Shanghai travel information guide
 Shanghai
is China's most comprehensive industrial and commercial city, ranking
the first in population and population density. As a tourist city, it
attracts travelers from both home and abroad by its commercial activity
rather than scenic beauty.
Weather during November to April is the coldest and temperatures range
between 3.5oC to 13.7°C (38.3°F to 56.7°F). Weather in May,
June, September and October is cooling, ranging between 18.6°C to
23.5°C (65.5°F to 74.3°F). Climate in July and August starts
to turn warm and temperature can go up to 28°C (82.4°F).
Visitors to China must fill out a customs form upon arrival. When you
enter the country you are asked to declare electrical goods and luxury
items such as cameras, computer equipment etc. Keep this form until you
exit to avoid paying duty on goods you brought into the country. There
are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency you can bring into
the country. However, one must declare any cash exceeding US$5,000 or
the equivalent.
Visitors to China are required to fill in a health declaration form at
the Customs. Medical facilities are generally adequate in Shanghai. It
is advisable to drink only boiled and bottled water.
Shanghai is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East
River in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. Housing a population
of over 16 million at present, it was once a small town supported by fishing
and weaving before the first Opium War. Late in 1990, the central government
started developing the area, and has since became the well-known booming
metropolis city.
Consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in your home country to arrange
for a visa. A tourist visa is valid for 90 days but can be extended for
30 days. For business visa extensions, you'll need to bring your passport
and registration of temporary residency from your hotel, plus a letter
from the business that invited you, to the Public Security Bureau (PSB)
Division for Aliens at 333 Wusong Lu (tel: 6357-6666) on weekdays from
9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m..
Shanghai was once famous for its stylishness, but has been overtaken by
a more laid-back fashion sense over recent years. Recently, however, young
executives are trying to recapture the bygone era, what with more disposable
income and the arrival of brand-name fashion products.
Communist state. President and vice-president elected by the National
People's Congress for five-year terms. Administrative divisions: 23 provinces,
5 autonomous regions and 4 municipalities
China is the fourth largest country after Russia, Canada and the United
States. It is located in Eastern Asia, bordering the East China Sea, Korea
Bay, Yellow Sea, and South China Sea, between North Korea and Vietnam.
Land area: 9,326,410 sq. km.
Shanghai occupies 6,200 sq. km. and lies in central-eastern China, facing
the East China Sea.
China is officially atheist, but traditionally pragmatic and eclectic.
Some 2% to 3% of the population practice Daoism (Taoism), Buddhism and
Islam. An estimated 1% are Christianians.
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