As China continues to expand its visa-free access and improve its entry policies, Shanghai — one of the country's most influential cities — is seeing a marked increase in international visitors.

Activities like strolling along the lively Nanjing Road pedestrian street and taking in the scenic views of the Bund have become must-do experiences for tourists. To cater to these visitors, Nanjing Road has introduced bilingual guide services.

At the Shanghai No 1 Dispensary flagship store on Nanjing Road, shelves are stocked with bilingual brochures available for free. Bilingual signs are displayed on each counter and the cashier area features clear information about foreign card payments and tax refunds.

Zhang Meilin, floor manager at No 1 Dispensary, explained that all staff had undergone comprehensive bilingual training — covering topics such as basic medical conditions, drug ingredients and cashier procedures.

The pharmacy also provides professional guidance on medicinal products, health supplements and tax refund services for foreign customers, ensuring a smooth shopping experience from start to finish.

The appeal of traditional Chinese medicine, particularly health supplements, has drawn many foreign visitors, with some purchasing them as gifts. At the health supplement counter, bilingual guides are available to explain the products in detail to international customers.

A tourist from New Zealand said that the new bilingual services helped him better understand the uses and benefits of Chinese medicine, making his visit more informative.

In addition, many stores along Nanjing Road have installed foreign card payment machines, enabling international visitors to pay directly with their cards.

Source: Official WeChat account of the publicity department of the CPC Huangpu district committee at "shhuangpu"