You are supposed to apply for a visa before entering China. Please consult the Chinese Consulate or Embassy in your home country for more information.
Shanghai has two airports Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Hongqiao International Airport (SHA); although both are international airports, one focuses on domestic flights and shorter international flights. Please be careful when purchasing tickets, and make sure you are aware of which airport is servicing your flight.
Pudong International Airport (PVG)
This is Shanghai’s main international airport, servicing major international flights, etc. It is accessible at the end of Subway Line 2, the Maglev train, or taxi/bus. From SOU, allow approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour under normal traffic conditions.
Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
This airport mainly services domestic flights but does have some closer international routes as well. It is accessible at the end of Subway Line 2 and Line 10, or by taxi. From SOU, allow approximately 40-50 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
Airport Inquiry Number: +86 21 96990
The following sites are popular among students for searching for airfares throughout Asia. Please note, some sites do not accept foreign credit cards.
* http://english.ctrip.com/
* http://www.elong.com
* http://www.kayak.com
There are three main railway stations in Shanghai. Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is located next to the Hongqiao International Airport, connected by Subway Line 2 and Line 10. It mainly operates high speed trains and bulletin trains to all directions. Shanghai Railway Station is the oldest railway station located in Shanghai center, connected by Subway Line 1, Line 3 and Line 4. It mainly operates bulletin trains to the northern regions and low speed trains to the rest of China. Shanghai South Railway Station is connected by Subway Line 1 and Line 3. It mainly operates bulletin trains to the southern regions and low speed trains to the rest of China.
Clothing: Bring clothes that layers well or that comes in sizes you cannot do without. Start with jeans or long-sleeved shirt. For really cold weather, add an under layer of thermal underwear and a top layer that is lightweight and warm, which you can add or remove, depending on the temperature. A winter coat is ideal for very cold weather and travel. Three pairs of shoes should cover it:comfortable walking shoes are a must, athletic shoes for daily wear and exercise, and nicer shoes for special occasions. In the summer and early fall months, sandals can relieve humidity and heat considerably.
Other essential items:
* Extra passport photos
* Sunglasses, spare contacts or glasses (although these can be purchased locally if you know your prescription information)
* Umbrella (may be purchased in Shanghai)
*Backpack for weekend travel
* Supply of prescription medication
* Personal supply of basic cold medicine, painkiller, and anti-diarrhea medicine- your stomach will likely go through an adjustment phase to local cuisine, this is normal, the anti-diarrhea tablets cold help you in case of ‘emergency’
* Cameras, mobile phones and chargers for personal electronics
* The hotel provides shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc. However, bring your favorite product if you can’t live without it
It is highly recommended that you buy an health insurance before you come to China.
Geographically, China covers five time zones, but Beijing Time is the single time zone as China Standard Time which is Greenwich Mean Time, plus 8 hours (GMT+8).
Shanghai is characterized by a warm spring, hot summer, cool autumn and cold winter. August in Shanghai is the hottest month with an average temperature of 28°C / 82°F.
Electricity in China is supplied 220 volts and 50 cycles. If you travel to China with a device that does not accept 220 volts at 50 cycles, you will need a voltage converter.
The standard power socket type in China Power Adaptor Converter suggested
