The best source of visitor information is the 24-hour Shanghai Call Center (tel. 021/962-288). The hot line had just been established at press time, so we're hoping it's here to stay. Staffed by English and Chinese-speaking university graduates, it's supposed to be the first of its kind to offer such a service in the country, providing information on culture, entertainment, medical services, the economy, tourism, dining, transportation, entry-exit issues, and other related topics on Shanghai. We've tried it a couple of times and found the operators to be very helpful.
Otherwise, Shanghai has an official Tourism Hot Line (tel. 021/6439-8947 or 021/6439-0630) with the occasional English speaker who can be helpful on occasion. You can also try the 24-hour Tourist Information Line maintained by Spring Travel Service (tel. 021/6252-0000). Hotel staff and concierges can be a font of information as well, though even the most friendly and knowledgeable guest relations officers at the top hotels can sometimes still be in the dark about any options off the beaten path. Beware also those who would try to sell you expensive tours.
There are about a dozen Tourist Information Service Centers (Luyou Zixun Fuwu Zhongxin) around Shanghai. They appear to exist mainly to sell various city tours and to book hotels but, depending on who is sitting behind the desk, they may be able to offer some guidance. You can also pick up city maps, postcards, brochures, and information on local sights, shopping, and restaurants here. The main office is at Zhongshan Xi Lu 2525, Room 410, Changning District (tel. 021/6439-9806), with smaller branch offices at Nanjing Xi Lu 1699, Jing An District (tel. 021/6248-3259); Nanjing Dong Lu 561, Huangpu District (tel. 021/5353-1117); Chengdu Nan Lu 127, Luwan District (tel. 021/6372-8330); and Lujiazui Xi Lu 168, Zhengda Guangchang 1st Floor, Pudong (tel. 021/6887-7888).
The best sources for current information about Shanghai events, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife are the free English-language newspapers and magazines distributed to hotels, shops, and cafes around town. The weekly 8 Days (www.8days.sh) has the most current listings, though the glossy monthly that's Shanghai (www.thatssh.com), featuring an extensive events calendar, restaurant and bar reviews, local features, and consumer ads, is a bit more comprehensive. Shanghai Talk (monthly) and City Weekend (twice-monthly; www.cityweekend.com.cn) with its Shanghai pullout section will suffice in a pinch though their listings are often several months behind.
