Travel Tips

What to Pack
Light clothes like lined Jacket and woollen 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 woollen 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.

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.

When to Go
The best times to visit Shanghai are spring and autumn. In winter, temperatures can drop well below freezing, with a blanket of drizzle. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures as high as 40degree (104F). In short, you'll need silk long johns and down jackets for winter, an ice block for each armpit for summer and an umbrella wouldn't go astray in any season.

Events
The Shanghai Music Festival is in May and the Shanghai International Tea Culture Festival is usually at the end of April. The Shanghai Marathon Cup is in March and is one of the top sporting events in China. The Shanghai Beer Festival staggers into town around the end of July, while the Shanghai Tourism Festival kicks off in late September. It's worth bearing these dates in mind as hotel accommodation can become scarce - during the Chinese New Year, usually in February, Shanghai is packed.

By Air
The ultramodern Pudong International Airport (PVG) (tel. 021/3848-4500), open since late 1999, is about 30 km (18 mi) miles east of the city center across the Huangpu River. Many, though not all, international flights are routed here.

Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) (tel. 021/6268-8918 for 24-hour info) in western Shanghai, about 15 km (9 mi) from the city center, receives most domestic flights, especially those from small city airports.

A taxi ride between the two airports will cost you about Y250 and take at least 45 minutes. Shuttle buses between the airports cost Y22 and take much longer.