Shanghai.
The ultimate global megacity where historic charm meets a futuristic skyline. Your comprehensive guide to surviving and thriving during your exchange semester or internship.
Welcome to Shanghai
Discover the two faces of Shanghai with Puxi (the historical old city) and Pudong (the futuristic new city). It is a fast-paced, electrifying hub of international business, world-class gastronomy, and vibrant nightlife.
Explore the Map.
Get the lay of the land before you arrive. Explore the central districts and transit lines.
Tips & Essential Apps.
The digital and cultural foundations you need to navigate China confidently.
💡 Tips to Get Started
- 😲Culture Shock: Prepare yourself for a positive culture shock in all aspects of life.
- 🗣️Learn Mandarin: Know the Mandarin fundamentals to confidently navigate China.
- 🌍Get a VPN: Mandatory to access western services like Google and Meta.
- 🤝Don't Judge: Be open-minded and embrace local behaviors and customs.
📱 Must-Have Apps
- 💬WeChat: The absolute default app for messaging and life in China.
- 🚙DiDi: The standard app for ride-hailing and transportation.
- 💳Alipay: Your go-to application for daily mobile payments.
- 🥡Eleme / Meituan: The ultimate apps for food and grocery delivery.
- 📦Taobao: The king of online shopping—find literally anything here.
First Week in Shanghai.
Knock these items out immediately upon arrival.
Police Registration
Do not forget to register at the local police station upon arrival.
SIM Card & WiFi
Visit China Telecom or China Mobile for your data plans.
Bank & Payments
Install Alipay and open a bank account at Bank of China (BoC).
Accommodations
Secure your housing smoothly with Here Coliving.
Explore
Get familiar with your neighborhood and the transit system.
Student & Intern Visa Checklist.
Follow this exact timeline to ensure your legal status as an X1/X2 student or intern remains secure.
🛫 Pre-Arrival
- Valid Passport: Must have at least 6 months of validity remaining and blank visa pages.
- Admission Notice: Original and photocopy of the official admission letter.
- JW201 or JW202 Form: The official Visa Application for Study in China form.
- Physical Examination Record: (For X1 visas) Medical report completed in your home country.
- Visa Application: Submit to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).
🛬 Post-Arrival Deadlines
- Within 24 HoursPolice Registration (TRF): Register at the local police station.
- Within 3 DaysUniversity Registration: Report to your university's International Students Office.
- Within 30 DaysMedical Verification: Visit the Shanghai International Travel Healthcare Center.
- Within 30 DaysResidence Permit: (X1 Visas only) Convert your entry visa to a Residence Permit.
Cultural Do's & Don'ts.
Navigate Shanghai like a seasoned local with these essential behavioral rules.
✓ DO in China
- Download WeChat & Alipay immediately. Cash is rarely used. Bind your home card to Alipay before you fly.
- Carry tissue paper and hand sanitizer. Many public restrooms do not provide toilet paper or soap.
- Drink hot water. It is the cultural norm for health.
- Carry your passport (or a photo of it). You will need it to book train tickets and enter tourist attractions.
- Learn basic Mandarin phrases. Knowing numbers and basic directions makes daily life exponentially easier.
✕ DON'T in China
- Don't tip. Tipping is not part of Chinese culture and can sometimes cause confusion.
- Don't stick your chopsticks upright in rice. This resembles incense burned for the dead and is considered highly disrespectful.
- Don't expect Google apps to work. You must have a reliable VPN installed before you land.
- Don't drink the tap water. It must be boiled first. Most use water delivery services or buy bottled water.
- Don't lose face (Mianzi). Avoid public outbursts of anger or aggressive confrontation.
Where to live in Shanghai.
Discover our recommendations with our top 6 neighborhoods to enjoy your journey to the fullest.
The perfect place to stay to enjoy to the fullest in a vibrant and central environment.
- Dynamic and young neighborhood
- Trendy restaurants and coffee shops
- Nightlife with bars and clubs
- Modern shopping malls
- Rentals are expensive
- Most compounds are old
- Could be too "youngster" vibe for some
The "village" of Shanghai where the historical concessions were located.
- Unique early 20th-century architecture
- Trendy places to explore
- Ideal for going out and shopping
- Most homes are old and expensive
- Bad traffic
- Crowded with tourists during holidays
The original center of Shanghai, very central, many attractions (and tourists).
- The historical center of Shanghai
- Always new places to explore
- Impressive number of landmarks
- Expensive district
- Too many tourists
- Bad traffic
The residential district of Shanghai around the Suzhou riverside.
- Ideal for family life
- Nested along the Suzhou riverside
- Plenty of compounds to choose from
- High density, too residential
- The district feels old
- Limited shopping & attractions
The quiet neighborhood of Shanghai, ideal for a peaceful stay.
- Peaceful neighborhood
- Good for local shopping and daily life
- Not very dynamic
- Very residential
- Not recommended for a first-timer seeking nightlife
A quiet yet modern neighborhood, located near the Bund riverside.
- Nested between the Bund and Suzhou river
- Futuristic malls along the riverside
- Quiet place to enjoy the city from afar
- Not very dynamic
- Very residential
- Not recommended for a first-timer
Districts Comparison.
Compare all the districts at a glance to select the best option to enjoy your stay in Shanghai to the fullest.
| Jing'An | Putuo | Huangpu | Xuhui | Changning | Hongkou | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expat | +++ | ++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | + |
| Family | ++ | +++ | + | +++ | +++ | ++ |
| Community | 🇪🇺 | 🇨🇳 | 🇪🇺 | 🇪🇺 | 🇨🇳 | 🇨🇳 |
| Cost of Life | $$ | $ | $$$ | $$ | $ | $ |
| Rental Cost | $$$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Transports | +++ | ++ | +++ | +++ | ++ | + |
| Going Out | +++ | + | +++ | +++ | ++ | + |
| Attractions | +++ | + | +++ | +++ | + | + |
| Nature | + | +++ | ++ | +++ | ++ | ++ |
Housing Options.
Where to live during your studies. Compare the standard routes with premium solutions.
Here Coliving
Premium Student HousingMove-in ready, beautifully furnished apartments in prime locations. All bills included, bi-weekly cleaning, and an instant international community.
- ✓ Zero hidden fees
- ✓ English-speaking support
- ✓ Flexible leases
University Dorms
On-Campus LivingThe most budget-friendly option, located directly on campus. Rooms are shared with 1-3 students, with strict curfews and basic amenities.
- ✓ Highly affordable
- ✓ Zero commute
- ✕ Often lack privacy
Local Market Agencies
Traditional RentingRenting via local apps like Lianjia. Requires navigating Chinese contracts, paying agency fees, and setting up your own utilities.
- ✓ Maximum independence
- ✕ Requires Mandarin skills
- ✕ Large upfront deposits
Must-See Attractions.
Knock these off your bucket list during your first month.
Lujiazui
The iconic financial center featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and futuristic skyscrapers defining the Pudong skyline.
The Bund
The famous waterfront promenade lined with historic European architecture, offering the best view of the modern skyline across the river.
Suzhou River
Peaceful riverside walkways winding through the city, passing restored historic warehouses, art spaces, and quiet neighborhoods.
West Nanjing Road
Shanghai's premier luxury shopping destination, home to the iconic LV Boat building, Taikoo Li, and the beautifully restored Zhangyuan shikumen.
Qiantan
Known as the "New Bund," this modern development features expansive riverside parks and the luxurious Qiantan Taikoo Li shopping center.
West Bund
A thriving cultural corridor along the river, famous for its contemporary art museums, outdoor skate parks, and scenic cycling paths.
Former French Concession
The cultural heart of expat Shanghai. Spend weekends wandering under sycamore trees, discovering hidden coffee shops and boutiques.
Xintiandi
An affluent car-free shopping, eating, and entertainment district composed of restored traditional shikumen (stone gate) alleyways.
Columbia Circle
A heritage park designed by OMA, featuring historic Spanish-style architecture, trendy dining, and the famous restored Navy Club swimming pool.
Deals & Internships.
Unlock exclusive perks and kickstart your career in China.
Exclusive Student Deals
Living in Shanghai shouldn't break the bank. We've partnered with the best local gyms, VPN providers, and food delivery apps to secure exclusive discounts for our community.
View All DealsFind an Internship
Looking to build your resume while in China? We connect motivated international students with top startups, agencies, and multinational corporations across Shanghai.
Browse InternshipsRelocation Tools.
Interactive resources to calculate your costs and match with neighborhoods.