Shanghai is China’s leading commercial and financial center and one of the most globally connected cities in Asia. It plays a central role in finance, international trade, shipping, high-end manufacturing, consumer markets, and multinational business operations across China.

The city is also one of the country’s most important gateways for foreign investment, regional headquarters, and international talent. For overseas companies, Shanghai is often the first choice for market entry, branding, deal-making, and access to both Chinese and global business networks.

Shanghai is located on China’s eastern coast, at the mouth of the Yangtze River, where the Huangpu River flows through the city. This strategic waterfront location has helped Shanghai become one of the country’s most important ports and trading hubs.

As the core city of the Yangtze River Delta, Shanghai is closely connected with Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and other major economic centers in eastern China. Its coastal location, extensive port system, and efficient regional transport links make it a natural hub for logistics, trade, and cross-border business operations.

Shanghai has a highly diversified economy with strong international orientation.

• Finance and professional services – Shanghai is one of the world’s major financial centers, with strong presence in banking, securities, insurance, asset management, legal services, and consulting.

Trade and shipping – The city is a major trade gateway and home to the world’s busiest container port.

Advanced manufacturing – Shanghai remains strong in automotive, equipment manufacturing, biomedicine, integrated circuits, and high-end industrial production.

Technology and innovation – The city is building stronger capabilities in AI, semiconductors, life sciences, and scientific research.

Retail, consumer business, and creative industries – Shanghai is one of China’s most influential markets for luxury, fashion, consumer brands, media, and lifestyle services.

For international companies, Shanghai is especially attractive for finance, trade, regional headquarters, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, consumer brands, and international business services.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is Shanghai’s main long-haul international airport and one of China’s most important global aviation gateways. Located in Pudong on the eastern side of the city, it handles a large share of international passenger traffic and air cargo, making it especially important for global business travel and cross-border logistics.

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport

Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport is located closer to the city center in western Shanghai and is particularly important for domestic and regional business travel. It is closely integrated with Hongqiao Railway Station and the wider Hongqiao transport hub, making it highly convenient for travel within the Yangtze River Delta and other major Chinese cities.

Together, Pudong and Hongqiao form Shanghai’s dual-airport system, supporting both international connectivity and high-frequency domestic business mobility.

Metro system

Shanghai operates one of the world’s largest metro systems and is widely regarded as one of the easiest cities in China to navigate by public transport. The metro network connects major business districts, commercial centers, railway stations, airports, and residential neighborhoods across the city.

Ticket price: most standard metro journeys cost around RMB 3–6, while longer trips such as from Pudong Airport to downtown are often around RMB 7–9 depending on distance.

Taxi fares

Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available throughout Shanghai and are commonly used for airport transfers, business meetings, and inner-city travel. A longer cross-city taxi trip, such as from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Airport, can cost around RMB 198, while shorter central-city journeys are naturally lower depending on distance and traffic conditions.

Taxi fares

Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available throughout Shanghai and are commonly used for airport transfers, business meetings, and inner-city travel.

Flag-down rate: usually around RMB 14 for the first 3 km in the daytime.
Per-kilometre rate: about RMB 2.7 per km from 3 km to 15 km, and roughly RMB 3.75–4.05 per km for longer journeys over 15 km.
Night surcharge: trips between about 11:00 pm and 5:00 am are generally charged at a higher rate, with night flag-down fares around RMB 18 for standard taxis.
Waiting / low-speed time: additional charges apply when the vehicle is delayed in traffic or waiting for extended periods.