Shanghai & Beijing · Travel series

A beginner's guide to Shanghai, in plain order

The Shanghai government's official starter guide, read end to end

Planning a trip? See open dates and reserve a session →

This is the Shanghai municipal government's own beginner's guide to the city, read end to end — what to sort before you leave, what happens on arrival, how to get by while you are there, and who to call. Every fact below is theirs; we have only put it in plain order and kept the links in.

Photo 1Pudong at night

Before you leave

Start with your passport. It should be valid for the whole time you are in China — it should not expire on or near your planned departure date.

Sort your visa

Which visa you need depends on your nationality and why you are coming.

• Short-term visits — exchanges, short visits, study tours — need a visitor visa.
• Work, study or long-term stays each have their own route: a work permit, a student visa, or permanent residence.
• Not sure which you need? The guide has a tool to help you choose.

Two shortcuts worth checking before you apply. China offers visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries, and travellers from over 50 countries may qualify for 240-hour visa-free transit if they are passing through the Chinese mainland to a third country or region.

Arriving in Shanghai

Customs. All inbound passengers must declare goods on entry — check the guide's list of prohibited items first.

Health. China ended mandatory health declarations for arriving travellers on Nov 1, 2023. But anyone showing symptoms of an infectious disease, such as fever or cough, or already diagnosed with one, must report their health status to customs. Planning to live, work or study in Shanghai for a year or more? You will need to complete a health check.

Photo 2Arrivals

While you are there

Paying. You do not have to be an expert in China's mobile payment system — overseas cards can be linked for convenience.

Getting around. Shanghai is renowned for a robust, diverse transport network used by millions of commuters every day; the guide has a full walkthrough.

Apps. As a newcomer, the right few apps on your phone can take your trip from zero to hero.

If something goes wrong

Keep these handy:

• 120 — a health emergency.
• 119 — fire, emergency rescue or other critical situations.
• 110 — public security, such as reporting a crime or getting help at a traffic accident.
• 12345 — Shanghai's one-stop public service hotline, for help or complaints about government services. Available in Chinese and 18 foreign languages.

If you get sick, Shanghai has a number of medical institutions that serve international travellers and expats — the guide lists expat-friendly hospitals and clinics. If you need your consulate, you will find the contact details of consulates in Shanghai there too.

If you are earning in Shanghai, you will need to pay tax and file a yearly personal income tax return.

Photo 3Shanghai metro

Official sources

Everything above is taken from the Shanghai municipal government's official English-language guide to the city. We have only put it in plain order and kept the links in. The official page:

• A beginner's guide to visiting Shanghai — Shanghai municipal government (english.shanghai.gov.cn)

Facts as published by the Shanghai municipal government; check the official page for the latest. This page is an independent summary and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Shanghai municipal government. Photographs are free-to-use stock images (Pexels).

Keep reading

• Beijing for first-timers: what the city itself tells you to prepare
• Shanghai with International Friends: a local's private list

← All travel posts · Back to the guide