City Overview
Shanghai is located in the Yangtze River Delta, bordered by the East China Sea to the east and Hangzhou Bay to the south. Before the First Opium War, Shanghai was merely a small fishing village reliant on fishing and textiles. Today, it has grown into a bustling metropolis with a permanent population exceeding 16 million. In the late 1990s, the central government prioritized Shanghai's development, transforming it into a globally renowned modern city. The Huangpu River, Shanghai's largest river, divides the city into two main areas: Pudong and Puxi.
Geographical Location
Shanghai lies between 120°52′–122°12′ E longitude and 30°40′–31°53′ N latitude, covering an area of **6,340.5 square kilometers**. Situated on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean, at the eastern edge of the Asian continent, it serves as the midpoint of China’s north-south coastline and the confluence of the Yangtze River and the Huangpu River. It is bounded by the Yangtze River to the north, the East China Sea to the east, Hangzhou Bay to the south, and Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces to the west.
Time Zone
GMT +8 (Beijing Time).
Language
The official language of China is Mandarin, though regional dialects are widely spoken across the country. In Shanghai, locals typically speak **Mandarin or Shanghainese**. Many hotel staff are fluent in foreign languages.
Climate
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Currency
The official currency is the **Renminbi (RMB)**, with the basic unit being the yuan (also colloquially called "kuai"). One yuan equals 10 jiao, and one jiao equals 10 fen. Banknotes come in denominations of **1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 yuan**.
Electricity
Mainland China uses a 220V electrical standard. Most high-end hotels provide built-in voltage converters in bathrooms for devices like electric shavers and hair dryers. However, travelers are advised to carry their own adapters for compatibility with other appliances.
Mobile Networks
Shanghai’s mobile networks are operated by China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom.
Business Hours
- Shops: Generally open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
- Offices: Typically operate **Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Taxes
Taxes are included in listed prices.