Getting Around

Metro: The metro and taxis will most likely be your main form of transport in the city, since the bus system can be a little tricky for non-Chinese speakers to utilise. The Shanghai metro system is extremely easy to navigate, as its stations are clearly labelled in English and each stop is audibly announced in English too. Each journey will cost around 5 RMB depending on how far you’re going, making the metro excellent value for money.

Lying on the estuary of Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River, Shanghai is roughly split into two. Puxi (to the west) remains Shanghai’s cultural, residential and commercial centre, while Pudong (to the east) is Shanghai’s newer growth area and since 1990 it has emerged as China’s financial and commercial hub. 

For those not acquainted with the fast-paced urban centres of Asia, Shanghai can represent quite the shock to the system. As mainland China’s economic capital and most cosmopolitan city, Shanghai is absolutely packed with glittering skyscrapers, impressive bridges and elevated highways, vast malls and shopping districts, not to mention rather large crowds.

While this can seem a touch overwhelming at first, you’ll quickly become used to the hustle and bustle of the city, and will be able to seek out your own oasis of calm within it. Even this modern metropolis has plenty of hidden treasures which show off the rich heritage of the ancient Chinese culture, and offer you a wide range of sightseeing and unforgettable life experiences.

First Impression When Moving to Shanghai

Internet: The Great Firewall of China is the means by which the Chinese Government blocks out sites that it finds inappropriate or otherwise unacceptable. The list of blocked sites and services is long and in a state of continuous flux, including major online entities like Google, Twitter, Facebook and Youtube.

Communication

Internet

Bring your phone everywhere: For new arrivals, your smartphone will be a lifeline. With just a few essential apps, you will be able to pay for goods and services, explore your surroundings, translate, and generally navigate the city much more easily. Here are a couple of “must have” apps to download:

 “Must Have” Apps

With a subtropical maritime monsoon climate, Shanghai enjoys four distinct seasons. Its spring and autumn are relatively short compared with summer and winter. The average annual temperature is 16°C (61°F). Shanghai starts the year shivering in midwinter, when temperatures can drop below freezing and the vistas are grey and misty. Spring brings warmth; April to mid-May is probably one of the best times to visit Shanghai, 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.

The Weather

Something for Everyone

Laowai: After moving to Shanghai, you’ll quickly hear the word “laowai” being used by locals. “Lao” means old or wise, in a respectful context, while “wai” means outside. Together, the term is purely a label that many Chinese people use for any white person they see. While it might seem slightly odd at first to be labelled as such, it’s important to be aware that absolutely no offence is meant by the term, and it is simply part of living in a country which has only very recently opened to non-Chinese people.

Cultural Tips

Understanding Shanghai

Moving to Shanghai will be absolute heaven for food lovers, as the sheer variety of culinary delights on offer is enough to keep even the most seasoned gourmet busy all year round. No matter where you are in the city, you’re never far from an exciting and unique dining experience.

Food

Unforgettable Dinning Experience Around Every Corner