Serviced apartments in Shanghai

Within the IFC and/or Super Brand Malls (1km from property),

• Fast-food restaurants
• International restaurants
• Supermarkets
• Cafes 
• Pharmacies 
• Banks: ICBC and Bank of China

Within Citi Tower Building (500m from property)

• Café
• Supermarket

Blue Frog pub/restaurant, across the street from Super Brand Mall
Shanghai East Medical Center (5km from property)

By Subway

• From Pudong Airport: Take Line 2 from Pudong International Airport Station, alight at Lujiazui Station, take Exit 6. It takes around one hour and costs RMB 6.
• From Hongqiao Airport: Take Line 2 from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 Station, alight at Lujiazui Station, take Exit 6 out of the subway.  It takes around 40 minutes and costs RMB 5.
• From Maglev: Take Line 2 from Longyang Road Station, alight at Lujiazui Station. It takes around 20 minutes and costs RMB 4.

By Maglev Train (From Pudong Airport to Shanghai Station)

• From Pudong airport to downtown Shanghai at Shanghai station.  It takes around 8 minutes and costs RMB 50.

By Taxi

• From Pudong airport, it takes around one hour and costs around RMB 150.
• From Hongqiao airport, it takes around one hour and costs around RMB 100.
• From Maglev, it takes around 45 minutes and costs around RMB 35.

The metropolitan Shanghai is defined by skryscrapers that have led in the financial developments and the latest of fashion and trends.  On the other hand, lying in stunning yet ubdued contrast is the Old Shanghai that is made of temples, gardens that are classically Chinese or French-styled and historical landmarks that once had a part to play in its rich history.  Today, these cultural monuments and places of interest offer some reprieve from the urban jungle and top the list to visit in any traveller’s itinerary.  

Shanghai was where China first meets West and remains highly relevant in trade and travel today. The city in the 1800s became an intoxicating mix of sophisticated, rustic, Western and Eastern.  French influence was eminent in places like the Fuxing Park, once a French Concession, which feature French-style gardens, high-end bars and cafes. 

Weather

Shanghai has sub-tropical maritime monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. Generally, the warm spring and cool autumn are the most comfortable periods of the year. March to May is also an ideal season to visit the city as the climatic conditions are pleasant.

Language

The vernacular language is Shanghainese; while the official language is standard Mandarin. Both after often used interchangeably by the locals.

Time Difference

GMT +8 hours

Visa

There are various kinds of visas for foreigners entering Shanghai. Recently, visa-on-arrival has become available at the airports.  Visas can also be obtained at the Chinese embassies or consulates in your country.  While short term visas for lay overs or short tourist stops are available at the airports, it is still recommended to get your visa before entering the country to avoid any possible problems with entering China.  Most Asian countries are allowed visa-free entry for up to 30 days without having to apply for an entry visa, but you should check the latest regulations with the nearest consulate or embassy or on line.   

Currency

The unit currency is Renminbi (RMB), which comes in denominations of one, two, five, 10, 20, 50 and 100. Credit cards are widely accepted at larger establishments.

VAT

All prices are tax-inclusive when charged and there is no other tax that needs to be levied.
Gratuity: Tipping is not commonly practised in China. Most hotels automatically add a 15% service charge to the total bill.

Business Hours

Banks and government offices:
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 to 17:00 hours
Saturdays, 09:00 to 13:00 hours

Offices:
Mondays to Fridays, 09:00 to 18:00 hours

Shops and department stores, may vary but mostly:
Mondays to Sundays: 10:00 to 22:00 hours, including public holidays.

Cellular Network

The three biggest mobile telephone service providers are China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.

Health

Medical facilities of international standard are available in Shanghai. It is advisable to seek medical advice about vaccinations/inoculations from your family doctor before traveling.

Electricity

Voltage is 220V AC.

Public Holidays

New Year's Day, Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, Tomb-Sweeping Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and China National Day.