About the City-Shanghai
Shanghai Transportation
Airport
Shanghai is the only Chinese city that has two international airports - Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport. The two modern airports are equipped with very advanced facilities. Everyday, about 1,000 flights travel through the two airports, linked with many domestic and international cities such as Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo and Singapore.
Shanghai Train
The railway network provides you with an inexpensive and comfortable way to get to the city. Huning (Shanghai - Nanjing) Railway and Huhang (Shanghai - Hangzhou) Railway pass through Shanghai and connect its three main railway stations with cities all over the country. Here you can also take advantage of tourist trains and special 'Holiday Trains' to scenic areas in other provinces such as Mt. Huangshan in Anhui and Mt. Wuyishan in Fujian.
Shanghai Subway
Twelve subway lines have connected all over the city, with stops at or nearby the main attractions and commercial areas. If you are just sightseeing and in no hurry, the subway will provide you with fast and comfortable service (though you may want to avoid rush hour of 07:00 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:30).
Shanghai Public Transportation Card
It will be more convenient and pleasant if you use a Shanghai Public Transportation Card when you are in Shanghai.
Like the MetroCard in New York City and the Oyster Card in London, it is a kind of stored value smart card used in the public transportation of Shanghai and some cities in the nearby Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui Provinces.
Shanghai Weather
Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinct seasons - a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn and an overcast cold winter. The region's location at the estuary of the Yangtze River to the East China Sea makes it so wet that it rains for about one third of the year.
The hottest time here comes in July and August, with more than 10 days at temperatures above 35 °C (95 °F). The coldest time is from the late January to early February. The spring from March to May is recommended as the best time to pay a visit.
Spring & Summer
Spring
Spring in Shanghai is from March to May. This is the best season in a year for traveling. Spring flowers in bloom make the city lively and attractive. The temperature is comfortable around 20 °C (68 °F). Light rain happens however will not disturb your trip. Long-sleeved shirts, thin sweaters or coats are suitable for this time.
Summer
Summer here is long from June to September. With high temperature and abundant rainfall, the city can be very sweltering at this time. The highest temperature occurs in July or August. For 10 days or so in these two months, the temperature can be above 35 °C (95 °F). You had better avoid the hottest time around 14:00. Wear cool clothes such as T-shirts and shorts and drink more water to prevent heatstroke and dehydration.
Autumn & Winter
Autumn
Autumn of the region comes in October and November. The temperate weather makes this season good for travel. It rains often in autumn except in the late November. Long-sleeved shirts, sweater and coat are appropriate.
Winter
Winter in this area is from December to the next February. The coldest period is from the end of January to early February - usually during the Chinese Spring Festival. The worst of the cold usually lasts for only a few days and it seldom snows. The temperature is not as low as some cities in north China like Beijing, but the humid cold wind is a torture for even the northerners. A sweater and overcoat are necessary in winter.
Features of Shanghai Cuisine
Shanghai Cuisine is not one of the Eight Major Cuisines of China but is a choice blend of the most appealing aspects of these other national styles of food. Shanghai Cuisine, also known as Hu Cai, includes two styles - Benbang Cuisine and Haipai Cuisine.
Benbang Cuisine and Haipai Cuisine have many things in common. Most of the dishes taste fresh, clear, mellow, sweet or subtly spicy.