Visitor Information in Shanghai

Visitor Information

For general information before you go, including information about tours, insurance, and safety, call or visit the Web site of the China National Tourist Office.

Shanghai Tour, the government tourism Web site, is a good planning resource. It runs the official Shanghai Tourist Information and Service Centers, which have branches all over town, usually identifiable by big aquamarine signs. Reasonably informed staff dole out free maps and leaflets, and can also book hotels, restaurants, and flights. Compare prices with other travel agencies, as Shanghai Tour is often not the cheapest. The Web site lists branch details.

The two best-known Chinese travel agencies are China International Travel Service (CITS) and China Travel Service (CTS), both under the same government ministry. Although they have some tourist information, they are businesses, so don't expect endless resources if you're not buying a tour or flight through them.

Contacts

China National Tourist Office (New York:. 888/760-8218. Los Angeles:. 800/670-2228. www.cnto.org). China International Travel Service (CITS. Shanghai:. 021/6289-8899 or 021/6289-4510. www.scits.com. U.S.:. 626/568-8993. www.citsusa.com). China Travel Service (CTS. Shanghai:. 021/6247-8888. New York:. 800/899-8618. www.chinatravelservice.com). Shanghai Tour (021/6252-0000. lyw.sh.gov.cn/en/).