•  Time zone
8 hours ahead of GMT, 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 16 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time. 

•  Country dialing code
86 

•  City dialing code
21 

•  Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz; three-pin Australian-style plugs are standard but two-pin and other socket types can be found. 

•  Weather
Shanghai climate is characterized by hot summers and cold winters. In May the days are usually clear and sudden rainy sometimes. The average temperature is around 20°C, about 20-29°C in one day and night. The mean precipitation in May is about 120mm.

•  Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Many business people in Shanghai speak English to some degree, but interpreters can be arranged if language is a problem. 

•  Visitor information
For information in English, call the tourist hotline (86-21/6252-0000; daily 8am-10pm). At Hongqiao Airport dial 86-21/6268-8899 ext 56750 (daily 10am-9.30pm). The concierge  desk of your hotel is also a useful place to get information about transport, sightseeing and entertainment. 

•  Useful numbers
Taxis: (86-21) 6258-0000
Railway Station: (86-21) 6317-9090
Boat schedules: (86-21) 6326-1261
Tourist Information: (86-21) 6439-0630
China International Travel Service (CITS): (86-21) 6321-7200 

for free admission to the Sourcing Meeting!