The Canadian Student Guide to Shanghai

The Canadian Student Guide to Shanghai

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai • La Chambre de commerce canadienne à Shanghai • 上海加拿大商会

GETTING AROUND

are ~ 6 am-11 pm . Shorter lines usually close earliest. 3-6 RMB each way, depending on distance.

Riding the metro in Shanghai is not for cry babies or claustrophobics. Be sure to assert yourself like the locals, if you’re not careful you could be carried off by the amorphous hoard of commuters.

Tickets can be purchased at English-language vending machines inside stations.

The metro is also very reasonably priced at 4 RMB for most rides; it sure beats taxis which start at 14 RMB. However, even if you’re riding in a taxi be sure to keep your transit card on you, you can use it to pay for taxis as well.

Find the best bus route by starting point and destination (Chinese) : http://map.baidu.com

A great app for smart phone users is Smart Shanghai, it has most popular destinations and a feature that translates the addresses into Chinese characters (useful before you’re fluent in Mandarin).

Shanghai Public Transportation Card //Jiaotongka //上海公共交通卡 Bypass long metro ticket line-ups and avoid change in buses and taxis with this swipe card.

Recharge at metro station service counters /convenience stores /newsstands / banks. 20RMB deposit + desired credit.

The Shanghai Metro The most efficient way to get around Shanghai.

Different hours for each station but general hours

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Buses One of the best and cheapest ways to explore the city. 2 RMB each way.

Bus routes in english: www.msittig.wubi.org/bus

Taxis Shanghai’s taxis are relatively cheap. Available cars have their roof light on. Flag one down by holding your arm out into the street with your palm facing down. Give the driver the intersection of your destination as well as the address. Most drivers are willing to call restaurants, hotels, etc. to ask directions if you provide the phone number. Tips are not expected. Always take your receipt, as any disputes or lost Fun Fact items cannot be reA mall in China features ported to head office extra wide parking spaces without it. for women who have a “different sense of distance”.

Daytime Fees: 14 RMB for first 3 km, additional 2.4 RMB/km within

10 km and 3.2 RMB/km after 10 km.

Nighttime Fees (11 pm-5 am): 18 RMB for first 3 km, additional 3.1 RMB/km within 10 km and 4.1 RMB/ km after 10 km.

Biking A fun and interesting way to see the city.

If another vehicle is bigger or faster than yours, always yield to it.

Pedestrians will not expect you to stop for them.

In China, there are approximately 200 road accident fatalities per day .

Buy: Get one from Carrefour for ~ 300 RMB. Consider buying a cheaper and less attractive bike as bike theft is a very, very, very common occurrence in Shanghai.

Rent: China Cycle Tours can pick up and drop off bikes at your place, 80 RMB+ / day, depending on the quality of the bicycle. +86 1376 111 5050 www.chinacycletours.com/BicycleRental_shanghai. asp Note: Do not assume that the traffic rules you are used to back home apply here as well. For example, relying on traffic signals to tell you when it’s safe to cross the street will probably get you hurt. As someone

once said, “don’t trust the little green man!”.

MAPS Google Maps Find out how to walk/drive/bus/subway to your destination. Recognizes addresses in pinyin. www.maps.google.com

475 CAD. Paying the bills Most bills such as the water, electricity and internet bill can be paid at the local convenience stores such as Lawson’s or Kedi. Remember to keep your bills just in case there are disputes with the landlord when you leave.

Baidu Maps Pretty much a Chinese version of Google maps.

Not as flexible as Google maps when it comes to recognizing addresses in pinyin. Good for finding bus routes by inputting starting point and destination. www.map.baidu.com Explore Shanghai Metro Map Not only does this website outline Shanghai’s metro lines, it can also tell the suggested route and time between any 2 stations. Also useful, is the site’s “Metropedia” which gives you information about every line and station. www.exploreshanghai.com/metro

HOUSING Whether you want to a roommate, a studio, or a penthouse, Shanghai has a clean and affordable (relatively) place for you. A good place to start your search is www.smartshanghai.com, a great resource for all things Shanghai. A shared apartment in downtown puxi costs about 3000 RMB or

GENERAL INFO Shops are generally open from 10 am to 10 pm.

BARGAINING When bargaining, start at 25-30% of the asking price in the markets especially the more touristy ones. The best times to bargain is during non-busy times such as weekday afternoons. www.taobao.com (a.k.a. Chinese e-bay) is a good place to see how much you got ripped off an item would cost.

BOOKS & MAGAZINES

Remember to choose your roommates wisely

Bicycle bootleg books Usually found in expat heavy areas during lunchtime and the evenings, these vendors sell English bestsellers from the back of bicycles.

10 RMB for thin books, 15 RMB for medium books, 25 RMB + for thick books

SHOPPING If you want it, you got it, go get it, custom fit at a 1/5 of the price. In Shanghai, everything is negotiable, never accept the first offer. On your first time out, try to go with someone who has been there before so you can see how bargaining works.

You’ll be glad you did and when your suitcase is overflowing, just hit the fake market where Samsonite knockoffs go for 100 RMB. Fuzhou Lu Street filled with bookstores. Also great for statio-

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nery addicts. Book City, which is one of the biggest bookstores in Shanghai is located on this street.

456 Fuzhou Lu,福州路465号 Shanghai Foreign Language Book Store A large bookstore on Fuzhou Lu that provides a large selection of English language books.

390 Fuzhou Lu, 黄浦区福州路390号 // Line 1 – People’s Square // 10 pm-6 pm // 6322 - 3200.

TAILORMADE CLOTHES

It’s not your imagination. Clothing sizes really are smaller here. But you can no worries because you can have clothes custom tailored for a reasonable price in Shanghai.

Shanghai’s custom tailors work best when they have an original garment (or, at the very least, a photo) to work from. You may have to make two or more trips for fittings.

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Liu Jia Bang Fabric Market Shanghai’s largest and busiest tailoring destination where you can replicate the suits and dresses celebrities are wearing at a fraction of the price.

We recommend visiting on a weekday, as weekends are packed with tourists and prices often rise accordingly.

399 Lujiabang Lu, 黄浦区 陆家浜路399号 // Line 4 – Nanpu Bridge // 10 am-6 pm // Suits 500 RMB, Shirts 90 RMB, Dresses 400 RMB.

the quality.

Shiliupu Road Fabric Market A slightly less touristy alternative to the Lujiabang Road fabric market. Conveniently located near Yu Gardens and the Bund. Stall 234 has an excellent reputation for quality cashmere coats made to order within a week or so.

168 Dongmen Lu, 黄浦区 东门路168号 // 10 am-6 pm // ~400-450 RMB for a midlength jacket.

Metro City This place has those hard to find batteries you’ve been looking for. All kinds of electronics and electronic repair shops.

1111 Zhaojiabang Lu, 肇嘉浜路1111号 美罗城// 6426-8888 // www.shmetrocity.com

CLOTHES North American sized clothes & shoes can be found in places such as Marks & Spencer’s located at the Nanjing Xi Lu metro station.

“AUTHENTIC” GOODS DVDs One of the greatest perks of living in Shanghai are the DVD stalls/stores scattered throughout the city. Prices range from 5-15 RMB depending on

Science & Technology Underground market One stop shop for almost anything including souvenirs, scarves, fake everything and small housewares. Be prepared to bargain hard.

Line 2 – Shanghai Museum of Science & Technology // 10 pm-7 pm.

ELECTRONICS

Xinguang Photography Equipment Center The first two floors sell the big brand names, the other floors are good for second hand cameras.

288 Luban Lu 鲁班路288号// 5301-9836.

FOOD If you’ve heard anything about the food in China you’ve heard it’s great. There are a wide variety of exciting flavors and textures to try. Shanghai offers its own unique dish – xiaolongbao or soup dumplings, a must have and great way to become more dexterous with your kuazi (chopsticks). But, if you start to miss your poutine, hold on to your tuque because Shanghai’s got all the bases covered. Oh, did I mention it’s cheap?

Carrefour: www.smartshanghai.com/listings/?tag=carrefour City Shop: To find many of the edible goods you may find at home, City Shop may have what you are looking for but expect to pay a little bit more. They even have Reese’s Pieces and Smarties! www.cityshop.com.cn/aboutus/en_maps.html

You won’t find fortune cookies in China. In fact, fortune cookies were invented in the US. • •

GENERAL INFO Most restaurants are generally open until 10 pm or later.

Tipping is not expected in China.

GROCERIES If you are looking for a wide range of groceries including imported products check out Carrefour, City Shop, Metro or Tesco. Of these stores, Carrefour is probably the most convenient as there are many locations and it sells almost anything from food, electric bikes, kitchenware, personal care products, etc… It’s a bit like the Chinese version of Superstore .

For fresh fruits and vegetables, the wet markets scattered about Shanghai are also an affordable alternative for students. Locals recommend going earlier to take advantage of a better selection and occasionally even lower prices.

Avacado Lady The go to place for reasonably priced expat favourites such as avacados, fresh herbs and CHEESE! 274 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu (near Wuyuan lu) // Line 7 – Changshu Lu // 10 am-6 pm // 6437-7262.

www.shanghaifoodist.com/category/sh-streetfood/

Warning: Beware of the “la du zis”so eat at your own risk.

Fun Fact China invented toilet paper.

SOME CANADIAN & CANADIAN OWNED RESTAURANTS

STREET FOOD Wherever you go in Shanghai you will come across various street food vendors offering a large variety of food for really low prices (usually under 10 RMB).

For more info: www.shanghaiexpat.com/article/shanghai-streetfood-breakfast-11738.html www.cnngo.com/shanghai/eat/shanghai-foodstreet-education-018509

Big Bamboo Canadian-owned sports bar with 3 locations. Good happy hour deals. They also have poutine on their menu.

123 Nanyang Lu, 南阳路123号 // 6256- 2265 www.bigbamboo.cn Osteria Italian restaurant. Best bloody Caesars and raw oysters in town. Great lunch and brunch deals.

226 Jinxian Lu, 进贤路226号//6256-8998 www.osteriaspirit.com DELIVERY McDonald’s

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One of the perks of living in Shanghai is that Mcdonald’s delivers 24 hours! English service is available. To order : 4008-517-517.

Your new best friend Sherpa’s Sherpa’s is also a popular delivery service that delivers from many of Shanghai’s favourite restaurants // 6209-6209 // www.sherpa.com.cn MORE INFO For restaurant listings and reviews check out: www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/index.php/article/ restaurants

in China Mobile or China Unicom shops.

For making calls within China, instead of purchasing a phone plan, many people purchase prepaid cards. These cards are also available at most convenience stores or newstands.

Skype It’s possible to make callls from your computer as well. Check out: www.skype.com

HEALTH HEALTHCARE Good healthcare is available in Shanghai but bear in mind that it may be a bit more expensive, especially if you opt for the hospitals geared towards expats.

For more information on healthcare in Shanghai:

www.timeoutshanghai.com/FoodDrink.html

www.middlekingdomlife.com/guide/healthcaresystem-china.htm

www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/listings/dining

www.entershanghai.info/shininfo/health.php

PHONES CELL PHONES SIM cards can be purchased from newsstands, stalls in the subway stations, select convenience stores and of course

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Fun Fact There are over 800 million cell phone subscribers today in China alone.

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http://home.wangjianshuo.com/ archives/20070123_living_cost_in_shanghai_-_ medicine.htm

local hospitals it is a good idea to bring a translator. That said, some local hospitals have VIP/foreigner clinics which take appointments.

Local Hospitals Ruijin Hospital 197 Ruijin Er Rd. Tel : 6466-4483 Huadong Hospital 221 Yan An Xi Lu Foreigners Section, 2nd floor Tel : 6248-3180 ext. 3106 Huashan Hospital 13/F, Foreigners Guests Building 12 Wulumuqi Zhong Lu Tel : 6248-9999 Expat Hospitals Shanghai East International Medical Center 551 South Pudong Lu Tel: 5879-9999 www.seimc.com.cn/medical/general.htm Shanghai United Family Hospital Tel: 6291-1635 www.unitedfamilyhospitals.com/en/sh/patientsVis/ patientserv/0/0/134.html

www.entershanghai.info/shininfo/health.php

Parkway Health Tel: 6445-5999 www.parkwayhealth.cn

Local Hostpitals More affordable but you must speak Chinese and expect long waits. In order to have access to the

EMERGENCIES For emergencies you may want to keep with you

the address of a well established hospital such as Shanghai East International Hospital or Shanghai United Family Hospital so that you can show the taxi driver. Do not bother calling an ambulance because a taxi driver can get you to the hospital faster.

For more information on dealing with emergencies in Shanghai check out: www.shanghaiexpat.com/article/emergency-handling-medical-emergency-shanghai-972.html Show Me the Money Fun Fact In 2007 Yunnan First People’s Provincial Hospital opened China’s 1st drunk tank for foreigners.

Hospitals will probably not treat you unless you show payment first. If you don’t have wads of cash with you, word has it that showing a credit card can sometimes (emphasis on ‘sometimes’) suffice.

FITNESS Cheap transportation and deliciously affordable Chinese food probably won’t give you a six-pack or help you fit into your custom made dress but no worries because Shanghai’s sports clubs are varied and active.

For listings of sports clubs and teams check out Cityweekend’s or That’s Shanghai’s website.

Line 2 – East Nanjing Road.

People’s Square • Renmin Guang Chang

MENTAL HEALTH LifeLine Shanghai Anonymous telephone hotline for english-speakers who need confidential counseling. www.lifelineshanghai.com SIMHA: Shanghai International Mental Health Association SIMHA’s website provides a listing of therapists who provide mental health services to the international communities in Shanghai. www.simha.com

SIGHTS

People’s Square and the adjacent People’s Park is home to the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Art Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, with an enormous underground shopping mall below.

Metro: Lines 1, 2, and 8 – People’s Square.

The Bund • Wai Tan A newly-expanded pedestrian promenade along the bank of the HuangPu River, featuring European architecture from the early 20th century. Home to some of Shanghai’s most glamorous restaurants, bars, and shopping.

Line 2 – East Nanjing Road. Nanjing Road East Pedestrian Street.

Fun Fact China’s currently has a significant gender imbalance in which there are currently 32 million more boys than girls in China. Check out People’s Park on Sundays where parents meet in the hopes of hooking up their single children.

Nanjing Road East Pedestrian Street • Nanjing Dong Lu Bu Xing Jie Shanghai’s shopping landmark stretching from Xizang Road to Henan Road, past numerous department stores and international chains. Lights up with enormous neon signs at night.

Yu Gardens • Yuyuan A classical Chinese garden made up of six scenic areas, as well as shopping streets with some of the city’s most affordable souvenirs – but be prepared to bargain hard!

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Anren Jie 137, 黄浦区 安仁街137号 // Line 2 – East Nanjing Road (plus 5-minute taxi ride or 20-minute walk south) // 8:30 am-5 pm, shopping street open until about 9 pm // 40 RMB. Temple of the Town Gods • Cheng Huang Miao Right near Yu Gardens, this temple was completely rebuilt and restored in the 1990s, having been nearly destroyed during the Cultural Revolution.

249 Fangbang Zhong Lu // Line 2 – East Nanjing Road // 8:30 am-4:30 pm // 10 RMB. Shanghai Museum Frequently named the best museum in China, with 11 state-of-the-art galleries, three exhibition halls on four floors, and an airy, naturally lit central atrium. Excellent and affordable gift shop.

201 Ren Min Da Dao, 黄浦区 人民大道201号 // Lines 1, 2, 8 – People’s Square // 9 am-5 pm // Free // 6372 3500.

French Concession •FaGuo ZuJie A residential, retail, restaurant and bar district with atmospheric tree-lined streets in south Shanghai.

Perfect for a long stroll when the weather is good.

alleyways is home to galleries, boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

Taikang Lu, 卢湾区 泰康路.

Oriental Pearl Tower • Dongfang Mingzhu Dianshi Ta Best viewed at night, this tower, with three tapering levels of pink spheres (pearls) is Asia’s tallest TV tower and the third-tallest in the world.

1 Century Avenue, 浦东新区 世纪 大道1号 // Line 2 – Lujiazui, Exit 1 // 50-150 RMB (depending on how high you choose to go) // 8 am-9:30 pm // 5879 1888.

Century Park • Shi Ji Gongyuan Shanghai’s largest park, with open green space, boats, and walking paths.

1 Century Avenue, 浦东新区 世纪大道 // Line 2 – Century Park // 9 am-6 pm // 10 RMB.

LEARNING CHINESE

Xin Tian Di A trendy complex of restored traditional shikumen (stone gate) buildings now occupied by the city’s most stylish restaurants, cafés, bars and boutiques.

Xintiandi, 卢湾区 地餐饮 // Line 10 – Xintiandi.

Learning Chinese will make your life in Shanghai much more convenient and interesting. It will also make communicating with your DVD vendor, taxi driver, etc...much more easier too. Plus it’s an asset when job hunting.

Taikang Road Art Centre • Taikang Lu This network of old Shanghainese shikumen and

Many people who come here opt to learn Chinese through one of the local universities such as Jiaotong University, East China Normal University or

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Fudan.

For more information on learning Chinese in Shanghai check out: www.echinacities.com/shanghai/city-life/talk-thetalk-mandarin-language-schools-in-shanghai.html

MONEY Although an increasing amount of stores and restaurants are accepting credit cards, cash is still king in China.

BANKING IN CHINA Unless you plan to store your money in your cereal boxes, you might want to look into a convenient way to manage your money while in China.

It is possible to open a personal account as a foreigner in China. Stick with a reputable bank such as ICBC or the Bank of China as they are more likely able to receive international SWIFT transfers. Most banks have an English speaking teller

We think this might be a fake.

What you need: • Choose a bank conveniently located near you • Bring: Passport, 30 RMB and a filled form • Patience

CAREERS Whether it is to make some extra cash or to gain more job experience, it is not uncommon for students to take on part time jobs in Shanghai or stay on longer after their studies to explore the career opportunities in China.

Here are a few websites to check out if you’re looking for a job: www.dragonbn.com www.cancham.asia/?url=JOBS www.jobs.echinacities.com/shanghai-jobs

A free Shanghai living magazine with very comprehensive listings of events, restaurants and stores. www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/index.php

静安区南京西路1376号上海商城西峰604室 // Mon-Fri

City Weekend Another great resource for those wanting to experience the best of Shanghai’s dining, events and night life. www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai

www.canadainternational.gc.ca/china-chine/offices-bureaux/shanghai/index.aspx?lang=eng

Time Out Shanghai In addition to great articles about living in Shanghai, Time Out also features extensive listings of events, restaurants and stores. www.timeoutshanghai.com BEAN Shanghai Looking for a way to give back to the community?

BEAN Shanghai is an non-profit organization of young volunteers from all over the world. http://shanghai.beanonline.org

LINKS

GOVERNMENT STUFF

Smart Shanghai Dining and nightlife directory + extensive event listings. Has a extremely useful map feature. www.smartshanghai.com

For all VISAS, passport, or legal needs be sure to contact the Canadian Consulate. Be sure to obey Chinese law and be respectful during your time in China.

Shanghai Expat Large expat online community with tips about all aspects of local life and tourism. www.shanghaiexpat.com

Consular & VISA Services Canadian Consulate General, Shanghai The Consular section of the Embassy of Canada in China serves Canadian citizens and offers 24 hour emergency service to Canadians in distress.

Suite 604, Shanghai Centre, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, 上海

That’s Shanghai

8 am-12 pm; 1 pm-4:30 pm // 3279-2800 // Emergency#: +86 10 5139 4000.

Stolen/Lost Passport?

The Consulate can assist you with this but before going to the Consulate you will have to go to the nearest police station to get an official statement and fill out a form. Bring these forms to the consulate.

For information on the Consulate’s passport services: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/china-chine/ consular_services_consulaires/shanghai/passportpasseport.aspx?lang=eng&view=d

VISAS Visa Office For visa questions and extending your visa.

1500 Minsheng Lu, Pudong Tel : 2895-1900 For more information on visas: www.shanghaiexpat.com/community/index. php/2008/04/25/guide_to_getting_your_z_visa_ work_aamp_r?blog=5

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USEFUL NUMBERS

GET INVOLVED!

CONTACT US

Emergency Police (Emergency): 110 (English-speaking Hotline): 6357-6666 Fire Department (Emergency): 119 Ambulance (Emergency): 120 International Medical Care (Emergency): 62950099

Young Professionals of 28 years of age and younger

If you have any questions please feel free to drop by our office or call us!

The Young Professionals membership is created for individuals 28 and under who wish to grow their knowledge of Canadian and Chinese business, interact with leaders from the Canadian business community in China and expand their social and professional networks.

Address Suite 2805 172 Yuyuan Road, Jing An District Shanghai, P.R. China 200040

For only 500 RMB per year, Young Professional members gain:

Email: info@cancham.asia

Flight Information Hong Qiao Airport: 6268-8918 Hong Qiao Arrivals/Departures: 6268-3695 Pudong Airport: 3848-4500 Pudong Arrivals/Departures: 3834-4500 If all else fails call this magic number 962288 This is a hotline for foreigners in Shanghai. If you are lost or looking for a specific place or service you can call this number and the operators can give you the info. If you ever have trouble communication to your taxi driver, you can use this number too.

Remember: 962288

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Preferential membership rates at all CanCham events Invitations to member-restricted CanCham Business and Young Professional Events Participation in CanCham’s Access program which provides complimentary margaritas, beer, bloody marys, desserts and health checks as well as fantastic discounts from member restaurants, hotels and service providers Ability to develop professionally through participation on CanCham committees

Telephone: 021 6075-8797/98/99

Telephone: www.cancham.asia