is a must while shopping. Popular items on sale include: ceramics, hand-made embroidery, teapots, painted fans, handbags, carpets, lacquer ware, painted snuff bottles, and peasant paintings.
The best place to shop in Shanghai's is Nanjing Lu, which has many modern shopping malls and department stores. The Nanjing Lu Pedestrian Mall on Nanjing Dong Lu downtown is a popular shopping mall. Also popular is Huaihai Zhong Lu conveniently located parallel to Nanjing Lu. The Huaihai shopping area runs from the Huangpi Nan Lu Metro Station to the Changshu Lu Station. For the best in fashion and accessories, the Maoming Lu/Changle Lu area is the best. Taikang Lu has some of the most fashionable boutiques in the city with everything from designer handbags to expensive silks. Another major shopping street is Hengshan Le and Shanghai's Old Town Bazaar is a good place to shop for local arts and crafts and antiques. In Pudong, shopping is mainly east of the riverfront and south of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The Super Brand Mall in Lujiazui has plenty of shopping and Maison Mode, Raffles City and Plaza 66 are all great department stores. Shops like Taikang Ar Factory, Xintiandi and Yu Garden Bazaar are the prefect places to buy local crafts and wares.
What to Wear in Shanghai
The people of Shanghai have a reputation of being not only the best dressed in China, but in the world. Fashion conscious and stylish, most trends in the country usually originate from Shanghai. The best items of clothing are the ones you are most comfortable in because it is extremely hard for a tourist to out-dress a local. Jeans, t-shirts and shorts are the way to go and business wear is similar to the styles of the West.
Travel Around in Shanghai
Unlike many other Chinese cities, Shanghai has a great public transportation system with buses and a new metro (subway). All three metros take you almost anywhere in the city with all the information provided in English. Tickets range from ¥2 - 3. Taxi drivers here usually do not speak English, so be sure to bring the address written in Chinese. Most rides inside the city cost between ¥10 - 25. During rush hour, buses are extremely crowded and it is not a recommended to use them. Taxis are the most efficient, inexpensive way to travel in Shanghai. If you prefer to drive, a driver’s license can be obtained by surrendering your existing license. Be careful when walking around in Shanghai, as traffic can get quite hectic during rush hour; always try to cross the street in a group of pedestrians.
Health Services in Shanghai
Shanghai has the most advanced medical facilities in all of China. Most high-end hotels have an in-house or on-call doctor and always refer guests to dentists and doctors. The following hospitals provide international standard services:
World Link Medical and Dental Centers, Nánjing Xi Lù 1376
Shànghai Centre, Suite 203, Unit 30
Mandarine City, Hóngxu Lù 788, Hóngqiáo District (offers 24-hour emergency services)
World Link Inpatient Center at Dànshui Lù 170 on the 3rd floor.
The Foreigner's Clinic at Huá Shan Hospital, in Jìng An District on the 19th floor
The First People's Hospital International Medical Care Center, near the Bund (offers 24-hour emergency assistance)
Watson's Drug Store (which has branches throughout the city) is the best place to get medication
Shanghai Nightlife
Shanghai had a notorious nightlife in the late 1800’s and early 20th century. Gambling dens, opium joints, nightclubs and glamorous theatres were found everywhere in old Shanghai. However, with the communist revolution, Shanghai was cleaned up and now the entertainment is more respectable. Acrobatics, musicals, opera, dance and theatre performances can be found all over the city. Performances by Yo-yo Ma, Luciano Pavarotti, Diana Krall and the Kirov Ballet have been held in Shanghai. There are also plenty of nightclubs and bars in the city with live music. The Shanghai International Jazz Concert Series is held in the second week of November each year in Shanghai.
Shanghai has some of the best dance clubs and discos in China. Pu-J's Big Top in the Grand Hyatt Hotel is a great dance club. Maoming Lu is another trendy bar on the rise. The Ark Live House, Dr Bar, Le Club at La Maison, Soho Pub and TMSK are all great places to visit and party until the wee hours of the morning.
Dining Out in Shanghai
Shanghai has many great restaurants, pubs, bars, cafés and coffee shops to dine out in with family, friends or on a business lunch. The Darling Harbour Xin Gai Nian Chuan Cai, Wen Hao Za Liang Shi Fu, the Atrium Café, Huang Cheng Gen Er and the Roxy Bar & Grill are some great places to eat at. For more expensive and classic meals, the T8, Shintori Null II, Yongfoo Élite, M on the Bund and Quan Ju De are excellent. The more reasonable restaurants include Hot Pot King, Simply Thai, Nooch Noodle Bar, and Grape.
Shanghai Business
Shanghai is a thriving metropolis that has plenty of business ventures to keep most local and foreign businesspeople intrigued. Shanghai and the surrounding area all have Special Economic Zones which offer different tax incentives for the business executive who wants to open a business in Shanghai. The best way to get this information is to contact your respective consulate in Shanghai or the Chinese embassy. Pudong is the new financial and industrial center of Shanghai and has the best bets for tax incentives. Though China is still restrictive when it comes to setting up businesses, the government is keen to attract foreign investment; most businesses have a joint venture from of organization. From telecommunications and media to imports and exports, Shanghai is the best place to do business in China.
