The best times to visit Shanghai are in spring or autumn. The city has a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with four distinct seasons. Generally, the warm spring and cool autumn are the more comfortable seasons. While summer and winter are far less pleasant. Overall, Shanghai enjoys a mild and moist climate.

Shanghai's temperature is the highest in July and August. For ten days or so in these two months, the temperature can reach 35 degrees centigrade. The coldest period is from the end of January to early February - usually during the Chinese Spring Festival. This awfully cold period will last for about three days but it seldom snows, in fact there has been none for years. From March to May, the conditions are pleasant so this is the best season for traveling. One thing to mention is what is called the Mei-Yu Season which in English is the 'Plum Rain Season'. This lasts for about a month commencing in early summer when the plums ripen along the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. During this period from mid-June to early July it is difficult to tell whether it will be wet or dry and the rainfall will often equal twenty-five per cent of the city's annual total! From late August and through the first twenty days of September, typhoons can bring heavy rain in their wake. These periods are best avoided by the traveler but should you decide to visit be sure to bring an umbrella. Of course, the umbrella can also be used as a protection from the strong ultraviolet radiation on the sunny days. Generally you will need a light coat and sweater in spring and long and short sleeved shirts in summer. In autumn, long-sleeved shirts, sweater and coat are necessary, while sweater and overcoat are appropriate in winter.

Sunrise in Shanghai's winter is 6:49 and sunset 16:57； In summer sunrise at 4:50, sunset at 19:01

A list of average temperature and rainfall in shanghai：

Tips for Travelers

shanghai starts the year shivering in midwinter, when temperatures can drop below freezing and the vistas are gray and misty. spring brings warmth; april to mid-may is probably one of the best times to visit there, along with autumn (late september to mid-november). in summer the hot and humid weather makes conditions outside uncomfortable, with temperatures sometimes as high as 40°c (104°f) in july and august. in short, silk long johns and down jackets are needed in winter, an ice block for each armpit in summer and an umbrella wouldn't go astray in either of these seasons.

Credit Cards

credit cards are only accepted at most hotels and some tourist shops and department stores. expect to pay in cash.

Changing Money

changing money can be done in a number of ways. there are foreign exchange counters at most border crossings and international airports.  most hotels will have a foreign exchange service and will exchange cash and travelers checks, although, as with hotels everywhere, they charge a commission.  the bank of china will exchange money and travelers checks, but not all of the other chinese banks do so. it is a requirement that you produce your passport to complete the transaction. banks will only accept foreign bank notes that are undamaged. notes that are even slightly torn will be rejected. travelers checks can be a secure solution if traveling for a longer time. it is generally easier to change your money at the hotel.

the local currency is not convertible outside china, so if you have any left over you will need to change it back before you leave, or at your departure point.  make sure that you keep one or two of your exchange receipts, which you’ll need to change it back again.  you can exchange renminbi for hong kong dollars in hong kong.

cash withdrawals from visa and mastercard credit/debit card are possible at the main branches of the bank of china in each city. a small fee is charged by the bank and charges are also applied by the bank/credit card provider.

bank of china atm machines are compatible with cirrus and pulse so cash withdrawals are easy to complete using these machines. only use atm’s that display the visa and mastercard symbols. an english menu will appear when you insert your card. the exchange rate that is applicable through atms is good and this can be a very convenient way to organize your money. locations for atms are available from your card issuer. limits for withdrawals on each transaction differ but us$250 per transaction is common.

western union is available in china although fees apply to transactions. check the western union website for locations. http://www.westernunion.com/info/selectcountry.asp

Local Currency

the chinese money is called renminbi (people’s money). locals often refer to the yuan as kuai. the mao (or jiao) notes or coins are denominated 1, 2, or 5. (10 mao = 1 yuan) . 

yuan (kuai, notes of usual size, feature mao tse dong)

1 (reddish brown or light green) -- equal to 10 mao
2 (green)
5 (purple)
10 (blue)
20 (bright brown)
50 (bright green)
100 (pink)

mao (notes are very small, features the pictures of workers and farmers)

1 (brown)  -- equal to 10 fen
2 (green)
5 (blue)

coins are also in circulation

Shanghai Cuisine is not one of the Eight Major Cuisines of China but is a choice blend of the most appealing aspects of these other national styles of food.

Classification

Shanghai Cuisine, also known as Hu Cai, includes two styles - Benbang Cuisine and Haipai Cuisine.

Benbang Cuisine, literally meaning 'local cuisine', is the traditional family style cuisine that appeared in Shanghai over 100 years ago. Using fresh fish, chicken, pork and various vegetables as the main ingredients, Benbang Cuisine always has a great flavor and a bright color derived from the oil and soybean sauce. Like the dishes of Suzhou and Wuxi cuisines, Shanghai Benbang dishes taste fresh, mellow and sweet.

Haipai Cuisine, literally meaning 'all-embracing cuisine' is derived from the cosmopolitan culture formed in Shanghai in the end of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It absorbs the advantages of many cuisines from other regions of China and even western cuisines, and then adapts them to suit local tastes. Fresh fish, shrimps and crabs are the main ingredients of Haipai Cuisine. The appearance, flavors and cooking techniques of the Haipai dishes have many variations.

Features of Shanghai Cuisine

Benbang Cuisine and Haipai Cuisine have many things in common: First, they make great use of fresh meat, chicken, vegetables and especially various marine ingredients such as fish, shrimps and crabs. Secondly, Shanghai Cuisine has a great number of signature dishes made from various seasonal ingredients. Thirdly, a wide range of cooking techniques have been adopted and include steaming, braising, stewing, stir-frying, quick-frying, deep-frying, boiling, marinating, smoking and roasting. Fourthly, strongly hot food hardly ever forms part of Shanghai Cuisine. Most of the dishes taste fresh, clear, mellow, sweet or subtly spicy.

In recent years, Shanghai Cuisine has been greatly influenced by Cantonese Cuisine. Consequently the dishes are now less oily and more delicate with the use of more high quality and expensive ingredients. People here have become more concerned about a healthy diet. This means there is an upsurge in the trend towards the use of fresh ingredients and in particular good quality fruit and vegetables.

Signature Shanghai Dishes

When you come to Shanghai, do not miss the chance to go to famous Shanghai Cuisine restaurants and try the signature Shanghai dishes.

1. Xia Zi Da Wu Shen is noted as the most famous seafood dish in Shanghai cuisine. Dried sea cucumber is immersed in water to restore its original size and then stewed with oil, yellow wine, soybean sauce, broth, sugar, shallot, starch sauce and shrimp roe. This dish is nutritious with rich protein and minerals and is said to effectively control cancer.

2. Ba Bao La Jiang is typical among the few spicy dishes in Shanghai Cuisine. It is a Benbang dish featuring great flavor and bright color. Bean sauce and chili sauce are blended and stir-fried with shelled shrimps, chicken, chicken stock, pork, pig offal, dried small shrimps, bamboo shoots and various kinds of seasoning. This dish with such a great number of ingredients gives us some idea of how delicate Shanghai cuisine can be.

3. You Bao He Xia is a good choice if you like sea food. Live shrimps are deep-fried and then sir-fried with a special sauce made of yellow wine, soybean sauce, sugar, shallot sauce and ginger sauce. The dish tastes fairly sweet and fresh.

4. Yan Du Xian is a delicious stew. Pork and ham are first steamed and then stewed in a soup with fresh bamboo shoots.

5. Qing Chao Shan Hu, also known as Xiang You Shan Hu, is an eel dish. Fresh eels are stir-fried with shredded bamboo shoots, yellow wine, soybean sauce, ginger, sugar and starch sauce. After being put on a plate, chopped shallot is sprinkled on the dish and hot oil is poured onto it. Consequently, Qing Chao Shan Hu crackles when it is served at the table.

Besides the dishes mentioned above, Shanghai also provides diners with an extensive menu of many other delicious Shanghai dishes such as steamed crabs, sauted shelled shrimps, braised fish, smoked fish, steamed shad, braised herring liver, braised eel, plain boiled chicken and stewed chicken.

Local Snacks

Shanghai's local snacks should not be missed. You should try the famous Nanxiang steamed stuffed buns, crab-yellow pastry, fried stuffed buns, chop rice cake, vegetable stuffed buns, Leisha dumplings and wontons. Various snack streets in Shanghai have many restaurants and eateries to tempt you. Wujiang Road, Old Town God Temple Snack Street, South Yunnan Road and Xianxia Road are the best among them.

As an all-embracing city, Shanghai offers various delicacies from other regions of China and many foreign countries and areas. No matter how fastidious you are about dining, you can enjoy your time in Shanghai to the full!

Shanghai is one of the most prosperous cities in the world. Anything you can imagine is available for purchase.  The main shopping streets, Nanjing Road and Huaihai Road offer so many international brand-names; If fashion is not your interest, try one of Shanghai's numerous flea markets. Beneath Shanghai's magnificent shopping malls, department stores and boutiques, flourish numerous flee markets. The outdoor bazaar at Yuyuan Garden sells various souvenirs, arts and crafts; the Cultural Street Market on Fuzhou Road, the Antique Street Market on Dongtai Road and Clothes street market on Shimen Road are traditional Chinese open-air markets. You can have a unique shopping experience and a taste of old Shanghai.

Shanghai, the Paris of the Orient, is a shopper's paradise for everyone from shopaholics to casual bargain-hunters. In the world of fashion, Shanghai is best known for Shanghai Fashion Week, The Shanghai International Costume Cultural Festival, and The China International Wedding Attire Exhibition, but you don't have to be a fashionista to enjoy window-shopping in Shanghai's numerous malls shopping streets.

Silk

If your itinerary doesn't include a visit in Suzhou or Hangzhou, get your silk in Shanghai. You can try the stalls of the Silk City on the corner of Maoming Lu and Nanjing Lu or the Fabric Market on Lujiabang Lu. Remember to bargain.

Tailored Clothing

If your trip allows a week or so in the city, take advantage of one of Shanghai's clothing markets or a small, high-quality tailor shop. Offering designs made to order, tailors can create custom suits, dresses, skirts and trousers at more than reasonable prices. You can get a traditional Chinese qipao, a fitted Mao jacket, an exact copy of an old worn-out favorite, or a Vera Wang knockoff—the choice is yours. Great bargains and an astonishing variety of cloth can be found at the South Bund Fabric Market (presently located at 399 Lujiabang Lu south of the Old City, but rumored to be moving in the next year or two). Remember to bargain and plan enough time for follow-up fittings. Gold, Silver and Jewelry Large jewelry stores filled with gold, platinum, and silver can be found around Yu Gardens, along Huaihai Zhong Lu and Nanjing Dong Lu and in Xujiahui. Try Taikang Lu for smaller, custom boutiques and studios. Many locals recommend heading to Hong Kong for the better deals and variety.

Jade

Jade, an auspicious stone for the Chinese, comes in an array of colors and can be carved into many interesting shapes. But be careful—vendors have been known to pass off fakes on unwitting tourists. Jade varies wildly in quality and price, so unless you're a serious collector, limit yourself to a few affordable souvenirs. Find the largest jade vendors in the Yu Gardens Bazaar.

Pearls

Semi-precious cultured pearls are plentiful in Shanghai markets and department stores. Local pearls are cultivated from freshwater mussels and are the best value in town. As always, be aware of fakes, though you can usually detect a phony with a simple test: Rub the pearl on your tooth, and if it feels gritty, it's real; if slippery and smooth, it's probably fake. Pearl City, Hong Qiao New World Pearl Market, Amy's Pearls and Jewelry, and the top floor of the First Asia Jewelry Plaza all offer huge selections, and a number of dealers can be found in Yu Gardens Bazaar. In many stores you can even create your own design and have it made right before your eyes.

Beyond clothes, Shanghai is also famed for mnay other local products, such as Ligao candy, Shanghai juicy peach, Chongning hairy crabs, and Shanghai Pudong chicken. Be sure to sample them to say you've had a truly 'Shanghai' experience!

Local Products

Textile and Embroidery (Rongxiu)

Shanghai boasts wonderful textiles and embroidery including drawn work, machine embroidery, Mandarin coats, carpets, and artistic tapestries. Gu silk embroidery is the most famous local craft, boasting a 500-year history, but Shanghai carpets are also well known for their careful technique and elegant patterns, and Shanghai artistic tapestries display all the beauty of traditional Chinese paintings. They all make excellent choices as gifts or home décor.

Shanghai Qipao

Originally, qipao was a kind of heavy Manchurian dress with a full front and back, created to hide the contours of a woman's body. In the early 1900s, however, it was substantially modified to show off the women's curves; unlike the traditional qipao, the new dress-properly called Cheongsam-hugs women's bodies and shows off their legs with high slits. Cheongsam became popular in the West, portraying a stylish East Asian modernity; their popularity peaked during the 1940s, with elaborations such as transparent black material, beaded bodices, matching capes, etc. With the advent of the Communist Revolution in 1949, Cheongsam fashion came to a screeching halt, but recently, this Shanghainese style has been revived as a party or special occasion dress.

If you want to buy a qipao in Shanghai, the best place to go is Maoming Road (the section between Huahai Road and Nanchang Road). Here you can find any qipao you want: short, long, red, black, patterned, plain, off-the-rack or made-to-order. There are at least 15 quality shops to choose from on this section of Maoming Road.

Silk (Sichou)

Shanghai is one of the most important silk cities in China. Popular silk products from Shanghai include silk, satin, damask, brocade, velvet, and muslin. All are famed for their quality and durability. In particular, ''Jing San Cup'' flowery-print silk, styled after traditional Chinese paintings, is known around the world.

Jiading Yellow-Grass Weaving

Xuxing country in Jiading district is known as ''The Land of Yellow Grass''. Yellow grass from Jiading is smooth soft and flexible. It has been used to weave shoes since the Ming Dynasty and recently local people have extended the range of products to hats, bags, cases and floor-coverings.

Chongming Hairy Crab

Chongming hairy crab's name comes from its hairy claws. Along with Shengfang crab in Bai Yangdian and the clear-water crab in Yangcheng Lake, many consider Chongming Hairy crabs one of the tastiest in China, so seafood lovers won't want to miss them!

Shanghai Pudong Chicken (Shanghai Pudong Ji)

Known for their fleshy tender meat, these chickens are usually served steamed or braised. Adult roosters can be as large as 9 jin (half a kilo), so they are sometimes called ''9-jin yellows.'

Houyin Fish (Noodle Fish) (Yinyu)

Originally, coming from Qingpu and Chongming counties, Houyin Fish (Noodle Fish) is tender, tasty, and rich in protein, fat and carbohydrates. They best way to have them is stir-fried with eggs.

Jingjing Pickled Tofu (Jinjing Furu)

Jinjing Pickled Tofu, produced by Feng Jiang Yuan in Fengxian County, Shanghai, is one of China's best known preserved tofus. It comes in a variety of colors, but the most famous is Rose Pickled Tofu.

Pear Paste Candy (Shanghai Ligao Tang)

Wei Zheng, first minister of the Tang Dynasty, created Ligao Candy. The first shop selling it was located in front of the City God Temple; two additional shops opened as the candy gained in popularity at Yong Sheng Tang and De Sheng Tang. In 1996, in its original location, Shanghai Ligao Candy shop received official state recognition as a "Famous Chinese Brand." Sweet, soft Liago is famed for its medicinal properties: it is not only good for relieving coughs, but also reduces fever and moistens the respiratory tract, and is sometimes used as an auxiliary treatment for asthma and diabetes. Over the years it has added different flavors to cater to the different tastes of its clientele; today, you can choose from ham-flavored, rose-flavored, Osmanthus-flavored, and over 40 others.

Shanghai Juicy Peach (Shanghai Shuimitao)

The juicy peach of Shanghai is known for its thin skin, delicate flavor, and juiciness. Most of the peaches come from Nanhui County. They are in season from July 10th to August 15th. Prices may vary, with many shops offering free delivery within certain areas.

Shanghai Inkstone Carving (Shanghai Yanke)

Shanghai's Inkstones can take years to finish and are known for their characteristic carved fruits and vegetagles. This art can be traced back to the Qin and Han dynasties, over 2000 years ago. Shanghai inkstone carvers are known for their graceful technique and modeling skills.

Shopping Districts

Nanjing Road

Established in 1851, Nanjing Road was known as one of the ''World's Seven Great Roads'' during the 1930s. Today, it is making a rapid comeback! The road stretches from The Bund east towards Hongqiao, with People's Square (Shanghai's center) in the middle. The street has back-to-back shops and stores selling garments and food. You can find "Commerce King," Shanghai's top department store in the area.

East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Add: From Xizang Lu to Henan Zhonglu, Nanjing Zhonglu, Shanghai
Opening hrs: 10:00-21:00 (Sat. & Sun. 22:00)

West Nanjing Commercial Street

Add: From Chengdu Lu, to Wanhangdu Lu, Nanjing Xilu, Shanghai
Opening hrs: 10:00-21:00 (Weekend 22:00)

Huaihai Road

Huaihai Road was built in 1901 to commemorate the Huaihai Battle during the Liberation. Today, with over 400 shops, restaurants, and businesses, this historic road is synonymous with fashionable Shanghai. The remnants of French architecture lend the street its cosmopolitan charm.
Add: Huaihai Lu, Luwan District, Shanghai

North Sichuan Road

Located in Hongkou District, North Sichuan Road is best known for its gold, optical, shoe and clothing stores. You can find all kinds of goodies here, but it pays to shop around, as prices vary greatly from store to store.
Add: Sichuan Beilu, Hongkou District, Shanghai

Zhangyang Road

With large department stores like New Century Tower and New Shanghai, and almost twice the retail area of as Nanjing Road, Zhangyang Road is popular with bargain-hunting locals.
Add: Zhangyang Lu, Pudong New District, Shanghai

Fuzhou Road

Once known as "Culture Street," Fuzhou Road is comprised of shops dealing in cultural items, ranging from books to music to art. Trendsetters and wanna-bes like to stroll the road and window- shop.
Add: Fuzhou Lu, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Yuyuan Shopping City

Known as Shanghai's "Kingdom of Arts and Crafts,'' Yuyuan offers antiques, jadeware, gold and silver ornaments, bottle-stoppers, and silk threads, among other things.
Add: 267 Fangbang Zhonglu, Shanghai
Tel: 021-63559999

New Shanghai Shopping City

New Shanghai Shopping City offers top-notch retail facilities and amenities, located in the middle of Pudonglujiazui Finance and Trade Zone.
Add: Mid-part of Financial & Trade Zone, Lujiazui, Pudong District, Shanghai

Xujiahui Shopping City

Located in the south of the city at the Xujiahui metro station, Xujiahui boasts department stores, shopping malls, and electronics superstores, including: Grand Gateway, Oriental Department Store, Pacific Shopping Centre, Huijin Department Store, Metro City, 6th Department Store, Pacific Digital Plaza, Zhongxing Department Store, Huilian Department Store, and Buynow Mall. Jianguo Hotel and Huating Hotel are also in the area.
Add: Xuhui District, Shanghai

Jiali Sleepless City

Sells curios, souvenirs, art, indigenous crafts, coins, stamps, magnetic cards, and much more.
Add:Zhabei District, Shanghai

Known more for entertainment than the arts, Shanghai is doing its best to live up to its old reputation as the home of China's liveliest nightlife while also upping the ante in the cultural game. On the latter count, it will be a while before Shanghai catches up with Beijing, but when it comes to nightlife the city by the sea is hard to beat.

Ni, , ght life in Shanghai is gentle and colorful because life here is much more than life itself. It is elegant. The scenery at night has to be seen and the Bund is a must. The ornate classical and modern buildings take on a new and exciting look as they are lit up by an abundance of colored lights. Looking across the Huangpu River to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jinmao Tower is a magical sight. A night-time Huangpu River cruise presents a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the night life on the Bund. 30 or so boats carry tourists;These include deluxe boats, ancient dragon boats of Ming and Qing styles, boats of Shikumen style of, old Shanghai, Pirate Boat, etc. The boat fare is CNY 68. Whatever kind of boat you take, the view to be seen here, at night will be sure to live on in your memory for years to come.

Leaving the scenery aside, walking westward along Nanjing East Road, you will quickly reach the famous Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the gaily illuminated shops are an exciting backdrop to the cheerful crowds that come here after dark to enjoy the carefree atmosphere, where it is possible to pick up a bargain or enjoy a tasty morsel to eat.

Subway Line 1 links Shanghai's three main shopping areas: Nanjing Road, Huanhai Road and Xujiahui. Something that is most convenient for those who like their shopping expeditions! Most of the shops will close at 10 pm but that is when the tea houses and bars really come into their own and the night is still young!

Tea Houses open 24 hours a day. Apart from enjoying a lone taste of tea, you can invite several friends and play cards or just chat. Once you are here, you can experience all this for yourself. Fashionable entertainments are favorites with young people. When night falls, Shanghai bathes in the light of various entertainment venues. Nightclubs, Karaoke, discos, bars and coffee houses are all popular night time meeting places.

Shanghai Xin Tian Di has many visitors. If you are visiting Shanghai for the first time, it is much safer to go Xin Tian Di for the night life. Xin Tian Di, the most fashionable area cultivated in the distinctive Shikumen Buildings, the architectural styles of both west and east from the 1920s and 1930s Shanghai around South Huangpi Road and Xingye Road, has become the popular place to go. Every building has a modern interior and has become an international gallery, fashion shop, themed restaurant, coffee house or bar. Bars are where young white collars discuss their work or talk about life; even hard questions on the desk get solved here! Open-air bars are popular here also. Xin Tian Di offers the most choice and favorable appreciation. The arrival of more and more boutiques, designer shops and luxury goods stores continually adds to the enjoyment of Xin Tian Di.
ARK Live House is a music restaurant and music bar

Address: No. 15, north block of Xin Tian Di, No. 181, Taicang Road, Shanghai
Ven Ice is a coffee bar, located at Unit 1, No. 22, north block of Xin Tian Di, No. 181, Taicang Road, Shanghai

Shanghai's first bars were opened in Hengshan Road, and they remain more popular than those elsewhere. Close to Xujiahui Commercial Circle, Hengshan Road is situated in a convenient situation. Here there are bars in great numbers, side by side and in which you can take tea or coffee. A wide variety of bars ranging from the brash to more intimate and quiet abound to suit your every mood. Thus, Hengshan Road at night can be one of the most bustling places in Shanghai.

Maoming South Road: An upwardly mobile bar street.

This is where the foreign guests like to stay. The old but noted bars like Judystoo are still popular with visitors. Newly-opened Babyface's business is booming. The Colors and Face clubs inside the Ruijin Hotel in the street add their own touch of splendor to this road.

Babyface is a lounge bar and often full of people as it is where young people like to congregate.
Address: No. 180, Maoming South Road

Fuxing Park, located at No.2, Haolan Road, Shanghai, is the only well-preserved French park in China, so people also call it "France Garden". Altogether there are three clubs here. They are Park97, Guandi and Cash Box.

Among them, Park97 is where veterans spend their nights through. Three popular food and entertainment grounds, Baci Restaurant of Italian cuisine, Tokio Joe Restaurant with its Japanese cuisine and the California Club from Hong Kong Lan Kwai Fong make up Park97. Compared with that in Xin Tian Di, nightlife here is not that showy but exudes an everlasting glamour. With elegance, exoticism, top-rank wine and music, Park97 has its special charm. Guandi, the most noted club here, is the first superior club opened in China after Taibei's. Cash Box (Qian Gui) as Shanghai's oldest, most renowned KTV has the largest scale. The branch in Fuxing Park is the best of all in Shanghai.

One more highlight of nightlife in shanghai is the Portman Acrobatic Show, which will surely bring you a memorable experience.

Bars & Clubs

Bar culture is a mirror which reflects the most fashionable nightlife of a city. Shanghai, which enjoys the reputation of Oriental Pearl, is full of bars with different styles. If you do not understand Shanghai bars you do not understand Shanghai nightlife.

Today you can find expats and nouveau riche Chinese alike partying like it's 1929, though the soundtrack is less jazz and more beats spun by globetrotting DJs. Nonetheless, jazz is resurgent, drawing on both history and the energy of young players. Rock clubs are increasingly common, with Chinese bands and international acts alike finding increasingly eager audiences.

Check out rock at 4 Live, Yuyintang or Live Bar and jazz at JZ Club, the Cotton Club or the House of Jazz and Blues. DJs spin all over town and on any given night you can hear retro sounds, hip-hop, dance pop and all kind's of electronica. Hit the dance floor at big clubs like BonBon or more intimate spots like Mint, lounge with a cocktail in chic spaces like Bar Rouge and hedonistic hangouts like the California Club. KTV (karaoke) is big with the locals and outgoing foreigners. Don't let a lack of Mandarin keep you away—any decent KTV joint should have English songs on tap. KTV is everywhere; Partyworld in Puxi and Pu-J's Podium in Pudong are good bets.

If you're after drinks sans loud music, Shanghai has it covered, from posh lounges to no-nonsense dives. Take in the view from the Bund with a cheap draft beer (Captain Bar) or an elegant cocktail (Glamour Bar). Party in People's Square at Barbarossa, enjoy the ambience of the old French Concession at Face Bar, or toast the town from the world's highest lounge at Cloud 9.

California Club

The Club is located in quiet Renaissance Park. It is divided into infield and outfield. The infield is a lounge bar. People can relax themselves by lying on the soft sofas. The outfield is a garden. Every weekend, the bar holds different parties about different topics.

Address: Renaissance Park, NO.2 Gaolan Road

Open Hours:
Sunday to Wednesday: 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Thursday to Saturday: 9:00 PM to 4:00 AM

B.A.T.S.

B.A.T.S is like a big storehouse. Every month, there is a topic party. Every 21:30, a band begins to perform. Every 4 months the band is changed. Most of the bands are from America or Canada.

Address: Basement of Shangri-la Hotel, NO.33 Fucheng Road

Open Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM
Friday to Saturday: 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM

Bar 505

You may think Bar 505 is located on the 5th floor but it is located on the second floor. It is a German country style bar. You can choose beer brewd in different German cities. The foods, such as salads, beef and sausages, are also German style. They also supply German stytle buffets.

Address:Second Floor of Helen Hotel, NO.505 Nanjing East Road

Open Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 AM to 1:30 AM (next day)
Friday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 2:30 AM (next day)

Goodfellas

It a Rockin' Roll Bar. Every one is dancing crazily. The lights are very impressive. They have ball-shape lights, branch-shape lights, and droplights. Every light is encouraging the desire of dancing. More than 600 CDs are at your disposal. No Chinese CD.

Address: NO.907 Julu Road

Open Hours: 6:30 PM to 2:00 AM

Mazzo

It is a music bar. You can feel the attractiveness of music at every corner of the bar. Romance, heartthrob, gentleness and music are four main elements of the bar.

Address: NO.48 Qinghai Road

Open Hours: 10:00 AM to 0:00 Am

Babylon

It is a disco bar. You’d better wear your dancing shoes because the great music would force you to dance with people around you. The first sunshine is the signal to end your dancing party. Happy hours are from 5:30 PM to 20:30 PM. Every kind of alcoholic beverage is cheaper than usual.

Address: NO.180 Maoming South Road

Open Hours: 5:30 PM to 9:00 AM

Paulaner

Paulaner was originally used as a name of an abbey in 1643. 3 centuries have passed, the abbey has disappeared but its name was used as a famous beer’s name. The band in the bar is excellent, they can sing both Chinese and English songs very well.

Address: No.150 Fenyang Road

Opening Hours: 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Blues & Jazz

It looks like an old European bar. Wooden tables, wooden chairs and big black and white photos of famous Jazz singers make you think Jazz music is so beautiful!

Address: NO.2419 Hongqiao Road

Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Luna Bar

The bar is also a restaurant. They provide Italian-style food. People usually just go there for lunch. In the evening, there are performances by Philippine bands. The bands are good at making you excited. It is a good place to hold parties with your friends.

Address: NO.169 Taicang Road

Open Hours: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Soho Pub

Cups of whole-hearted-prepared red wine and warm ray make you think you are in old America. Music pulls you back to the colorful times. Waiters’ decent uniforms can also warm you.

Address: NO.907 Julu Road

Open Hours: 8:00 PM to 0:00 + AM(not fixed

Shanghai is a busy regional transport hub, and is thus very easily reached by air, land and sea. Its two international airports of Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are modern and convenient. Pudong International Airport now mainly handles international flights, while Hongqiao mainly handles domestic flights. Shuttle buses connect both airports to the city and beyond, while passengers arriving at Pudong International Airport can very quickly connect to the city's Metro system via the Maglev Demonstration Line.

Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Railway Station are the primary railway ports of the city. Travelers can get to Shanghai from virtually any city in China, arriving in one or the other of these stations. There are also tourist trains and 'Holiday Trains' that travel to Huangshan (Anhui Province) and Wuyishan (Fujian Province).

Long-distance buses are also convenient when traveling to Shanghai, but most foreign travelers reserve this form of travel for short distances to nearby cities (Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuxi and Ningbo).

Transportation via Shanghai's waterways is extremely convenient mostly due to its location on the estuary of the Yangtze River and the East China Sea. Passenger boats to Chengsi Island in Zhejiang province, Changxing Island, Chongming Island and Hengsha Island still run daily. There are also international passenger ship lines that travel to Ichon and Pusan of South Korea, as well as Osaka and Kobe of Japan.

Air

shanghai is served by pudong international airport and hong qiao shanghai airport. they are direct international flights between shanghai and some european and us cities.

shanghai pudong interdomestic airport

The Shanghai Pudong International Airport is located on the South coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River, around 30 km (19 miles) away from central Shanghai and 40 km (25 miles) away from the Hong Qiao International Airport, which itself is situated 13 kilometres from the city centre, towards the western suburbs of Shanghai.

Currently, Pudong International Airport has accommodated an average aircraft movements over 400 times per day, already accounting for approx. 60% of the total aircraft movements of Shanghai. And it is serving for about 50 domestic and foreign airlines, connecting with over 70 international and regional destinations and 60 domestic destinations.

Visitor can take a taxi to the airport for about 150 RMB. But now more popular alternative is available: the newly opened magnetic train which can run as fast as 430 km/h and take you from downtown Shanghai to the airport in 7 minutes or so.

shanghai hongqiao international airport

located in the west of shanghai, 13kms form the city center. the rainbow bridge airport has been considered as the port of shanghai airport flights for years. since 1996, it has got several first prizes in the activities like “the civil aviation in the travelers’ eyes” organized by the civil aviation department. it treats 8 million passenger per year. with an area of 820,000 square meters, the waiting room of the airport consists of 15 waiting halls, 18 vip waiting halls and 15 luggage transmission system. at present, the aircraft movement of the rainbow bridge airport is about 540 per day with greater safety. a waiting building and b waiting building are connected closely to each other. as an important service window, the large waiting hall has the function of being in charge of the arriving and departing the travelers as well as landing the flights, ensuring the safety of airport production and ground service, guaranteeing the right time of the flights.

to the airports - the two airports are connected by the ‘guest road’ (a1road) and the beltway (a20 road) of shanghai both of which take us 45 minutes by car. there are many ways to pu dong airport from the city as follows:

seven special ways to the airport.

take no 2 subway to the long yang station and then take no 3 airport line to the airport within 40 minutes.
drive to the airport directly along inner-ring road, luo hill road, the beltway road (a20road), and the “guest road” (a1 road).
get to the long yang road first and then take a taxi to the airport which costs you about 80 yuan.
if you want to go to the rainbow bridge airport, besides the seven special lines to the airports, you can drive along the yan’an skyway and to the end of it. or you can take a taxi from the people’s square which will take you 40 yuan.
another important transportation to pu dong airport is the magnetic suspension train. the details are as follows:
operating time: 7:00am-21:00pm with intervals of 15 minutes
address: long yang station. no 2100 long yang road (near the bai yang road, no3 and no4 exit of the long yang station along no2 subway, the fifth line of the nan pu bridge, the sixth line of the nan pu bridge, the shenjiang line.)
the maglev airport stop: the east side of the waiting room of the shanghai pudong interdomestic airport (connected directly with 300-metered corridor)
the ticket: ordinary ticket: 50rmb for one-way ticket, 80rmb for return ticket.
vip ticket: 100 rmb for one-way ticket, 160rmb for return ticket.

Train

Shanghai is the hub of China's railway network. They are daily trains from China's main tourist city, Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Kunming and much more to Shanghai. It is very easy for visitor to take a train from other places to Shanghai or vice verse. They are even train running between Shanghai and Kowloon in Hongkong, which has proved very useful to foreign visitors. The express lines between Shanghai and Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing and Hangzhou are very popular among travelers.

The main railway station is Shanghai Railway Station, near Suzhou Creek. The ticket office is a large building located just east of the main square on the southern side of the station, with at least some windows open at all hours. Foreign visitors can buy tickets in the soft seat waiting room. Many hotels may also reserve train tickets for travelers for a small service charge. Some trains depart from the Shanghai West Railway Station. Make sure which train station your train will depart from before moving there.

the hu ning (between shanghai and ningbo) and the hu hang (between shanghai and hangzhou) railways lead shanghai to the other places of china. there are shanghai station (locally called the new station), shanghai west station in shanghai (the former zhen ru station) and shanghai south station(the former new long hua station) among which shanghai station to be the main station with 70 couples of trains coming from and going to the big and middle cities in china.

By Highway

There are two main long distance bus stations in Shanghai. Buses depart from shanghai heading along the east coast to Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Hangzhou and other cities. More high expresses linking Shanghai and some other major cities are under construction will be put into use in the near future.

the main highways in shanghai are as follows:

the three national roads line 312(from shanghai to yi ning, xin jiang), line 318(from shanghai to zhangmu, tibet) and line 320 (from shanghai to ruili, yunnan) lead to the western part of china.
the national road 204(tongjiang, hei longjiang-san ya, hai nan) which passing shanghai goes through most of the beautiful cities along the coastline of eastern china.
the hu ning (a11 road), hu hang (a8 road), hu jialiu (a12 road), hu qingping (a9 road) connected the main cities around shanghai.
kind reminder: so many long distance bus stations in shanghai help a lot for those who go to jiangsu, zhejiang areas and the bus tickets are available ahead of time within three days.
the address of the main long distance bus station:
no.1662 zhong xing road. (the north square of shanghai station)
tel: 021-66051111 021-66050000

Waterway

located in the center of the north and south coast line of china, shanghai is the biggest port city in china and the third largest port in the world. the steamers there are connected with more than 400 ports in the world. because of the speed, the steamer business is not quite brilliant with only some of them running like the steamer to dalian, shen yang at the interval of 4 days from the fair road dock while the other long distance shipping along the coastline have been stopped. there are scheduled steamers to near places like nan tong, ding hai and pu tuo at sixteenth pu wharf. if you want to go to zhou shan islands, you should first take a bus at sixteenth pu and to lu chao port or gold mountain port to board a steamer. travelers going to chang xing island and hengsha island should board the steamer at wusong dock. make the boarding place clear before going to chong ming island. besides, travelers who want to inchon and pusan in korea or osaka and kobe in japan would board the interdomestic steamer at the out rainbow wharf.

City Transport

Most visitors arrive at the modern and convenient Pudong International Airport, though a few still fly into Hongqiao International Airport. Shanghai Railway Station and Shanghai South Station connect the city by rail, and with new high-speed trains rail travel is an excellent way to go. In Shanghai, a clean and efficient metro system and relatively inexpensive taxis make getting around the city remarkably easy given its size and the language barrier. Buses offer great neighborhood coverage, though signage is entirely in Chinese. If you have the time and a good map, walking is a wonderful way to get around Puxi, where small shops, tiny lanes and surprising sights and smells combine in ways unique to the city. Pudong's broad streets and brand-new high-rise complexes are much less friendly to pedestrians and offers far less of interest between destinations, but cabs are plentiful and affordable. Biking is another great option for Puxi, and rentals can be arranged through a number of hotels. Finally, the maglev is a must for fans of futuristic travel, though its convenience as a link to Pudong Airport International is hampered by the fact that the line terminates at an out-of-the-way metro station rather than bringing visitors into the heart of the city.

shanghai boasts one of the finest city transportation in china. there are the following options for visitors to get around shanghai, public bus, taxi, and maglev train.

Public Bus

Public buses in Shanghai are often packed but they are the most convenient and cheap way to loop the city. There are more than 1,100 bus lines in Shanghai which run into each corner of the city proper.

Shanghai's public bus system is quite comprehensive. Buses preceded by the number"2" , "3", "9" are rush-hour, night service buses, double-decked/ tourism buses, respectively, and buses 1-199 run from 5 am to 11 pm.

Fares rang from 1 Yuan to 3 Yuan depending on the length of routes or bus conditions: as a rule, 1 Yuan for routes less than 1.3 km long, 1.5 for routes over 1.3 km and 2 Yuan for air-conditioned buses (indicated by a snowflake besides the bus number).

Shanghai Railway Station, People's Square, Xujiahui, and Zhongshan Park, are hubs of the public buses network.

Public buses in China are often crowded and Shanghai is no exception. If you choose to take a bus to travel around, please take especial attention to your belongings for pickpockets usually take advantage of the crowded condition to steal stuffs.

Metro

The metro is currently expanding from five lines to 11 lines—slated to be in operation by 2010, just in time for the World Expo. For now, the subway allows easy access to points throughout the city. If you don't have a jiaotong ka, purchase a single-use metro card at a service window or an automated machine (instructions and route maps are available in English on the touch screens). Find your fare by indicating destination—rates run between three and five RMB (approximately 40 to 60 cents). Swipe the card over a turnstile sensor upon entering; feed it into the slot upon exiting (or just swipe a jiaotong ka). Although not a huge problem, pickpockets do work the metro, especially around People's Square.

There are 4 main subway lines in Shanghai.

Line No 1: Shanghai Railway Station-XinZhuang.
Line No. 2: Zhongshan Park-Zhangjiang Gaoke(high-tech zone)
Line No. 3: Shanghai South Railway Station- JIangwan Town
Line No. 4: Nan Shan Road- Da Mu Qiao Road
Shanghai Metro is comfortable and convenient and it is the best way to explore the city.

Taxi

Flag down taxis on most city streets or call for service: 96822 (Dazhong Taxi), 6431 2788 (Bashi Taxi), 6258 0000 (Qiangsheng Taxi) or 96961 (Jinjiang Taxi). Base rate is 11 RMB for the first three kilometers and 2 RMB per additional kilometer. Shanghai drivers have a good reputation for honesty, though you should be sure you get in a metered cab, especially from Pudong International. When you pay, you should receive a receipt (fapiao) that includes the cab number and company phone number. Most drivers do not speak more than a few words of English, so it's always useful to have addresses in Chinese (have someone write out the address in characters or pick up business cards). In outlying suburban districs such as Nanhui, Jiading and Minhang, the base rate is RMB 9 for the first three kilometers.

There are plenty of taxis in Shanghai( about 50,000). Simply wave your hand at one and it will stop for you, or order a taxi from your hotel.

Price for Daytime: Flag fall is 10 Yuan from 3 km, after which it costs 2 Yuan for 1 km increment within 10 km; 3 Yuan for 1 km increment exceeding 10 km.

Prices At night:(23:00-5:00): starting price is 13 Yuan for 3 km, after which it costs 2.6 Yuan for 1 km increment within 10 km; 3.9 Yuan for 1 km increment exceeding 10 km.

Ferry

There are more than 20 ferry lines linking Shanghai's Pudong and Puxi Areas. Fare is flat, 1 Yuan/per person; 1.3 Yuan/per bike, 2 Yuan/per motorcycle.