Shanghai, China uses Asia/Shanghai, currently CST (UTC+08:00). No clock changes are scheduled in the next 12 months.
Shanghai ranks among the biggest cities in China, home to around 25 million people. Unlike many places, it does not observe daylight saving time.
The band below is your local scale — accent shows when everyone's business hours overlap. Add or remove a city on the left and this updates too.
Written for people arriving, calling in, or planning a trip around the time difference.
Central districts along the Huangpu River and around the historic Bund put shopping, dining, and major sights within easy reach of the extensive metro network. Neighborhoods farther from the river center are quieter and generally cheaper, though still well connected by rail.
The riverfront skyline and historic waterfront promenade are striking at dusk when buildings on both banks are lit. Mild spring and autumn weather suits walking tours, while summer's heat and humidity make indoor museums a more comfortable midday option.
An extensive metro network is the fastest way across this large, flat city, complemented by buses and widely available taxis or ride-hailing apps. Many central neighborhoods are also pleasant to explore on foot.
Spring and autumn offer the mildest, most comfortable weather, avoiding both the humid summer heat and the damp chill of winter. Summer also brings occasional typhoon-related rain.
China uses the CNY, calling code +86.
China uses the renminbi, quoted in yuan, and Mandarin Chinese is the official language, with Shanghainese also spoken locally. Business etiquette tends to be relatively formal, especially at first meetings.
