Travel and holiday tipsWhat to PackLight clothes like lined Jacket and woolen sweater are suitable for the weather in Spring (from March through to the end of May) and Autumn (from September to November). Extra-light clothing is for summer (from June to August). Heavy woolen overcoats are necessary to keeping out the cold outdoors in winter (from December to February). Since there is much rain during the periods between Spring and Summer and between Summer and Autumn, it is advisable to get rain gear ready. HistoryShanghai was just a little more than a fishing village until 1842 when the first Opium War brought foreign concessions. British, French, American and later Japanese settlements brought trade and growth. The famous Bund along the Huangpu River reflects Shanghai 's former opulence. |
Greeting someone in Shanghai
It is a good idea to take a large quantity of business cards with you, and if possible it would be wise to have the inscription translated into Chinese and printed on the reverse side of the card. When you are introduced to a local take out your card, bow slightly and present it with both hands. They will probably reciprocate in a similar manner most likely holding their card English version uppermost. It is at this point considered good manners to pass a polite comment on the appearance of the other's card, whilst tucking it carefully within the confines of your wallet. Don't get flustered if when meeting a group of people they start clapping when you arrive. This is simply a form of greeting and you may respond by clapping also.
Tipping advice
Tipping used to be very rare in China but now no doubt through western influence the idea is catching on. In restaurants a 3% tip is standard, bellboys and room service staff expect roughly $1or $2. You can tip in U.S dollars as hard currency is always appreciated.
Shanghai dress code
If visiting on business then smart clothing is definitely a must, suits, ties etc. It is advisable not to ware anything too revealing and so avoid the risk of offending. When not conducting business, conservative casual ware tends to be acceptable. Remember if you visit in the winter months it becomes very cold, although in contrast the summers can become pretty steamy, so pack accordingly.
City Facts
Shanghai covers an area of 6,340.5 square kilometres, which extends about 120 kilometres in north and south and nearly 100 kilometres in east and west. Shanghai has an urban area of 2,057 square kilometres, land area of 6,219 square kilometres and water area of 122 square kilometres. Shanghai is divided into 15 districts and 5 counties. There are 205 towns, 9 townships, 99 subdistrict committees, 3,278 neighbourhood committees and 2,935 villagers' committees in the city. The city's Chongming Island is the third largest island in China , covering an area of 1,041 square kilometres.
District/County |
Area (sq.km) |
District/County |
Area (sq.km) |
Huangpu District |
4.54 |
Minhang District |
370.75 |
Jing'an District |
7.62 |
Baoshan District |
424.63 |
Changning District |
38.30 |
Jiading District |
458.80 |
Hongkou District |
23.48 |
Pudong New Area |
522.75 |
Yangpu District |
52.13 |
Jinshan |
586.05 |
Xuhui District |
54.76 |
Fengxian |
687.39 |
Luwan District |
8.05 |
Songjiang |
605.64 |
Nanshi District |
7.87 |
Nanhui District |
687.66 |
Putuo District |
54.83 |
Qingpu District |
675.54 |
Zhabei District |
28.50 |
Chongming |
1041.21 |
City Flower
In 1986, the Standing Committee of the Shanghai Municipal People's Congress passed a resolution adopting the white magnolia as the city flower. The white magnolia is among the few spring flowers in Shanghai . It is in full blossom in early spring and usually falls on April 5. The flower has large, white petals and its eye always looks towards the sky. Therefore, the flower symbolizes the pioneering and enterprising spirit of the city.
Geography
Except for a few hills lying in the southwest corner, most parts of the Shanghai area are flat and belong to the alluvial plain of the Yangtze River Delta. The average sea level elevation is about four metres. Dotted with many rivers and lakes, the Shanghai area is known for its rich water resources. Most of the rivers are tributaries of the Huangpu River . Originated from the Taihu Lake , the 113-kilometre-long Huangpu River winds through the downtown area of the city. The river is about 300 to 770 metres wide with an average width standing at 360 metres. The ice-free Huangpu River is the main waterway in the Shanghai area.
