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Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Shanghai is the largest city in China and a global financial hub known for its modern skyline and historical landmarks. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 24 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 200 Mbps for wired connections and 100 Mbps for wireless. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 CNY ≈ 0.14 USD; ATMs widely available, credit/debit cards accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/C plugs used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom offer affordable plans with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Bank of China and HSBC are popular among expats; online banking services available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local apartments, serviced apartments, Airbnb, and long-stay hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, widely used platforms include WeChat Pay and Alipay. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, Tujia, and Xiaozhu for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Mingtown Nanchang and 1912 House offer affordable lodging options. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Bund and People's Square are popular for their central location and attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Xuhui and Jing'an districts offer great cafes, coworking spaces, and vibrant communities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork and Naked Hub offer great spaces for remote work and networking. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Press Café in Jing'an is known for its ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com has regular expat meetups and networking events in the city. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Shanghai Expat Facebook group organizes community gatherings and social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Didi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing app in Shanghai. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Mobike and Ofo are commonly used for bike rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Xiaoyangshan Beach, about 60 km away, is a popular getaway. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | China Eastern Airlines for regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air China and China Eastern Airlines offer numerous international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways including G15 and G40 connect major areas around Shanghai. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station is a key transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Shanghai Public Transportation Card offers convenient access to buses and metro. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains from Shanghai to nearby cities like Hangzhou (1 hour) and Suzhou (30 minutes) are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Shanghai No. 2 People's Hospital is well-rated for expat healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yogaburn Shanghai offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness First and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations across the city. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry World offers convenient wash-and-fold services throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Ele.me and Meituan are popular food delivery apps. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegetarian Restaurants like Pure & Whole offer healthy plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Momus and Lady M for famous Mille Crêpes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Dongtai Road Antique Market offers unique finds at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | JD.com and Taobao for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Ele.me offers grocery delivery from local supermarkets. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Former French Concession and Puxi districts are vibrant nightlife hubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Shanghai Brewery offers locally crafted beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Lavinia is well-known for its extensive wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Yuyuan Garden area has various street food vendors worth exploring. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | M on the Bund offers a mix of international dishes with a view. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Bund and Shanghai Tower are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Shanghai Museum and Power Station of Art showcase rich cultural history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple are notable historical sites. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Ignatius Cathedral provides a peaceful retreat. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Shanghai Film Festival and Chinese New Year celebrations attract large crowds. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Tianzifang and Xintiandi are vibrant cultural and shopping areas. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Shanghai Grand Theatre hosts international performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Qibao Ancient Town Market offers traditional snacks and goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music venues like The House of Blues & Jazz are popular among locals. |
| 🎨 Street Art | M50 Creative Park features dynamic street art and galleries. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook In Shanghai offers hands-on cooking lessons. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Power Station of Art features contemporary art exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Shanghai's colonial buildings along The Bund are must-visit landmarks. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Shanghai has a rich blend of Eastern and Western cultures showcased in its architecture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Sheshan National Forest Park is a great getaway for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Zhongshan Park offers green spaces and walking paths. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Huangpu River Promenade is perfect for cycling and walks. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Bund offers stunning views of the skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shanghai Wetland Park is great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some parks allow bonfires, check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | SF Express and ZTO provide reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Many local stores offer tech repair services for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Mandarin Garden offers language classes tailored for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Shanghai Library is a quiet place for reading and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Shanghai International Community Center offers activities and resources for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges can be found in places like GameBase. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Shanghai does not have legal casinos; nearby Macao is the go-to for gambling. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥100,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥4,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥60,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = ¥2,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥90,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥5,400,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥55,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥3,300,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥80,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥6,400,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥50,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥4,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Classified residency status affects taxation, with progressive rates. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% |
| 🧾 VAT | 13% on most goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on location and value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1-3% based on property value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Special zones offer favorable tax conditions; consult local laws for specifics. |