For Individuals

If a foreigner needs to stay in Shanghai beyond the duration of stay permitted by their visa, they should apply for an extension before that period expires.

Visa extension, replacement, and reissuance

Enter IBCZ

The Shanghai Eastern Hub International Business Cooperation Zone offers a highly streamlined entry process for overseas business visitors, built around visa-free access and integrated digital services.

Guide for overseas visitors to enter and exit Eastern Hub Intl Business Cooperation Zone

Customs & Arrival

Find essential information on customs procedures and arrival requirements for international travelers.

Online arrival card

To streamline border procedures, China has introduced an online arrival card service for foreign nationals entering the country.

China launches online arrival card for intl travelers

Customs clearance

Understand China's customs formalities for inbound travelers and their personal belongings.

About customs clearance of personal postal articles

Customs clearance guide for inbound passengers

Residence Permit

Foreign nationals who need to reside in China for purposes other than diplomatic or official matters must apply for a residence permit where required.

Stay Permit

A stay permit may be issued to foreign nationals already in China who need to extend their stay beyond the visa-free period or who fall under other specified circumstances.

Exit-Entry Permit

An exit-entry permit may be issued to a foreign national in China whose passport or other international travel document has been lost, damaged, stolen, or forcibly taken and cannot be replaced by their home country's embassy or consulate in China.

Permanent Residence

Foreign nationals who plan to settle in Shanghai and meet the eligibility requirements can apply for permanent residence.

Invitation letters

An invitation letter is required for some Chinese visa applications.

How do I get a tourist invitation letter for China?

How to obtain a TE invitation letter?

Accommodation registration

Foreign nationals staying in accommodations other than hotels must complete accommodation registration with the local public security organ within 24 hours of check-in.

How to register your place of residence

Health check

Foreign nationals planning to live, work, or study in Shanghai for a year or longer need to undergo a health examination.

Welcome to Shanghai: A guide to your health check

Useful Info

Access the immigration service hotline, contact details for exit-entry administration authorities, and information on foreign consulates.

Hotline

The 12367 immigration service hotline handles immigration-related inquiries and suggestions.

A guide to using immigration service hotline 12367

Consulates

This is a list of foreign consulates in Shanghai, including their addresses and contact information.

Consulates in Shanghai

Exit-entry bureaus

Contact details and addresses for Shanghai's exit-entry administration authorities.

Shanghai exit-entry bureau locations, business hours

Banking & Payments

Banking, payments, currency exchange

Banking

Find guides to banking services such as currency exchange and bank account opening.

Currency exchange

Foreign visitors to China can exchange foreign currency for RMB at banks, authorized exchange outlets, airport service points, and self-service currency exchange machines.

How to exchange foreign currency for RMB

Open a bank account

Whether one is doing business in China or planning to reside here, opening a bank account offers numerous advantages.

Guide to opening a bank account

Payments

Learn about payment options available to foreign nationals, including bank cards and mobile payments.

Transportation

Public transport, driving licenses, mobility services

Get Around Shanghai

Learn how to get around Shanghai by metro, bus, and other convenient transportation options.

Metro

Among Shanghai's many transportation options, the metro system is a convenient and efficient way to navigate the city.

How to take metro in Shanghai

Bus

Shanghai has a well-developed bus network that covers both the city center and suburban areas, offering a convenient alternative to the metro.

Taking a bus in Shanghai

Ferry

The Huangpu River separates Pudong from Puxi. Ferries offer a convenient way to travel between the two sides of the river.

Exploring Shanghai by boat

Ride a bike

Learn how to use shared bikes, as well as how to purchase and register an electric bike in Shanghai.

How to use shared bikes

Taxi

For door-to-door travel, taxis offer a convenient way to get around Shanghai.

Taking a taxi in Shanghai

Driving

Everything one needs to know about driving in Shanghai, including how to obtain a driver's license and secure a vehicle license plate.

Travel Beyond Shanghai

Practical guidance on airport transfers and train travel, tailored for international residents and visitors.

Airplane

Passengers can choose from various transportation options when traveling between Shanghai's two airports and the city center.

Traveling between Shanghai's airports and city center

Train

Tips and information on buying train tickets and traveling by train in China.

All-In-One App

The SH MaaS mini program integrates services for the metro, buses, ferries, taxis, and smart parking.

Ticket Concession

Public transportation in Shanghai takes a family-friendly approach to travel by providing free or discounted rides for children.

Mobile & Internet

Mobile services, internet services, useful apps, digital tools

Mobile Phone

Find tips on using a mobile phone in Shanghai, from getting a SIM card to using a shared power bank.

Get a SIM card

China has three major telecom operators: China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile. SIM cards are available at the official stores of these carriers.

A guide to setting up mobile services

Lost phone

Losing a phone can put its owner at serious risk. Here is what one should do if their phone goes missing, along with tips to prevent future problems.

Life tools: What to do if you lose your phone

Power banks

Find tips on using shared power banks and carrying personal power banks on flights.

Power banks

Number safety

Learn how to prevent security risks when canceling or changing one's phone number.

How to prevent security risks when canceling or changing your phone number

Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi is available at most public places such as train stations, coffee shops, and convenience stores. Getting internet for home is easy as well.

Popular Apps

Discover apps that simplify expat life in Shanghai, from payment and navigation to shopping and food delivery.

Essential apps

With the right apps, expats can make their lives in Shanghai more convenient.

Essential apps for living in Shanghai

Apps for intl students

Explore practical apps that can improve international students' study experience.

Essential mobile apps for studying in China

Employment

Work permits, labor policies, workplace rights

Work Permit

For foreign employees, a valid work permit is essential for legal employment in China. This section covers work permit categories, application procedures, and other important documents related to work permits.

Application guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to the entire work permit application process.

Applying for a Foreigner's Work Permit in Shanghai: Comprehensive guide

Talent Recognition

Shanghai uses points-based and category-based criteria to classify foreign workers for work permit purposes.

Rights & Benefits

For foreign employees, understanding their workplace responsibilities, legal rights, and benefits is essential so that they can work in Shanghai with confidence and peace of mind.

Salary and payment

One of the first questions foreign employees may have is how they will be paid. This guide answers the key questions about salary calculation and payment.

Key questions about salary calculation and payment answered

Public holidays

This is an annual calendar of public holidays and overtime pay rules. Employees may refer to the calendar to determine when they are entitled to two or three times their regular daily or hourly wages.

Infographic | 2026 statutory holiday overtime pay calendar

Leave policies

Employees in China are entitled to various types of leave. This guide provides a comprehensive introduction to various types of leave, including their duration and the applicable policies and regulations.

Leave policies for employees in Shanghai

Fast Pass

The Fast Pass for Foreign Talent Salary Exchange and Remittance is a service that simplifies currency exchange services for expats.

Fast Pass for Foreign Talent Salary Exchange and Remittance

Unemployment insurance

Under relevant laws and regulations, foreign employees in China are generally required to participate in unemployment insurance and may receive related benefits if eligible.

How expats can access unemployment insurance benefits in Shanghai

High-temperature allowance

Employees who work outdoors from June through September, or in workplaces that cannot be effectively cooled below 33 C, are entitled to the high-temperature allowance.

What you need to know about high-temperature allowance

Work injuries

When workplace accidents occur, understanding the relevant provisions and legal obligations is necessary to protect employees' rights and benefits.

Work injury: Everything you should know

Arbitration of labor disputes

In Shanghai, foreign employees are protected by China's labor laws and have legal access to a clear dispute resolution framework when facing labor disputes.

A guide to labor arbitration and labor disputes

Labor Contract

The labor contract is the legal foundation of the employer-employee relationship.

Signing

Under Chinese law, employers must sign a written labor contract with employees. This guide includes the key things to consider before signing a labor contract with an employer.

What you need to know before signing a labor contract in China

Probationary period

Probationary periods are permitted under Chinese law but subject to specific limits. This guide helps employees understand relevant rules and regulations in advance.

Practical guide to probationary periods in Shanghai

Service period

Where an employer provides special funding for an employee's specialized technical training, the parties may agree on a service period. This guide helps both employers and employees better understand their rights and relevant regulations.

FAQs about service periods of employees

Extension, renewal, change, and termination

Labor contracts may be extended, renewed, modified, or terminated under various circumstances. This guide helps employees clarify the legal framework, procedural steps, and the rights and obligations of both parties.

Extension, renewal, change, and termination of a labor contract

Resignation & Termination

Leaving a job involves different procedures depending on whether it ends through resignation or termination. This guide provides a practical overview of the key areas, including resignation certificates, "N+1" compensation rules, permissible liquidated damages, non-compete clauses, and post-departure procedures for foreign employees.

Comprehensive Services

Shanghai provides supplementary resources to support foreign employees throughout their career. This section includes the list of overseas occupational qualifications, career guidance services, useful websites, and the AI assistant Intelligent Xiaoxian.

Shanghai List of Recognized Overseas Occupational Qualifications

Shanghai has published a list of overseas occupational qualifications, facilitating career mobility for foreign professionals.

Shanghai upgrades list of recognized overseas occupational qualifications

Career guidance

Practical career guidance services available to foreign professionals in Shanghai. This guide aims to help people struggling with job hunting, failing interviews, or facing workplace challenge.

How to schedule career guidance services

Useful websites

Here are four practical websites: Shanghai International Talent (上海国际人才网), Government Online-Offline Shanghai (一网通办), National Online Government Service Platform for Human Resources and Social Security (全国人力资源和社会保障政务服务平台), and International Services Shanghai (上海国际服务门户).

Practical websites for foreign nationals working in Shanghai

Intelligent Xiaoxian

Fengxian district's AI-powered assistant "Intelligent Xiaoxian", designed to streamline policy consultation and application services for global talent.

Fengxian district launches AI-powered assistant

Healthcare

Medical services, buying medicines, vaccinations

Medical Services

Learn about medical services in Shanghai, including how to see a doctor at a local hospital and access public and foreign-funded medical facilities.

See a doctor

A step-by-step guide to seeing a doctor at a local hospital in Shanghai.

How to see a doctor at a local hospital

Hospitals

A list of Shanghai's public and foreign-funded medical facilities.

Shanghai's medical institutions

Emergency

Information about hospitals that provide emergency services.

Emergency medical services in Shanghai

Mental health

Learn about mental health services and resources available in Shanghai.

Depression, anxiety, suicide: Mental health in Shanghai

Traditional Chinese medicine

Learn about traditional Chinese medicine services and their role in Shanghai's healthcare system.

Ever wondered about Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Buy medicines

Learn how to buy over-the-counter and prescription medicines safely in Shanghai.

How to buy medicines in China

Vaccination

Information on vaccinations for adults and children in Shanghai.

Rabies clinics

Whether caused by a playful bite or an accidental scratch from an animal, timely medical care and rabies vaccination are critical to preventing this serious but avoidable illness.

24-hour rabies clinics in Shanghai

Childhood vaccination

Expatriate children under age 6 who plan to live in China for more than six months must follow the same vaccination schedule as local children.

How to get your children vaccinated

Vaccination clinics

List of vaccination clinics for expats in Shanghai

Flu vaccine

With many people uncertain about whether to get vaccinated during flu season and which vaccine to select, a guideline is provided here to address these common concerns.

How to get a flu vaccine in Shanghai

Digital vaccination certificate

One can check their own vaccination record or that of their children and download an electronic certificate via the Suishenban app.

A guide to getting an electronic vaccination certificate

Health Guides

Learn about essential health tips, including flu prevention and how to use an AED in an emergency.

AED

Although an AED is a medical device, it can be safely used by non-professionals who have received basic training.

How to save a patient with AED

Blood donation

Donating blood saves lives! Here's everything one needs to know about donating blood in Shanghai.

How to donate blood in Shanghai

Flu prevention

While most flu cases are mild, some can become severe or even fatal. Taking preventative measures and responding quickly are key to reducing the risk of infection.

A guide to taking care of yourself in flu season

Family

Birth, marriage, bereavement

Birth

Learn how to apply for a first-time exit-entry document for a child born in China.

Marriage

Shanghai makes it easier for couples to register their marriage, with services now available in all 16 districts.

Bereavement

Find guidance on the necessary arrangements when a foreign national passes away in Shanghai.

Tourism

Tourism services, luggage storage, ticketing

Travel Agencies

A list of 5A-rated travel agencies in Shanghai to help visitors find reliable, accredited tour operators.

Service Centers

A directory of tourist information and service centers throughout Shanghai, offering travel information and on-site assistance.

Complaint Handling

A guide to filing complaints and resolving tourism-related issues in Shanghai through official channels.

Travel Insurance

A guide to travel accident insurance in China, from coverage basics to selecting the right plan.

Accommodation

How to find and book a place to stay in Shanghai, including recommended platforms and practical booking tips.

Luggage Storage

Where to find store luggage service in Shanghai, including at metro stations, parks, and shopping areas.

Citywide guide

An overview of luggage storage services at cultural and tourist sites across Shanghai.

Shanghai offers luggage storage services at 228 cultural and tourist sites

At metro stations

A guide to luggage storage at Shanghai metro stations, including locker locations, availability checks, and step-by-step instructions for using the lockers.

Shanghai Metro stations offer luggage storage services

In parks

A guide to luggage storage services at parks across Shanghai.

Storage services in Shanghai parks

In commercial zones

A guide to luggage storage services in Shanghai's major shopping areas.

A guide to luggage storage services in Shanghai

Cunzhiji service

A step-by-step guide to using the Cunzhiji luggage storage service.

Easy guide to using Cunzhiji luggage storage

Ticketing Guide

How to buy tickets for performances and exhibitions in Shanghai, either at venues or online.

Venue tickets

A guide to buying tickets at major performance venues in Shanghai.

How to buy tickets at Shanghai's performance venues

Online booking

A guide to booking tickets for exhibitions and shows online.

How to buy exhibition & show tickets online

Tax & Social Security

Personal income tax, deductions, benefits, social insurance

Individual Income Tax

Learn about individual income tax in China, including tax residency, annual tax settlement, and tax benefits for expats.

Overview

An individual who has a domicile in China, or who has no domicile in China but has resided in China for an aggregate of 183 days or more in a tax year, is considered a tax resident in China.

Individual income tax

Annual settlement

If an expat working in Shanghai is treated as a tax resident, they may need to complete the annual tax settlement.

Individual income tax annual settlement

Tax benefits

Foreign individuals who qualify as tax residents in China may choose either special additional deductions or tax exemptions for certain allowances and subsidies, such as housing allowances and language training fees.

Tax benefits for expats in China

Special additional deductions

Foreign individuals who qualify as tax residents in China may claim the seven categories of special additional deductions for individual income tax.

Special additional individual income tax deductions

Tax records

Foreign taxpayers can obtain their individual income tax records through the Shanghai Municipal Tax Service website or the Individual Income Tax app.

How to get individual income tax records

Tax assistance

Shanghai's 12366 tax service hotline provides multilingual consultation services.

Social insurance

Foreign nationals employed in China are generally required to participate in the social insurance program.

Education

Scholarships, exams, enrollment

Basic Education

For families relocating to Shanghai with school-age children, understanding the local education landscape is an important first step. This section offers a comprehensive overview of schooling options, starting with a general enrollment guide to help parents navigate the system.

School selection and enrollment

This section helps families explore their options in Shanghai, from a broad overview of the enrollment system to targeted resources like a directory of international schools, guidance on overseas student eligibility, and step-by-step advice for kindergarten and high school enrollment.

School enrollment eligibility for children of foreign nationals

How to enroll children in a Shanghai school

Higher Education

Shanghai welcomes students from around the world. This section includes key aspects including scholarship application, enrollment preparations, useful study guides, safety tips, and daily life services.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities available to international students in Shanghai include the Chinese Government Scholarship and the Shanghai Government Scholarship. This section provides an introduction to the scholarships and explains their application processes.

Chinese Government Scholarship: Everything you need to know

Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship for Foreign Students application guide

Getting ready for university

For international students, making full preparations to get ready for university is important. This section includes key reminders including the essential items to bring, the admission and enrollment policies, the registration guide, and how to buy insurance.

An essential packing list for new international students in China

Insurance guide for international students in China

Policy insights: Admission and enrollment for international students

Registration guide for international students in China

Study guide

Adjusting to a new academic system takes time. International students can find a range of practical tips to help them ease into the learning environment. The goal is not just to survive, but to thrive, while maintaining a healthy balance between study and daily life.

Essential tools for studying and living in China

Safety guide

Staying safe while studying in Shanghai is a top priority for every international student. This section provides essential guidance on campus security, emergency contact numbers, health precautions, and practical safety tips for navigating the city both day and night.

Campus safety guide for new college students in Shanghai

Your back-to-school safety guide

Safety tips to keep in mind

Anti-fraud tips for international students

Daily life

Beyond the classroom, there's a bustling city to explore. This section gives international students the tools to make the most of it, from transportation and student discounts to second-hand trading and volunteer opportunities. It also offers practical advice on living well, saving money, and building connections in Shanghai.

A guide to second-hand trading for students in China

Getting to Shanghai universities by metro

An international student's guide to volunteering in China

Explore Shanghai with new weekend bus routes for students

Maximize your student life with exclusive discounts

Tests & Competitions

For international students looking to go beyond coursework, Shanghai offers plenty of ways to stand out. This section introduces various competitions and two important tests: the HSK and the CSCA. Whether the goal is to earn a certificate, strengthen a university application, or simply try something new, students will find the information they need to get started.

HSK

The HSK (Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi), or Chinese Proficiency Test, is an international standardized test to assess the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speakers.

CSCA

The CSCA is a standardized exam organized by the China Scholarship Council and jointly developed with experts from Chinese universities to assess students' language proficiency and academic readiness.

Comprehensive guide for the China Scholastic Competency Assessment

Competitions

Shanghai offers a wide range of competitions open to international students. This section provides the latest information on competition opportunities to help students showcase their talents, gain recognition, and boost their academic and career profiles.

Daily Life

Housing, home services, fitness, pets

Home & Living

Find practical information on everyday living, including waste classification, courier services, and housekeeping.

Waste classification

Shanghai implements a four-category system for sorting household waste: recyclables, hazardous waste, wet waste, and dry waste.

A guide to waste classification

Courier services

A step-by-step guide to sending parcels in China via domestic and international delivery services.

A guide to using delivery services

Housekeeping

Learn how to verify whether housekeeping service providers are officially registered.

Get the right household helpers in Shanghai with Suishenban

Utility bills

Utility bills can be paid online through platforms such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, or through offline channels.

Paying utility bills

Appliance care

Shanghai has many appliance repair service providers that can handle a wide range of repair needs.

Appliance care: Ensure your home runs smoothly

Housing

Get tips on buying a home or renting an apartment in Shanghai.

Buy a home

Basic information and guidance on preparing to buy a home.

Buying a home: Things you need to know

Rent an apartment

More and more expats are choosing to make Shanghai their home, and for many, renting an apartment is the first step toward building a new life here.

How to find an apartment in Shanghai

Pets

Learn about raising a pet in Shanghai, including bringing pets into and out of China and obtaining a dog license.

Bring a pet to China

This guide helps pet owners planning to bring their animals to Shanghai navigate customs smoothly.

How to bring a pet to Shanghai

Bring a pet out of China

Shanghai Customs, which handles the largest number of outbound pets in the country, has published a clear set of steps to help owners.

How to get a pet's health certificate for overseas travel

Get a dog license

In Shanghai, dog owners are obligated to obtain a license for their pets.

How to get a dog license

Animal quarantine hotline

For questions about animal quarantine, expats can contact the relevant district hotlines in Shanghai.

Animal quarantine service hotlines

Pet-friendly parks

With the number of parks in Shanghai increasing, there are now more choices for park excursions. This guide is designed to help pet owners find pet-friendly parks in the city.

Finding parks that permit pets, camping in Shanghai

Take a train

China's railway operator has launched a pet transport service allowing owners to travel with cats and dogs on high-speed trains.

How to take pets on a train

Take an airplane

As pets grow more beloved by families, airlines are introducing in-cabin pet services to cater to travelers who prefer not to leave their furry companions behind.

Fitness

Find information on exercise and sports in Shanghai, from swimming and jogging to cycling and soccer.

Find a sports facility

A guide to finding a sports venue with just a few taps on one's phone.

How to find a sports facility

Swimming

On a scorching summer day, swimming is perhaps the best way to cool down while staying fit. Here are a few recommended swimming pools in Shanghai.

Dive into cool waters: Beat the heat in these swimming pools

Soccer

For anyone looking to participate in a game, a number of soccer pitches are available for use in Shanghai.

Where to play soccer in Shanghai

Jogging

Discover some jogging routes that capture the essence of Shanghai, from a serene urban loop to a vibrant riverside path.

Shanghai's jogging paradise: 3 scenic routes to explore the city

Cycling

Explore Shanghai on two wheels with these cycling routes.

Autumn's golden pedal: A cycle through Shanghai's soul

Climbing

A beginner's guide to sport climbing and recommended climbing gyms in Shanghai.

A beginner's guide to sport climbing

BMX

A map of popular BMX venues in Shanghai for children interested in trying the sport.

A map for BMX enthusiasts in Shanghai

Hotlines

Find important public service hotlines in Shanghai.

Public services

This is a list of public service hotlines in Shanghai, including emergency numbers such as fire, police, and medical emergency services.

Public service hotlines in Shanghai

Legal aid

A list of legal aid centers in Shanghai.

List of legal aid centers in Shanghai

Living Tips

Discover practical everyday tips for living in Shanghai, from coping with rainy spells and surviving the sweltering dog days of summer, to staying safe in the aftermath of a typhoon.

Rainy days

These tips will help residents beat the humidity in Shanghai's plum rain season.

Survival tips for Shanghai's rainy days

Hot days

This guide offers practical tips to beat the heat during the dog days of summer.

Follow this health guide to thrive in the dog days

After a typhoon

As typhoon season brings heavy rains and strong winds to Shanghai, here is a guide to help residents stay safe and secure in the aftermath of a typhoon.

A guide to staying safe and sound after a typhoon

Community

Find information to help expats connect with the city, including religious services and volunteering.

Religious rituals

There are many religious venues in Shanghai, all of which are open to expats. Among them, the churches listed here hold services and rituals tailored for Catholics and Christians.

Religious rituals for expats in Shanghai

Become a volunteer

A step-by-step guide to registering as a volunteer in Shanghai.

Becoming a volunteer in Shanghai

International communities

Shanghai is the city with the largest number of expats in China. Here are some international communities with a large amount of expats living there.

Hobbies

Explore a world of leisure activities here in Shanghai, from serene birdwatching escapes to scenic rowing adventures on the water.

Fly a drone

Drone owners and users must complete real-name registration before flying a drone in Shanghai.

How to fly a drone in Shanghai

Birding

Shanghai is a paradise for birdwatching and photography. This is the guide to observing and capturing stunning shots.

A guide to birding and photography

Paddling

Shanghai offers a number of waterways for paddleboarding and kayaking. From village creeks to urban river loops and park lakes, here are some of the best spots to get out on the water.

10 favorite paddling spots to cool off this summer

Shopping & Tax Refund

Tax refund, shopping trends and destinations

Refund-Upon-Purchase

Learn about Shanghai's refund-upon-purchase service, including eligibility, procedures, participating stores, and service locations.

Policy guide

Learn about eligibility requirements and the application process for Shanghai's refund-upon-purchase service.

Refund-upon-purchase service for overseas visitors

Visual feature

Explore a visual guide featuring illustrated policy explanations, an eligibility checklist, a step-by-step application flow, and FAQs for Shanghai’s refund-upon-purchase service.

Shanghai makes tax refunds easier for overseas visitors

Service directory

Find participating stores and tax refund service counters across Shanghai.

Shanghai tax refund services directory

Pilot program

Learn about Shanghai's "packaging and coding" pilot and how it streamlines customs verification for goods eligible for tax refunds.

'Packaging and coding' pilot for tax-free shopping

Departure Tax Refund

Learn about Shanghai's departure tax refund service, including eligibility, procedures, departure ports, and service locations.

Policy guide

Learn about eligibility requirements and the application process for Shanghai's departure tax refund service.

Departure tax refund guide for overseas visitors

Port locations

Find departure ports in Shanghai that offer tax refund services.

Tax refunds at Shanghai ports of departure

Service locations

Find designated locations where tax refund agencies process refunds.

Tax refund agencies and locations for processing refunds

Duty-Free Shopping

Find answers to common questions about airport duty-free shopping, including eligibility, payment, pickup, and travel requirements.

Eligibility & access

Learn which passengers may access airport duty-free stores based on their flight type.

Who can shop at Shanghai airport duty-free stores?

Store locations

Find duty-free stores at Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao airports.

Which terminals have duty-free stores?

Purchase rules

Learn about required documents, payment methods, and purchase limits before shopping.

What documents are required to purchase duty-free goods?

Reservation & pickup

Learn how to reserve duty-free goods before departure and collect them upon your return.

Can I shop before departure or after returning to Shanghai?

Carry-on rules

Learn about carrying duty-free purchases onboard and related travel requirements.

Can duty-free goods be taken on board?

Hours & contact

Find opening hours and contact details for Shanghai's airport duty-free stores.

When are the airport duty-free stores open?

Online Shopping

Learn how to use major online shopping platforms in China with practical guides.

Taobao

Follow a step-by-step guide to shopping on Taobao, from entering a shipping address to placing and tracking an order.

How to use Taobao: A guide

JD.com

Learn how to browse products, place orders, and make payments on JD.com, and how to receive deliveries.

Shopping on JD.com: A beginner's guide

Pinduoduo

Learn how Pinduoduo works, including group buying and other common shopping features.

Immigration & Visas

Visas

Visa-free policies

24-hour visa-free transit policy

Visa-free entry policy

240-hour visa-free transit policy

Visa application

What type of foreigners can apply for an entrepreneurship visa?

Applying for a port visa in Shanghai

Applying for a work visa

Tips on obtaining an internship endorsement in China

China rolls out new visa type for young science talent

Can fresh postgraduate students apply for a 6-month or 1-year job-seeking visa?

Applying for an X (study) visa

Applying for a S (private matter) visa

Applying for a Q (family visit) visa

Applying for an F visa

Applying for a Chinese visa

Applying for an M (business) visa

Applying for a tourist visa

Visa extension, change, reissuance