Shanghai is a populous metropolitan city located on the southern estuary of the Yangtze River. Known as “The Pearl of Asia”, Shanghai is one of the world’s largest cities, with incredible architecture, an extensive metro system and some of the best restaurants in the world. The city stands out as a popular destination for both business and leisure travellers and with this comes certain laws which may be important for your visit.
Here are 7 unique laws you should know before visiting Shanghai, and if you’re still looking for the right accommodation, check out our range of high-quality serviced apartments for your next business trip to Shanghai.
Respect for Local Customs
Shanghai is known for its unique customs and traditions, so when in the city it is worthwhile respecting their cultural norms and local customs to ensure a pleasant stay. Although this may not be a law in Shanghai, during visits to religious sites or landmarks, it is important to dress appropriately to avoid offending a local. Respecting elders is also inherently important; you should greet them first in a meeting and they should be seated first at dinner.
Traffic Rules
In Shanghai, roads are divided into national highways, provincial highways, country roads and township roads. They also have another category of first class, secondary and tertiary roads. When it comes to traffic laws in Shanghai, each road has a law which specifies the speed to maintain and rules to observe.
These rules include:
- Driving on the right hand side of the road.
- Major road traffic has priority over minor road traffic.
- Be aware of vehicles coming towards you on the wrong side of the road or from unexpected directions.
- In the event of an accident, call 122 for the traffic police.
On your next business trip to Shanghai, experience the city roads by taxi, which is the quickest way to get around and explore. Taxis are not expensive, but few drivers speak English, so it’s helpful to learn a few Chinese instructions just in case.
Smoking Restriction
There are national laws which have been enforced to reduce to number of smokers in China due to the negative effects smoking has on China’s citizens. These laws in China for smoking include:
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in at least 28 types of indoor public places including all medical facilities, restaurants, bars and most public transport. There are designated areas in specified places where you can smoke.
- Smoking advertising is prohibited in all film, television, radio newspapers and magazines.
- An increased tax on tobacco to over 60%
When visiting Shanghai make sure you are in a designated smoking zone before doing so to avoid punishment.
Environmental Awareness
During your stay in Shanghai, make sure to follow disposal and recycling guidelines because they may vary from those in your home country. Shanghai is committed to environmental sustainability, so it is a good idea to be mindful of your environmental impact during your trip. When in Shanghai you should have three separate garbage bins to effectively recycle daily. This includes a garbage bin for meat, dairy products and oily foods, a compost bin for the remaining food craps and a recycling bin for cardboard, plastic and bottles.
Public Behaviour
Politeness is highly valued in Shanghai, China, so honorifics and appropriate titles are important when speaking or meeting with locals. Shanghai is a relatively relaxed country but it is still wise to maintain a level of decorum in public spaces - unnecessarily loud behaviour may be seen as disrespectful or disruptive, for example.
Visa Regulations
When visiting Shanghai for business or leisure, it is important to ensure you have the appropriate visas for the duration of your stay. It is a requirement when entering China and Shanghai to have the current visa, so make sure you obtain the necessary documentation before travelling.
If you are travelling from the UK, check out the government page entry requirements here as well as other general laws in China.
Photography Restrictions
Shanghai offers incredible architecture, historical sites and picturesque views, so it is encouraged to take photos during your trip. However, typically it is forbidden to take photos of some local customs and religious places such as palaces or monasteries unless you pay. When visiting Shanghai and exploring tourist spots, look out for signs or ask a member of staff who will be able to advise you on photography rules .
Shanghai is a cultural mega city with plenty to experience on your next business trip, but just remember to keep these seven laws and regulations in mind. Check out our ultimate guide to visiting the city as well as our top six serviced apartments for corporate travellers in Shanghai.
