Practical Information for International Participants

Visa and Entry

Citizens of 50 countries—including most European countries, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several Gulf states—may enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange, and transit. Attending conferences and exhibitions is covered by this policy, which is currently valid for stays through the end of 2026 for most listed countries.

In addition, China offers a 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy for passport holders of 57 countries who hold confirmed onward tickets to a third country or region, entering through designated ports including Shanghai.

Eligibility and conditions depend on your nationality and travel itinerary. Before booking your trip, please check the latest official information: the visa-free transit policy page of the National Immigration Administration (including the full list of the 57 eligible countries), or the visa-free entry FAQ of the Chinese Consular Service Center. You may also contact your local Chinese embassy or consulate. If you require a visa or an invitation letter for your visa application, please contact the conference secretariat as early as possible.

Payments

Mobile payment is the most widely used payment method in Shanghai. Alipay and WeChat Pay both accept international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and American Express); you are advised to install and set up at least one of them before departure. Cash in RMB is accepted everywhere, and major hotels and large shops also accept international credit cards, but some smaller shops, taxis, and street vendors may not. Carrying a small amount of cash as a backup is recommended.

Internet and Communication

Free Wi-Fi is available at the conference venue and at the recommended hotels. Please note that some international websites and apps (such as Google, Gmail, YouTube, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram) are not accessible from mainland China. If you need to use these services during your stay, please prepare a suitable solution before you arrive, for example an international roaming plan offered by your home carrier. Setting this up in advance is strongly recommended. Local SIM cards and travel eSIM data plans are available at both Shanghai airports and online.

Getting to the Venue from the Airports

Shanghai has two international airports. Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) is closer to the venue, approximately 20–30 minutes away by taxi. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is approximately one hour away by taxi, depending on traffic.

Taxis are available at the official taxi stands at both airports, and ride-hailing services such as Didi can also be booked from the airport pickup areas. To reach the venue, simply show the driver the following Chinese address:

漕河泾会议中心，上海市徐汇区古美路1528号A7号楼

The metro is a reliable alternative. Take Metro Line 12 to Hongmei Road Station; the venue is approximately a 10-minute walk from the station. From SHA, take Line 2 (Terminal 2) or Line 10 (Terminal 1) and transfer to Line 12 (about one hour in total). From PVG, take Line 2 and transfer to Line 12 at West Nanjing Road (about 90 minutes in total).

Weather in October

October is one of the most pleasant months of the year in Shanghai, with typical temperatures of 15–23°C and relatively little rain. A light jacket for cooler evenings and an umbrella are recommended.

Electricity

The mains supply in China is 220 V, 50 Hz. The most common socket types are Type A (two flat pins), Type C (two round pins), and Type I (three flat pins). Travelers using UK-style (Type G) or three-pin North American/Japanese (Type B) plugs will need a travel adapter.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 110

Ambulance / Medical Emergency: 120

Fire: 119

These numbers can be dialed free of charge from any phone in China. English-speaking operators may not always be available; the staff at your hotel front desk can assist you with emergency calls. For non-emergency medical care, several major hospitals in Shanghai operate international clinics with English-speaking staff.